This poem was inspired by an article about Adam Peaty on the BBC website today: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/swimming/65748221
The medals don’t solve the problem
Gold, silver, bronze, all become
One and the same as the end of the
Day, with vision blurred by wine and
Whisky and anything else that can be
Pored and drunk in a glass, as you
Watch the liquid spiral and swirl before
Taking another sip, wondering if the
Voices in your head are right when they
Question your abilities, whether you
Deserve your status, making you doubt
Yourself despite the rewards of constantly
Chasing your dreams and pushing yourself
Harder and harder to be the best, being on
Display all around you, as you chase that
Buzz again, only this time with alcohol
Replacing the other athletes, the noise of
The crowd, the plaudits from the media,
Knowing, deep down that you need to
Break this vicious cycle of self-destructive
Behaviour, find yourself one more and
Get back to a happy place and be a
Winner once again
The Autistic FellRunner 