Lee Korzits was remarkably composed after seeing her medal hopes crushed at the last.
The three-time world champion held a place in the top two of the 10-day event but failed to impress when it matter most - in Tuesday's medal race.
Korzits told JC Sport: "I'm really disappointed as I've been in medal contention all week. It's really hard to take."
The Israeli struggled to get to grips with a light wind - she is at her best when gusts are strong - and she failed to make any headway in a race won by arch rival Marina Alabau Neira of Spain.
Korzits was tipped by many to be Israel's best medal hope but she did not live up to expectation.
She finished nine out of 10 to fall out of medal contention, leaving her sixth overall.
"I didn't feel the pressure," she said. "I usally thrive on it. I really wanted an Olympic medal but it just wasn't to be."
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