SPORT tends to be about the big picture. You know that. But often the reward comes from the little details that stick with you forever, that you can’t get out of your head. That was something we remembered this week with the results of a scientific study about female sports success.

Two weeks ago China basketball star Yao Ming broke his left foot while playing for the Houston Rockets of the NBA, provoking hysteria among Chinese fans fearful the 7’ 6” centre will miss September’s World Championships. Michael Moynihan found out Yao was bred to carry the hopes of the nation from communism through to the free market.