While the world of athletics waited for Kelly Holmes to make a decision on whether to run the 800m and 1,500m at the Athens Olympics, readers of the Kent and Sussex Courier had exclusive access to her thoughts.

Medal hope Kelly had decided to steer clear of the media circus while she pondered the dilemma.

But, as usual, the Tonbridge-based athlete shared her decision to run in both competitions - and the thinking behind the move - exclusively with sports editor Jez Durrant.

In her monthly column - which, she says, allows her friends and family to keep in touch as she trains around the world - Kelly told readers: "Everything has been going well and I have felt stronger than I have ever felt before".

But she added: "Time will tell if I've made the right or the wrong decision."

Editor Giles Broadbent said: "Kelly is a good friend of the paper.

"Her column has always been an interesting insight into the world of top athletics and we knew it would pay dividends during the Olympics.

"Little did we know that we'd have a world exclusive on our hands.

"If she goes on to win medals - which we fervently hope she will - there'll be more revelations to come."

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