I’m not surprised that round-the-world yachtsman Alex Thomson is a little coy about whether he will be looking to take part in the next Vendee Globe race in 2016.

Alex became even more of a Top Brit – he has already completed two round the world races – when he finished a tremendous third in just 80-days.

When asked by waiting journalists if he would be signing on board again in three years’ time, there was a nod towards getting the permission of his lovely wife Kate.

With Alex having been away enjoying himself battling mountainous seas while Christmas came and went, who can blame Kate is she put her foot down. Somehow, though, I don’t think she will.

There’s something of the call of the wild in Alex and all those who are drawn to such adventures. I’m certain that was a huge part of what attracted her in the first place to the hero in her life.

*And talking of heroes, how stark the comparison between Alex Thomson and his fellow yachtsman Mike Golding - also from Hampshire and at time of writing still battling towards the Vendee Globe finish line – and our other so-called sporting giants.

Compare coverage of Alex’s achievement against that of over-paid, over-blown and over-opinionated footballer Mario Balotelli, who left behind his £180,000 –a-week contract at Manchester City for warmer climes in Italy after a well-publicised spat with manager Roberto Mancini.

For my money, Alex, who earns a fraction of Mr …. Incredibly stupid wages, is one of today’s real heroes, sporting or otherwise. The rest just kick a pig’s bladder around a field, as my dear Gran used to say.