We did it because we had pride, because we loved it.”Some of today’s athletes do not have that kind of pride. They left school at 16, have never had a job in their life and are getting Lottery funding, earning money as an athlete It’s a problem that has to be addressed. I know what psychological games to play and the importance of mental power.”Christie has been critical about recent performances by British athletes, saying that some are motivated more by money than medals. He thinks that Lottery funding has made some soft, and he believes they do not have the same desire he had. “I think it’s great that they are getting funding, but it’s just too easy They don’t have to work for it.

I think the athletes respond well to me because I have been successful I know what it takes to get to the top. Common sense tells you it’s not true.”Christie maintains: “My first love is the sport, and it will always be my priority. I am a coach on the outside of the establishment and that works. You’re talking about a man who has won Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, European Championships You get tested after every one of those If Linford was taking anything, it would have come out.

I know it’s a fine line, but I have known him since I was a 14-year-old and he has always had a soft side. One of his greatest assets is that mentally he is one of the strongest people I have ever met.”Campbell dismisses any thought that Christie’s drugs ban has tarnished him “I don’t see what it’s tarnishing To me the whole situation is stupid. If I’m the best sprinter in Britain, then he has to be the best coach.”So what are Christie’s special qualities? “Well, to begin with, he is compassionate,” says Campbell “He is not a bully He doesn’t throw cups of tea People who say he is arrogant don’t know him What it is about him is confidence, belief. He says: “It disappoints me that he has not got the recognition he deserves as a coach. He should be out there coaching more athletes on a national basis. Some of his group are in Wales, others in different parts of the country, including west London His “prize pupil”, Darren Campbell, is a Mancunian. Campbell, Britain’s top sprinter, has been with Christie for almost 10 years.