Leading article: From Helsinki to London 2012
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In one crucial respect, however, the British team's showing was worse than four years ago - and the cries of doom and disaster must be heeded. Helsinki exposed a catastrophic lack of depth in the ranks of British athletics. There were many events in which Britain had no competitor at all because no one met the qualifying standard. In middle-distance running, where Sebastian Coe - now Lord Coe and the head of our successful Olympics bid - distinguished himself, the tradition has lapsed.
There are some glimmers of hope among Britain's juniors, but between them and the heroes who have retired or are nearing the end of their careers looms a great void. Helsinki sounds an alarm.
If Britain has any prospect of covering itself in glory at the Olympic Games it fought so hard to host, urgent action must be taken. One good sign is that athletics officials are not talking down the problem. British athletics needs a thorough shake-up, contracts need to be redrawn and training arrangements rethought. There is time before 2012, but it will be a race to the tape.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments