The Editor, Sir:

I am writing about the lead story 'Beijing Bangarang' (Daily Gleaner, August 6). I think those athletes who do not turn up for practice should be removed from the team.

When one is selected to represent one's country, he or she should conform to rules and regulations set out by the team and the management of that team. I cannot see why their personal coaches should be dictating what the athlete can and cannot do.

It is the country and sponsors who are financing their stay in Beijing and not the MVP track club. This is creating an unstable situation for our team and may disrupt our chances of earning the medals which were anticipated.

Lesson for all

Indiscipline has no place in sports since this is an area that is supposed to require a lot of discipline.

Even if it means losing medals, I think that these persons should be expelled from the team as a lesson to everyone that we will not condone that sort of behaviour especially when the world is watching us.

I am, etc.,

SONIA ELLIS

sas_50@hotmail.com

Alberta, Canada

Via Go-Jamaica