How Emily Kay found inner strength to tackle Olympics in top gear

Kay has had 30 stitches in her face, she has had far too many concussions. The physical toll is one thing but it takes someone with considerable mental strength to face that.

‘I feel a huge amount of pride every time I get to wear the jersey,’ says Team Ireland track cyclist Emily Kay. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Emily Kay seems to cry a lot. She cried with pride after representing Ireland for the first time. She had a good sniffle after her second race in the green jersey, in New Zealand, didn’t go to plan. And she burst into tears when phoning her dad with the news that she had been selected for the Olympic Games.

As well we know, crying does not equate to soft or weak. And Emily Kay is anything but soft or weak.