And a review of the Olympic-sport facilities furthers the point that student-athletes are spared few expenses in Louisville.

FORBES: Louisville's Investments in Facilities, Staff Key to Athletic Successes

Once a gold is secured, Royal Mail officials have just one hour to review images submitted by official Olympic photographers Getty Images and select one to give to the eight-strong stamp design team in London.

BBC: Heptathlete Jess Ennis

Their admission follows the release of a review of the sport after the country's worst Olympic swimming performance in two decades.

BBC: Australian Olympic swimmers admit using sedative