"In the past, I admit, I have not been a strong supporter of our top footballers, who seem to get pai..." — Tanni Grey-Thompson

The general public does not really understand what athletes do away from competition time. They know there will be some exertion involved, of course, but the finer detail passes them by.

The reality for most athletes is that they have to deal with the wrath of the media only after they have performed, not in the final weeks of preparation when they may be at their most vulnerable.

As the Paralympics has evolved and the profile has increased, the coverage has been greater, and there are more Paralympians receiving awards than ever before.

No one should be expected to do more than they can remember, which for me would be about five things at a time. This is why I write lists.