The athlete and the schoolteacher who made it all possible

400m runner Jessie Knight tells Adam LeRoux about a man she owes everything to, but has never had the opportunity to thank

Knight has gone from strength to strength (REUTERS)

Growing up, running fast wasn’t just something Jessie Knight did to win trophies and medals - it was the one opportunity she had to express herself.

It was the chance to recognise her own potential, and to have the confidence to believe in her own abilities, as well as connect with people – it brought her out of her shell.

From there, the Surrey-born star has glittered on the track, culminating in 400m gold at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow in February.