Willis opts for 800m at Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

Olympic silver medallist Nick Willis won't defend his 1500m title at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi later this year.

Willis told sports website universalsports.com that he would be concentrating instead on the 800m as he looks to complete his comeback to international running after injury.

Willis had surgery on a torn labrum in his left hip in April followed by five months of rehabilitation, then spent time training and competing in New Zealand before returning to the United States for the Boston indoor games last Sunday (NZT).

There he defended his mile title with a sharp performance, winning in a classy three minutes 55.27 seconds, 3min clear of Will Leer with another American, David Torrence, a further second behind in third. Willis had clocked 3min 53sec in winning the same race a year ago.

Willis is racing in Birmingham, England, at the end of the month before returning to New Zealand via Australia to concentrate on training before opening his outdoor season in July.

He said his decision to race over 800m came after discussions with sprinters on the international circuit. Bahama sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, who turned 34 last month, told him runners tend to neglect speed-based training as they get older.

"So by stepping down to the 800m, it's a way to give me more accountability to continue working on my speed so I can still be one of the best 1500m runners when I get into my old age," Willis said.