Former Suva Grammar school sprinter Iliesa Namosimalua has pulled out from the Australian Athletics Championships.

Namosimalua was originally entered in the championships however he has withdrawn due to his return to Fiji for further studies.

But Australian based Makelesi Bulikiobo, New Zealand based Niko Verekauta, Marist Brothers High School student Iowane Dovumatua and Leslie Copeland are sure starters in their events at the championships.

Also competing at the Australian Athletics Championships starting on Thursday will be Ranjesh Prakash and Necani Ravutu of the Fiji Sports Association for the Disabled. Both Prakash and Ravutu will try to reach the qualification standards for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.