Who? 26-year-old James Ellington, the fastest British athlete over 200 metres at sea level – after running a personal best of 20.52 seconds in the 200 metres in France this year – and 2011 World Athletics Championships competitor.
What? Whilst completing his most successful season after four years of injury problems, London-based sprinter Ellington has failed to gain any major sponsorship deals or lottery support to help him challenge for a place in Britain’s team for the 2012 Games. Requiring a minimum of £30,000 – £15,000 to support himself training full-time and another £15,000 to cover travel, accommodation, his kit and nutrition – Ellington has turned to the unlikely resort of auctioning himself on eBay in order to get the backing he needs to take part.
"Ellington has turned to the unlikely resort of auctioning himself on eBay in order to get the backing he needs to take part."
Why? Despite his top athlete status, the bad timing of Ellington’s injuries has left him in dire need of endorsement with the Olympic Games coming to the England capital in a mere seven months time. With his innovative new approach, Ellington remains optimistic that it will help him raise the money. In return he will wear branded kit from the highest bidder at training and media events until the end of the Olympics. Currently, half way through the ten-day auction, the highest bid (of the 71 bids so far) stands at £32,250. To sponsor Ellington, click here.
Suggested Reading: Aimee Mullins on Pilates from the inaugural issue of AnOther Magazine A/W01.
Text by Lucia Davies
