On September 18, 2016, from my hospital bed I saw on TV a heart-warming sight where Jonny Brownlee was helped over the finish line by his brother, Alister, who gave up the chance to win the race in a selfless, yet no-nonsense act of brotherly love in the World Triathlon series in Mexico (picture).

It was a much-needed reminder of how powerful sport can be in bringing out the best of human nature.

Many a time we football lovers watch churlish Manchester United manager José Mourinho blaming his overpaid tools.

It is easy to forget that sport at its purest - without the skewing trappings of excess money and mega fame - instils in its participants all the character strengths of solidarity, respect, teamwork and fair play.

Nelson Mandela once said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”

Indeed it is. But more mundanely, though just as importantly, it also teaches kids that there is more to life than what is happening on social media, that the real friends alongside them on the pitch or field are worth a thousand of some of their ‘supposed’ friends online.

How comforting to see nowadays young girls in their teens in their spare time training, whether for netball, volleyball, etc, sweating profusely in trackers and trainers. They have a reassuringly laid-back attitude to their appearance and exhibit an obvious strength of character emboldened by their support of each other.

It is the same for young men too. It is incredible how an hour or two of high octane physical exercise can help you work any issues out of your system.

What’s more, both genders learn the valuable skills of camaraderie, reliability, dedication and trying your best but sometimes losing and that, siblings or not, we are all in it together.