Reason for pride or reason to hide?

Flop or flag-bearer? Should no-hopers be allowed?

Eric Moussambani has gone from being a nondescript swimmer from Equatorial Guinea to an overnight star.

But was his incredibly slow 100m freestyle a reason for pride or something to be ridiculed?

Should Moussambani have been allowed to compete when he so clearly did not have the skill or stamina necessary to compete at this level?

Or did he in fact embody the Olympic ideal, like hapless British ski jumper Eddie Edwards in 1988 at the Winter Olympics in Calgary?

Are Moussambani and Edwards undeserving freak-shows, desperate for their 15 minutes of fame?

Tell us what you think.

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When taking part in sport at school, I was always told that it wasn't the winning, it was the taking part that counted. Why do people feel that it was painful watching Eric perform? When Daley Thompson first performed at the Olympics, he was not any good. Four years later, he was Olympic champion because he had the chance to compete. I agree that there are other swimmers who have trained for years, just to compete at Olympic level and achieve the ultimate gold medal. But if the sport is just reserved for the elite, how on earth are other people or countries going to come through? I thought that sport was the one thing to bring people of all nations together. And do we have to ridicule them with stupid names such as 'Eric the Eel' or 'Paula the Trawler'?
Patricia, England

Eric is an inspiration to others

  John Conway, USA

Well, I think it's important to promote swimming, not only as a sport but also as a skill that could save your life. Mr Moussanbani shows that you can be able to swim even if you're not a full-time professional like Frolander or Alshammar.
Alessandro, Sweden

I remember cheering for a runner from a competing school, who suffered from a physical disability. The joy came from seeing a person complete the race, instead of being first across the line. Eric is an inspiration to others.
John Conway, USA

I think Eric has added colour to the Sydney Olympic. Aussies have been saying Go aussie! Go! We say Go Eric go!
Kebede, Ethiopia

I think he should definitely have been allowed to compete. Okay we had no representatives because no British swimmer made the qualifying time but why should a country whose biggest pool is 20m long and full of tourists have the same qualifying time as a country with facilities like us? There are countless Australians who didn't qualify despite being faster than many Brits - the same must apply here. -He's a star!
Sarah Nicholson, Scotland

I think more countries should be encouraged to enter the games, because no matter what times they achieve, it brings people together, if only for an instant.

  Robert, UK

The embodiment of the "true spirit" of the Olympics should not be confused with true amateurism. I believe that the Olympics should remain the preserve of the best athletes in the world and while Eric Moussambani swam a memorable race, the Olympics should not become a place to showcase the IOC's development programmes. There are literally thousands of true amateurs competing at the Olympics in lesser publicised sports like Rowing, Archery and Badminton where the competitors put in an immense amount of time training for the games, often with little or no means of supporting themselves. These people are the true amateurs and they deserve all the accolades.
Alastair Campbell, UK

I think more countries should be encouraged to enter the games, because no matter what times they achieve, it brings people together, if only for an instant.
Robert, UK

I always thought the Olympics were for amateurs, so Eric had every right to be there, and I would say more right than any of the tennis players there ! To hear the crowd cheering Eric on was marvellous - they paid for their tickets, and if they didn't mind him being there, why should we?
Nicky Chapman, England

Congratulations both to Moussambani and the crowd that cheered him on. He represents the true spirit of what the Olympics should be. But even more he shows the deep damaging inequalities in the world today. Equatorial Guinea needs more than just swimming pools and training facilities if it is to compete on equal terms - its people need clean water, good health facilities, education, jobs and a secure life and a good standard of living.
Kaye Stearman, Australia/UK

To hear the crowd cheering Eric on was marvellous - they paid for their tickets, and if they didn't mind him being there, why should we?

