Rising star Bobby Clay of Invicta East Kent AC says she has unfinished business on the world stage after being edged out of the medals at the World Youth Championships in the Ukraine.

The 16-year-old Invicta East Kent AC starlet finished fourth in a physical 1,500m in Donetsk on Saturday evening, despite a brave run and a fine new personal best.

The Wingham runner was well in touch with 400m to go but was buffeted by eventual winner Tigist Gashaw, who led an Ethiopian one-two, although she recovered to post a time of 4.16.41 – nearly two seconds inside her previous best.

The Sir Roger Manwood School, Sandwich, pupil had qualified for the final with a run of 4.21.18 in the first heat on Wednesday.

Clay said: “It’s really hard to reflect on it, because I’m happy I got a PB and with my race plan, but I’m heartbroken I didn’t get the bronze.

“When I finished I was crying because I was sad, and crying because I was happy.
“I’ve never been so angry in my life, because I suddenly remembered that I’d been pushed and that could have been the difference in getting the bronze.

“My aim was to be the first European in the final, and I was so I’m pleased, but it’s niggling in the back of my mind that I could have got bronze, but it makes me hungry for it next time.”