Athletics: Chippenham sprint queen Elaine O’Neill has ruled herself out of competing in the 200 metres on a European level despite smashing her personal best twice in one week.

The former Sheldon School, Chippenham, pupil, 19, is primarily known as a 60m and 100m specialist but came third at the Bedford International Games on Sunday over the longer distance.

O’Neill was already assured of her place at the European Under 23 Championships in Lithuania next month after making the 100m qualifying time, but says she regretfully had to pass up the chance to compete in both events.

“I kind of wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “My old best was 24.08 seconds and I ran 23.70 at Loughborough on the Wednesday before so I knew there was a chance.

“There were quite a few top quality athletes in Bedford though, which I think spurred me on even more and I came third in 23.58.

“I won’t be doing the 200m at the Euros though unfortunately. We looked at the schedule and it could have been nine races in three days which would be a bit much.

“I’m hoping to make it on to the relay team as well.

“We’ve got a few good sprinters so could have a medal chance.”

O’Neill has enjoyed a roaring start to 2009 and earned praise from Olympic sprinting legend Colin Jackson in February after a strong performance at the Birmingham Grand Prix.

She will now compete in front of the television cameras again on Wednesday when she competes in the 100m and runs a 200m relay leg in UK Athletics’ inaugural Super 8 event in Cardiff.

“It’s the first time they’ve done it and I think it’s quite a big deal,” she said. “It is city against city and will be on Sky Sports.

“For some reason I’m representing South London as apparently that’s what Wiltshire comes under for this competition. It’s another good opportunity for me.”