BATTERED and bruised but Laura Weightman’s delight was plain to see after she qualified for the final of the women’s 1500m in Rio.

Four years after finishing ninth in front of home support at London 2012, Weightman, from Alnwick, earned herself a chance to improve on that after securing a spot in the final.

She had to work hard for it however, straining every sinew down the home straight to cross in the final automatic qualification place in fifth.

The race itself was also a scrappy one with Kenya’s Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon eventually taking the win – her time third fastest overall behind Ethiopian world champion Genzebe Dibaba and Dutch runner Sifan Hassan in the other semi-final.

Weightman herself clocked 4:05.28 – ninth fastest overall – and will take her position on the start line alongside British record holder and fourth best qualifier Laura Muir.

And after admitting to a few pre-race nerves, Weightman was over the moon to hold her own and progress into the medal race.

“It’s a really good race and I’m pleased with the way I ran that and delighted to make that final,” she said.

“I was very nervous coming into it but I’m just pleased I felt good, much better than my heats thankfully so I’m delighted.

“It got really messy in the race [her leg that was bleeding] and I took a really bad knock to my leg, hence I might need stiches now.

“I knew they were going to come around, I knew they’re strong girls but I felt strong, I felt really good, and it’s the best I’ve felt in a while so I am really happy with that.”

Weightman was in action on the track shortly before Usain Bolt landed his seventh Olympic gold and third 100m title in a row.

As opposed to the previous two evening athletics sessions, the Olympic Stadium did at least have more spectators than empty seats.

Weightman was in the first semi-final, and decided to assert herself by taking up the running after the pace slowed just 200m into the race.

She led all the way to the bell where Kipyegon then took the lead, and Weightman, with blood streaming down her shin after being skied, was left fighting all the way to the line to hold onto fifth spot.

Not since Dame Kelly Holmes completed a memorable middle distance double at Athens 2004 have Great Britain been able to celebrate a medal in the 1500m, either for men or women.

But that could all change tomorrow with Weightman and Muir – who broke Holmes’ 12-year-old national record when she won the Anniversary Games in 3:57.49 minutes earlier this summer – both in action.

“I just wanted to qualify for the final – you always speak about an Olympic final but it’s just an achievement to get there,” said Muir.

“I’m really chuffed. My coach always sets targets for me and I keep on smashing them. I just feel like I’m doing everything he ever dreamed of and I’m going further.”

Aldi is the first Official Supermarket partner of Team GB and has been championing our nation’s extraordinary athletes on their Road to Rio and encouraging the public to tuck into fresh, affordable, Great British food. For more information visit aldi.co.uk