Linford Christie

I like to have space.

Obviously I was disappointed when it fell into disuse, because it was my own track named after me, but I am sure all those youngsters we lost will be coming back, and I certainly intend to be down here as much as I can, coaching and advising.

When I was competing I didn't have a nutritionist. It wasn't something that British athletics offered back then.

I used to say to my opponents: 'If you let me beat you, I'm going to tell your kids you were beaten by an older man.' When I beat them I would tell them I did it with a slight hamstring problem or that I was only feeling 80 per cent fit.

There was no money in the sport but we'd be out there day in, day out, rain or shine, doing it.

I love being in the garden, and my 'chilling-out room' is almost like being out there.

What motivated me as much as anything was to show the racists that a black man could bring pride and honour to Britain.

I've never enjoyed being cooped up.

I am there for the athletes I coach.

I have got better things to do in working with my athletes who I feel are going to be involved in 2012.

My first love is the sport, and it will always be my priority.

I grew up until I was seven in Jamaica with my grandmother, who I still think of as the greatest person I have known in my life.