Wilcox ruled out of Games

Melissa Wilcox injured her ankle in training

Gymnast Melissa Wilcox has withdrawn from the British Olympics team due to injury.

The 16-year-old suffered an ankle injury when she landed a vault during pre-Olympic training at the Sleeman Gymnastics Centre in Brisbane.

The injury has not improved and her place in the team goes to Paula Thomas, who had travelled with the British squad to Australia.

Her withdrawal follows that of triathlete Julie Dibens, who has sustained a calf injury.

Team Great Britain chef de mission Simon Clegg: "We're bitterly disappointed for Julie and Melissa to miss out on their Olympic competitions especially as we are now so close to the start of the Games.

"It is right that we look after the long-term interests of these young athletes and follow the medical advice given to us by our team of experts at the preparation camp. We hope they both make a full and speedy recovery."

Wilcox's replacement Thomas hails from the South Essex club. The 18-year-old won a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games in 1998.