GB's Jennifer McIntosh resorts to lucky purple socks

Jennifer McIntosh missed out the final after finishing 36th in the qualifier (GETTY IMAGES)

Great Britain's Jennifer McIntosh admits she may have to dig out her lucky purple socks next week after she failed to make the final of the 10m air rifle competition today.

The 21-year-old Scot registered a disappointing score of 392 to finish 36th in this morning's qualifier, missing out on the final by 28 places.

McIntosh, who is the youngest member of the shooting squad, was happy with her performance in what was her first Olympic experience, however, and she quickly turned her attention to next Saturday's 50m rifle three positions event.

Today the Edinburgh-born shooter neglected to wear the ragged socks which she thinks helped her win two golds and a silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and she revealed she may have to wear them the next time she competes to bring her more luck.

She said: "I was not wearing my socks today. They are worn out. They have massive holes in them. Maybe they will come out for the next event.

"That's probably my stronger event, I would say, so I hope I can make the final.

"If I do make the final then who knows what will happen?"

McIntosh was grateful for the strong support of the crowd at the Royal Artillery Barracks, where the shooting is taking place throughout the Olympics.

"The atmosphere was incredible. It was much bigger than the Commonwealth Games," she added.

"The first time I heard the cheers, I thought, 'Are those cheers for me? Are they going to cheer every one of my shots?' And they did.

"They really got me through that event. I was blown away by it all.

"The smile on my face probably won't come off my face for a week. I'm on cloud nine.

"I felt I performed really well. The score wasn't great but this was my first Olympic Games and I don't think I could have done any more."

Tomorrow Russian-born Elena Allen will represent Britain in the women's skeet and part-time Devon barmaid Georgina Geikie will take part in the women's 10m air pistol.

PA