Statham grew up in Norfolk, England. During his school years he was part of the soccer team, but the sport he actually excelled in was diving. He was actually a professional diver and he even participated in major tournaments and was part of the British National Swimming Team for 12 years. Thanks to a fashion agent who saw him while he was training, Statham got into modeling. During that time, while working for different brands, he got an audition for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels by British director Guy Ritchie, who offered him the first role of his career, that of the character called Bacon. The film was a success for both Ritchie and Statham, launching them to fame.