• London 2012 Olympics

No regrets over turning down 'golden ticket' - Greene

ESPN staff
November 19, 2011
Dai Greene on choosing athletics over football

Dai Greene insists he has no regrets about turning his back on football in favour of athletics.

The world 400m hurdles champion, who is bidding to add Olympic gold to his collection at London 2012, having already won titles at the European and World Championships, and Commonwealth Games in the last 18 months, turned down a contract at Swansea City when he was 16.

Greene, whose childhood hero was Welsh winger Ryan Giggs, played in the Swansea City youth side, was offered a professional contract, but instead decided to turn his attentions to track and field. And Greene, who was a guest at Swansea's Premier League clash against champions Manchester United, is confident he made the right decision.

"I played here for a number of years, between the ages of 11 and 17 I think, so I have got fond memories of being involved in the club," Greene told ESPN.

"I got offered the youth contract, I guess it's the golden ticket for any youngster but I turned it down, I wasn't enjoying it at the time and I haven't looked back since.

"I have no regrets really. I have fond memories of being at the club but my decision to take up athletics I think worked out alright in the end."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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