High jumper Dominic Ogbechie believes being named one of the runners-up for SportsAid’s One-to-Watch award has truly allowed him to put his achievements into context.

The 16-year-old from Belsize Park attended London’s City Hall in a ceremony attended by SportsAid alumni, such as Greg Rutherford, Nekoda Smythe-Davis and Morgan Lake, as boxer Caroline Dubois was awarded the One-to-Watch title for 2018.

But Ogbechie - who jumped 2.22m to break the Under-15s high jump world record earlier this year – was delighted by the recognition, as well as the chance to meet a certain hero of his.

“At the evening, I met Greg Rutherford. We’d had connections on social media, but it was the first time that I’d spoken to him,” he said.

“It’s inspiring to meet somebody that you’ve always looked up to, especially his massive performance at London 2012. It’s amazing to meet such a role model.

“Now that it’s all over I realise how far I’ve come. From 1,000, to ten, to then make the top three of the One-to-Watch award is sensational, to know that SportsAid have been watching me, that they recognise me as an upcoming talent is very convincing.

“To know that I’ve made such progress in the space of 12 months makes me realise how far I’ve come and how much more there is to go.”

Despite missing out on the top prize to Dubois, Ogbechie and fellow runner-up Calvin Tarczy were also recognised for their potential, rewarded for their achievements with a SportsAid equipment grant.

The award was presented at the end of the night, which was sponsored by long-term SportsAid partner Royal Bank of Canada and saw many of SportsAid’s alumni joining together to celebrate the next generation of British sporting talent.

And it was Olympic gold medallist Rutherford who was tasked with handing the award to Dubois, something that the long jumper admitted was a great honour as he cast his eye over the future superstars coming through the ranks.

“For me coming and meeting the next generation of athletes and having the honour of the presenting the One-to-Watch is a big deal,” he said.

“To see these youngsters coming through, looking incredibly special and genuine superstars of the future, it’s a fantastic thing.

“It’s something that SportsAid does, is highlights the facts that we have these incredible youngsters coming through, and sport is a really bright future for an awful lot of youngsters.”

You can help support the next generation of British Olympians and Paralympians by making a regular or one-off donation to SportsAid. Please visit http://www.sportsaid.org.uk/get-involved/make-a-donation/ for further information.