He'd been inspired by Carl Lewis' performances at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, where the American sprinter won gold in the 100m, 200m, long jump and 4x100m. In the summer of 1991, aged 17, he won 100m and 200m gold at the European Junior Championships in Thessaloniki, Greece. A 100m silver medal in the British Championships of 1997 was followed by relay bronze at the World Championships the same year. But he has never forgotten his roots, staying in close contact throughout his life with childhood friends and former gang members Lynx and Marlon. That's how I view it and that's why I'm so grateful they got through life the way I got through.

Source: BBC July 14, 2021 23:02 UTC