Brixton’s Samson Oni warned his high jump rivals he would be a serious medal contender before the year was out after falling short of the podium at the World Indoor Championships.

Oni began the final with a bang by sailing over both 2.20m and 2.24m at the first attempt, only to fail with all three of his leaps at 2.28m to bow out in seventh.

Russia’s Ivan Ukhov cleared 2.36m to take gold ahead of team-mate Yaroslav Rybakov in second and Dusty Jonas of the USA, who took bronze.

But with the Commonwealth Games and European Championships still to come in 2010, the 28-year-old vowed to muscle his way onto the podium.

“I think the message for everyone is to remember where you heard the name Samson Oni first because he’s going to be big this year,” said Oni.

“This is the best I have done in an indoor season and it has left me really confident for the summer.

“The final was disappointing but other than that I have been very consistent this year – more consistent than ever and I’m ready to win medals.

“I spent last year sorting out my technique and now I’ve got that sorted I have the perfect platform to compete with the best.

“I think you can expect to see something big from me this year because I’m performing better than ever indoors and I am sure that will be reflected when we go outdoors.

“My first aim now is to be in the team for the European Championships and get myself into the final there and then I can start to think about the Commonwealths as well.”

Oni cleared 2.26m in qualifying to secure his place in the medal showdown and leapt 2.31m in Slovakia earlier this month.

But after coming up against the best in the world in Doha, the Belgrave Harrier admitted the nerves got to him on the day.

“I think because I have been jumping so well all year I haven’t felt any pressure on myself to do anything,” added Oni.

“But in the final I was up against some top quality guys and for the first time this year I felt I was under pressure.

“I think that is why I didn’t jump as well as I have been able to do this year.

“It is really disappointing when you have been jumping consistently at a height and then you don’t do it when it matters most.

“But that is sport and I have to take it and move on and make sure I don’t do the same thing in the summer.”

* Aviva has been proud to have helped and supported the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships since 1999. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information