Ref. 72982-11a Matt O'Dowd pictured during his winning run in the Swindon half marathon earlier this monthOLYMPIC athlete Matt O'Dowd needs a helping hand to reach the top.

The Swindon-born long-distance runner, who represented Britain at the Olympic games in Athens, has the world at his feet according to his trainer but he is struggling to make ends meet.

Matt, 28, who currently works at Loughborough University, said: "I'm a lecturer at the moment, but because it's part-time I don't get paid during the holidays. It's good in one sense because I can concentrate on my running, but I have no income then."

He is looking for help with his living and training costs.

"It's a chicken-and-egg situation. When athletes are very good there is quite a lot of money that they can earn, but if you want to reach that level you can't do it if you are working a lot of hours. You almost have to quit your job, which would leave you in the position of having no money."

Matt believes that a business sponsorship would have benefits for all concerned and he could help a business by doing talks, corporate days and advertising.

His trainer, Bruce Tulloh himself a former Olympic athlete says the hard-working athlete is struggling to juggle his work with his rigorous training regime.

Now the pair hope a local firm will offer Matt a sponsorship deal to ease his financial woes.

Mr Tulloh, who scooped gold in the 1962 European Games, has trained Matt since he was 18.

"I have known the lad for 10 years and I think there is every chance that he'll go on to become a world-class runner," he said. "Matt is very level-headed. He doesn't expect to be living a life of luxury, but he tells me that he is struggling to find enough time to train. He receives a grant from Adidas for which he is very grateful, but it's not enough to pay the bills."

Crunch time for the former Commonweal School pupil comes next April when he lines up for the 2005 London Marathon. Depending on his finish time, he could find himself selected to run in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Melbourne, Australia.

Mr Tulloh said: "He has to work extremely hard between now and then. But he has bags of natural ability I saw that straight away.

"I am confident that he can complete the marathon in less than two hours and 10 minutes. That would give him an excellent chance of being picked for the three-man England team.

"Having a world-class athlete would do Swindon a lot of good. It would be great if a local firm could play a role in that."

Matt's mum, Karen, 49, said: "Matt has never once forgotten his roots. He is proud to say he's from Swindon and comes back home whenever he can. He has had offers from other running clubs, but he's staying put with his local running club, Swindon Harriers."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Matt should call Mr Tulloh on 01672 562571.

Kevin Shoemsith