Lee McConnell was handed a timely boost ahead of next month's World Championship trials as she finished fourth in the IAAF Golden League in Berlin.

The 30-year-old clocked an impressive 52.22 seconds in the Olympic Stadium, the venue for this summer's World Championships.

In a field without Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, McConnell was easily bested by American Sanya Richards who broke the 50 second barrier to cross the line in 49.57 seconds.

But McConnell, who tore her thigh muscle during last year's Olympic Games in Beijing - is confident she can go quicker.

"I wouldn't still be competing in the sport if I didn't think I could run faster," she said.

"I'm making up for lost time after the injuries last year."