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'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' wrote Charles Dickens, but this canonical line could well have been penned by Georgia Nicholson, Lady Bird, or any other coming-of-age protagonist. Adolescence is tough enough without international selection, age group championships, and the expectation of massively-invested athletics' fans to contend with. Being a prodigious youngster is no easy feat: just look at Jodie Williams, who had to compete with the moniker of 'Moneylegs', or the many US collegiate athletes who've buckled beneath gruelling schedules and meteoric ascents into the track and field spotlight. There are pitfalls aplenty, and it's a perilous transition to navigate.

That said, it can be an exhilarating journey, if you remain healthy and happy, and your progress well managed. Wunderkids Jakob Ingebrigsten and Mondo Duplantis blew our minds in Berlin. Niamh Emerson PBs for fun, and seems as unbothered by competing against seniors as Jody and Bayo are by the fact they can't remember their own Twitter handle two years into this podcast. NCAA athletes routinely post times and marks which would not only win British Champs, but break national records in most countries. Imagine having all the promise of Imani-Lara Lansiquot, or of Katelyn Tuohy. Emerging stars are thrilling prospects.

A double-edged sword, then, and one we loved discussing in this week's 'Young Guns' special (cue the 'Wham' soundtrack...). Listen out for our three guests - each major talents in their own right - who shed a lot of light on what it's like to *be* a Team GB junior with very real potential on the senior global stage. 

We're hugely grateful to each of them for giving us their time and insight, and to you for listening. Please keep the feedback and tweets coming - we love them: @Claire_GThomas & @BackstraightB. Realistically, we can't all be prodigies, but nothing softens that blow like a stat book and retro pin badge, so keep the reviews coming if you'd like some goodies... 

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