Eilish McColgan has pulled out of the World Indoor Championships due to a recent illness that would prevent her from doing herself “justice.”

The Scottish athlete was Great Britain & Northern Ireland’s sole representative in the 3,000 metres after Kate Avery and Steph Twell were both left out of the team.

Britain will now have no contenders over the distance in Sopot.

McColgan told the BBC: “It’s really disappointing that I’m not going to compete.

“I was really looking forward to it, but I don’t feel I would do my selection justice at this moment in time.”

The 23-year-old later tweeted:

Disappointed to have to withdraw from the World Champs in SOPOT – but no point in racing when I’m still not well! On to outdoors! üòÅ

— Eilish Mccolgan (@EilishMccolgan) March 3, 2014

There had been controversy surrounding British Athletics’ decision to place just one athlete in the 3,000 metres in Sopot after both Avery and Twell had both ran under the qualifying time (9.02.00).

Twell ran 9.00.88 at the British Athletics Grand Prix in Birmingham while Avery went sub-nine minutes at the Millrose Games in New York with her 8.56.20 clocking.

In an interview with the BBC Avery, Britain’s number one 3,000 metre runner, explained she was unable to compete in Sopot because she did not request permission to miss the British trials.

Fellow tweeters showed their support to McColgan on Twitter:

@EilishMccolgan hope you get better soon hun cant wait to see you in action x x

— Ryan Wakefield (@britishsportfan) March 3, 2014

@EilishMccolgan Tough luck Eilish! Make sure you’re fit for the Commonwealth Games! I’ve got tickets to see you run!

— Alistair Canlin (@alcanlin) March 3, 2014

@EilishMccolgan Sorry to hear that, Eilish, but do hope that the season more than makes it up to you in summer – take care! 🙂

— Costas Goulas (@lsabre) March 3, 2014