Snowden rues ‘missed opportunity’ in 1,500m final

Herne Hill Harrier Katie Snowden said she was juggling mixed emotions after coming home seventh in the 1500m final at the Commonwealth Games.

The Balham distance runner lauded the raucous atmosphere she experienced at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium but said she felt she had passed up the shot at a medal behind hot favourite Laura Muir of Scotland, who took gold with a time of 4:02.75.

“Coming into the last lap I felt strong again,” said the former James Allen’s Girls’ School pupil, “that’s obviously a great confidence boost, but I let the gap get too big by that point.

“I kept trying to see third place and battle it out for it and I wish I was a bit further up when the first move was made by Laura. It’s kind of ifs and buts.

“In terms of my season so far, it was probably about what was expected but, having said that, I really did feel like a medal was up for grabs. Obviously Laura was the strong favourite but I think it would be difficult to call the rest of the race.

“It kind of feels like a missed opportunity but ultimately, with the amount of preparation I’ve done, it was a fair result.”

Snowden dropped to the back of the pack in the early stages in customary style but could not find a way through the traffic during the second lap as Muir began to make her push.

“It was a bit scrappy and hard to find a clear line and I kept finding myself on the outside, then I tried to take the inside and I just couldn’t really find like a clear path so that made it a bit tricky,” said the Balham runner.

Snowden then kicked on to win her duel with Australian Jessica Hull and Kenyan Edinah Jebitok who were on her shoulder down the final straight.

“I’m glad I held them off charging up behind me,” said Snowden, “I’m glad I managed to get a hold of that. Seventh is an improvement on the Gold Coast four years ago. If I have another Commonwealth Games, hopefully I’ll jump another couple of places forward and challenge for those medals next time.”

In terms of the crowd, she added: “I feel really privileged that I’ve managed to run a home games, in front of a home crowd because it’s not something every athlete gets to experience.

“It’s been amazing, particularly in the heats. The cheer on the start line was like something I’d never experienced.”

Pictured top: Katie Snowden. Up on the big screen at the Alexander Stadium ahead of her final – alongside eventual winner Laura Muir of Scotland (Picture: Laura Muir)