Birmingham sprinter Mark Lewis-Francis was dumped by e-mail

Nov 1 2009 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

Then in December 2007, after Christine Ohuruogu was accused of missing three drugs tests, Lewis-Francis admitting missing two – but pledged not to miss a third which could have seen him banned from the track.

Some commentators have also branded the Brummie sprinter “lazy”, but he has always denied the claims.

“It really hurts me when people question my commitment to this sport,’’ said Lewis-Francis. ‘‘I have never given anything other than 100 per cent.

‘‘If they don’t believe me, I’d challenge any of them to come down and train with me for a week and then see how lazy I am.’’

UK Athletics introduced new performance criteria last year to ensure Lotto cash is targeted at a smaller number of athletes capable of medal success at London 2012.

Yet Lewis-Francis, known as the Darlaston Dart while at Birchfield, is convinced he still has what it takes to win a medal at the Games – if he can afford to continue in the sport.

He said: ‘‘Right now I have to take stock and think of my family. I have a job with the Youth Sport Trust which I enjoy doing and will help for a while, but it is expensive living in London.

‘‘I only ever came down here to be a success in my career in the first place.’’

He added: “When I started in athletics I had nothing and the support UK Athletics have given me over the years has been fantastic.

‘‘But the thought that support has now been taken away is very tough to take and I’m not sure I can go on in the sport.

“It’s a very hard situation for me.

“I can understand why they have withdrawn the money because I’ve not been a consistent performer over the last couple of years.

“But I’m still only 27 and believe I can still win top medals in the major championships.”

As a teenager Lewis-Francis was mentored by legendary Birchfield Harriers coach Steve Platt who passed away last year.

Club President Tom McCook said the death was a big loss for the local star who he predicted could still make a big track comeback.

He said: “Mark is one of the nicest people you will meet in the sport and I think he will be back.

“He has struggled recently and perhaps was hyped too much, too early.

‘‘But anyone who has seen him run will know that he can be one of the best in the world and we are all still right behind him.”

That sentiment was echoed by Birchfield team manager Dave Lawrence who said: “This might be the kind of wake-up call Mark needs.

“If you look at Linford Christie, he didn’t start doing anything until he was 26 and then we all know what happened next.

‘‘So if Mark is still motivated, I’m sure he can get back to the top.”

UK Athletics refused to comment.