In the final episode of Real Talk season one, Miriam Walker-Khan chats to two-time Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton, double Paralympic gold medallist in archery, Danielle Brown, and Sky Sports pundit and former footballer Stephen Warnock about their retirements. They share what is for some, the pain - and for others, the relief - of leaving the dream they once lived.

A special thanks to Dawn Airton, the UK Sports Institute’s Senior Performance Lifestyle Coach and former Harlequins player, who joins us on this episode to give us her expert advice.

This podcast contains discussions of depression and suicidal thoughts which some listeners may find distressing. If you’ve been affected by anything we talk about and would like more information on organisations that can provide help and support, please head to sky.com/viewersupport.

Real Talk is a series from Sky Sports that looks at topics that aren’t often spoken about in a sporting context. Please give us a follow, like, or subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts.  

You can also watch our interviews on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@skysports), read supporting articles on our website (skysports.com), and find us on social media @skysports.  

Real Talk is presented by Miriam Walker-Khan and is produced by Alice Reeves-Turner, Claire Taylor, and Chessie Bent.