Sometimes I like to delve into the past, take a look at success in its inception. Either by asking where it all began, or trying to catch a successful musician or actor just at that point where they are on the cusp of greatness. But then it dawned on me: to really grasp where success comes from, who better to canvass than the parents? And in this instance, with Father’s Day… Continue Reading Bill Whiddon
#RoadtoRio: Part 3
Lewis Hamilton once said of team mate Nico Rossberg: “We are not friends. We are colleagues.” That might have come during one of the more fractious points of their delicate working relationship, but without a doubt, for two sportsmen locked in competition day in, day out, maintaining a workable bond has proven as precipitous as any of the hairpin bends they must negotiate come race day. In her book On The… Continue Reading #RoadtoRio: Part 3
Giorgio Sanna
Walking the Lamborghini paddocks at Silverstone, past the immaculate trucks and pristine garage areas, there’s a fragrance on the wind: the sweet stench of burnt petrol mingled with something redolent of expensive cologne. I wonder if the air circulating all Italian race teams is similarly freighted but no: this, I am sure, is the inimitable aroma of Lamborghini – a perfectly balanced cocktail of brute power and style, order and flair.… Continue Reading Giorgio Sanna
Road to Rio Part 2
Ever wondered what it takes to become an Olympian? Cue a string of metaphors: iron resolve, pit-bull tenacity, herculean effort. I’m a writer so I should be at home with the occasional analogy and a little creative rhetoric, but the truth is I can’t come up with anything that doesn’t sound clichéd. And that, frankly, does an injustice to those athletes who compete at the very pinnacle of their sport.… Continue Reading Road to Rio Part 2
Esther Akihary: Road to Rio Part 1
Fast Facts: Pursuit: Sprinter, Vitality Coach, Rio 2016 Hopeful! Definition of success: “if you know that you’ve done everything within your own power to reach a goal you set, you’re already successful.” I think it started in Beijing for me. Or possibly Athens. I told my family: ‘We’re going to the next Olympics.’ But 2008 rolled by and the closest to the action we got was a few metres from… Continue Reading Esther Akihary: Road to Rio Part 1
Basheerah Ahmad
Fast Facts: Pursuit: Celebrity fitness expert, ‘The International Sporty Girl’. Definition of success: “Lead the life that brings you the most joy while helping others improve their quality of life in some way.” As a journalist I often imagine that serendipitous situation: bumping into a prospective guest on the street, firing off a few extemporary questions, retreating to the keyboard to commence transcription. It doesn’t happen like that, and it’s certainly not… Continue Reading Basheerah Ahmad
Ato Boldon
Fast Facts: Pursuit: Four-time Olympic medal winner, World Champion, IAAF Ambassador, NBC Broadcaster etc.. Definition of success: “Success is when someone pays you well to do something you’d do for free.” Sunday 12th August 2001. Edmonton, Canada: arena for the IAAF World Championships. At a few minutes after 5pm sprinters from eight nations settle into their starting blocks for the 4×100 metre relay. USA are favourites, and although they will subsequently be… Continue Reading Ato Boldon
Christine Ohuruogu
Fast Facts: Pursuit: Olympic and World Champion 400m runner, British record holder. Definition of success: “The culmination of good planning, good focus and good drive.” What can you expect from an Olympic, World and Commonwealth 400 metre champion? Answer: a blur. Somewhat fittingly, then, I managed to catch said athlete for but a brief moment as she flew by in her manic schedule. Nonetheless, I’m happy to say she found time to… Continue Reading Christine Ohuruogu
Trent Whiddon & Gordana Grandosek
Fast Facts: Pursuit: Professional dance couple Definition of success: “Being able to do what you love every day.” If you’re a Brit like me, you probably know Trent Whiddon as the professional dance partner of Pixie Lott on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. But this is merely a veneer, below which you’ll find layer upon layer of achievement and success. You’ll also find a real-life partner, Gordana, whose role in the duo… Continue Reading Trent Whiddon & Gordana Grandosek
Evan Jarvis
Fast Facts: Pursuit: Poker player, tutor, mentor, tournament winner. Definition of success: “Adding value to the world.” Do you like poker? I do. I mean – I really do. Playing with friends and family, on-line – you name it, I’m into it. When I open up YouTube I’m assailed by countless suggestions for World Series of Poker videos I ought to watch. In fact, when I went to Las Vegas for… Continue Reading Evan Jarvis