CAROLINA KLUFT, the golden girl of world athletics, will make her first ever outdoor appearance in the UK when she takes to the track at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Sheffield next week.

The World, Olympic and European champion will compete in the 100m hurdles at the Don Valley stadium in the city.

Her addition to what was already a stellar field for the meeting has led to claims that the July 15 date will be among the highest quality grand prix ever staged in the UK.

Kluft has already enjoyed success on British soil, winning both the World and European indoor pentathlon titles at the NIA in Birmingham.

In fact the 24-year-old remains unbeaten in the heptathlon in six years, having swept up all the major international titles by the age of 21.

Kluft aims to continue her domination of the multi-events with the defence of her world title in Osaka in August, and she’s relishing the opportunity to put in a strong performance for the Sheffield crowd ahead of the World Championships.

She said: “I’m looking forward to come to Sheffield and compete. It will be my first time there, I am hoping for good results and a great atmosphere.”

Kluft, who has a personal best of 13.15seconds in the 100m hurdles, faces a tough field in Sheffield which includes the world’s top three of 2007: Virginia Powell, Lolo Jones, and world champion Michelle Perry.

UK Athletics chief executive Niels de Vos added that Kluft is just one of the reasons why this Sheffield meeting will have seldom been bettered in terms of the quality of athletes on show.

He said: “There is no bigger name in the sport than Carolina Kluft, so to have her here is a massive boost.

“Let’s not forget that we also have 110m hurdles world record holder Liu Xiang as well, Tyson Gay going for a possible world record in the 100m, and a groundbreaking 400m that includes Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner and multiple Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius.

“They will be joined by in-form Brits such as Marlon Devonish in the 100m and Chris Tomlinson in the long jump.

“And that’s just to name a few. I would go as far to say that this is going to be one of the best quality grand prix meets ever staged in this country.”

Tickets for the Norwich Union British Grand Prix at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield on Sunday 15th July are available by phone on 0870 402 8000, online at www.ukathletics.net/tvevents , or in person at the Hallam FM Arena.