Lim's single-mindedness in his mission has earned him praise and respect.

CNN: Hishammuddin Tun Hussein

McCoy's single-mindedness in pursuit of winners borders on the obsessive, but out of the saddle he is incredibly modest and always has time for a good cause and his many fans.

BBC: Tony McCoy

The prestige of getting to the top of Everest can sometimes blur a climber's moral judgement, leading to acts of single-mindedness that border on the downright callous.

CNN: The height of teamwork on Everest