No-one could have known the attention which lie ahead for Kariem Hussein when he finished second in the 400m hurdles at last year’s European Athletics Team Championships in Riga.
His time was 50.14, he was beaten by Serbia’s Emir Bekric in 49.64, but the seven points he scored added to a day of glory for Switzerland who were promoted as Second League champions as they finished with 210 from Latvia who also went up with 206.5.
It means they take their place in Heraklion on the island of Crete next month looking to make that next step up with the Super League their target, and in Hussein have a sprinter who became one of the stories of the summer.
Not many athletes have the chance to compete in a major event on home soil. And when that time happens, even fewer deliver to perfection.
But at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich on the night of 15 August last year, Hussein produced the performance of dreams when he won gold at the European Athletics Championships to the ecstasy of the delighted Swiss fans.
It was, without question, the biggest noise of the week.
He won in a thrilling 48.96 and elevated his status across the world. It earned him a place in the European team for the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech a month later where he then took silver in a personal best of 48.47, narrowly beaten by South Africa’s Cornel Fredericks in 48.34.
Once more, Hussein, 26, scored important points - and once more he found himself on top of the podium as Europe lifted the title.
Since his exploits last year, Hussein has become a popular draw for the Swiss media.
Which is why, on the weekend of 20-21 June, the focus will be one Hussein once more as he leads the Swiss team at this year’s European Athletics Team Championships.
Only now, unlike perhaps 12 months ago, he will have a fresh aura about him. His every moment will be scrutinised by his rivals, those on the lanes either side of him will be aware of his presence and he will be seeking an important time in another big summer.
He has already shown the fine form he is in by lowering the Swiss 300m hurdles record to 35.34 from 35.55 earlier this month.
The national 400m hurdles record of 48.13 by Marcel Schelbert has stood for almost 16 years.
Hussein has a way to go to beat that, but it will surely be one of his aims.
Who knows? He could even attempt to break it in Crete, though winning, and banking maximum points, will be the priority.