My family actually lived in the same village for about 400 years. They had great stability until the last century. People lived and intermarried in small villages.

The mile has all the elements of a drama.

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.

Sport, like all of life, is about taking your chances.

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.

If I faltered, there would be no arms to hold me and the world would be a cold and forbidding place.

I've always been very impatient. At age 10 I frankly found life boring, and I can remember age 9 having the awful thought, as it seems now looking back on it, A war! That should liven things up a bit!