A boxing coach has spoken of his disappointment at seeing boxer Pat McCormack miss out on gold in the Tokyo Olympics.
Graeme Rutherford, head coach of Birtley Amateur Boxing Club, said he "felt like crying" when the 26-year-old lost the men's welterweight final against Cuba's Roniel Igesias.
A unanimous decision from the judges secured Igesias with his second Olympic gold, while Washington -born McCormack claimed silver.
But Graeme believes Pat, who he has helped train since the age of 12, narrowly missed out on gold as the judges preferred Igesias' style.
Read more: Washington boxer Pat McCormack wins silver medal at 2020 Olympics
Graeme said: "Pat looked unreal when he went out there and I knew if he didn't win it wouldn't be because he wasn't putting the work in or wasn't trying because he's worked so hard for this.
"I thought he could have nicked the first two rounds, but it was a close bout and the judges obviously preferred Iglesias' style.
"It was a bit deflating, but there's nothing you can do about it." .
He added: "After that second round Pat knew the only chance he had was to knock Iglesias out in the third round and God bless the kid, he did everything he could to knock him out.
"At the end I was sick and I felt like crying, so I can't imagine how he must be feeling.
"But sometimes you have that luck and sometimes you don't and you just have to accept it.
"He'll become a better fighter because of this because that's what Pat McCormack is all about. He's all about taking a big fall, dusting himself down, and getting back up."
Graeme said Pat and his twin brother Luke, who exited the Olympics following defeat to Cuban two-time world champion Andy Cruz in the last-16 of the men's lightweight tournament, were at the top of their game when they left for the Olympics.
He added that the pair had been training day and night for weeks leading up to the tournament, before leaving for a training camp two weeks before.
Graeme said: "Pat boxed really well and he couldn't give any more than he gave and sometimes on the day you just have to accept the decision.
"He will be gutted, but he showed good grace and good sportsmanship at the end of the bout. It was a tight bout, but it depends on what style the judges prefer on the day.
"Iglesias was coming forward a lot and the judges obviously preferred a forward fighter.
"When he sits down and has a look back at the fight I think he'll realise that he gave it his all and that's all anybody can ask for."
He added: "I've been in some horrible situations with Pat at the World Championships where he's won all three rounds easily but never got the decision and I've never seen him so heartbroken.
"But he'll get back in the gym, dust himself down and come back a better fighter and that's what boxing, and life, is all about.
"Sometimes you've got to take those hard knocks to learn and improve yourself.
"At the end of the day he's done the club proud and when he gets back I'll put my arm round him and tell him that."
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