Alex Nelson competed in the 200m at the Beijing Olympics in 2008

Alex Nelson has secured a five-year sponsorship deal with local businessman Mo Chaudhry to help fund his training.

The Stoke-on-Trent sprinter, 20, lost his funding from UK Athletics after struggling with injury during 2009.

Nelson said: "These funds will enable me to fly out to Arizona for warm-weather training. Without Mo's help it simply would not be happening.

"It's always good to know that people in the local community are behind what I'm trying to do."

Nelson continued: "Knowing that the funds are there has allowed me to let the financial side of being a full-time athlete to take a back seat, so that I can concentrate on making the right steps towards my future goals."

Chaudry added: "This is an opportunity to support a supremely talented local athlete, who has the potential to put Stoke-on-Trent on the map in a big way."

Nelson was part of Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and is hopeful of being involved in both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

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