LAURA Muir declared she was satisfied with her World Championships as she prepares to return to her studies.
The 24-year-old finished sixth in the 5000 metres for Great Britain on Sunday in London after finishing fourth in the 1500m last Monday.
Muir had played down her chances in the 5000m, and she never challenged for a medal to finish in 14 minutes 52.07 seconds.
“I’m really happy, sixth in the world in an event I’ve only run once before outdoors – I’m really pleased,” she said after Kenya’s Hellen Obiri ran away with the race.
“I was going to let [Almaz] Ayana and Obiri go, I knew they were in a different class of their own right now [so] I wasn’t too worried about them breaking away.
“I had a lot of rounds in the legs so I had to pace myself and stay strong. Fourth and sixth, five races in 10 days, I think I can take so many positives from this.
“I’ve showed I’m a contender in both events so I’m happy with that. To get that fourth was really hard but at the same time I know I have the potential to get a medal. It’s better to be that close than really far away.”
It completed her championships and she will now head back to Scotland and return to her veterinary studies.
Muir added: “It’s a solid eight months rotation. I’m looking forward to getting there and hopefully graduating next year.”
UK Athletics performance director Neil Black has backed Muir’s decision to take six months out of competing.
It means Muir will miss the final two Diamond Leagues in Birmingham and Zurich and also next April’s Commonwealth Games.
However, Black insists time off the track will not do her any harm as she gears up towards the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
“I think it’s really wise,” he said. “Athletes, as they progress, need to have some time to do things which are a little bit different. She’s got to focus on her studies. They’re equally important to her.
“It’s been part of the plan for some time that she has a different year next year. There will be some benefits with that. She’ll use it as a year to progress certain things as she continues her studies. She’ll come back stronger and faster I’m sure into the future.”
Meanwhile, Andy Butchart expected to train part-time in Boston to work with American coach Terrence Mahon following his split with Stirling-based Derek Easton.
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