Xavier Carter, the second fastest 200m runner in history, confirmed to race at the Grand Prix indoor event in Birmingham of England on February 17.

21-year-old Carter rose up to global prominence earlier this year after running 19.63 seconds in 200m in Lausanne, Switzerland, a time only behind Michael Johnson's 10-year-old world record in 19.32 seconds.

The American earned the first invitation to the European Grand Prix circuit after clinching four titles at the prestigious U.S. college championships, equalling the feat of the legendary Jesse Owens.

Carter will race over 400m at the National Indoor Arena as his speciality event 200m is no longer part of the international indoor circuit because the tightness of bends rules out fair competition.

However, Carter is also successful at the 400m by topping the 2006 IAAF world indoor rankings with a mark of 45.28 seconds in Fayettville in March.

Carter was persuaded to make his first indoor appearance on British soil after relishing his inaugural outdoor race at the London Grand Prix in July.

"This will be my only run in Europe this indoor season, so I want to make the most of it," said Carter.