AS a big athletics fan I was delighted to see Lowton hammer thrower Mike Floyd had finished in third place in the Commonwealth Games trials at the amazing new stadium in Manchester on Saturday.

I could have sworn it would have been enough to give him a place in the England squad, and even the commentator suggested he would be on his way.

However, his hopes were shattered when the team was announced on Tuesday. The selectors had picked the first, second and fourth placings for the Games, snubbing 25-year-old Mike's performace. How unfair is that?

They've obviously gone for older men with more experience, but that's no consolation for Mike who has dedicated his life to the sport.

There's one thing for sure he has loads of time on his side. Hammer throwers are believed to be at their best at around 30, so next time the Games come round he might please the selectors a bit more.

Anyway they will probably be in a more exotic place than Manchester!