SOMETIMES you can measure an athlete's quality and dedication by the fervour with which they register disappointment at a personal best.

Joshua Gorecki, often in the shadow of his sister Emelia Gorecka, finished sixth in the 3,000 metre U20 race put on by organisers of the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace.

The Bookham resident knocked 10 seconds off his best time for the distance, recording an impressive eight minutes 34.41 seconds.

Yet the Aldershot & District AC runner said: "I haven't run that distance for about two years.

"It wasn't about the time but winning or getting a medal, but I missed the break and found myself 20 or 30 yards adrift.

"It was bad tactical planning on my part.

"I just didn't plan the race well.

"I was definitely capable of getting in the top three, if not to be winning that."

The stadium announcer said the race, won by Richard Goodman of Shatesbury Barnet in 8:12.94, demonstrated that the future of middle and long distance running in Britain was in great shape.

Gorecki said: "It's a good field out there at the moment, the juniors are going strong."

Speaking immediately after the race, he said: "I came here two years ago and came dead last - at least I didn't do that today.

"The 5,000m championships was a breakthrough back in June for me - 3,000m isn't really my event.

"I was struggling with the speed. I don't really have that."

The 19-year-old, has other tests in his sights, namely the European cross-country championships in December.

The trials will be in November, but before he goes to Birmingham University next month he heads out to Font Romeu in France for some high altitude training.