 He studied at Greenshaw High School in Sutton, London from 2000–2006.His first major tournament medal came at the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games where he won the silver medal in the 100 m.

On 11 June 2006, aged 17, he competed in the 100 m at Gateshead in which Asafa Powell equalled the world record of 9.77 s. On 16 August 2006, he won the gold in the 100 m at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Athletics, held in Beijing, China, setting a season's best 10.37 s.

He was advised not to run in 2007 due to minor fractures in the spine that could affect later development.After an eleven-month recuperation period, he returned to action in 2008 with a 60 metres personal best of 6.59 s in France to signal a return to form.