I had an operation on my leg for osteomyelitis when I was eight years' old: this, in my mum's view, rendered me 'delicate', so between us we contrived to get me out of all sporting activities -including swimming - for the rest of my school days. When we used to go the pool, or on holiday with our children, I felt like a right fool, clinging on to the edge and shrieking if anyone splashed me. So, at age 35, I learnt to swim. I had lessons for about a year, and now I have a nice breast stroke and a good front crawl. It turns out I wasn't delicate at all!