Lee Thompson relishing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

There are few people who can sell you a sofa and then run faster than the lorry delivering it, but Lee Thompson is no ordinary salesman.

The Sheffield speedster is part of the British 4x400m relay team at this month’s World Athletics Championships after battling his way back to the top of the sport.

The 28-year-old suffered a lull in his career following the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, but after a brilliant 2025 season, Thompson heads back to the Japanese capital with a new sense of perspective.

And while juggling life as an elite athlete with full-time employment at furniture retailer DFS provides its own challenges, Thompson believes the 9-5 grind gives him a unique advantage.

“I’m not going to complain about working full-time, I’m never going to be stressed in terms of after I quit the sport, thinking, ‘what am I going to do?’,” said Thompson, who trains 20 hours a week on the track and in the gym on top of his job.

“Having the two helps, work is a good outlet to forget about the sport. From the opposite point of view, athletics is a good outlet to forget about work as well. It's quite a good balance.

“I’m thankful that I’ve made the team and I’m very proud of myself that I’ve done it working full-time too, but the pressure is off a little bit. Whether I run well or run bad, I’ve still got to log on at work on a Monday, so I’m just going to enjoy it.”

Thompson was a late bloomer when it comes to athletics, only taking up the sport aged 16 after originally playing football during his early life.

But the switch brought about success with 4x400m relay gold at the European Under-23 Championships in 2017 and places at the 2019 World Athletics Championships and Tokyo Olympics soon following.

However, Thompson, who started out at Rotherham Harriers & Athletics Club, explained his career renaissance following a dip in performances post 2021 was down to a change in outlook.

“This year I’ve finally started realising my potential,” he continued, speaking at a Novuna-backed British camp – with the company financing the ambitions of millions across the UK, from helping business grow and individuals plan for the future, to backing British Athletics on the global stage.

“I was putting a lot of pressure on myself after making the World Champs in 2019 and the Olympics in 2021. I had the expectation on myself I should be making those events. That additional pressure did not work for me. Now, my mindset is athletics is a hobby, and I have a lot of fun with the racing.”

Looking ahead to the flagship event, Thompson knows Great Britain can mix it with the world’s best and is quietly confident his team can top the podium.

He added: “We’ve got a great squad, and I think it's capable of winning both relays. If I can support that team and get a run in there somewhere to show what I’m capable of, and bring back a medal, I’ll be happy.”

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