Chijindu Ujah admits he has felt the weight of expectation on his young shoulders over the last 12 months but believes he can handle the pressure after being crowned 100m champion at the Sainsbury’s British Championships.

The 21-year-old became the fifth British sprinter to break the ten-second barrier last year when he clocked 9.96 seconds over 100m.

That brought with it a wave of optimism over Ujah’s potential but it hasn’t always been plain sailing after he was disqualified in the 60m final at the European Indoor Championships earlier this year.

However, the outdoor season has brought consistency and Ujah clocked 10.10 seconds to take the British crown ahead of James Dasaolu and seal his spot at next month’s World Championships in Beijing.

"It went relatively well, I’m really happy about being British champion," said Ujah, speaking at the event, a partnership with British Athletics that builds on Sainsbury’s support for the 2012 Paralympics and recognises that sport can unite and inspire children of all ages.

"I had some big learning curves this year and came onto the scene pretty much unknown running sub ten.

"Going into every other competition with that expectation on your shoulders has been difficult but every dog has their day and something amazing will come.

"The aim was to come here, execute, get through the rounds and win it so now I have done that I can go back into training and be ready for Worlds.

"I have been more consistent this year in terms of my times so hopefully I can push on and do better and push for medals next year in Rio."

Ujah is one of a crop of exciting sprint talents gracing the sport at the moment with Dasaolu, Adam Gemili and Richard Kilty all posting quick times.

And 19-year-old Zharnel Hughes - who took 200m gold on Saturday - also graces the ranks after being cleared to compete for Great Britain last month.

"The guys that are coming through are young so there are good guys and I’m sure we can do well," added Ujah.

"I competed against Zharnel at the Commonwealth Youth Games so seeing him grow the way he has is brilliant.

"He wasn’t particularly fast then but he has developed into a good athlete and he has come here and executed in front of a crowd that he has never been in front of which is good for him."

Sainsbury's is a proud partner of British Athletics. The partnership reflects Sainsbury's wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury's School Games. www.sainsburys.co.uk