THE BRITISH SPRINTER who put himself up for sale on eBay in an effort to be able to train full-time ahead of the 2012 Olympics Games has beaten his target of £30,000.

James Ellington qualified for next summer’s Games in London despite not having any financial support or kit deal in place.

He lost previous funding because of a four-year injury-related break from athletics and offered to wear a sponsor’s branded gear at every opportunity he can between now and then should they meet his reserve mark.

The auction concluded on Saturday, with 71 bids made in total – the winning offer of £32,550 coming from a so far unconfirmed party.

“I could be happier,” Ellington told BBC Sport. “If I got more it would have been a bonus but I’m happy. I don’t think that many people would bid.”

Half the amount raised will give the 26-year-old a wage over the coming months; the rest will go towards funding travel and accommodation costs for a US-based training camp as well as dietary requirements and kit. Ellington hopes a full-time schedule will see him qualify for the men’s 200m final in London.

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