Sutton & District sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has turned to the Bible in his quest to qualify for next month’s World Championships.

The 26-year-old goes into this weekend’s British Championship qualifiers on the back of a hip injury that has kept him sidelined since September.

He needs to finish in the top two to qualify for the 100m in Beijing when the Worlds start on August 22.

Moreover, as well as being race rusty, he is up against tough competition, not least of all from his own doorstep.

Aikines-Aryeetey said: “I am going in as underdog, but I have been reading a little bit of the Bible and I see myself a bit like Lazarus – I am going to rise from the dead, and have some fun with it.

“I like to spoil the party and I am going to go out and enjoy it.

Harry knows the value of a good night's rest

“Hopefully I will get through it healthy and if I make the team, I will be over the moon.”

He added: “The injury was a big one in terms of timing and I have not competed this season.

“I thought this season was over too, but I’ve had great support and have got the right sort of treatment.

“So it is straight into the qualifiers, and although I am a little race rusty, I can work through that in the heats.

“And Beijing is an amazing place to be. I have had success there in the world juniors and the Olympics in 2008 – it’s a place that you are always excited to be.”

The 2005 BBC young sports personality of the year will face the third fastest man in British history in Chijindu Ujah, as well as the second fastest in James Dasaolu of Croydon Harriers.

Aikines-Ayreety said: “It is slightly annoying with James, because although I medalled at the Euros last year, and I am technically classed as the third best in Europe, I am not top in Surrey.

“But I promise you I am working on changing that.”

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey knows the importance of a great night's sleep and was speaking at the launch of Premier Inn London Kingston Upon Thames. For exclusive rates, book direct at www.premierinn.com.