OXFORD City AC’s Gemma Bridge had mixed feelings after finishing 40th in the 20K race walk in the IAAF World Championships in London yesterday in 1hr 36.04mins.

The 24-year-old, who only took up the sport last year, felt she could have come higher, but was nonetheless thrilled to be involved.

“I think it was just one race too many but I enjoyed the last kilometre,” she said.

“I just didn’t feel great from the start. It was frustrating because it wasn’t as if I was out of breath. I just couldn’t move faster. The time wasn’t too bad so it was OK.

“I was determined to finish and not get disqualified and I think my technique was very good.”