For a man living on sickness benefit, Marcus Adam looked to be in remarkably good health at the AAA Indoor Championships in England last week. On the weekend of Linford Christie's failed comeback, the man once tipped him to follow in his footsteps shot to the top of the world rankings with victory in the 200 metres.

Adam claims to have difficulty breathing, but still managed to run 20.77 seconds, taking 0.07 off Jamie Baulch's championship record. It earned him selection for the World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan next month.

Unfortunately, Adam could not attend the subsequent press conference to announce the team. The 30-year-old was due with his GP for a check-up on bronchial problems caused by asbestos in his flat in Hackney which prevents him from working.

"I have one good day and then a couple of bad ones," Adam said. "Some days I'm spaced out and can't do anything. I can't understand why I'm running so fast because I haven't done the work. It must be something to do with my carefree attitude. I'm shocked I can still do this, but natural talent does not leave you overnight."