Life and times . . .

1960: Born in St Andrews, Jamaica, April 2nd.

1980: First appearance for British team.

1986: Won the European 200 metres indoor title.

Second in Commonwealth Games 100 metres, won by Canada's Ben Johnson.

Won European 100 metres title.

1987: Third in world championships 100 metres.

1988: Finished third but moved up to silver medal position in Olympic 100 metres after winner Johnson tested positive for steroids and stripped of title.

1990: Wins Commonwealth Games 100 metres.

Wins European 100 metres title.

1991: Fourth in world championships 100 metres, setting European record time of 9.92 seconds.

1992: Clocks time of 9.96 to become oldest man, aged 32, to win Olympic 100 metres title.

1993: Wins world 100 metres title in European record 9.87.

1994: Retains European 100 metres title.

Retains Commonwealth Games 100 metres title in 9.91.

1995: Takes first world record of career, 20.25 seconds in indoor 200 metres, aged 34.

1996: Disqualified for two false starts in Olympic 100 metres final.

1997: Officially retires from top class sprinting. Begins new career as a coach.

1998: Wins £40,000 pounds in libel case over magazine article which alleged he had taken performance-enhancing drugs.