Young English sprinter Sophie Papps has said that she is "pleased" with her debut performance at the Commonwealth Games, despite missing out on a place in the women's 100m final.
The 19-year-old comfortably made it through the first round yesterday with a time of 11.53s but placed seventh of eight in her semi-final heat this evening with a time of 11.61s.
Sports Mole caught up with Papps moments after her elimination to find out how she was feeling.
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What's your overriding emotion at the moment?
"I'm obviously disappointed, but I'm really happy at the same time because I wrote myself off at the beginning of the year. I've struggled to come back mentally, as well as physically, from an injury. I don't want to make excuses for myself because I've done exactly what I wanted to do and I'm really proud of myself for being able to get back from a situation that I didn't think I could. So I'm really pleased to have got the opportunity just to run. I came here and there was no pressure - it was just 'run and have a good time', and I've had a great time, and I've run alright."
Are you happy with your performances as a whole, then?
"Yeah, I mean obviously I would have liked to have run better, if not faster, but technically I've put two solid races together, I'd imagine. I was really pleased with yesterday's - today I'm obviously a bit disappointed but I've had a really good time. Glasgow has been amazing. It's done now, [there's] nothing I can do about it."
Looking at the Commonwealth Games as a whole, have you enjoyed your experience?
"Yeah, definitely. It's all been an experience, it's all new to me. I've done multi-sport competition before in the Isle of Man, but never [stayed] in [an Athletes'] Village, never anything like that. This is my first one and I've definitely gained a lot of experience. I've learned a lot - I've learned to stay away from the cookies and the muffins! It's been amazing. Glasgow have done a really good job."
As for the future, are all eyes on Rio for you now?
"Yeah, definitely. I feel like if I can pick myself up from how I felt this year then nothing can get me again. I'm just so much [more] mentally tough, and I have to thank Dan, my coach, for that. He bullied me into being better and making me feel more confident - but in a good way! So I have to thank him for that. I'm looking forward to the next few years, hopefully it can all go my way."
