With a potential run in the 4x100m relay at the Commonwealth Games right around the corner, Papps headed to Horse Guards Parade for some last-minute competition before Glasgow 2014.

And it proved to be a worthwhile trip to the capital to celebrate two years since the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics as Papps finished second in a women’s 100m B race, coming home in 11.69 seconds.

Victory went to compatriot Margaret Adeoye in 11.61 however Papps was able to celebrate finishing ahead of Olympic and world 4x100m gold-medal winner Bianca Knight, the American coming home third.

And it was this prized scalp, as well as the technical attributes of the run, that has the 19-year-old champing at the bit to get a taste of the action at the Commonwealth Games.

“I am really pleased with that,” said Papps, who hopes to compete throughout the Summer Series – events proudly backed by long-term supporter Sainsbury’s.

“It was not a personal best or a season’s best but I feel like I put together the best race I have had this season so I am really pleased.

“I haven’t had the best season so far due to a few problems. I don’t want to make excuses because I am having a really good time and I am slowly getting better.

“And that is what I want, I just want to improve and improve and hopefully I can get back to my best and that is all I can ask for.” Papps, who now runs for Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow Athletic Club, played her part as the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games celebrated two years since the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – the 2014 event taking place in a specially built stadium on Horse Guards Parade.

And the teenager is keeping her fingers crossed that it is not the last time she gets to taste the atmosphere at such an iconic venue.

“It was amazing to compete,” she added. “I love a big crowd of British people because everyone gets behind you.

“I had never actually been to Horse Guards Parade before in my life, so for the first time to see Buckingham Palace and Downing Street and everything like that and then I get to run it makes it extra special.

“I can imagine people that have never been here before like me, it is amazing and it is such a nice place and such a good idea to get loads of people down and involved.” Meanwhile, Papps will be joined by six more local athletes in the Commonwealth Games, which starts today (Thursday).

Two judo stars who began at Pinewood Judo Club under the guidance of legendary late sensei, Don Werner, will also be in action, including 24-year-old Megan Fletcher.

The former Emmbrook School pupil was due to represent England with her brother, Ben, but he has been forced to pull out through injury. Matt Purssey will compete for Scotland.

Joining them will be Ascot-born Euan Burton, 33, who will be Scotland’s Flag bearer as he looks to end his career on a high.

Lucie Colbeck, 18, from Binfield, is also part of the British Tumbling Squad which will perform at the games, along with her Pinewood Gymnastics Club partner Yasmin Taite.

Elsewhere, Binfield’s Amber Hill, 17, is among Team England’s gold medal favourites in the clay target shooting category.

And Bracknell & Wokingham Swimming Club product, Andrew Willis, is set to compete for England in the 200m breaststroke tonight and will be cheered on by club members back at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Sainsbury’s is proud to support British Athletics through the Summer Series events and is committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. For more information visit www.sainsburys.co.uk/legacy