Madam, - Why is it that people seem to enjoy tearing athletes apart when they don't do well - like Paula Radcliffe, when even she felt she had "let everyone down", and Sonia O'Sullivan, when she ran her last lap alone?
It took guts and dignity to do that and I think she has done us proud and should consider that lap a lap of honour. I'm sure the fans did, by the way they cheered her on - both in the stadium in Athens and in front of their TVs. - Yours, etc.,
CATHERINE BOURKE, Ballinclea Road, Killiney, Co Dublin.