Tinkler, who has twice won the English Schools Championships in the shot, made a surprise return to action at his club's Peterborough City Games last week and believes his operation has been a success.

He first had an operation two years ago but continued to throw in pain and needed to go back under the knife three months ago. He was not expected to compete again this year but lined up at the Embankment Track despite doing no training beforehand.

He won the shot and finished second to younger brother Martin in the discus, and he has now has one more meeting lined up before the season ends – at the East Anglian League Final on September 21.

He said: "I enjoyed competing again. It's been hard going to watch meetings while I've been injured and thinking 'I could throw further than that' but I finally feel free of pain. It's healed quicker than I expected.

"I've had two years of throwing in pain but this time it feels much better and I believe this operation will be a big help as I try to make the Olympic Games in 2012.

"I've got a high pain threshold but the injury did affect my performances at times so hopefully now that's all behind me.

"Both Martin (his younger brother) and myself are hoping we can make it to the London Olympics but I'm not setting myself too many goals for next year as it will be my first season as a senior so I just want to have a bit of fun and enjoy my athletics

Tinkler kept his upper body strength up with weight training while injured but could not put any pressure on his ankle so he will now work on his leg fitness ahead of next season.

He added: "I have to be happy with my performance at the Peterborough City Games.

"I'd done no training beforehand yet produced a half decent throw. I'm not worried about Martin beating me in the discus, I've got a better physique for the shot and he's got a better one for the discus."