'Athletics was my first love. It's never a sacrifice, always a privilege' - Ambitious Millet aiming for the top 

In a few months’ time, 21-year-old long jumper Ruby Millet will wrap up her degree in mathematical science and physics at UCC, and that’s where things could get tricky.

SOARING: Long jumper Ruby Millet of St Abbans AC, Carlow, in attendance during the 123.ie National Junior and U23 Indoor Championships media day at the National Indoor Arena. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

The biggest jump of all is the one up ahead, looming large on Ruby Millet’s horizon. 

In a few months’ time, the 21-year-old long jumper will wrap up her degree in mathematical science and physics at UCC, and that’s where things could get tricky. This is the point where so many promising careers in Irish athletics fall off the tracks – the rigours of elite-level training often incompatible with the modern-day workplace.