Alison Williamson ponders seventh Olympics

Stafford's Alison Williamson is pondering a seventh Olympics after her London hopes crashed at Lord's.

Team GB's hopes of a women's archery medal now lie with Olympic debutant Amy Oliver after Williamson and Naomi Folkard were eliminated at Lord's.

Williamson, making a British record-equalling sixth Olympic appearance at the age of 40, was ousted at the first hurdle, losing the last three sets against Mongolia's Bishindee Urantungalag to bow out.

However, she has not ruled out re-committing herself to the cause for a record seventh Games in Rio in four years, but admitted she may have to do so on an amateur basis, having been on professional funding in the build-up to London.

"I've not ruled out No.7 – age isn't a barrier to competing at the highest level," she said.

"But I'm going to have to sit down and think what my future holds.

"I'm probably going to have to look for a job, so if anyone wants to employ a six-time Olympian who can do a bit of archery then I'm your candidate."

Williamson went 2-0 ahead in her last-64 clash but her aim wavered as Urantungalag claimed the last three sets for a 7-3 win.

Rotherham archer Oliver begins her challenge today with an elimination match against world No.1 Deepika Kumari.

Williamson, an ever-present for Great Britain since her Olympic debut in Barcelona 20 years ago, was visibly affected by her exit.

She was warmly received by a crowd that included many friends and family – including her parents, in position as Games Makers – and was desperate to reward them with at least one success.

"It was more than a little disappointing. It's sad," she said. "I did a bit of a 'Goldilocks' – a little bit high, a little bit low, a little bit right, a little bit left.

"Basically, when you're trying too hard to hit the middle, you don't. It's disappointing because the crowd here is so fantastic and I didn't get another chance to feel that tremendous home support.

"The atmosphere has been fantastic, the volunteers have been great and the whole running of the show is great. I wanted to go all the way and stand on the podium but you don't always get what you want."