Mark wants to bow out in golden style

MARK LEWISFRANCIS aims to end his long Commonwealth Games association with a gold medal in the 4 x 100m relay.

The 31- year- old sprinter, who is competing in his fourth Games, plans to retire in 2017 and wants to go out on a high, having already partially made up for suffering two very different kinds of heartbreak in his first two Games.

“I was 19 at Manchester in 2002, and it was my first experience of making a big 100m final,” he recalls.

“In the other lanes were people like Kim Collins, Asafa Powell and Dwain Chambers.

“I was on for a sub-10 and a certain medal – but 30 metres before the line I tore my hamstring.

“Just as it happened, I was about to overtake Collins and he went on to win. But for the injury, I’m 100% positive I would have beaten him.

“Fo u r years later in Melbourne, I was bang in form again and hungry for a title. Then I false- started in the first round.

“I walked away totally heartbroken and came home with nothing.

“So Delhi was all about me getting my confidence back, and I did. I won gold in the relay and got silver in individual.

“If not for my blocks slipping, I would have won gold, but the silver is still one of the best medals I’ve ever won because it meant I could still do it.”

Lewis- Francis’s recent career has been dogged by injuries. He was an unused relay squad member at 2012 after picking up a quad injury.

“London was an amazing experience, but at the same time disappointing because I didn’t get to touch the track,” he says.

“Now my aim is to run at the stadium in the World Championships in 2017 before I hang up my spikes.

“In the latter part of my career, I’ve had every injury an athlete can pick up, but I’m so pleased to have made the 4x100 relay squad for Glasgow.

“We’ve got some great young sprinting talent coming through, and I’m very happy to take on the role of the older guy, the mentor, the guy who’s been there and done it.

“I feel like it’s come round a bit too quickly, but I’ll embrace it. If there’s any question that needs to be answered, I’m there.

“I’m on the home straight of my career now, so every year and every event is precious.”