Press Release - London Marathon - 7/15/21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                         Quickfire Q&A: Chris Thompson

London Marathon Events provides funding to 30 of Britain's leading 
endurance athletes, as part of our commitment to support distance running 
from playground to podium. This week we caught up with one of them, Chris 
Thompson, to talk about his life, career and future goals.

Ten of the athletes we've funded have been selected to represent Team GB at 
the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – and Chris is one of them.

He will compete in the men's marathon on Sunday 8 August, after winning the 
2021 British Athletics Marathon at Kew Gardens in March with a time of 
02:10:52.

At the ripe age of 40, it will be Chris's second Olympics, as he made his 
debut at London 2012. It's been a busy but very productive year for Chris 
as he also became a dad during lockdown! This is what he had to say when we 
caught up recently:

What are your hopes for this year's Olympic Games?
To run a lot better at this Olympics than at my last appearance! (Chris 
finished 25th in the 10,000m at London 2012 after an injury-interrupted 
season.)

Would you prefer to achieve Olympic gold or a World Record? 
An Olympic gold. It can never be taken away from you.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Going on athletic trips as a junior. They were always great fun.

What's your ultimate career goal?
To be able to achieve 20 chin-ups in one go!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take up running?
Strike a balance between working hard and having fun.

Best injury-prevention tips?
Rest when you're feeling more tired than usual. If you don't listen to your 
body, you'll suffer injuries.

Who was your first sporting hero? 
Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins (two-time World Snooker Champion). He was an 
incredible talent and personality combined.

What's one of your earliest sporting memories?
The Italia 1990 FIFA World Cup. Great memories.

What helped you cope during lockdown?
Getting ready to become a dad.

What are you looking forward to when things return to 'normal'?
Going to footie games again to watch my hometown club, Barrow. (Founded in 
1901, Barrow were promoted back into the Football League last year 
following 48 years in non-league.)

What does this extra funding mean to you?
It's helping me try to keep injury free because I can spend the money on 
extra physio sessions and so on.

Describe your perfect day
Having a lie-in and watching some TV – Soccer Saturday perhaps – and then 
playing golf.

If you weren't a runner, what would you be?
It probably doesn't bear thinking about!

Favourite place on the planet? 
The Lake District. I feel fortunate to have such a beautiful part of the 
world right on my doorstep.

What one item can't you be without?
My son.

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