  Nicky Chapman, England

Certainly the lack of training facilities plays a big part in why lesser developed countries don't do as well in some events. That said, you wouldn't call the likes of Cameroon, Chile, Brazil, and Nigeria inferior football nations? Competitive swimming simply isn't a big sport in many countries and I for one feel that every swimmer should have to complete a qualification time before being allowed into the Olympics. You wouldn't expect Equatorial Guinea, Sri Lanka or even England to be allowed into the football World Cup Finals on anything other than merit (or being the host), so the same should apply here.
Kerlmann, England

Painfully slow? I wish I could swim as well as he can. I'd like to remind you that it's the 'taking part that counts' as the ethos of the Olympics has always been and for a man who trains in shark infested waters I don't think he did too badly.
Nathan Fletcher, England

The swimmer was surely showing the Olympic ethos of taking part is more important than the winning. I think they should be allowed to compete. What should cause more concern is weightlifters being able to pay U$50k to compete after failing drugs tests!
Cliff Healey, UK

With all the millions of dollars in the Olympics is there not the money to set up sports academies with poorer nations, so they can send real contenders to the Games, and not feel patronised?
Simon Lord, UK

He won't win, but lets respect his right to compete!

  Catriona, UK

If, like so many correspondents say, the Olympics are just about taking part, why have timings, qualifying heats or medals? We could just let anybody represent their country at any standard and get their 15 minutes of fame. I thought the Olympics were about excellence, If I was from Equatorial Guinea I would not be greatly inspired by Moussambani's efforts. If I was a UK or US swimmer who had been training hard for 4 years and missed qualifying by a couple of seconds I would not be impressed. Before getting on to the world stage Moussambani could maybe win some personal triumphs, like completing the distance he planned to race.
Ray, UK

In one interview he admitted that he swam in borrowed shorts, and that he had never seen a full-length pool. Yet the proudest moment in his life was carrying the flag for his country. He battled against the odds to get there, embodying true sportsmanship. So how can anyone say he should not compete. Surely this man is a greater example of Olympic ideals then those paid millions to appear. He won't win, but lets respect his right to compete!
Catriona, UK

Although I see the funny side to it, I feel there are too many elite swimmers (many who train for up to 10 sessions a week over a number of years in order to attend an Olympic games) only to be deprived of a place by 1/10 of a second to allow, Moussambani to compete.
Adam Pickford, England

Competitors from countries that do not have the same facilities as the more fortunate ones should not be denied the opportunity to take part.

  Iain Robertson, Scotland

As a swimming coach, Eric Moussambani has had a greater effect on my swimmers than the Australian swimmer Thorpe. Children can see that all athletes are being treated the same and the best swimmers from each country no matter how good or bad they are, compete for the same glory in front of the world. Children do need to be able to see that every country's elite are of different standards and that is the reality of life and local sports.
Paul Matthews, UK (Manchester)

As a total non starter when it comes to sport I have only admiration for Moussanbani who slow as he was, would have left me treading water so to speak, but isn't that what it's all about, "win some lose some"...he would have won this one with me there! Good luck to him
Rob Elliott, Kosovo

I seem to recall a few Olympics ago, that there was a competitor in the 10000 metre track heats who finished several minutes after the rest. I thought at the time that he was extremely brave to keep going. All he wanted was to be able to say that he had competed in an Olympic event. Eddie "The Eagle" would never have had an opportunity to compete in a Winter Olympics if the IOC had applied a strict qualifying standard. Competitors from countries that do not have the same facilities as the more fortunate ones should not be denied the opportunity to take part. Good on you Mr Moussanbani!
Iain Robertson, Scotland

I have nothing but admiration for him - he must have been bewildered at the very least just being there.

  Jon Andersson, UK

Does anyone bemoan the fact that non-league soccer clubs steal the limelight in the F.A.Cup? Did we not stand-back to admire the endeavours of little Calais when they took on mighty Nantes in the French Cup final last year? Do we not applaud the efforts of the eighty-year-olds in the London Marathon? So why shouldn't give someone like Eric Moussambani his chance at the Olympic Games?
Charles Jones, England

I have nothing but admiration for him - he must have been bewildered at the very least just being there. Then to have his two fellow competitors disqualified and to swim on his own, I wonder how many good club standard athletes would like to experience that in front of 15,000 people? Finally, it was fantastic to see the predominantly Australian crowd cheering so enthusiastically, it has restored some of my faith in the Olympics after the disgustingly partisan crowds of Atlanta in '96.
Jon Andersson, UK

