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27 June 2012

49.61 seconds with Christine Ohuruogu

Gold medallist and Team GB runner Christine Ohuruogu MBE took the gold medal in the 400m at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The Games are set to be an emotional time for the sprinter, who grew up in Streatham, not far from the Olympic Stadium.

Ohuruogu, 28, is hoping that both her faith and her preparation will see her take home her second consecutive gold medal in an Olympic Games.

With a personal best of 49.61 seconds, she is the third fastest British 400m female runner, behind Katharine Merry and Kathy Cook.

She spent a few seconds with us before The Games begin.

idea:What does having the Olympics in your home town mean to you?

The Olympic Games in London is going to be a great event. I am really looking forward to it.

How do you deal with failure?

Success and failure are part of life.  I try to maintain a positive outlook and use my experiences to do better the next time.

What one thing can't you live without when you're competing?

I think that would be my Adidas spikes – they are specially made for my feet.

If you couldn't be an athlete, what career path would you have chosen?

I think I would have gone into teaching or working with children.

How do you deal with the pressure of being an Olympic hopeful?

I am quite used to it now. I am looking forward to defending my Olympic title in London.

How do you relax?

I like to spend time with my family – my brothers and sister always make me laugh.

What frustrates you?

Injury.

Who inspires you?

Lots of different people depending on the situation!

When you look back on your life, what do you hope you will have achieved?

I hope I will have made a positive contribution to the people I have been around.

What do you think the opportunity for the Church is with the Olympics right on our doorsteps?

There will be people visiting London from all parts of the world and all different faiths. It will be a good chance for everyone to come together to discuss common issues.

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