A dejected Harry Aikines-Aryeetey of Sutton & District AC launched a scathing attack on his own performance after a semi-final exit in the men's 100m event of IAAF World Athletics Championships in Moscow, branding it as 'embarrassing'.
The 24-year-old sprint star and Team GB representative, who was competing in his very first senior world championships, finished seventh with a below par time of 10.34 seconds, well behind USA's Justin Gatlin and Jamaican Nesta Cater who both dipped under 10 seconds.
“I wanted to view this as an achievement, but I don’t feel like I’ve done that,” said a very disappointed Aikines-Aryeetey, a former world youth 100m champion.
“I came here to run fast and be competitive and I don’t feel like that happened.
“It’s one of those things that I can’t accept. What we stand for as Great Britain is to want to come into here and excel, we have high expectations of ourselves.
“So to come here and run 10.34 in a semi-final is really upsetting.
“It’s embarrassing to be honest, but at the same time I have to try and walk away with my head high because I’ve got to get ready for the relay.”
Aikines-Aryeetey will be hoping for a much better performance and leave Moscow with a medal on the final day this Sunday, when he teams up with his rest of his British 100m colleagues in the 4x100m event.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article