When Rhasidat Adeleke told everyone why she’d miss next month’s World Championships, the reason was most likely just what she said.

In August 1985, Eamonn Coghlan, Marcus O’Sullivan, Frank O’Mara and Ray Flynn broke the world 4 x mile record at Belfield to raise money for famine ravaged Ethiopia. 

'When you need it the most, they’re not there,' Ciara Neville said of the system. 

As it was for Sarah Healy and Kate O’Connor, it might take many years, lots of luck, world-class support teams and a whole heap of heartbreak before they can enjoy a golden moment on the senior stage.

My dad's final day was spent doing two things he loved: visiting family and betting on horses. At 5.30 that evening, he strolled down to our local bookies in Limerick to place his last ever bet: a €1 Lucky 15 on four horses in Kempton.

David Brailsford will again pull the strings for the Jim Ratcliffe-owned Team Ineos Grenadiers at this year’s Tour de France, which starts in Lille today.

As Faith Kipyegon collapsed to the track, utterly spent, there was something so human and so vulnerable about this great champion.

The void can envelop those who spent so long striving towards a goal only to find themselves lost, and lacking in purpose, after they achieve it.

Over two months after Grand Slam Track's first event, many athletes have not received their full prize money from Kingston, though they’ve been assured they will get it.

Calling a time out to disrupt rivals, just like going down with cramp, is perfectly within the rules, even if it’s annoying as hell to opponents and many others.