By Elizabeth Hudson BBC Sport in Athens

Photos: Day three in Athens Latest results from Athens

A devastated Noel Thatcher broke down in tears after finishing fourth in the men's T13 10,000m Paralympic final.

Thatcher, who carried the Great Britain flag in Friday's opening ceremony, missed out on a medal after losing contact with the leading runners.

"I'm just numb, really. Not finishing on the podium is just gutting," an emotional Thatcher said afterwards.

"I thought I was running hard and strong but I just didn't know what was happening when I lost the front three."

Tunisia's Maher Bouallegue took the gold medal in a new Paralympic record time of 32 minutes, 02.16 seconds.

Going into the Games this race was the most important to me Noel Thatcher

Close behind came Cuban Disomani Gonzalez and Lithuania's Kestutis Bartkenas to complete the podium.

Thatcher, a five-time Paralympic gold medallist, came home almost 15 seconds off the pace.

"I was being told that I was closing the gap on them but I just never got near to them," Thatcher added.

"I just feel so sorry for everyone who has helped and supported me from the people I work with to the medical staff."

The 38-year-old clocked a time of 32 minutes 20.76 seconds over the gruelling race and will bid to make amends in Friday's 5,000m.

"Going into the Games, this race was the most important one to me," Thatcher admitted.