Citius-Altius-Fortius …

Any debate about the BBC is likely to polarise opinions.

I’ve got the Today programme’s complaints email on speed dial and frequently use it when I’m about to blow a gasket.

Auntie may have its detractors, BUT it also provides some extraordinarily good output for less than the cost of a barista-quality coffee a week.

One of my immovable appointments with the Gogglebox is the Beeb’s Sports Personality of the Year, aired just before Christmas.

But I was horror-struck to find they’d quietly moved it to a weekday slot, usually a prelude to junking a well-loved programme.

At least, though, they’ve got rid of Gary Lineker.

SPOTY, as the BBC likes to call it, is a two-hour paean to all the very best that sport has provided over the year.

It celebrates all those remarkable sportsmen and women who train day in and day out to be and go Faster, Higher, and Stronger than we can ever believe possible.

And, as far as Keely Hodkinson (last month’s winner) is concerned, it’s all for one event.

Imagine turning out day after day, rain or shine, through pain and setback for one thousand, four hundred and sixty-one days for ONE shot at glory.

But if that’s what it takes to be the world’s best. That’s what she’s prepared to do.

A thought to hold as we start the year at a gallop with plans, goals and deadlines galore.

Whatever the doomsters and gloomsters, the doubters and naysayers might say, let’s look forward to smashing it this year.

Unlike our great athletes, we’ve got opportunities galore.

Have a great week, and, most importantly, have a great year.

Alec

Oh, and by the way; a very Happy New Year!

(Citius-Altius-Fortius – Faster, Higher, Stronger)