The Olympics is for everyone, regardless of what time they do, why should it be ridicule, if that is the case the same can apply to the GB teams in most events if you compare them to world class standard
Janet Cole,

The reason Mr. Moussambani and the others in his race were allowed to compete was to encourage those in his country to try a sport they normally would not consider. He was accepted by the spectators in true Olympic spirit as a man proud to represent his country and encourage his countrymen to develop a potentially lifesaving-and fun-skill. He deserved his standing ovation as much as a medal winner.
Danielle Egan, UK

He deserved his standing ovation as much as a medal winner.

  Danielle Egan, UK

As someone who has represented Great Britain in Canoeing, I think it is the proudest moment of an athlete's career being able to represent their country. What about 'it's not the winning but the taking part that counts'? Who saw the Independent Olympic Athletes from East Timor? No chance of winning but they will never forget going into that Olympic stadium.
Rob, England

I'm surprised he's not a national hero in the UK. As we seem to love a loser/hate winners /so much.
Mike, UK

I think that this will be remembered as a defining moment in these Olympics. This man has had a triumph greater than the Thorpe's of the world. He has conquered his own fears and achieved world fame, not for being the best in the world, but for having the courage to do what seemed impossible. As JFK said about the moon landings when he pledged that man would land on the moon by the end of the 60's "We choose to do these things...not because they are easy but because they are hard!" Hail Eric Moussambani, a true Olympian!
Paul McConville, Scotland

I think Moussambani did his country proud, anyone to ridicule him should prove himself or herself at such a level before judging him. Looking forward to Heat 2!
David, UK

Absolutely fantastic, the best moment of the Olympics so far. He's a STAR!

  Chris Jeffcoate, England

Although I admire his guts I feel for all those swimmers who are in the pools at 6am every day clinging to the hope that someday they will get to experience Olympic competition. What must they think of this spectacle?
John Royle, UK

Eric will be a highlight of The Games, and the good-natured Sydney crowd appreciated the guys efforts. Every country should have the right to send at least one athlete per event in the individual classes, or allow so many per region after qualifying rounds. The point made by Tony Millard that the I.O.C. should start putting money into developing Olympic style facilities is well made. At least they should help towards building a number of pools and tracks, etc. in places like West Africa where a number of countries could share the facilities. It will help to raise standards, also we might not have to have a Lifeguard present at Poolside during future Olympic Galas.
Mike Moloney, Ireland

Absolutely fantastic, the best moment of the Olympics so far. He's a STAR!
Chris Jeffcoate, England

I think it gives up and coming athletes hope, adds humour to the event in a situation like this, and gives the individual a moment in his/her life that they will forever cherish.
Michelle Lee, United Kingdom

There has to be place for those countries that don't have the means to train top athletes

  Vasco Napolećo, Portugal

I think that if only the fastest were allowed to compete in the Olympics then the games would only have a dozen participating countries from the rich nations. Not everything should be about money, performance, and bodysuits. There has to be place for those countries that don't have the means to train top athletes. Let's just not think only about money.
Vasco Napolećo, Portugal

Yes! Yes! Yes! This chap embodies the spirit of the Olympics far more than the American "Dream Team" of ridiculously overpaid PROFESSIONAL basketballers, tennis players, etc. Good on him and I hope he comes back next time!
Jacki Muir, Phuket, Thailand

Fair play to him. How else does he get a start in the world of sport. I think he was extremely brave, not only for his tremendous effort in the swim, but also for jubilantly facing the crowd afterwards. Maybe we will see him again in 2004 and he might just outshine in his own right.
Janet Hibbert, Australia/Brit

Most people can swim quicker than 'Eric' but at the end of the day he is an Olympian - something that you and I will never be able to attribute to ourselves. This is what the Olympics are all about; seeing the smaller countries competing gives me more pleasure than watching the 'stars'.
J. Docherty, England

Most people can swim quicker than 'Eric' but at the end of the day he is an Olympian

