Kelly's double bid

Kelly Holmes will go for double gold at the Olympic Games after weeks of agonising over the toughest decision of her career.

Holmes today announced that she will run both the 800metres and 1500m in Athens, a demanding quest but one which boosts Britain's meagre medal opportunities when the athletics starts here at the Olympic Stadium on Friday.

The 34-year-old, who along with Paula Radcliffe represents Britain's best bet in the track and field programme, believes she can make the podium in both events even though she faces a merciless schedule of six races in eight days, starting with the 800m heats here on Friday evening.

Holmes left her decision to the last possible minute after admitting to having changed her mind several times at the British team's Cyprus holding camp about what to do.

Today was D-day with entries for the 800m having to be finalised. She still had not decided yesterday afternoon but one impressive session last night tipped the balance.

"It has been a very, very tough decision because of the way the programme falls," she said.

"The 1500m has always been a major goal for me but my 1500m training has left me in better 800m shape than I expected.