Sophie McKinna has her mum to thank for getting her into the shotput.

After all, it was a decision by her to enter Sophie into the throwing event as a child that set Sophie on the road to a remarkable athletics career that has included any number of elite-level events – including world, European and Commonwealth finals, along with an appearance at the Olympics in Tokyo.

Sophie’s currently targeting the Olympics in Paris next year – but before that, she decided she wanted to speak publicly for the first time about her sexuality; and when she messaged, asking if she could do it here on the podcast, we were delighted to have her on.

As we always say, this isn’t a massive ‘coming out’ moment for Sophie – as the people who need to know in her personal and professional life have been aware of the fact she’s gay for a little while now.

But she’s decided she wants to speak out to be a role-model – and we’re delighted she’s chosen our show to do it.

And it’s an absolute cracker of a conversation as well, as we chat about Sophie’s sporting family; her love of Norfolk (and of animals); the highs and lows of life as an athlete; her work as a custody officer; deciding to speak about her sexuality and loads, loads more.

It’s a pleasure to be having this conversation, and we really think you’re going to love hearing it as much as we loved doing it.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST?
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WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?
@jack_murley
jack.murley@bbc.co.uk