BRITAIN’S Andy Baddeley vowed to come back fitter and stronger after missing out on a medal in the final of the 1,500 metres in Beijing.

The Upton athlete, 26, looked to have worked his way into a good position when he reached the bell in fifth place, but the Dream Mile winner faded down the back straight and eventually finished ninth in three minutes 35.37 seconds.

Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain took gold ahead of Asbel Kipruto Kiprop of Kenya with New Zealand’s Nicholas Willis claiming bronze.

“I’ll be honest, a medal was always my goal coming into these Games and I was really pleased to make the final,” said Baddeley.

“However, the semi took a lot out of me and even though I was in a decent position, some pretty bad spiking halfway round hurt me a bit and when I tried to push on with the leaders I just couldn’t. Still, no regrets, no excuses, I did all I could. I’m disappointed to finish so far down the field, especially after doing so well in the heats, but this is motivation to come back fitter and stronger next time.”