December already? Where did the year go? Well, for football fans, it starts in the heat of summer, when so much promise abounds – only to be dashed by the harsh winds of November.

Once every four years world-class athletes gather to compete against each other, and for a chance at immortality. Let’s face it: you may accomplish a lot of things in your life but to be known as an Olympic champion is a dream few of us will ever realize.