When someone climbs onto the top step after their shot-putting efforts in Japan today, we will be expected to believe they’ve achieved something superhuman and incredible. That they’ve beaten all-comers to take the most coveted prize in sport. Olympic gold. But, in fact, what they’ll have done is beaten the other lady prison officers from around the world who share their weird passion.
I’m aware, of course, that back in the Fifties, when people in the Soviet satellite states used to mate with tractors, there were many cube-shaped competitors who were ideally suited to the ancient sport of seeing who could throw a cannonball the furthest. But not any more.
Have you ever met a shot-puttist? I know I haven’t. I’ve never even met someone
