Christine Ohuruogu, 23, was born in east London, where she still lives. She represented Britain at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne won the 400m gold medal. That year, after missing three out-of-competition drug tests, she was banned from competing for 12 months. Once the ban was lifted, she won the only gold medal for Britain at the 2007 athletics World Championships and last Tuesday won Olympic gold in Beijing.
When were you happiest?
When I graduated in 2005 and all seven siblings came – it was great having everyone together.
What is your greatest fear?
Underachievement.
What is your earliest memory?
Christmas when I was three.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
My training support team – they don’t get to stand on the podium, but are key to making it all possible.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am a worrier.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Selfish behaviour.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I was reversing my Alfa Romeo at the track the other day and just couldn’t fit in the space. A learner came up next to me and parked first time.
What is your most treasured possession?
Jewellery given me by my family.
Where would you like to live?
I love living in London. With the regeneration in the lead up to 2012, it is a great city to live in.
What would your super power be?
Being invisible would be fun.
What makes you depressed?
Sad films and songs.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I tend to frown a lot.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Angela Bassett.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I pick at my nails.
What is your favourite smell?
Fresh laundry.
What is your favourite book?
Half Of A Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
I try not to dwell on negative comments.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Ice cream!
What do you owe your parents?
Money.
To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
I like to think I say sorry when it is due.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My family.
What does love feel like?
I will let you know when I get married.
Which living person do you most despise, and why?
I wouldn’t want to narrow it down to one person, but I despise meanness as a trait in people.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
‘Really’ and ‘It will sort itself out’.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
I haven’t had any awful jobs, although none has been particularly glamorous. My first job was at London Arena, working in the burger van.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
My AS-level results. I’d worked so hard but my grades didn’t reflect that.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I wouldn’t change anything – it hasn’t been perfect, but I have learned from my mistakes.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Probably to nursery school: everything was fun and uncomplicated.
When did you last cry, and why?
From laughter – my brother did something stupid.
How do you relax?
I either watch a DVD or read a book.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
My last hills session!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Becoming world 400m champion.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worry.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I will leave that for someone else to decide.
How would you like to be remembered?
As an honest and hardworking person who loved life.
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