Bracknell runner Wyllie finished sixth in his heat at last month’s World Junior Championships in Oregon, missing out on both the three automatic qualification and three fastest loser spots for the final.

The 19-year-old had much higher hopes heading into the biggest competition of his fledgling career, having made the trip across the pond as the UK’s number one under-20 1500m runner.

However Wyllie isn’t about to let the frustration hold him back, instead opting to look forward as he turns his attentions to representing Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast after being inspired by this year’s event.

“I’m disappointed I didn’t make the final but the competition was a massive learning experience and a huge step up from the European Junior Championships last year,” the Brakenhale School pupil said.

“Competing against the Africans in front of a sell-out crowd was amazing as was the village and it has given me a good taste for future major events.

“I could have finished top three if I had made the race quicker but I panicked and was not near the front at the bell.

“It was all my fault but I definitely won’t make that mistake again as now I know how to race in these events.

“I watched the inspiring closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games and it really hit home that I could be competing on the Gold Coast in 2018.” Wyllie (pictured right) knows he has a big job ahead of him to make an impression in the senior ranks, however that isn’t stopping the Bracknell Athletic Club starlet from aiming big.

He will start a sports science degree at St Mary’s University in September and hopes his training programme there will ease the transition to senior level.

“The seniors are running six seconds quicker than I am currently but I beat a few of them in the juniors last year so I know I can catch up,” Wyllie said.

“There is a good set up for athletes at St Mary’s and the running track is two seconds from my accommodation, which is fantastic. My next goal is to make the Great Britain squad for the cross country season and potentially try to race indoors over the winter.

“I would be surprised if I made an indoors team though as I would mainly use it to build up my strength ahead of next year’s outdoor season.”