WOODFORD Green with Essex Ladies athlete Sarah Claxton came eighth in the final of the Olympic Games women's 100metre hurdles in Beijing.

The 29-year-old had exceeded all expectations by qualifying for the final after a scintillating run in the semis. But she produced another impressive race from the outside lane in today's final, although she couldn't infiltrate the medal positions against a top quality field.

Claxton was the slowest athlete on paper in the semi-final but she powered through to take an unlikely final place after qualifying as a fastest loser from the heats, bettering her performance in Athens four years ago, where she crashed out in the early rounds.

After the race, the Newbury Park resident admitted she had finally proved she belongs in the company of the world's elite.

"It's been brilliant. It's such a great experience," she gushed. "I've definitely proven that I belong in the company of those athletes."

After taking stock of her achievement, Claxton took no time in setting her next goal: "I want an European Indoor medal, definitely." And who'd back against her after this performance.