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Linford Christie's niece has moved a step closer to becoming the first black Miss England after escaping from a car accident that almost ruined her chances of winning the title.
Rachel Christie, a sprinter who will try out to represent Britain in the 2012 Games, has been fast-tracked to the final 15 contestants of the beauty contest.
The 20-year-old from Kensington, who won Miss London in May, is now favourite to represent her country at the Miss World finals in South Africa in December.
But she almost did not make the first round of the Miss England contest after a car smash in Acton on Friday left her with whiplash and bruised legs. She was taken to Middlesex Hospital, where she spent the next 24 hours recovering.
Since being discharged she has been preparing for the pageant.
"I am really happy about my performance last night," she said. "The car crash nearly ruined things for me but I was determined to make it."
Miss England judges will make their final decision tonight.
The Brunel University student and her brother James, 22, are coached by their famous uncle every week and Rachel is already one of Britain's best female 400-metre runners.
