SALLY GUNNELL will race in Britain for the first time for almost 18 months this weekend. Gunnell will test her form and fitness ahead of the summer's Olympics when she competes in the 400 metres against European Cup winner Melanie Neef at the two day AAA indoor championships in Birmingham.

Her last British appearance was in the World Cup at London's Crystal Palace stadium in September 1994. She had to write off last, year and her defence of the world, title in Gothenburg because of a heel injury which later needed surgery.

Gunnell will also run at the Ricoh Tour international in Birmingham on February 10th, facing old hurdles rival Sandra Farmer Patrick.