Becoming the leading competitor in your chosen sport sprint necessarily require rich parents investing in lessons and world class equipment. It might not even include all that much talent on your behalf. It all depends what your chosen event is.
A few years ago I entered the World Conker Championship in England and wasn’t all that far away from being crowned King Conker. It was for a magazine article I was writing and I got shown the door in the third round by the person who went on to win the title. But anyone could enter and it was down to a lot of chance. My conker exploded in my face when I landed a good hot on the opponent’s nut. It was tough luck.
As I put together my islands book, Treasured Islands, I ended up at Easedale Island in Scotland. Every September, would-be world champs head to a former slate quarry that now filled with water. When it’s their turn, they choose a piece of slate and skim it across the water, aiming to hit the wall on the other side. Around 300 attempt the challenge. Few make it. Those who do may become the World Skimming Chempion.
So you may have missed the boat to take on Wimbledon, but the boat to Easedale is still available to be booked. It’s another Treasured Island with a unique secret to discover and there’s plenty more in the book. Best of luck if you take on the Mission to become the champ of Conkers or skimming!
Peter Naldrett 