LONDON, July 20: American-born 400 metre runner Malachi Davis was added to Britain's Olympic track and field squad on Tuesday. The 26-year-old was granted a British passport just three days before the Olympic trials in Manchester earlier this month.

He finished fifth and reached the required qualifying standard for the Aug 13-29 Athens Games. Davis was initially overlooked for selection after team leader Max Jones said preference was given to British-born runners.

Californian Davis, who was included in the 400m and 4x400 relay team, qualified as a British national as his mother was born in London. He had never been to Britain before competing in Manchester and his participation is believed to have caused controversy among some British athletes. -Reuters