Fry returns to form with fifth placed finish at UK Indoor Athletics Championships

Newbury Athletic Club’s Izzy Fry was back to her best when she finished fifth in the final of the 3000m at the UK Indoor Athletics Championships on Sunday.

Fry has endured a difficult few months but bounced back with a superb run in Birmingham, finishing just six-tenths outside the medal places.

And the 22-year-old can now look forward to an exciting period that will see her race on the road for the first time ahead of a potential step up to 10000m in the summer.

"I was really pleased with the race," she said.

"Being so close to a medal is always a bit frustrating, we go into races to win medals.

"But after the last few months, which have been quite rough in terms of not being at a level I'd like to be at, you learn to not take things for granted and to stand on the start line feeling pleased to be there and excited to race.

"It was nice to just be in the mix again, if you'd told me that a few weeks ago I don't think I'd have believed you.

"The sport is such that sometimes it's really good and sometimes it's really tough and you have to adjust your expectations.

"Sunday was definitely a step in the right direction, hopefully it's onwards and upwards from here."

Fry's been on the up for most of the last four years, chasing down personal bests and making a name for herself as one of the sport's most exciting young athletes, so her recent dip in form has been a challenge to contend with.

"It's hard not knowing what's going wrong and not necessarily being able to put it right straight away, but it's important to be realistic and patient," she said.

"There will be times when you do plateau and not every race is going to be a p.b, but it's about knowing that the hard work is still counting."

Fry, who spent four weeks at an altitude camp in Arizona last month, is now looking ahead to a busy 2023.

She said: "Sunday's given me back some confidence and I'm excited for what's to come, I think we can have some fun with it."