'Pimps are More Tough-type Guys. I'm an Owner of an Escort Agency'

So what does a world-class athlete do when he needs to raise funds for an Olympic bid?

Why, become a pimp, of course.

NEW Zealand martial arts champion Logan Campbell has turned to prostitution to fund his London Olympics campaign.

Campbell, who finished in the top 16 in the taekwondo featherweight division at the Beijing Olympics, has set up a "high-class gentleman's club" with a friend in Auckland.

He said he had taken the decision to set up the business after his Beijing campaign cost about $121,000, mostly funded by his parents.

Campbell insisted yesterday he was not a "pimp" in the traditional sense.

"When people think of a pimp they think of a guy standing around on a street corner with gold chains," he said. "Pimps are more tough-type guys. I'm an owner of an escort agency."

Asked if he was bringing his sport into disrepute, Campbell said: "Some people on the team will not think highly of me for doing this. If they saw this place and how it's operated, they'd change their mind."

Campbell said his parents had been supportive of his business plan.

"Mum was hesitant but she met the girls, a couple came over to her house and she was sweet as," he said.

"She realised they were just normal people supporting their kids and stuff."

But Campbell may not get the same support from the national governing body Taekwondo New Zealand. TNZ officials said that Campbell's business would be taken into account when considering him for selection.

He should probably put the ladies to work on helping him out.