SHELAYNA Oskan-Clarke watched the world 800m final on the television wondering what might have been.

After impressively qualifying through her heat, Oskan-Clarke, 27, looked some way off her best in the semi-finals in London.

With only the top two advancing automatically, the two-time British champion faded to finish sixth in a time of 2:02.26, well down on her best this season and nearly three seconds slower than needed to nick a fastest loser spot.

After reaching the world final in Beijing two years ago and finishing fifth, it was a tough pill to swallow in front of an expectant home town crowd at the Olympic Stadium.

It all left the Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow [WSEH] Athletics Club ace - a silver medalist at this year’s European Indoor Championships in Belgrade - just a little puzzled.

“I did not want to get into a scrap so I tried to go out hard, but I just didn’t feel myself,” she admitted.

“I’m really disappointed, I felt awful to be honest, with 400m to go. I don’t know if it was because everyone came round and I just couldn’t go, but I am really strong normally, so I’m not sure.

“I’ve had a few issues coming in but that’s normal for everyone. I still expected to come out and produce a personal best or so to get into the final, but it didn’t happen.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Shelayna Oskan-Clarke (centre) in action during the 800m semi-finals.

“I started the year really well and had great form, but then I tore some ligaments in my foot and it was a real battle just to make the trials.

“Everything was then going well and I hurt my hamstring. It’s not an excuse because I don’t think I’ve been physically fitter, I really thought I would be able to come in here and contend.”

Oskan-Clarke plans a few more races, potentially including the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham, before ending her season, with next year’s Commonwealth Games and European Championships the future targets.

“I can’t end my season like that,” she said. “There’s two big championships next year and I’ll sit down with my coach and work out a plan.

“Right now I’m disappointed but it will always be special to run at a major championships in front of a home crowd.

“Before we came here, the guys who did the Olympics were trying to prepare me for what that crowd would be like, but nothing can to be honest. They are willing you across the line, I just wish I could have delivered for them.”

You can help the next generation of young British athletes by getting involved in SportsAid Week this September with London 2012 hero Greg Rutherford MBE. Find out more about how you can support the week of fun and fundraising by visiting www.sportsaid.org.uk/sportsaidweek