Olympic hurdler Jack Green is to take a break from athletics after battling depression.

The 22-year-old from Hythe, who reached the London 2012 semi-finals in the 400m hurdles and was European under-23 champion in 2011 has turned down his place on the British Athletics World Class Performance Programme for 2014.

Former Brockhill School and Saltwood Primary School pupil Green told British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black he wanted to take time away from the track for the sake of his mental health.

Green said: “Those close to me and working with me know I have been suffering with depression over the last year, and despite a full recovery, I believe a break is necessary for my mental health.

“Athletics at the top level requires an application that I had, disappointingly, not been able to give it in recent times, which made life both on and off the track extremely difficult for me and I need to step back for a period of time.”

The Maidstone-born star added: “I wanted to be open and honest about my reasons for taking this break. I have been lucky to be so well-supported during this time by the British Athletics support staff, but I realise this can be a difficult subject matter and if me being honest offers anyone else some support then that can only be a good thing.

“I’d like to thank the British Athletics performance team including my coach Malcolm Arnold for their support and understanding leading up to this difficult decision.”

Black said: “We fully support Jack in what has obviously been a tough decision and I’m really pleased that he has been open about his reasons. We look forward to seeing Jack back in the sport once he has had enough time to recuperate.”