UNLUCKY Rubery athlete James Nickless narrowly missed a medal at a major games for the second time in a month.

The 16-year-old was fourth in the 1,500m steeplechase at the 3As Championships in Sheffield on Saturday.

James led from the start but faded to sixth on the last lap before a final surge which nearly saw him claim bronze.

The winner was the same runner who pipped James for third place last month at the international schools meeting in Ireland.

Saturday's under-17s race almost turned into a farce before it began.

The athletes were due to run a qualifying heat before the final on Sunday - only to be told 30 minutes before the gun that it was the final.

A large field of 17 steeplechasers lined up for the start and were then faced with half the normal room to jump the barriers.

James said: "There was bound to be loads of pushing and shoving so I hit the front from the start to keep clear of it.

"I went off a bit too fast. Perhaps with a bit more notice I could have prepared myself more.

"I was disappointed because I wanted a medal but it was still good to come fourth."

The Waseley Hills High School pupil's next event is at Nunnery Wood, in Worcester, on Saturday when he will run his first 3,000m steeplechase.

He will compete for Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club's men's team.