The Leamington talent and team-mates Alison Williamson and Charlotte Burgess were edged out 203-201 in the bronze medal play-off match on Sunday.

Britain's women came to Beijing ranked second in the world, behind eventual gold medallists Korea, but qualified for the last four with the lowest score of the semi-finalists.

Folkard and company were comfortably beaten 208-202 in the semi-finals by China, who went on to win silver.

Folkard said: "It's very hard to deal with, we are really gutted.

"We came into this as second in the world and had done well at other international events this year and last year, so that makes it even worse."

"I now just have to go into the individual events with a calm, cool head and try my hardest."

Williamson, who is appearing in her fifth Olympics and won an individual bronze in Athens, broke down in tears after the defeat.

"I am really disappointed. I feel, basically, that I let the other two down, that I should have pulled my weight more and I didn't."

"It's really frustrating and disappointing when you are that close to a medal you are almost touching it. Four years is a long time to wait to try again."

Britain's women had expected to heat and humidity in Beijing, but instead found themselves struggling to keep warm during a 15-minute delay caused by a thunderstorm.

Burgess, 21, who is competing in her first Games, said: "The weather didn't help. When we had the break we got cold, although we have to accept the French had the same conditions to deal with."

"We put in so much hard work together over the last two or three years and it just didn't go to plan."

"It's my first Olympics, and everything has been an amazing experience, and now we have to turn our attention to the individual event."