Golden guys back on track for fundraiser
THE greatest British relay squad of all time are to reunite and race in Manchester to raise funds for those affected by the Arena bomb.
Manchester-born Darren Campbell, Jason Gardener, Marlon Devonish and Mark Lewis Francis stole the hearts of the nation when they edged out a US team – led by Maurice Green – to win the Olympic gold medal in 2004.
And the 4x100m champions at the Athens games are coming together to race for the first time in 13 years to celebrate Manchester’s sporting achievements and relive the greatest moment of their careers.
They will line up in a special race at the Manchester International event on Wednesday, all in aid of the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
The legends will also be joined by a host of other well-known faces.
Former world boxing champions Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg will lead a special celebrity team, while Manchester’s sprint stars of tomorrow will also take part.
The Manchester International meeting, which forms a key part of the preparations for the home nations ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games, will also see international representation from Denmark.
Competing on the night will be some names familiar to athletics fans, including 2011 World Championships silver medallist Hannah England, European U23 100m Champion Ojie Edoburun, rising star of high jumping Tom Gale, World Championships 4 x 400m medallist Margaret Adeoye and Nathan Douglas, one of the UK’s best ever triple jumpers.
Darren, who was born in Moss Side and grew up in Sale, said: “The Olympic gold medal race was one of the greatest experiences of our careers and it feels right to mark a great summer for the sport in this country by digging out our competition kit and reliving that moment. “Even if the legs move slightly differently to how they used to! “We also recognise that Manchester has experienced a really tough time this year and we’re really keen to support the city and be part of an event that shows what a great sporting place it is.” Anthony Crolla said: “We’re excited to be taking part in the relay. As boxers, we’re used to doing a lot of running in training, but racing against Olympic champions will be a whole new experience.” Tickets for the event can be purchased from www.ticketweb.co.uk and cost £5 for adults. Entry is free for under 16s. To donate to the fund visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ goldenrelayteamathens Darren Campbell