Caudery heartbroken after Olympic exit

The 24-year-old from Cornwall had travelled to Paris with high hopes for a medal, particularly after she won the indoor title in March and set a new British record, as well as setting a world lead in the event in the build-up to the Games.

Caudery, however, will not contest the final after bowing out after three failed attempts at a height 37cm lower than her British record of 4.92m.

That means there will be no British representation in the women’s final after Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist, Holly Bradshaw, also bowed out, failing three times at 4.40m.

“It’s honestly heartbreaking,” said Caudery. “Not the experience I was hoping for and I am so sorry for everyone back home. I wish I could have done better, but I am going to try learn from this and I will take everything I can from it.

“I felt great, the best shape of my life. I didn’t feel too nervous I love a big crowd. I don’t know why, but it wasn’t my day.”

The Truro athlete entered the Games ranked world number three, behind Australia’s Nina Kennedy and the United States’ Katie Moon, who memorably shared gold at the 2023 world championships in Budapest.

She did, however, defend her choice to start at 4.55m, stressing: "4.55m is a bar that I jump day in, day out. There is not one piece of doubt in my mind that I wasn't going to clear it. Some people might say I came in too high, but that's certainly not mine or my coach's opinion.

"When I have been jumping 4.80 and 4.90 all year round, 4.55 shouldn't have been a problem. It is just a really unfortunate day."

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