CLARA EVANS’ wedding preparations were thrown into disarray after an unexpected Olympic marathon call-up in Paris.

But after a battling 46th-place finish in sweltering Sunday conditions, the Hereford-raised athlete insists she could not be prouder of her efforts as her unforgettable summer continued in the French capital.

Evans, 30, only discovered she would be flying the Team GB flag last weekend after the withdrawal of Charlotte Purdue due to injury.

But despite her relative inexperience, she brilliantly led the British contingent home as she cut the tape in 2:33.01 to cap a whirlwind few days in France.

Evans was roared on by travelling friends and family – including fiancé Paul, who she will marry in Chepstow on Saturday.

The Pontypridd Roadents runner revelled in her Olympic experience and insists she will cherish her memories of competing on the biggest stage of all.

“It was hard and it was hot – I wanted to stay strong for as long as possible,” she said.

“I only got called up last weekend, so to come first Brit makes me really proud of myself.

“I wasn’t expecting it – I was preparing for my wedding and getting married on Saturday, so it’s been a crazy couple of weeks.

“I was really emotional and really happy.

“I just never thought I could ever make an Olympic ever – I didn’t think I was good enough so I’m happy to do myself proud.”

On her fiancé and family being in attendance, Evans added: “Paul was out there somewhere on the course!

“I saw my family with 2km to go – they never normally watch me run as they’re looking after my dogs, so it was nice to see them.”

Evans beat both her British teammates as Rose Harvey battled through injury to bravely cross the line in 2:51.03 and Calli Hauger-Thackery failed to finish.

On top of an Olympic debut and wedding, Evans also ran a half marathon personal best at this summer’s European Championships in Rome to help haul Britain to a memorable team gold.

And she reckons her resilience and grit have held the key to her completing a sporting summer to savour on the continent.

“I might not be as fast as other girls but I’m strong and determined on tougher courses and don’t like being told no,” added Evans, who became the joint fastest female ever to complete a UK parkrun with a time of 15:49 in Cardiff back in 2022.

“If I get told no I want to prove people wrong.”

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