Oxford triathlete Emma-Kate Lidbury was the tenth professional home in the Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Lidbury was “very happy” with her performance at Clearwater, Florida, which saw her cross the line in 4hrs 22mins 55secs and become the fifth Brit in the top ten.

The 30-year-old clocked 27.21 for her 1.2-mile swim to leave the water in tenth.

She moved into seventh after completing the 56-mile bike course in 2.20.10, but lost three places with a split of 1.31.04 in her 13.1-mile run.

The race was won by Britain’s Jodie Swallow in 4.06.28 – the fomer Blenheim Triathlon champion leading from start top finish.

Lidbury said: “It was tough from the start and my swim wasn’t quite as strong as I’d hoped it might be.

“Out on the bike, I felt strong and thought I’d be able to make up a few places.

“My legs didn’t feel good on the first of the two-lap run course, but I found some rhythm and hoped to start picking up pace when I began having stomach problems.

“A couple of girls had already passed me and, as the problems continued to plague me for the remainder of the run, I was a little disappointed to drop from ninth to tenth place in the closing mile.

“My run split of 1:31 wasn’t terrible given the circumstances but I know I am capable of far faster!”

The former Oxford Mail reporter needed medical treatment after the race, but she could still reflect on a decent performance in her first world championship as a pro.

Lidbury said: “Yes, there is plenty of room for improvement and at least ten things I can think of which I could have done better or differently.

“But right now I’m very happy with where I’m at and extremely excited about what the future holds.”