BOLTON teenage sprinter Ola Abidogun insists his impressive performances at the BTParalympic World Cup will act as a springboard as he looks to secure gold in London next year.

The 17-year-old, who just missed out on a Commonwealth medal in Delhi last year, picked up gold over 200m in 23.04 seconds before following up with a silver in the 100m as he was pipped by 0.01secs by Russian Yury Nosulenko coming home in 11.37 inManchester.

And with this season all about securing the qualification standards for London, Abidogun was feeling confident about guaranteeing his presence in the capital.

“I’m thrilled with how it’s gone in Manchester,” said Abidogun.

“I really didn’t expect to do so well.

“It sets me up brilliantly for next season, I know more or less where I am now going forward.

“As far as the qualification times go for London, I’m looking good. I think I have a couple of times already but I want to make them faster to seal my place.

“The crowd at the Commonwealths was big but this is the biggest I’ve had in this country so this is a great preparation for the big home crowds we’ll have in London.

“I need to go back and train so that I’m even quicker next time I race. I want to push up the world rankings and be a real contender in London.”

Meanwhile Bolton throwing events ace Sophie Hancock declared a case of mission accomplished after capturing bronze in the shot put – but was still left ruing what might have been in Manchester.

The 24-year-old Horwich AC member made the short trip to Manchester fully expecting to finish third as silver went to Meng Genjimisu of China while Raoua Tlili set a new world record with a throw of 9.73m en route to gold.

But Hancockwas not far behind with an impressive best throw of 7.51m and, while she was pleased with her performance, she admitted she have loved to have taken second place on the podium.

“I’m pleased with how it went,”

said Hancock. “Bronze was what I was expecting, but I was surprised how close I came to silver so that was great – it would have been great to come second.”

"The BT Paralympic World Cup took place in Manchester from 23-28 Maywith elite international athletes competing in swimming, athletics and wheelchair basketball.

Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.

com for more information.