PEEBLESSHIRE athlete Chris O'Hare has finally put the disappointment of London 2012 behind him to earn a place at the Rio Olympics.

The 25-year-old was cruelly overlooked for selection four years ago despite establishing himself amongst the best milers in the country.

Continual progress has led to the former Peebles High pupil earning bronze medals at both the indoor and outdoor European Championships as well as a string of other international honours in his adopted home country of America.

Chris chased home Charlie Grice on Sunday in the British Championships 1500 metres final to book his place on the Team GB plane.

Following the race Chris said: "I'm delighted to say I am going to be an Olympian.

"There's no way I could have done this by myself. It is a massive team effort.

"A huge thanks to my family and friends for keeping me motivated, picking me up when I am down and keeping me humble when things go well."

Chris was amongst seven Scottish athletes who claimed automatic selection for the Rio Olympics over the weekend.

A further five athletes have already booked their place, bringing the Scots tally to a record 12.

Taking British titles on Sunday were Eilidh Doyle, Steph Twell, Laura Muir and Chris Bennett.

There were silvers for Chris O’Hare, Jax Thoirs, Lennie Waite, Eilish McColgan, Lynsey Sharp and Mark Dry.

And bronze medals were claimed by Kirsty Law, Jake Wightman, Allan Hamilton, Allan Smith and Laura Whittle.

Rodger Harkins, director of coaching at Scottish Athletics said: "Naturally we want to firmly congratulate those athletes who have put themselves in the frame for automatic selection for the Olympics.

"That is the pinnacle of the sport and they’ve put in so much hard work to achieve standards and high finishes at the British Champs. We say ‘well done’ to them and their coaches."

There was disappointment for fellow Borders middle-distance athlete Guy Learmonth when a hamstring injury prevented him reaching the starting line of the 800 metres final after impressive qualification.

Guy said: "I tried to do everything possible to get on the start line and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but it has been out of my hands and I will will make sure I get back fit and healthy next time round.

"I am absolutely heart broken but we will be back in business soon."