'Where you start does not decide where you end up'

"I want young people from backgrounds like mine to understand that where you start does not decide where you finish."

Demetrios Bradshaw, a former London 2012 Olympics coach who grew up in Mitcham, south-west London is sharing his story to show other young people they can succeed despite adversity.

Growing up, he and his family were temporarily homeless and his father died when he was a teenager, circumstances in which it would have been easy "to go down the wrong path".

But the 42-year-old went on to train alongside Britain's most successful gymnast, Max Whitlock, became a coach for Team Ireland and founded his own aviation firm.

Bradshaw lived in temporary accommodation after his parents lost their home when he was 10.

He was later lived in a council flat with his Cypriot mother after his father, who was from the West Indies, died about five years later.

However, during this period he attended Wimbledon College, where he was first introduced to gymnastics.

"I grew up in an environment where it would have been very easy to go down the wrong path," Bradshaw said.

"I saw how quickly life could go in a different direction, but sport gave me discipline, focus and a reason to stay on the right track."

Team Ireland equalled their best ever medal haul at London 2012, but would have to wait 12 more years to scoop their first gymnastics prize.

After leaving the world of sport, Bradshaw founded Aeras Aviation and, in March, advised Botswana's president on how to modernise its national airline.

He said his one-man operation has since grown into a global business employing almost 50 people.

"I always knew there was more to life," he added.

"If you stay focused, surround yourself with the right people and, more importantly, stay patient, anything is possible."

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