VERY rarely are we privileged to witness the perfect synthesis of ability and opportunity that is necessary to achieve the highest possible accolades in sport.

To observe two sublime performances within nine days leading to double Olympic gold medal glory is unprecedented in the modern era.

In the 800m, Kelly Holmes was ranked ninth in the world and had to overcome defending World champion Maria Mutola to succeed.

In the 1500m she ranked only 10th and was not even the leading British athlete. Hayley Tullett was marginally faster on paper.

Races are run and won on the track, fortunately, and Holmes has always been a magnificent racer with an astute tactical awareness.

In the 800m heat and semi-final she cruised to victory using even-paced tactics that were a lesson to young athletes everywhere.

In the final, Holmes sat well off the fast pace set by America's Jearl Miles-Clark and was only seventh at the bell.

The final lap was a masterclass in tactical even-pace running as Holmes appeared to accelerate as the other contenders began to slow down.

There was a brief moment when Holmes appeared to falter as she drew alongside Mutola but with a final lunge the title was hers.

The 1500m was arguably the better performance. Holmes cleverly conserved energy in the heat and semi-final, qualifying for the final with controlled efforts for second places in both.

The final was a classic as the favoured Russian, Natalya Yevdokimova, sped through the opening laps trying to negate the feared Holmes finish.

The tactic failed as Holmes displayed the confidence of a champion and the strength of a former Army judo champion to recover from a hefty shove from Anna Jakubczak from Poland.

Once again the even-paced running brought her to the right place at the right time and she prevailed in a new British record of 3min 57.90sec.

It is important to learn the lessons from the entire Holmes experience.

Injuries and illnesses can be overcome; champions can be beaten; rankings are meaningless once the starter's pistol has been fired.

After six races she may only have been in front for a total of 50 metres but medals are not awarded to leaders, only to winners.