For many years the players of the Afghanistan women's football team were seen as beacons of hope and empowerment in the country. Now they are in hiding and in fear for their lives. Haley Carter is the former assistant coach of the Afghan women's team and also a US Marine veteran. She is in daily contact with players and desperately trying to help them.

Ahead of the Le Man's 24 hour race, we hear from Amanda Stretton who knows exactly what it takes to be part of one of the most iconic races in motor sport. As it turns out, her journey to the start line took as much endurance as the race itself.

We hear from cricketer Nicole Harvey, who a year ago was hospitalised whilst pregnant. She had contracted sepsis and nearly died. A year on she has been one of the stars of the inaugural season of The Hundred.

Plus ahead of the Paralympics we gather the presenters of BBC World Service podcast On The Podium, Paralympian Scout Basset, comedian Eliza Skinner and BBC athletic commentator Ed Harry to preview the event.

(Photo: Haley Carter coaches the Afghan women's football team, Credit: Haley Carter)