I held the world record for about five minutes this morning, but it is time to put that behind me now. The home crowd made its love for TeamGB quite vocal a few moments ago, but it is time to put that behind me too. I pass the guide strap to Mikhail and try to quiet the familiar turmoil in my stomach as we wait together.

CRACK

We leap from the blocks. My right leg lands first and I drive through with the left, then right, then left: gaining speed with every stride.

Mikhail nudges me a little to the right as we power down the track. He matches my every movement, our arms and legs moving in perfect harmony, counterpoint to the amorphous roar that still pulls us forwards. Pace after pace after pace until suddenly he lets me go and we’re across the line.

I come to a stop and Mikhail catches up with me, telling me that we didn’t win. We embrace and wait for the scoreboard. Silver medal and lifetime best 12.13 seconds. I raise my arms to salute the crowd. Job well done, I think.