Hughes, born in the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla but has held a British passport since birth, is following the same path followed in 2010 by another Anguillan-born athlete, long jumper Shara Proctor, who has since won world indoor bronze for Britain.

Athletes from Anguilla are unable to enter the Olympics as the Caribbean island is not recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

The 6ft 3in Hughes is already being compared with the Jamaican six-time Olympic champion.

"Bolt's a major motivation," Hughes told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He is always telling me to do this and that," 

Hughes, who has been training at the International Association of Athletics Federations High Performance Training Centre in Jamaica for several seasons, working with the Racers Track Club coaches alongside Bolt,  is one of five athletes who have now established themselves within the British team after either transferring or choosing to compete.

Also opting for the British team is 100m hurdler Cindy Ofili - younger sister of Britain’s former United States high hurdler Tiffany Porter, the national record holder.

Shante Little, a 400m hurdler, and Montene Speight, a 400m runner, have also turned their back on America, using their dual-nationality to compete for Britain.

High jumper Victoria Dronsfield has transferred from Sweden to Britain, where her father was born.

The news of five more converts to the British team provoked Britain’s World Indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty into a rant on Twitter which began with the relatively restrained observation: “Good for fans to see home grown talent representing GB…oh wait."

He added: “All sprinters I’ve spoken to this morning in the team feel exactly the same as me but daren’t speak out.”

Hughes said he was "ecstatic" and "grateful" to represent Team GB.

"Training with Bolt is a phenomenal experience, it's been a dream come true for me," he added.

"I have been looking at videos and analysing these guys.

"I have always wanted to run against them."

Bolt clocked 20.29sec into strong headwind in New York City, with Hughes clocking 20.32.

On being compared to Bolt, Hughes added: "I want to make my name out there for myself."

Anguillans can compete at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

“The target is the Olympic Games for sure, but right now I am focusing on the World Championships," said Hughes.

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