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A women's fell-running champion who tried to kill a British Athletics official was facing a review into her medals because she was born a man.

Lauren Jeska, 42, stabbed former professional rugby player Ralph Knibbs with a kitchen knife at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in March.

The Crown Prosecution Service and West Midlands Police both confirmed Jeska was transgender which was a factor in her motive for attacking Mr Knibbs, 51.

It is understood that a review was to take place into Jeska's status as a female athlete because she had been born a man.

It was possible her titles could have been in doubt if UK Athletics ruled that she had had an unfair advantage while competing against women.

(Image: SWNS) (Image: PA)

The CPS confirmed Jeska was a "transgender athlete" following her guilty plea to attempted murder.

A CPS spokesman added: "On 22 March 2016, Lauren Jeska, 42, drove from her home in Wales to the British Athletics headquarters in Perry Barr, Birmingham armed with a number of knives.

"The defendant entered their offices and asked to speak to the victim.

"She was asked to wait in reception, however, Jeska walked into the open plan office and attacked the victim and stabbed him a number of times.

"Colleagues of the victim intervened in an attempt to restrain the defendant. Police were called and the defendant was arrested."

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Sean Kyne, District Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Lauren Jeska had a disagreement with British Athletics officials which escalated and rather than resolve the matter through the appropriate channels, she armed herself with a number of knives, drove from her home in Wales to Birmingham and launched a premeditated and savage attack on the victim which resulted in the victim and his colleagues sustaining a number of life threatening injuries."

Jeska, of Wesley Terrace in Machynlleth, Powys, also admitted two charges of having a knife in a public place, during a video-link appearance at Birmingham Crown Court.

She also admitted assaults on two other men - Tim Begley and Kevan Taylor - who stepped in to help him.

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Richard Atkins QC, for the prosecution, said the pleas were acceptable.

He added that Jeska went to the Alexander Stadium that day armed with three knives.

But she left one in her bag - a bread knife.

Officers were called to the Perry Barr stadium, which had hosted a string of athletics events, just before 10.30am on March 22 after reports a man had been stabbed.

Part of the Alexander Stadium, which is a major world athletics’ venue, was been sealed off while officers worked at the scene.

The case was listed for trial, but they decided to change the charges after receiving medical reports about Jeska’s health.

Jeska was the Women’s 2010, 2011 and 2012 English Fell Running Champion and won the British Championship in 2012.

Mr Knibbs was the head of human resources and welfare for UK Athletics.

Jeska’s barrister, Julie Warburton, said the court will need to see reports regarding her client’s diagnosis of autism before sentencing.

(Image: BPM)

Lauren Jeska appeared at the Birmingham Crown Court hearing via video link from Foston Hall Prison, wearing a grey top and grey cardigan.

Mr Knibbs was rushed to hospital after being stabbed and was given treatment before being stabilised.

Sentencing is set to be adjourned until November 15, and Jeska will remain in custody until that date.