Felicity Thomas is on top of the world.

The East Glos tennis star was part of a four-strong Great Britain team who won The Queen’s Cup (women’s over-75s) in the World Team Championships in Umag, Croatia.

And not surprisingly, Thomas says it is the pinnacle of her playing career.

“I am thrilled to have won my first gold medal at world level,” said Thomas. “After sixteen years in and out of the GB team, it is a dream come true.”

Thomas’ team-mates were Frances Maclennan (All England Club), Jenny Waggott (AEC and Warwick Boat Club) and Jackie Boothman (Bridgwater) and the ever-modest Thomas insisted that she did not play a major role in the victory.

“Our success was spearheaded by Frances Maclennan and Jenny Waggott, who played all the singles matches as well as the decisive doubles in the final two matches,” said Thomas.

“Jackie Boothman (Bridgwater) and I played the earlier doubles, so ours were very much supporting roles.”

Seeded four, the format demanded that Great Britain beat Germany (seeded three), then France (two) and finally USA (one) – ending eight years of USA dominance of the Queen’s Cup.

“Fran and Jenny were true stars, but we all practised and worked well with one another, which is vital in an intensive team effort,” added Thomas, who had come close to winning gold before.

“I had won silver in 2007 when I played at number one in New Zealand watched by our son Stephen and his family,” continued Thomas. “That was something special but this has been a memorable tournament and the pinnacle of my tennis career.

“It was a very moving moment to be in the spotlight in the huge ATP stadium, with fellow Brits and scores of other competitors standing to two verses of the national anthem.”

And yet Thomas so nearly didn’t take part in the tournament at all.

“Seven weeks previously I feared I would not be fit for Croatia following an injury during a match at Warwick Boat Club,” said Thomas, “but prompt and professional medical attention and encouragement ensured a gradual recovery.

“I withdrew from the British Grass Courts Championships held at East Glos in August but sought reinstatement though not fully recovered. It was invaluable in getting back to competitive tennis and testing my fitness.”