NIGEL Levine is adamant he will come back a better one-lap sprinter after crashing out of the 400m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Russia.

Having finished fourth in his heat in 45.41seconds (secs) - his second fastest time this season - Levine was back out in Moscow 24 hours later with his sights set on the final.

However, the semi-finals proved a step too far for the 24-year-old, running individually at a World Championships for the first time, as he crossed the line sixth in 45.60secs.

He was always up against it as he faced defending world champion and Olympic gold medallist from London 2012, Kirani James, who eased into the final with victory.

But, considering that at the World Championships in Daegu two years ago Levine was restricted to merely a relay spot, he was keen to pick out the positives this time around.

"The semi-final was alright, I can't complain with finishing sixth against those guys," he said. "However it was a very poor performance.

"I do believe I can do a lot better, so I have to go back and work harder and come back and compete with these guys.

"Two years ago I hadn't made the team for the individual so it shows I'm progressing, and I just need to keep on doing that.

"Unfortunately I haven't made the final individually this time around but I have to take it as it comes and learn from it.

"I've learnt not to panic and stay calm, and I did try my best so it's just about being a fitter, faster athlete next time." All is not lost for Levine in Russia with the chance to set the record straight if selected as part of Britain's 4x400m relay squad.

And Levine admits he is keeping everything crossed that he receives the nod with a desire to prove himself on the biggest stage of all.

"I've still got the relay to come so I need to go away, re-focus and get ready for that," he added.

"With the individual ending not how I had hoped I really want to turn things around with the relay with the team now." The National Lottery is backing over 1300 elite athletes across 44 sports on the road to Rio. To find out how playing The National Lottery supports sport and many other life-changing projects in your community visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out every Friday, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports**