“I wonder if there is anyone in the world quicker than Usain Bolt,” I said.

“Of course there isn’t…he’s the fastest man in the world,” he said.

“That we know of,” I said, being a bit smug.

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, there could be a bus driver in Basingstoke who could run the 100m in 8 seconds, but we’ll never know because he never had the chance to join an athletics club.”

“But there isn’t.”

“How do you know?”

“Because if he was, he’d be at the Olympics.”

“Not if he never had the opportunity…or the inclination….or the encouragement. I mean, there could be a woman out there who could throw a javelin further than Fatima Whitbread ever could, but actually she prefers dancing…or smoking pot…or reading…or maybe her parents wanted her to be an accountant so she’s doing that now. Or maybe she did always want to throw a javelin but the local athletics club had been closed down, or was forty minutes away by bus and she didn’t have the fare.”

“Rubbish. If she was that good, she would have been discovered. The cream always rises to the top.”

“Not if it’s already been made into butter or yoghurt or condensed milk.”

“You’re talking nonsense now. This has got nothing to do with dairy products. Talent always finds a way. And it will knock down any obstacles put in its way.”

“Hmmm, tell me, do you vote Conservative…?”