SOUTHAMPTON AC sprinter Oli Bromby made his mark on the world stage by finishing fourth in the men’s 100 metres final at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.

The 17-year-old from Shirley won his heat and came second in the semi-final to earn his place among the planet’s elite.

The final was won in a championship record of 10.28 seconds by world rankings leader Abdul Hakim Sani Brown of Japan – an astonishing achievement for an athlete who has just turned 16.

Derick Silva from Brazil took the silver medal in 10.49 seconds and there was a blanket finish for third, fourth and fifth places with Bromby just pipped for bronze by British teammate Rechmial Miller who clocked 10.59.

Bromby was fourth in 10.60 seconds a whisker ahead of Canadian Chuba Nwachukwu who recorded the same time.

The British pair had both run faster in the semi-finals with Miller (Hercules Wimbledon) recording a second lifetime best of the day of 10.45, while Bromby – roared on by his father, Clive, and coach Sara MacDonald-Gray - clocked an impressive 10.50.

The Richard Taunton Sixth Form College student, who boasts a personal best of 10.42 recorded at Loughborough in May, reflected afterwards: “The semi-final was by far my best race of the day, but I didn’t quite execute it right on the start again in the final. But, apart from that, I cannot complain.

“The experience has been massive for me and I’m proud to have made it here. It is by far the best part of my athletics career to date.”

Andy Fisher of Southampton AC said: “Whilst obviously disappointed not to pick up a medal, this represents a great result for Oli who exceeded his current world ranking of seventh in his finishing position.

"Perhaps more importantly he gained the invaluable experience of being part of the British team at a major global championship for the first time."