THE EDITOR, Madam:
MADAM I read in your newspaper today an article with the headline suggesting that Merlene Ottey's manager intends to press her case and by extension her cause. I am disappointed that Ms. Ottey, having done so marvellously for her country and, yes for herself, would now be trying to blackmail the association that selects the track and field team for participation in the Olympics. I recently watched the USA Olympic Trials for track and field and I saw maybe the two best 200 metresrunners pull up lame and they will not be running that event in Australia no matter how fast they run between now and then.
If Ms. Ottey is allowed to get away with her threats and desire to change the rules then it might be time to scrap the trials. I recognise that Ms. Ottey is highly regarded and maybe even worshipped, but the people charged with selecting the team should remember another icon named Donald Quarrie who insisted in making the team (1984 Olympics) when he had not earned that right and his impact on team morale and cohesion was devastating.
I think that even great athletes such as Merlene Ottey must play by the rules since the game is always more important than the players. It is also important that Ms. Ottey does no further harm to her sterling reputation and character by insisting that she be given a spot over another athlete who trained hard, ran hard, and qualified for the spot.
Another great athlete (maybe the greatest ever) Jackie Joyner Kersey, also failed in her bid to make the US Olympic track and field team and rather than resorting to pressure tactics she has gracefully exited the stage and in the process she has wished the qualifiers well as they will represent her country. Ms. Ottey should likewise be graceful in her exit.
I am etc.,
SYLVESTER 'JIM' BOWIE
E-mail: bowies@csus.edu
California State University,
Sacramento
Via Go-Jamaica
