Isle of Man sprinter Carla Teece produced an encouraging performance at the Welsh Senior and Under-18 Championships in Cardiff.
Teece clocked a wind-assisted season’s best of 12.29 seconds in the 100 metres.
Competing in only her second race since returning from injury, Carla finished fourth in her heat against a strong field.
Although the time will not count as an official season’s best because of an illegal tailwind, it represented another positive step in her comeback.
The race came after a difficult few days for Carla following the loss of the much-loved family dog, Coco, earlier in the week. She said: “After a few sleepless nights, my aim was just to run and put no pressure on myself to do anything amazing.”
Carla praised the standard of competition, with the meeting also serving as a European Under-18 qualifying event for athletes from England, Wales and Scotland.
Reflecting on her progress, she added: “I’m getting there slowly but surely. I know I still have so much room for improvement and I’m eager for more!”
The trip was made even more special by the presence of her aunt, Giu, who attended a major UK championship for the first time and enjoyed every moment of it