THE EDITOR, Sir:

MICHAEL JOHNSON seems to be the promoter and chief practitioner of a new religion: Talking rubbish when there is really nothing to say. He seems to be on a desperate search for converts.

His examples of excitement in track and field - Marion Jones and her off-track significant others, C.J. Hunter and Tim Montgomery - have been, I am sure, great for U.S. track and field, after all, didn't they break records and win lots of medals?

None of those athletes are really old so why doesn't Johnson bring them back with all their great athletic technique and prowess? Now that would really provide us with some excitement!

As a matter of fact, since Michael Johnson's times are so far ahead of the rest of humanity, he could probably still beat everyone. Why doesn't he come back? Now that would really, really be exciting!

He would also like some debate as to who is really the fastest man. Oh boy! Another non-issue. He's really serious about his religion, isn't he? I don't think the athletes have to join him in talking about his 'topics'. He is doing a great job all by himself.

Now, I'm sure that Asafa has many opinions on many matters, but he is wise enough to know that the world finds his spike speak much more entertaining and inspiring than shallow hype-speak. He doesn't need a mike.

I am, etc.,

PAMELA HALL

pamhall1234@yahoo.com

21 Hialeah Drive, Kingston 19

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I'M FROM Melbourne, Australia, and as a result of some post-Commonwealth Games surveys I've been conducting, I have had to do some further research into the Games and the athletes involved.

I was taken aback, however, when I came across the article by Michael Johnson in the U.K. Telegraph which claimed that Asafa Powell is "too quiet."

I found the article perplexing, because it was a complete paradox when compared to the comments I have been receiving from Melburnians involved in the survey.

Admittedly, most Melburnians didn't have comments about Asafa and his views about world politics and world hunger. But, they did have a lot to say about his performances as a top-quality athlete ... and after all isn't that what he came to Melbourne to do?

Johnson preaches to regain some of the "personalities and performances" displayed by athletes of the past which ranged from Carl Lewis' "flamboyant, arrogant and controversial" character to Florence Griffith Joyner's "fashion statements on track". However, Asafa is no actor.

He does not need to pretend to be somebody he is not in order to please his onlookers. It is clear that masses of crowds are eager to see him run even if he is "too quiet".

Testament to this is the results from the survey - most Melburnians who went to the athletics events at the MCG went primarily to see Asafa run. I myself went to get tickets for the men's 100m final on March 20 and the event was sold out. At school, my seven-year-old cousin was given a task to do on 'My Commonwealth Games Heroes', and sure enough who do you think she picked? Yes, none other than Asafa Powell.

These are just a couple of points that show how the crowds love Asafa just the way he is - soft-spoken yet confident, seemingly humble yet a king on the track.

True athletics fans come to an athletics event to see top-quality athletic performances, not theatrical entertainment or a fashion show. I hope that Asafa will stay just the way he is - that's obviously how the fans love him!

I am, etc.,

CATHERINE JONES

sjfer2@student.monash.edu.au

Melbourne, Victoria

Australia

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE RECENT appointment of Brian Lara to the position of captain of the WI team (for the third time) may seem like the politically correct thing to do given the apparent lack of leadership quality that currently exists among the likely candidates.

However, history may prove that this was the worst possible decision that could be made. Any captain chosen, whether it was Sarwan, Gale or Bravo, would have triumphed over a very young and inexperienced Zimbabwe team.

This would have been a morale booster for the team, but most importantly, it would have helped to instill confidence in the new captain.

What this will do is cement Lara in a position to which he is unworthy. Frankly, he had his chances and he blew them.

To keep rewarding a failed captain is bad for the morale of the team and embarrassing for cricket-loving people of the Caribbean and indeed the world.

Lara has my respect and support as a batsman and a good all-round cricketer, but he has lost my support as leader of the West Indies team.

I am, etc.,

BASIL FARQUHARSON

bfarqui@yahoo.com