Sir, – The Olympics have provided the Irish public with some memorable moments down through the years, witness Michael Carruth and Katie Taylor's gold medal feats, Sonia's silver in Sydney 2000, Kenny Egan's silver in Beijing, John Treacy's silver in the marathon at the Los Angeles games in 1984. I mention these deeds with reference to Fintan O'Toole's "Why I despise this fake Olympics of phoney winners" (Opinion & Analysis, August 9th).
I fully understand the comparison your columnist is making between the sheer grit and determination of Jim Hogan to persevere during the 1964 Tokyo games, with the cheating by athletes, such as Ben Johnson, to win medals.
However, I think there have also been many medals achieved at Olympiads through skill, commitment and perseverance, and this should be remembered.
Rio 2016 will have genuine winners who have prepared diligently and virtually put their lives on hold to achieve their dreams. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD HOLDEN,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.