Paralympics 2024: Neil Fachie undecided on future after missing out on gold

“I just can’t seem to defend the Paralympic title,” he added.

“I’ve got an annoying ratio of gold, silver, gold, silver, which means maybe at 44 I’m going to have to come back and take the gold [in Los Angeles].

“It’s not easy any more and I’m not getting any younger. I still don’t know. I don’t want to look at a bike for a month or two and then I’ll have to see what happens.

“I will miss this dearly if I do walk away.

“Maybe the Commonwealth Games will happen in Glasgow in a couple of years and maybe I’ll try and be the most successful Scot of all time.

“That’s still something on the cards, but there’s a lot of boxes to tick before then.”

That decision is down the line but this was set up to be Fachie’s crowning glory – perhaps the culmination of an incredible haul that now includes five Paralympic medals.

A third gold lay in wait, and this chance, in the event where he still holds the world record, seemed one he would surely take.

“I’m obviously disappointed. I did come for gold,” Fachie added.

“With a lap and a half to go I could feel I was really struggling. I think I can walk away proud though. I know I couldn’t have done any more.”