  J. Docherty, England

He was a true olympian. He will return to his country and tell the story of his participation to his children and grandchildren and one-day someone in his country may be inspired by his example. The Olympics have always allowed a few true amateurs from countries that would not get their chance normally to participate. That is why the Olympics are great. We had the Fijian who finished 8 laps behind the field in his heat of the 10000 metres and the Angolans who played the 1992 "Dream Team" in basketball. Or "Eddie the Eagle" who, despite ridicule, was regularly beating some ski jumpers from countries with a long tradition in the sport. These people are true Olympians and it disgusted me to hear the commentary team ridiculing Moussambani's efforts and participation.
Mark Kidger, Tenerife/U.K

We should understand that back home Moussambani trains in a 20m pool and has been training since this Jan only. Instead of trying to restrict the Olympics to countries who can afford lavish training facilities and programmes, one should think and help other nations in the world develop their sporting infrastructure to help them be world class. All praises to him and other athletes for keeping the Olympics Spirit alive.
Kenneth George, Australia

I seem to recall someone saying it's not the winning, it's the taking part. Perhaps now someone will build him a swimming pool. It's probably more likely than getting decent facilities for swimming in the UK. Why not turn the millennium dome into the national swimming centre at the end of the year? Then perhaps we could get the kind of facilities we need. Look at the cyclists - someone accidentally built a velodrome in Manchester and now we win medals.
Brian Young, UK

Oh please, Let's stop taking things so seriously. I think Eric deserves all the attention he has attracted. In games where winning and elitism seem to be the overriding themes, I think it's refreshing to hear stories like this. Ask anyone who they remember from the Lillehammer Olympics. Most will say Eddie the Eagle.
Dexter Wanchop, UK

Perhaps now someone will build him a swimming pool.

  Brian Young, UK

At least we can be assured that Mr Moussambani is definitely not aided by performance enhancement drugs, now that's got to say something.
Peta, Australia

Young Eric was the best swimmer from his small country and as such deserved his chance, good or bad at the Olympics.
Paul Champion, Australia

Who is it that has the right to someone isn't "good enough" to represent his or her country at the Olympic games? What is the problem? Everyone of the greats have started the same way, everyone has lost but what makes them great is they keep going and learn. This man has more guts than you and me! To get up there in front of the world and try his best deserves nothing but praise! Keep up the good work and I will be watching out for you in the next Olympics!
Cherie Adams, Australia

He had the whole crowd cheering and has put his country, albeit temporarily, on the map. He had pride to talk to the media afterwards and said he wanted to thank the crowd. It was a truly Olympic moment that I will personally remember from these games. A few years down the line, who will remember the countless sprint egoes complaining of how they were robbed by partisan crowds, dodgy start marshalls and poor lane draws?
Robert Russell, Great Britain

I have more respect for this guy than the overpaid primadonnas who prance around our football fields on Saturday afternoons

  Oliver Farren, England

Of course, no-hopers should not become a feature of the Olympic Games, but sometimes to see such all-out effort from a spirited if deficient competitor is humbling - not for the sportsman himself but for the spectators and other competitors. It should make us realise how lucky the successful few are to have the long tradition of investment in time and facilities to become great stars.
Karen Morgan, France

In this age of 'shark suits' and commercial endorsements here is a guy who is willing to do his best. He looked so proud when he finished that he really embodied the nature of sport and competition.
Tim, UK

He certainly made my morning swim more exciting than usual - I had an 'olympic' athlete's time to race.
Emily Ogden, England

This is what sport should be about. I have more respect for this guy than the overpaid primadonnas who prance around our football fields on Saturday afternoons.
Oliver Farren, England

Surely the I.O.C. would have better served the countries in question by building them a couple of olympic size pools

  Tony Millard, Australia

I think he was an inspiration to anyone who dreams of taking part in an event on the scale of the olympics. Well done, he's a hero !!
Clair Unsworth, GB

