Weightlifter Jodey Hughes is at a loss to explain her Commonwealth Games nightmare as she opened up on the agony of failing to register a lift at the event in Birmingham.
The 39-year-old from Strathaven failed to reach the clean and jerk medal rounds, having been unable to register a snatch lift in three attempts on July 30.
A silver medallist at the last two British Championships, the civil servant had high hopes she could make her way onto the podium in the 55kg category.
She described the performance as “the biggest bomb of my life” and told Lanarkshire Live Sport she still can’t put her finger on what went wrong as she assesses the next challenge in her career.
Jodey said: “I’ve spent time reflecting on the performance. In the lead up to the Games, I was in the best possible shape but for some reason, it all didn’t come together on the day, and I’m taking some time to process and understand why.
“Weightlifting is a tough sport, mentally and physically and you need to be ready to accept the lows to fully appreciate the highs.
“It just stings more when you have those lows on an international stage.
“I am incredibly disappointed with my performance as it certainly did not reflect my efforts and investment over the last four years.
“My aim for the Games was to medal. Had I had an opportunity to progress to the clean and jerks, I would have finished just shy of that goal.”
Jodey only took up the sport eight years ago after being inspired by the 2014 Games in Glasgow.
And she has taken some solace from the messages of support she has received.
She added: “ I’ve had so many messages from people saying they would like to give weightlifting a try, which means the world to me.
“If anyone is interested in trying weightlifting, please contact Weightlifting Scotland to find your nearest club. It is such a fun and rewarding sport for anyone at any age.
”I will always be the first woman in Scotland to compete at two Games in weightlifting.
“I’m not entirely sure what my next move is just yet but I know I’m not ready to retire. I’m feeling really fit and healthy so I’m not going to let one bad performance bring me down.
“I’m really positive about my next chapter and if you know me, you’ll know it will be something big.”
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