SOUTHEND shot-putter Robin Womack was left cursing his luck after finishing eighth in the IPC World Championships final in Lyon on Saturday.

The 42-year-old won a bronze medal at the Paralympics in London last summer and had been confident of again working his way on to the medal rostrum at the weekend.

But, after breaking two of his belts during a frustrating competition in France, Womack could only manage 10.36metres and had to settle for an eighth place finish.

“I think I must have killed a few black cats or something,” said Womack.

“The bus that was supposed to take me to the stadium didn’t turn up so I had to drive my car there instead.

“I’ve also never had a breakage on my belt – so to get two is the same event is more than unlucky.”

Womack had trained well in the build up to the event after shaking off wrist and shoulder injuries.

And he felt in shape to have been able to have won the gold medal.

“I’ve been in really good shape, I’ve shed four kilos since London and on Tuesday I was throwing 11.45metres, which would have won this final,” said Womack.

“In seven years I’ve done three big championships and got personal bests in the shot in them all, but I guess I had the luck on my side.

“But this time I feel like I’ve let the team down because I should have got that gold.

“You can’t control the uncontrollables and that’s what cost me in the end. But I’m really shocked and disappointed.

“I don’t want to finish like that.”

Womack, who threw 11.34metres to win bronze in London, was unable to get close to champion Karol Kozun from Poland who finished first with 11.23m.

Womack, a keen Southend United supporter is now eager to rediscover his best form before the end of the season and has already added two extra events to his schedule during September.