Lewisham Sprinter who put himself on eBay stars in true story of Olympics

 
p33 Britain's James Ellington reacts after competing in the men's 200m heats at the athletics event during the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 7, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN
AFP/Getty
Louise Jury23 November 2012

The story of the London sprinter who appealed for Olympic sponsors on eBay is told in the film of the London Games released in cinemas today.

But Lewisham-born James Ellington, 27, revealed he faces a new fight for backing to get him to the next Olympics in Rio. Ellington was chosen with cyclist Laura Trott, Kenyan runner David Rudisha, South African swimmer Chad Le Clos and Irish boxer Katie Taylor and seven others to be featured in the film called First.

The King of Shaves skincare company stepped in when the original internet bid of £32,500 to support him proved not to be genuine. But Ellington, who has moved from his local training ground in Crystal Palace to work with other athletes, including Dwayne Chambers, at the more specialised facilities in Loughborough, revealed he has to find new backing from January as the deal was only for this year.

“Going to the Olympics was a big eye-opener in terms of coaching and training strategy. And being in Loughborough is going great. A few of us have moved up here and we really want to put UK sprinting back on the map, back on the world stage. But I need sponsorship again. The King of Shaves helped me massively but we only agreed a one-year contract. Next year will be a blank canvas again.”

Ellington said it was “a big honour” to have been involved in the Olympics despite the disappointment of finishing only fifth in his 200 metres heat. He added that it was good that the film chronicled the whole story. “It’s not like a typical sports documentary where they just show the glorious parts of the sport,” he said.

“A lot of the public who watch the Olympics know we work hard but I think to see a film where it actually shows you how we live our everyday lives as well is good. It’s not all rosy.”

The film will be shown in cinemas this weekend before its DVD release.

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