'Medals are all I want now': Yorkshire shot putter Scott Lincoln opens up on another heartbreaking fourth place
Heartbroken Scott Lincoln was left to rue what might have been in a golden summer after yet another fourth-place finish at a major championships.
The 33-year-old shot putter from Northallerton - the dominant force in Britain for over a decade - finally looked to have broken through on the international stage with bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham four years ago and up in Glasgow just a fortnight ago.
But back in the second city for the European Championships on Monday night, it was that familiar feeling of narrowly missing out at a major event as he was pipped into fourth place by just 16cm.
The long-time City of York athlete has now finished fourth at four major championships.
He moved into bronze-medal position with a third-round throw of 20m81 only to be displaced by Sweden’s Wictor Petersson.
The North Yorkshireman looked devastated as he consoled himself in the arms of his team and girlfriend, British javelin thrower Freya Jones, at Alexander Stadium.
“Another fourth place is frustration, but I gave it my all,” said Lincoln, who has relocated to Australia in the last two years in a bid to fine-tune his preparations for the big events.
“First three rounds I felt a bit disconnected, soon found a better feeling and pushed forwards. Some consistent markings but tonight just wasn't my night.
“It is part of sport, I was eight centimetres off winning the Commonwealth Games and I was something similar (16cm) to getting a medal here.
“I was in medal contention all the way through, and what a privilege it is to be in a home Games in front of home fans with everyone screaming for you.
“It was 10 days between comps and it was tough, I am not going to lie. It was fine margins between the two comps, we knew it was.
“All the hard work had been done but I fell short.”
It still represents a strong summer, with a bronze medal from the Commonwealths followed by contending in the Europeans.
And having served as team captain for previous teams, his role now for the rest of the week in Birmingham is that of cheerleader – once he has lifted his own spirits.
“I am back on kit duties for the girlfriend and everyone else for the rest of the week,” he smiled.
“I am hoping this is going to be the last time I come fourth, let’s put it that way. Medals are all I want now, so I am just going to regroup, maybe have a beer and mull it over.”