Norfolk's Barbara Parker completed her London Olympics action with a personal best in the 5,000m heats. Photo: Nick Butcher

Pott Row distance runner Barbara Parker missed out on an Olympic final for a second time at London 2012.

But the City of Norwich Athletic Club member did at least have the satisfaction of posting a lifetime best 15:12.18 in Tuesday morning’s 5,000m heats.

The effort will go some way to making up for Parker’s disappointment at missing out on Monday night’s women’s 3,000m steeplechase final – Parker’s favoured event – after being eliminated in the heats on Saturday lunchtime.

“It is a good time…I ran a personal best and not many people run their personal best in the Olympics, especially in the 5,000m,” said Parker with a smile on her face.

“I am just happy that I have done my best. My husband (and coach Sean Buns) always tells me I am a 5,000m runner, so he is going to be so happy.”