Team GB's Martyn Rooney aims to succeed in the face of London rioters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Runner Martyn Rooney has said he will make his Olympic performance count a year after rioters devastated his local borough of Croydon.
Rooney, who races in round one of the men’s 400 metres on Saturday, said he was “pissed off” and “embarrassed” as he watched the looting in Croydon on TV last year.
The 25-year-old athlete had moved to Loughborough to train but his parents, Liam, a carpenter, and Marie, a primary school assistant, still live in Thornton Heath. Rooney, who attended St James the Great RC Primary School and then John Fisher School in Purley, was devastated when rioters burned down furniture store Reeves Corner, where he was revered by longest-serving member of staff, Ron Hillman.
He said: “I was just really sad. I’d brought my sofa from Reeves Corner the year before and the guy was an athletics fan and gave me a discount.”
Rooney — who is also part of the 4x400 metre relay squad with Lewisham’s Conrad Williams — now wants to focus fully on performing in the Olympic stadium.
He said: “It’s an amazing opportunity.
“I went to Beijing and I loved it but it was a foreign land, now it’s in London and I know my way around — you’ve got to make it count and do your best. I can’t turn up there and not give it everything.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments