Sutton’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was delighted with his run at the Crystal Palace grand prix on Saturday, 12 months after nearly being forced out of the sport.

Aryeetey ran 10.27 to finish fourth in his heat but missed out on the final by just 0.02 of a second.

However, the 19-year-old former world junior and youth champion was overjoyed to finish ninth overall in a field that included former world record holder Asafa Powell.

He said: “This was my first Crystal Palace Grand Prix and I just had to come out here and enjoy it, I’ve got nothing to lose.

“I came fourth in my heat and unfortunately it didn’t get me through to the final but it was a world class field we were in, so to say I have finished ninth I’ll take that. On paper I think I was 14th.

“This is one of the first places where I started running and I have memories here. The crowd were awesome. I really enjoyed it.”

Aryeetey, part of the men's 100m relay squad going to Beijing next month, missed all of last season with a back injury and most of this with a hamstring tear.

The back problem was so serious that the youngster thought he might not be able to compete again.

“Everything was up in the air,” he said.

“I didn’t know if I was able to run again, and this year I tore my hamstring at the wrong time of the season just after I had set my personal best.

“I was 18 years-old and sat there thinking I’m not going to be able to do what I am born to do, crying to my mum all the time.

“University wasn’t going all that well and everything seemed down.

“But this is when the coach and the parents come into action and really help you out and get you up there.

“This is only my third race back and I’m just finding my feet and tying to relax and enjoy it. I’m only 19.”

Aryeetey anchored one of the Great Britain teams into sixth place in the relay on Saturday, and revealed the squad have been working hard on their technique.

“We’ve been doing it all year,” he said. “They’re drilling us hard and making sure our hand is in the right place.”