http://sport.guardian.co.uk/athletics/story/0,10082,1473619,00.html
Duncan Mackay Saturday April 30, 2005 The Guardian Iwan Thomas's coach has severed his relationship with him after the runner decided to take part in ITV's new reality show Celebrity Wrestling. Nick Dakin felt appearing on the programme - which started last Saturday and in which the Welshman competes under the name Dragon - was incompatible with being an elite athlete. "He didn't want me to do it and we argued about it, so we're no longer together," said Thomas. "He said you can't do both, but I disagreed. Athletics hasn't always been good to me; I still have goals but I'm hoping to develop a career in television as well." Mainly because of injuries, Thomas has failed to fulfil the potential he showed in 1998 when he won the European and Commonwealth 400m titles. Dakin wanted the 31-year-old to concentrate on what remains of his career. "Basically I gave Iwan the choice because I don't believe that to get to where he wants to be as an athlete, running sub-45 seconds, that he can do both," said Dakin. "I understand his ambitions and at this stage of his career he needs to look ahead. Top-level athletics requires total commitment." Insurers were also worried about Thomas's decision to compete in the series and refused to give him any cover. "I had to self-insure to be allowed on the programme," he admitted. ENDS
