London's calling - what does it take to perform?

The Forum asks elite athletes what it takes to perform at the highest level. The physical and mental costs are great. Is it worth it?

Please join us at 1pm on Wednesday July 4, at Angel Place, and on Thursday July 5, at St Andrews cathedral, Chapter House.

Elka Whalan (nee Graham) spent the best part of a decade at the top of Australian swimming. A dual Olympian (Sydney and Athens), she won Olympic silver in the 4x200 freestyle relay.

She enjoys modelling, speaking and supporting good causes, notably the Heart Foundation and Nelune Foundation, as well as appearing regularly on TV's The Jury.

Jeremy Rolleston is a two-time Olympian representing Australia in two sports, investment banker, author, and founder of the Propeller fashion show.

Jeremy regards representing his country as the ultimate honour. He is an Ambassador for the Global Poverty Project as well as being chosen as an Australia Day Ambassador.

Nick Farr-Jones (Wednesday only) was captain of the team that brought home the Rugby Union World Cup in 1991, the 1992 Bledisloe Cup, and convincingly defeated the Springboks in August 1992. He was Australia's most-capped scrum half and most-capped captain.

Following a decade with the investment bank Societe Generale, in 2010 Nick moved to Taurus Funds Management, one of Australia's first resources hedge funds.

Allison Shreeve (Thursday only) is a committed and dedicated athlete, proud to represent Australia at the highest level of her sport of Windsurfing.

Allison is a four time Formula Windsurfing World Champion, the ‘A’ Class World Speed Sailing Record holder, and the first and only woman to attempt to windsurf across Bass Strait.