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It's top secret: UK 400m record-holder Iwan Thomas on medals, MasterChef and BMX

PUBLISHED: 18:24 EST, 21 March 2014 | UPDATED: 18:24 EST, 21 March 2014

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Who is your sporting hero?

I got into athletics quite late as I concentrated on BMX as a youngster, so the rider Andy Russell was my hero as a kid. I admire and respect all sportspeople as I know how hard they have to train to make it.

Changing face: Iwan Thomas has become a TV star after hanging up his running shoes

What would you be if you weren't a sportsman?

I wanted to be a stuntman or policeman, something wacky, nothing 9 to 5. I didn't dream of being in TV, but now I am I love it.

Career highlight?

The whole of the 1998 season when I won the triple - the European Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup.

... and the worst moment?

Every time I got injured and had to miss training.

Favourite: Celebrity Juice presenter Keith Lemon and team captains Holly Willoughby (left) and Fearne Cotton

If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?

That's a really hard one, I'd hate to lose my medals and I'd be gutted if I couldn't save my motorbike.

Favourite song?

Bedshaped by Keane.

TV show you can't miss?

Too many. My favourites are Celebrity Juice, Would I Lie To You?, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Gogglebox.

True story: Mark Wahlberg (right) in the film Lone Survivor

Last film you saw?

Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg. I like him and it was based on a true story from the war in Afghanistan. It was action-packed, which I love.

Which three people would you invite for the perfect dinner date?

Jimmy Carr, because he makes me laugh and, having met him a couple of times, he is as funny in real life as he is on telly. Mel C is a great mate who not only gets my love of sport but we share a sense of humour. And Valentino Rossi. As a fan of Moto GP, I'd love to see what makes Rossi tick. To win that many titles and remain motivated means he's got to have some decent stories! I'm working on this season's Moto GP with BT Sport, so looking forward to getting involved.

Can you cook? Best dish?

I can cook. I was the runner-up on MasterChef and really got the cooking bug but must admit I don't do much now.

Dinner date: Comedian Jimmy Carr would entertain the guests

Your favourite holiday destination?

It wasn't really a holiday but I trained and competed in Australia and love the country.

In a film of your life, who would YOU like to play you?

Paul Bettany, because people say he is one per cent me.

Tell us a secret . . .

As a kid I travelled the world competing in BMX competitions, including world championships. The sport wasn't nearly as cool then as it is now and I crashed out too many times in finals, so gave up.

Iwan is an Ambassador for SPOGO the Sport and Fitness finder (www.spogo.co.uk), a new digital service designed to enable people to find sports and physical activities in their area easily. Delivered on behalf of Sport England by ukactive, using a Sport England lottery grant.