Sir Steven Redgrave and Michael Johnson are two of the greatest athletes to grace the Olympic stage.

In 2000 Redgrave rowed his way to an incredible fifth Olympic gold at Sydney.

And at the same Olympics, Johnson sprinted to 400m glory, making it five golds for the American running machine.

They reached the top of their sports, and just stayed there, year after year after year.

So how did they do it?

It's amazing talent, unfailing belief, sweat, pain, more sweat, more pain and a desire to be the best.

The very best.

In a series of features Brunel University psychologist Paul Dent tells the Academy what made Redgrave and Johnson so special.

Confidence
Redgrave and Johnson never stopped believing in themselves. And suffered for it!

Big plans
It's all about goal-setting. See how the top athletes peak at the right time.

Unflappable
Johnson's competitors complained they were ignored. He was very determined!

Dreaming the goals
Want to be the next Redgrave or Johnson? You'll need desire and drive. And a whole lot more.

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Redgrave facts

Born: March 23, 1962 Birthplace: Marlow Height: 6ft 5" Weight: 16st 2lb Chest: 48in Waist: 36in Debut: 1979 World Junior Champs First major title: Olympic gold 1984 in coxed fours Olympic golds: Five - 1984-2000 World Champs: Nine titles Commonwealth Games: Three golds

Johnson facts

Born: Sept 13, 1967 Birthplace: Dallas, Texas First major title: 1991 World Champs gold in 200m Olympic golds: Five - 1992- 2000 First 200m/400m double: 1995 World Champs World record 200m: 19.32s at 1996 Olympics World record 400m: 43.18s at 1999 World Champs

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