DOMINIC King became the first member of Colchester Harriers to compete at the Olympics, when he braved the energy-sapping heat to complete the gruelling 50K race walk this morning.
King covered the 25 laps of a 2K course, on the Mall and up Constitution Hill, in a time of 4hrs 15mins 05secs.
This was outside his personal best time of 4.06, set in Slovakia in March, but was still a terrific effort in the hot London conditions.
The race was won by Russian Sergey Kirdyapkin in 3.35.59.
King, who works at the University of Essex and does most of his training around the Colchester Garrison, suffered in the heat but celebrated in style during the final lap, sharing some high-fives with spectators and continually waving to the crowd.
He reached the finish, near Buckingham Palace, carrying a Union Jack flag.
The 29-year-old was 51st and the last of those athletes to finish.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here