Golding back in the good times at last

The right time turned out to be last month's world championship trials in Birmingham, where Golding won the AAA title. Not only did that earn him a berth to the World Athletics Championships in Paris later this month, but also a very useful £5,000. His appearance this Friday at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace should also move his bank balance in the right direction.

"Things are changing, slowly but surely, financially,'' said Golding. "I thought this year was going to be the first year ever that I would not be able to go warm-weather training in California between March and May. I couldn't afford it without Lottery money.

"But then my training partner and great friend Dwain Chambers offered to pay for my apartment and car hire, while my club, Blackheath Harriers and Bromley, funded the flight and my spending money. In all it came to about £5,000. They were so generous.''

Winning in Birmingham was a repayment on their faith.

"I was convinced I would make the team, but I knew for a fact that I was in great shape so I really did think I'd win it," he said.

"At Crystal Palace I want to reinforce my newly regained place as the British No1 and in Paris I'm looking for a medal. I'm capable of it and I want it.

"It's great to be back in the public eye. I've been out for so long that Paris will be my first major outdoor championships since 1999. Back then I would never have thought that was what was in store for me.''

In the years since, he has battled a low blood count, a continually haemorrhaging groin muscle and an injured heel. But it was February this year, when he turned 28, that he made his biggest career change.

After 11 years under the tutelage of his respected coach, the former Olympic sprint medalist Mike McFarlane, Golding decided to switch to another giant of British athletics in John Regis, who has also been his manager since early 2001. Did McFarlane take that well?

"Yes . . . No. . . At first . . .'' began Golding in confusion, before saying: "It's always hard leaving a coach. I realised I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to move on. It was an amicable split.

"We're still good friends and he respects my position. I don't want to look back in five years and say, 'if only'. I need to do what's best for me now."

The move appears to be bearing fruit. Golding's renewed excitement is palpable, as is his gratitude.

"I've learned to appreciate my talent, and I've learned that talent doesn't just go away. I've also learned to have faith in God when things are bad because He will bring you through. He certainly did it for me. You just never know what is going to happen to you. I've gone through my trials and tribulations and now I'm out the other side. This is my time to shine."