British boss hails our new girl on the track.

Byline: By Simon Stone

Uk Athletics performance director Max Jones hailed Christine Ohurougu's stunning 400 metres triumph as the highlight of the British Olympic trials ( and hinted Darren Campbell will not suffer for pulling out of the 200m final.

Twenty-year-old Ohurougu defied the wintry conditions in Manchester to clinch her first AAAs title and better the 'A' standard qualifying mark to earn a trip to Athens next month, completing a remarkable month that has seen her knock three seconds off her previous best time.

The young Londoner only started treated athletics seriously last October when she ditched a fledgling netball career that had seen her win England caps at Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and she still only trains four times a week.

Now she is being touted as a potential Olympic finalist by Jones, who felt Ohurougu's performance stood out among some eye-catching displays.

"The way Christine burst through, she looked like an Olympic finalist," said Jones.

"It was an incredible performance. She is like a breath of fresh air ( definitely a new star in the making.

"She has knocked three seconds off her best time in a month and it looks like there is some more in the tank. It is marvellous, not just on an individual level, but also for the 4x400m relay."

Jones will announce the first tranche of British squad members today ( the first two in any Olympic event over the last two days who have reached the `A' standard are automatic choices ( with the final line-up due to be confirmed next week.

The major points for discussion will surround Darren Campbell and American newcomer Malachi Davis, who for differing reasons failed to make the top two in the 200m and 400m final respectively, but have the times required for selection. It appears Campbell has little to worry about, even though a rib complaint forced him to pull out of the 200m final after he aggravated the problem winning his semi.

The Sydney silver medallist called on the selectors to take his past performances into account and with Jones backing his withdrawal, the laid-back Mancunian is set to join Chris Lambert and Christian Malcolm in Greece.

"We are fine with Darren's situation," said Jones. "He is a potential medallist."