Windsurfer Shaw misses chance to beat Beijing achievement (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Windsurfer Shaw misses chance to beat Beijing achievement

3:17pm Wednesday 8th August 2012 in News

Windsurfer Bryony Shaw's bid for gold failed at the final hurdle after she finished fifth in the medal race.

Wandsworth-born Shaw's final position meant she finished the windsurfing event in 7th place out of a 10-strong final.

The 29-year-old won the ninth race last week and this lifted her to fifth place overall but she was unable to capitalise on her improvement in Tuesday's finale The competition began with 25 windsurfers but the number was reduced to 10 for the final contest.

After her exit Shaw, who won a bronze medal in Beijing, said: "I put my best and I'm gutted to not come away with a medal. It's been a tough year and I'm not as physically fit as I'd like to be. My forearms gave up on that race and it just hasn't been the best series for me. "It's been a great four years. A great journey. It's not all heartache that I've not won a medal. Windsurfing is a great life and I've got that and my friends and family to go back to."

Sadly the windsurfer will not be competing in the event in Rio de Janiero in 2016 because Brazilian organisers have decided not to include it in the Games.