DESPITE qualifying for the Olympics, champion hurdler Anthony Borsumato is living on credit after his Lottery funding was withdrawn.

While the 26-year-old is among the pride of Teesside sportsmen, he is forced to scrimp and save to make ends meet.

Since his funding was terminated, he has been forced to set up his own computer firm with another impoverished athlete, giving him even less time to train.

His coach Jean Simmons said: "A lot of the British Team are in the same position.

"I think to succeed in any sport, you've got to be able to do it full time," but their biggest worry is how they are going to live."

Anthony became hooked on athletics as a schoolboy at Middlesbrough's St David's Secondary School.

He started running with the Mandale Harriers and excelled at a variety of events, including reaching the finals of the English Schools' High-jumping Championships, before settling with the hurdles.

His journey to Olympic glory started when he joined the prestigious Sale Harriers two years ago.

Anthony's mother Catherine, who lives at Merrington Avenue, in Acklam, Middlesbrough, said a lack of money has made pursuing his dreams a near-impossible struggle.

She added: "He doesn't get any funding from anywhere. He still lives at home because he has nothing at all.