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Messages of support have poured in for Guernsey athlete Alastair Chalmers who missed out on a place in the mens' 400m hurdles final at the Paris Olympics.
The Team GB representative was progressing well in last night's heat, but hit the seventh hurdle and fell, which left him unable to contest for the top spots.
Chalmers has won praise from fans for getting up to continue the race even though his competitors were all well ahead of him after his fall.
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Speaking in an Instagram story posted to his personal account several hours after the semi-final, Chalmers thanked supporters and said he was "fine".
"I just wanted to come on here and let you know I'm all good," he said.
"Thank you to everyone who's reached out. It's all fine, I'm so proud of how far I've come and where I'm at.
"I just got caught up racing these guys, and absolutely hit it to hurdle five and six.
"That's how it goes, but I'm glad I got myself up and finished so thank you to everyone for the support. It's been a massive journey and an amazing ride."
Mr Chalmers had booked his place in the semi-final after coming third in his heat on Monday, saying at the time: "I was born for moments like this."
He is being supported in Paris by his family, girlfriend, members of his coaching team, representatives of Guernsey Athletics, and other local sports fans.
Guernsey Athletics led the consolation and praise for him on social media, saying: "He was right in the mix and looking better than ever!
"We're so so proud of you. Forever an Olympian!"
Jorgen Petterson, the former President of the International Island Games Association, also commented: "Fantastic performance to make it to Paris, small margins and bad luck today.
"Thanks for being a true inspiration and ambassador for Guernsey and islanders in the family of International Island Games Association! You are a true hero."
Islanders shared their "devastation" and said that they were "gutted" – but expressed their pride as well.
"You will forever be a Guernsey hero," one commenter wrote.
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