If you looked closely, there was disappointment in there, but that was washed away by a torrent of excitement and pride from Phoebe Gill.

The St Albans Athletics Club star saw her debut Olympic Games end in the 800m semi-finals.

She finished fourth in the first of the three semis and for a short time was in line for a fastest loser place in the final.

That was ended by a very quick second race but the 17-year-old Harpenden St George's pupil said any tears at the end were purely ones of pride at herself.

Great Britain's Phoebe Gill (right) with Cuba's Daily Cooper following the 800m semi-final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Picture: MARTIN RICKETT/PAGreat Britain's Phoebe Gill (right) with Cuba's Daily Cooper following the 800m semi-final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Picture: MARTIN RICKETT/PA (Image: Martin Rickett/PA)

"They are happy tears," she said speaking to BBC Sport. "Obviously I am gutted not to make the final but I am so proud that I have been able to get through this.

"I didn't know if I would be able to because I was having really bad performance anxiety.

"Coming in here, you're on international TV and you are in this massive stadium which can be so intimidating, but to do this, I just feel I can do anything.

"It's hard to describe the feeling coming in but the heats were really good practice to get through.

"And I still did my usual routine. I was still watching the Gilmore Girls, doing my skincare, I was having a little relaxation and watching videos, anything to take my mind off it.

"I came in here, feeling ready and feeling relaxed and I gave it my all on that track. It wasn't enough but that is all you can do in this situation.

"These girls are such pros and I am so honoured to be running alongside them.

"Watching Keely [Hodgkinson] really boss that heat and running with people like Jemma [Reekie], this season has been amazing."

READ MORE: Phoebe Gill misses out on 800m final at Paris 2024 Olympics

Phoebe Gill had an anxious wait to see if her time was one of the fastest losers. Picture: MARTIN RICKETT/PAPhoebe Gill had an anxious wait to see if her time was one of the fastest losers. Picture: MARTIN RICKETT/PA (Image: Martin Rickett/PA)

The Olympics were definitely not on the agenda at the turn of the year but a sensational run in Belfast, where she broke a 45-year-old European record for an U18 athlete, announced her on the world stage.

She backed it up with victory in the national championships, securing her place in Paris, and having tasted life at the top table, she is eager for more.

She said: "I really hope there are more of these to come because they are fun. Even today, even not getting to the final, I have had so much fun.

"I am so elated right now, on cloud nine, and I am just so proud of myself to be able to do that."

Phoebe Gill impressed on her Olympic debut in Paris. Picture: MIKE EGERTON/PAPhoebe Gill impressed on her Olympic debut in Paris. Picture: MIKE EGERTON/PA (Image: Mike Egerton/PA)

And her performances brought praise from Denise Lewis, gold medallist in the heptathlon back in Sydney 2000. 

The BBC pundit said: "She will have taken so much from it. She talked about the performance anxiety and that is natural, but she will learn what she needs to get through.

"And we will see more of these opportunities for Phoebe because she has acquitted herself so well through the rounds.

"She handled those nerves, ran well and didn't put a foot wrong. That's what happens at the Olympics.

"It's just a learning process to get that sense of belonging and it really will come."