JADE O’Dowda is riding high after her debut appearance in a major international competition and cannot wait to taste the big time again.

The 18-year-old finished seventh in the heptathlon at the IAAF World Under 20 Championships, setting another personal best score along the way.

O’Dowda, who had already registered two new marks this season, posted 5,660 points – 50 more than her haul from the England U20 Combined Events Championships in Bedford in May.

The Oxford City AC teenager is now determined to build on that performance.

And when asked if it made her hungrier to experience another major championship, she said: “Definitely, 100 per cent.

“It went really well.

“It was such a good experience, it was a great environment to be in.

“And to test myself against the best in the world and finish seventh was a bonus.”

There is a certain amount of pressure which comes with competing at such an event.

But O’Dowda relished the occasion, setting pbs in the 100m hurdles, shot and 200m in Tampere, Finland.

She said: “Starting off like that with the hurdles was good and that makes you confident.

“I was a bit disappointed with the javelin.

“I can do better than that, but everything else was good.”

The javelin caused a further headache at the airport, as it did not return with O’Dowda to the UK.

She prefers to use her own equipment rather than what is supplied at events.

“It’s my coach Ian’s (Marriott),” said O’Dowda. “I use it in training and I take it with me.

“The javelin never arrived and it will be delivered home – hopefully it will come.”

O’Dowda’s Great Britain teammate Niamh Emerson took gold.

And the Oxfordshire athlete thrived off the support she received from the 19-year-old, who won bronze at this year’s Commonwealth Games.

O’Dowda said: “She was so supportive.

“She cheered me on in the 800m – I could hear her even though she was getting ready for her race. It helped keep me relaxed.”