Boris Austin by Fabiola Barragan

Boris Austin

He found that some of the world-class athletes were guarded and difficult to approach. But during one of this visits, he had a chance meeting with UK athletics coach Julie Hollman. She granted him access to a few of the athletes.

Manu of the women he met were heptathletes, who compete in seven track and field’s events: 200-meter dash, 800-meter run, 100-meter hurdles, the shot put, the javelin throw, the jump and the long jump.

A few have had moderate successes at events such as the Commonwealth Games. But they’re not guaranteed to quality for the Olympics. In fact, most, if not all, will fall short of their goals.

Adding to the pressure, many of these players aren’t sponsored. Some have support from their families. Others work odd jobs to raise funds and pay for their training.

They’re struggling not only to complete but to financially support their dreams of becoming an Olympic Athlete.