We are all familiar with names such as Roger Federer, Victoria Pendleton, Mo Farah, Donald Bradman, Lionel Messi, Mohammed Ali and Venus Williams, to name just a few, who have reached the pinnacle of success.

Every Second Counts explores the stories of those whose names are not as well known, who have made huge sacrifices in pursuit of their goals but who have achieved little or nothing. Not for them a gold medal, entry in the record books, knighthood or best-selling biographies, but whose contribution to their sport should nevertheless be recognised.

And since no one is perfect, there are accounts of famous sportsmen and sportswomen who have had extremely successful careers but who may have fallen short in one respect or another.