Stand on a podium with an Olympic medal or sing in front of an audience of thousands? Flex your muscles or your vocal chords? This week it was reported the Olympic bronze medallist gymnast Louis Smith is contemplating pursuing a singing career once he’s had enough of competing on the pommel horse. I say contemplating…it was reported he's actually made it to the fourth round of the X-factor and will be appearing on TV in front of Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell et al.

Obviously, as someone pushing the culture agenda that sits alongside the greatest sports event in the world, I love the idea that Louis could be as successful an artist as he is a gymnast. And, of course, I'm slightly in awe of the amount of talent that can fit into one person.

He's not the only one having to make the choice – apparently footballer Rio Ferdinand won a five-year scholarship to the Central School of Ballet before he took up a career in football.

So here's a conundrum, given the choice if you were as talented in both sport and culture, which dream would you pursue?...