Ben Pattison praised by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club

The 22-year-old, who had stormed to first place in his qualifying heat of the 800 metres, was unable to march further as he finished in fourth place in the semi-finals.

Despite clocking an almost identical time of 1:45.57 in the semi-final as in the qualifying heat, it was not enough to secure a place in the final.

Pattison, who is from Odiham and represents Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club (BMHAC), was supported by his coaches and the whole of the club throughout the competition.

READ MORE: Ben Pattison's Olympic dreams dashed with semi-final defeat

Cheryll Ragan with Ben Pattison (Image: Cheryll Ragan) Following the closing ceremony, club members have expressed their pride at Pattison's performance.

Club chairman Leigh Henderson said: “Ben had a good chance of a medal in the 800m. Such is the brutality of the sport, Ben had been affected by food poisoning before the heats and could not clinch a spot in the final.”

Leigh added: “I couldn’t be prouder of Ben’s achievements over the years, including silver in European Under 20s and bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

“Ben is a lifelong and popular member of BMHAC and will happily chat to younger members, inspiring them to achieve their potential.”

SEE MORE: Basingstoke's Ben cruises into 800m semi-finals with first place in heat

Pattison did not have an easy ride to the Olympics after undergoing surgery to recover from a serious heart condition.

When he joined BMHAC in 2012, Cheryll Ragan was coaching his age group - Under 11s. 

Cheryll said: “He was way above all the kids in the group straight away, we knew he was just so good. Right from the start, he was focused, quiet and got on with it.

“We recognised that he was talented. I am so proud.”

Coach Dave Ragan, who has been coined as ‘the driving force’ behind Pattison’s success travelled with him to Paris to support him in his Olympic journey.