On your marks …

Jodie is a recovering heroin addict. Irene is a mere 79. Peta McGrath talks to some of the more unlikely entrants to this year's London Marathon.

Fit for life?

Britain's top athletes are on their marks for the 2004 Olympics, which begin on Friday. But how will training at an elite level affect them long-term? Diane Taylor asks four past medal-winners about their health now.

Faster, stronger, higher

The Olympic games begin in Athens on Friday, bringing together 10,000 elite competitors from around the world - and a host of officials trying to catch drug cheats. But is it really so wrong for an athlete to use performance-enhancing substances? In a controversial essay, sports academic Lincoln Allison argues that those who strive to be the best should do so by any means necessary.

Going the distance

At this year's London marathon, Fauja Singh aims to beat his best time of six hours. It seems a modest ambition - but then, he is 93. Anne Johnson finds out what drives him.