Zatopkova put his ability to train and compete so ferociously down to his upbringing, taking up an apprenticeship at 14 after failing to make the academic grades to continue his studies.

CNN: Man of the people

The train is the Ghan, a long-established service that runs up (and down) the centre of Australia from one coast to another on a three-day trip of almost 2, 000 miles.

BBC: Five unforgettable rail journeys

Passengers carrying luggage had to clamber down ladders on to the tracks and then back up on to the rescue train that arrived alongside.

BBC: Delayed passengers arrive at St Pancras