Neil Barker

The Olympics are my passion - the pinnacle of my sport. I started competing as a 400m runner at the age of 12, and competed at school, club, county and regional and National level for 20 years. Following forced competitive retirement with a serious injury, I turned my attention to fundraising through longer distance runs, competing in 10 marathons and 4 ultra-marathons, and raising many thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes. I have been a proactive member of the Winchester and District running club, assisting with youth Athletics Development, Coaching and more general club administration. It has given me great pleasure to help others develop around me, none more so than my son, who is ranked no.4 in the UK over 400m. I never achieved my dream of competing in the Olympics, and for me the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay would fulfill a lifelong ambition.