ATHLETE Darren Campbell's mum has always been proud of her son's achievements - but today she's ecstatic!

As Darren sprinted his way to a silver medal in the men's 200 metres at the Sydney Olympics - and the promise of riches to come - Marva Campbell said: "Money has never meant much to us and doesn't today. I just want my boy to be happy."

Marva, who spotted Darren's talents as a scrawny six-year-old at a school sports day, watched her son's silver success on TV. She invited the M.E.N. into her living room to share in the biggest day of the family's life.

Marva, along with Darren's sister Sophie, watched with passion and pride as the 27-year-old athlete, not tipped to win a medal before the race, powered his way to glory. They gripped each other's hands as the former Sale Harrier ran the race of his life.

"I knew he was strong," said Marva. "I'm very proud of him and I knew he could do it. I spoke to him last night and he said he was confident, but he didn't want to make a big thing of it. He said he knew he was going to do it."

Marva kept calm during the race, in stark contrast to Sophie, who exploded with joy as her brother scorched across the line. "I really didn't think he was going to do it until he clocked his personal best in the heat," she said. "Then I thought he could do it and I'm really proud."

Marva and Sophie said they would be waiting for Darren's homecoming to really celebrate. Darren is expected back in Manchester a week tomorrow after leaving Sydney and racing in Qatar.