How dreams became reality as Team GB stars head to Tokyo Olympics

The pain of the pandemic postponing the Olympic Games has only ensured numerous phone calls received by British athletes on Tuesday were that much sweeter.

With the dust settled after a thrilling weekend of trials, where the athletes brilliantly seized back the focus after a squabble over television rights, 65 more tickets to Tokyo were handed out.

Confirmation arrived that Dina Asher-Smith, the face of British athletics, will attempt to win a gold treble in Japan in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. Her stardom, in the absence of Sir Mo Farah, who failed to secure a qualifying standard for the Games, could define the British success this summer.

Laura Muir is also pursuing multiple medals in the 800m and 1,500m, and there are more established names in the shape of Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Adam Gemili, who makes a third Games. But the magic of this announcement is made with those characters who would not look out of place to many while logging miles at their local park.

And yet they may well charm a fan on their sofa from nearly 6,000 miles away, leaving a legacy that will last a lifetime, inspiring thousands and immortalising their names in the history of British sport.

Notably, Phil Norman, who will compete in the 3,000 Steeplechase alongside Zak Seddon. Norman’s journey has been far from straight forward or expected, despite his talent.

A 10-year relationship with the sport was abruptly ended at the age of 18 as the love and passion dissipated. But seven years later, Norman rediscovered the fire in his belly, harnessing that drive to catapult himself to Tokyo after grafting for six years.

Many of these British athletes cannot rely on funding and Norman is a prime example, juggling a full time job, with a baby boy - the sacrifices are real.

“Every athlete and their support network should be incredibly proud of their achievement during a challenging last 18 months,” UK Athletics’ Olympic Head Coach Christian Malcolm said. “As we saw from the high-quality British Athletics Championships and Trials at the weekend, a number of athletes stepped up and delivered exceptional performances to earn their nomination to Team GB.

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“To represent your country at an Olympic Games is an incredibly rewarding achievement, whether you have competed at a Games previously or if this is your first call-up. My message to those athletes nominated is enjoy this moment and keep your focus in these last few weeks as we countdown to the Games.”

That last sentence from Malcolm is especially poignant, while there will be expectation, few generations have ever been tasked with as much hardship given the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To clinch a berth at the Games has been made that much more sweeter and with it might almost come relief and newfound composure on the big stage.

The pedigree of these athletes vary wildly, of course, but the immense glory of dominating the world stage can be matched by the stunning upset to pinch an unlikely bronze, or even simply making a final from humble beginnings after navigating a world class field throughout the fiercely competitive heats.

So while Tuesday’s confirmation transforms dreams into reality today, it also evokes pride that will resonate over the coming weeks and beyond.