100 Team GB contenders for London 2012: Lisa Dobriskey

Athletics (1500m)

Born: 23/12/83

Career highlights

Dobriskey has become a world-class runner despite being told as a child that she would never walk properly. A surprise Commonwealth champion in 2006, she earned World Championship silver in 2009 (following the disqualification of winner Natalia Rodriguez), and five days later in Zurich broke the four-minute barrier to move second behind Kelly Holmes on the British all-time ranking list.

Born with what she calls "dodgy hips" and an in-turning left foot, her mum made her wear her shoes on the wrong feet to try and correct the problem.

Other career

Dobriskey was catapulted into medal contention at the 2008 Olympics when four of the world's top seven athletes tested positive for banned substances, but she finished an agonising fourth.

She was tipped for European gold in 2010 but came fourth again, two seconds outside of her personal best. Having struggled with a back problem earlier in the season, she then pulled out of the Commonwealth Games to rest on doctors' advice.

She finished second last in her heat at the 2011 World Championships and was knocked out in the semi-finals in 2007 after losing a shoe.

Did you know?

Since 2008 she has carried an old penny as a lucky charm; it was found at the site of the main 2012 Olympic stadium by her father, Mike, who was part of the decontamination team helping to prepare the area.

She is coached by her husband, 800m runner Ricky Soos.