Zola Budd

I have strong views about South African politics and I still don't feel I need to make public statements.

I will never regret not denouncing apartheid.

Looking back... it's hard to understand what all the fuss was about as things changed in just a few years. When you look at all the things that have happened in the world, it seems very small.

I found them uncomfortable and after that I decided to continue running barefoot because I found it more comfortable. I felt more in touch with what was happening - I could actually feel the track.

Coming from a farming background, I saw nothing out of the ordinary in running barefoot, although it seemed to startle the rest of the athletics world. I have always enjoyed going barefoot and when I was growing up I seldom wore shoes, even when I went into town.

I no longer run barefoot.

I can drink tea until the cows come home and I love the atmosphere in tea-shops.

Tea-shops were to become my favourite haunts in England.