British Sprinter’s eBay Auction Already Reaches Sponsorship Target

James Ellington, the British sprinter who put himself on a eBay auction in a bid to gain sponsorship has already beaten his £30,000 reserve.

Ellington is the second fastest sprinter in the country, but the 26-year old lost out on sponsor backing after his career was blighted by four years of injury.

Despite having his best ever season and running the 200m in 20.52 seconds – the fastest time by a British athlete this year – he had no response to his calls for a sponsor.

Ellington, who has lived in Addiscombe for the past three years, put himself up for auction last week and with four days to go until the auction ends, bids already stand at £32,250.

He said: “I knew what I was doing was a unique thing that would attract some attention, but I didn’t realise how much I would get.

“On a lot of auctions, people can go crazy in the last 20 minutes, but I don’t know if it will happen with me, we will see.

“I am more than happy with the bid, £30,000 was the minimum I would need to train full time, anything else I get is a bonus.

“If the auction did go crazy and out of control, the extra money would be used after the Olympics for the Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships.”

The sprinter who works part-time coaching children, says he is committed to helping young people coming through the sport.

He said “I’m definitely positive in terms of educating the kids and being the spokesperson for people coming through the sport. Whoever bids is investing in something good.”