I, like many Jamaicans, was amazed at the abundance of talent on show at the recent ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls' Track and Field Championships. Radio and TV commentators were at pains to point out that this event answers the critics who, after our triumphs in Beijing, were sceptical about the reasons for our success in athletics. Is Champs, however, really responsible for producing champions at the world level?

I am no expert, but year after year youngsters produce incredible performances at Champs and any reasonable trajectory of their progress should see them becoming world-beaters, especially in the sprints. In my view, this has not occurred. Somebody needs to do some serious research into why this is so. Are younger 'schoolers' being overtrained?

The outstanding Jazeel Murphy is already injured! Will Dianna Johnson, that Class IV phenomenon, make it to the world level after several Champs? Aneisha McClau-ghlin has some phenomenal records from Class 3 and 2 but what has happened since? The list could go on and on. I submit that it is not just the United States college circuit that is a problem. The workload of athletes below Class 1 needs to be looked at and the real serious stuff should start in Class 1. Perhaps we would have more world champions yet if were to solve this problem.

I am, etc.,

DOUGLAS SIMPSON

doug_simpson5@hotmail.com

21 Meade Close

Kingston 8