What Speed Do

At 12 years old, Gareth Bale ran 4:59 for 1500m, and 2:24 for 800m. Had he stuck with track, perhaps he'd have grown into a competitive middle distance runner for Wales.

Unfortunately for him, he was also quite adept at kicking a ball with his left foot, and so he's had to settle for being one of the highest paid athletes in the world. Still, it's that speed - rather than his also remarkable striking - that distinguishes him. No other player in world soccer runs as far or as fast, on a consistent basis. And so you see things like this goal, scored today, against Barcelona.

In the words of Royals outfielder - and much less successful athlete - Jarrod Dyson: That's what speed do.