Two-time European Indoor 400m champion David Gillick who recorded a world lead 400m indoor time at the weekend tackled the spikesmag.com pop quiz with all the charm and wit you'd expect of an Irishman. Enjoy!

What did you have for breakfast today?
My usual. Porridge and a smoothie with protein in it.

If anyone could play you in a film, who would it be?
I'd say Russell Crowe or someone like that - a hard man.

What is the weirdest thing a fan has ever said to you?
One of the funniest things was an Irish lad came up to me when I was on holiday in Thailand and said ‘I'll race you'. We drew up a track of about 50m or so in the sand and he beat me. I'd had a few beers by then but I couldn't live it down for the next few days... I couldn't believe it.

What's the least favourite part of my body?
I'd be very cocky if I said nothing, so I'd have to say something. My ears. I was slagged off when I was a kid for having big ears. I was then told my head grew into my ears.

What was your first car?
Actually, luckily enough it was a sponsored car... a Toyota. That was pretty nifty, but I also remember before then driving around in my mum's little red Micra.

Who was your most impressive teacher at school and why?
It was a fellow called Mr Fitzgerald. He was good crack and good fun, he was down to earth. He would come in and talk about sex... we had him for maths and religion. He treated us like adults.

What's the one thing you have to take with you around the circuit?
My diary. I have a diary where I log my training and things like that. I have to have it with me. I'm big on to the mental side [of athletics] as well and I think it is important to write stuff down.

Have any superstitions?
I probably do the same things the night before I race. I have my shower and then saying certain things to myself to motivate myself. It's just your usual ‘come on'.

Which nation has the coolest kit?
As an Irish fellow, I can't say Great Britain. The Aussies kit wasn't bad out in Beijing. Jamaica's is always quite a cool one to have.

Is there any other athletics event you would like to star at?
I think a long jumper. It's fast and it's powerful and it is great to watch. You are out there for so long you can pose around. For the 400m you are only out there for 40-odd seconds. If you do a field event you are out there for a while.

If you weren't an athlete what would you be doing?
A lot of people in Ireland would be finishing university and travelling around Australia at my age so if I wasn't an athlete I'd probably be down at Bondi Beach.

What's the worst thing you've ever worn?
In England the people are a little bit more outgoing with fashion [than in Ireland] and few years ago I went out with a shirt and tie. Your worst fashion mistakes are always when your mate's give you stick. The tie put it over the edge, although I probably ended the night with it over my head.

Do you have a favourite holiday destination?
Galway, Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands.

Can you describe your perfect day?
Having a hard session and knowing you've done well. As an athlete we are happiest when we are training and most happy when training is going well.