Harnessing Talent Athlete

Chris Lambert - Olympian - Athletics

"I want an Olympic gold. There's no point going for something half-heartedly - if you're going to do it, do it properly."

Biography:

Chris found himself a natural when he picked up running at school. At his first major events, the English Schools' title in 1997 and 1998 he achieved PBs and Silver medals on each occasion. 1999 was his big breakthrough year, when he topped the World 200m Junior rankings with 20.63.

At the World Student Games in 2001, Chris clocked a PB of 10.19 and achieved a Bronze in the 100m. The next year an excellent trial saw him selected for the Commonwealth Games where due to illness he was eliminated in the semi-finals. On form in 2003 he took the AAA U23 title and then clocked a PB for the European U23 Gold which was followed by a 4x100m success. Chris also finished 4th in the NCAA in 2003 and was Ivy League record holder at 60m, 100m and 200m.

Chris enjoyed a strong start to the 2004 season with an undefeated 100m/200m doubles in France. He won at the AAA's and Olympic Trials in Manchester and rounded off his preparations with a victory at Crystal Palace. However, his pre-Olympic plans were disrupted with the recurrence of an old hamstring injury, eventually forcing him out of the heats in Athens.

2005 saw Chris make the decision to join a new sprint squad for a fresh start, but his hopes of Gold at the European Indoor Championships where hit when he suffered problems with his back and stomach, eventually leading to a double hernia operation.

After a career littered with injuries and numerous operations, Chris took the decision to retire early from his sporting career.

Click here to see his Competitive History

Click here to see how Chris and DKH Legacy Trust are working together, and to find out about Chris's 'giving back to sport' activities