FINAL PAIN AS LAURA LOSES OUT

LAURA MUIR came up agonisingly short last night in her bid to succeed Jess Ennis-Hill as British athletics’ golden girl.

The trainee vet was bidding to become the first home woman ever to win the 1500m world title.

But an heroic attempt ended seven hundredths of a second outside the medals as Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon snatched the title.

The Scot took on the race from the gun (above) and although she was reeled in with a lap to go, Muir battled back and was one stride from pipping Caster Semenya to the bronze.

Muir’s misery completed another unhappy night for the British team, with hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon ending her campaign in tears.

The former dancer was one of Britain’s few medal hopes coming into London, having taken an historic Olympic bronze in Rio.

But she could not find her rhythm and had to make do with a throw of 72.32m and seventh place.

“I’m just sorry I couldn’t produce something better,” Hitchon said. “I felt I was capable of bronze here too.

“I’m beating myself up, of course I am, that’s part of my personality. Some athletes are better at hiding it than me.”