Call of coin is cruel for Cooksey

Melinda Cooksey was out of luck at the Alexander Stadium

Worcester athlete Melinda Cooksey was cruelly robbed by ill luck in one of the biggest races of her career.

Cooksey, 24, who had earlier made the 100m final, was fourth in her 200m semi at the Olympic Trials in Birmingham.

But, having dead-heated with Margaret Adeoye, she went out when a coin was held in an official's hand - and her opponent chose correctly.

"It is gutting, but I can't do anything about it," said Cooksey, who is also the Worcestershire CCC press officer.

Black Country-born Cooksey runs for Tipton Harriers.