I came from such a simple origin, without any great privilege, and I would say I also wanted to make a mark. It wasn't until I was about 15 that I appeared in a race.

If there was the opportunity to climb a mountain, or to go ballooning, or some adventurous activity, I would always be keen to do it. I loved the countryside.

I came from such a simple origin, without any great privilege, and I would say I also wanted to make a mark. It wasn't until I was about 15 that I appeared in a race.

I found longer races boring. I found the mile just perfect.

My introduction to track racing was through the background of cross country running, which is not a sport perhaps as popular in America as it is in England.

My athleticism was really the core to social acceptance, because in those days the overwhelming number of students came from more of a public school background than I did.

It is the brain, not the heart or lungs, that is the critical organ.