Dobriskey determined to learn the lessons from Beijing

From Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, in Monte Gordo

LISA Dobriskey learned the hard way about the importance of good timing in Beijing.

UPBEAT: Lisa Dobriskey takes time out during the Great Britain team's preparation camp in Portugal (Getty Images for Aviva)

She paid the price for starting her sprint finish about ten yards too late and trailed home just outside the medals in the women’s 1500m.

It’s was a hard lesson that left even the unfailingly positive Dobriskey both ‘gutted’ and ‘disheartened’.

And it’s an error she vowed to learn from at next week’s IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

 “There is a lot of pressure on me this year because of coming so close last year,” admitted Dobriskey, who won Commonwealth Games gold in Melbourne three years ago.

“I don’t want to be on the cusp of being a world-class athlete anymore.

“Beijing was such a big-step forward for me, it proved that I really can be competitive on the biggest stage and against the best in the world.

“That is what makes this World Championships so important, I don’t want to take a step back.”

However, Dobriskey’s involvement in Berlin had looked unlikely just one month ago.

She missed the Aviva National Championships in Birmingham through injury and only returned to action with a solid performance at the recent London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace.

It was a display that gave selectors hope and their belief was underlined by a recent season’s best run in Monaco – which moved Dobriskey above Steph Twell, who joins her in the British team with trials winner Charlene Thomas, in the national rankings.

“It’s been a difficult year and I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve had to help me through the problems and put up with me,” added Dobriskey, who is attending a preparation camp funded by UK Athletics sponsor Aviva in Portugal.

“I feel like I’m getting back into top shape and after a few sessions in Portugal I should be in the right condition.

“I’ve got to believe that the final is a realistic ambition, I honestly believe that I’m going to make it.

“Anything is possible once you get that far and I’ve got plenty of experience now when it comes to big races. I’ve still got my heart set on a medal.”