The 18-year-old was hit by a bout of sickness 24 hours before her event was due to start.

Despite still feeling the effects of the bug, Hollie completed the first discipline of the gruelling event, the swimming, but pulled out of the cycling while 32 seconds behind the leader.

She could not hide her disappointment at withdrawing from the race and has turned her attentions to Olympic glory in London 2012.

"I'm really disappointed because training had been going really well, but I couldn't do anything to stop getting ill on Saturday night," she said. "It was up to me whether I raced or not.

"When I was on the bike I was sick and every time I took on fluids I was sick again.

"It's the worst thing when everyone is cheering you on and you can't keep going.

"I have always told myself I would never not finish a race and it's hard to describe how I feel having to pull out.

"The Team GB spirit has been amazing and it was really inspiring to see us third in the medal table and it made me feel more positive this morning to go out and make Team GB proud.

"But if someone had told me last year that I'd be coming to the Olympic Games I would have said they must be joking.

"My aim has always been to compete at London 2012 and I've gained so much experience this year."