Olympic hurdler Jack Green was delighted after a successful return to elite athletics at the Diamond League in Qatar.

The 23-year-old from Hythe was handed a tough task on his first performance on the world stage for almost two years, travelling 23 hours from his US base to Doha before being handed the inside lane in a strong field which included Olympic Champion Felix Sanchez, Puerto Rican Javier Culson and US star Bershawn Jackson.

Green’s previous Diamond League appearance came in Doha on May 10, 2013, where he failed to finish - just one of five DNF’s the youngster picked up before ending his season early while battling with depression.

After sitting out the entire 2014 season, London 2012 semi-finalist Green made a quiet return to the track last autumn, training with acclaimed coach Loren Seagrave in Florida, but had made great strides early this season to re-establish himself in the battle to be Britain’s No1 400m hurdler.

Jackson strode clear to win in a time of 48.09secs - the fastest time in the world this year - with Culson is second (48.96), Ireland’s Thomas Barr (48.99) third and Green in a creditable fourth in a season’s best 49.31, which was inside the qualifying time for the World Championships in Beijing in August.

Former Saltwood Primary and Brockhill School pupil Green said: “My last Diamond League was in Doha, so it’s only fitting that it was my first on my return. I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

He added: “I’m just grateful to be back and have the opportunity to run at the top level. To dip under the World Championships qualifying mark early is one huge bonus.”