Sir, _- In his reports from Edmonton on the World Athletics Championships, Ian O'Riordan appeared to give the impression that some Irish athletes gave somewhat disappointing performances because their finishing times were outside their previous personal bests. In endurance events held in conditions of heat, humidity and altitude this is not always the most accurate way to assess performance.
In the 20km walk Robbie Heffernan was 23rd fastest of the participants on the starting line and finished a creditable 14th, while Gillian O'Sullivan, who was 10th in the Olympic Games, was unfortunate to be among those disqualified in the women's 20km, Olive Loughnane who was 32nd fastest on the starting line put up a splendid performance in coming in 13th.
Jamie Costin in the gruelling 50km event was slowest of the 48 starters but managed a very satisfactory 28th.
These are all young athletes who have emerged through hard training after their early years in schools, community games and juvenile association competitions. They have already achieved a high standard at international level and will advance further if given the right encouragement and support.
The fact that your newspaper sent Ian O'Riordan to cover those championships is an important contribution to that process. - Yours, etc.,
Pβdraig Griffin, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.