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Statham's journey to fame began far from the glitz of Hollywood. Growing up in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, he developed early interests in sports, particularly swimming and martial arts. This passion led him to represent England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games as a member of Britain’s National Swimming Squad, cultivating discipline and focus that would later characterize his film roles.
However, the struggle to earn a living pushed him to work as a street seller in London, hawking various items to make ends meet. It was during this time that a talent scout noticed him at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, leading to an unexpected opportunity that would change the trajectory of his life.
Enter Guy Ritchie