Although I watched the swim and enjoyed the determination of the man and the humour of the moment, the taste was rather bittered by the fact that no English swimmer was competing due to be unable to meet the very tough qualifying time of under one minute. Why could an British competitor not have competed in that heat? There were 5 empty lanes!
David Davies, England

Only athletes who make the qualifying time should be allowed to compete. I don't know if Moussanbani did but he clearly was not up to scratch yesterday. Watching him perform was painful. Let's hope we never see the like again.
Sam, UK

If, as reported on our TV, the reason for allowing the participation of these under-qualified swimmers was to encourage the sport of swimming in their countries, which were stated to only boast two twenty-metre pools, surely the I.O.C. would have better served the countries in question by building them a couple of olympic size pools. As it is, the admission of these under achievers is a slap in the face to all those swimmers who have missed selection criteria by a few hundredths of a second.
Tony Millard, Australia

He ranks up there with Eddie the Eagle

  Colin Harper, UK

It is the taking part that is important not just the winning. This swimmer just shows how good the top swimmers really are.
Martin Brady, Alton,

I think it's great that his country sponsored him to go to the Olympics. So many countries now won't pay for their athletes to attend unless they have a medal chance, which is not in the spirit of the Olympics at all. He represented his country at the Olympics and typifies the idea that it is not the winning but the taking part that counts.
Alison Gray, England

I think it was great - he had his (nearly) 15 minutes of fame in the pool. The olympics should be as much about striving as winning, and seeing a true amateur doing his best was refreshing to say the least. He ranks up there with Eddie the Eagle.
Colin Harper, UK

The Olympic qualifying time that I heard quoted of 1min 10 secs for the 100 metres freestyle is well within the grasp of many club swimmers in this country. No competitor should be let in below a minimum standard however much it sees to match the Olympic ideal. If standards weren't maintained across all sports then there could be a fiasco with more competitors in an event than could be accomodated and an Olympic games requiring an extra week of preliminary rounds to get rid of the excess.
Dave Wedlake, UK

Isn't it a pleasant change to see a 'real' amateur competing in the Olympics as opposed to all the professionals?

  Darran Murtagh, England

I believe that every country should be given the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Sport is about enjoyment and although it is always nice to win, and to marvel at such sporting excellence, we should still remember that it is all about trying your very best. Moussambani did exactly that and good luck to him and well done to the IOC for letting him compete. It was such a touching moment when the crowd rose to its feet.
Darran Murtagh, England

Isn't it a pleasant change to see a 'real' amateur competing in the Olympics as opposed to all the professionals?
Glenn Gilbert, UK

Why shouldn't anyone be allowed to compete? Talent in lesser countries could be recognised and nurtured, bringing greater glory to their countries. Let the "also-rans" have the pride of representing their nations in full view of the world. Strength to the little guy!
Geoff, UK

It's seems very odd that the Olympic rules allow for Equatorial Guinea to be represented whilst England are not, despite having athletes capable of completing the 100m freestyle in under half the time of Eric Moussambani.
David Wainwright, England

The olympics are surely about the best of each country becoming the best in the world. Who are we to say that one country can't compete? Good luck to him.
Jim Hamilton, UK

I am sure that there are plenty of excellent swimmers in Africa and Asia that have just not had the opportuntities that we in the "developed" world have

  Andy Dobber, Jersey, Channel Islands

With the commercialisation of the Games in recent years - especially since Los Angeles in 1984 - the Games seem to have forgotten this. Let us not forget that the games are primarily for amateur atheletes taking part, and the countries should be allowed to field the best they can offer - regardless of ability.
Christopher Street, UK

Get off his case! The whole point about the Olympics is (or used to be) the taking part, not the winning. A point not lost on the audience today, who clearly appreciated his efforts.
Howard J. Rogers, Australia

Well done IOC. The olympics is meant to be the best from each nation competing against each other but this intiative will hopefully see less well developed and funded countries sports stars coming through. I am sure that there are plenty of excellent swimmers in Africa and Asia that have just not had the opportuntities that we in the "developed" world have. We should applaud him, not for his swim, but for what it stands for.
Andy Dobber, Jersey, Channel Islands

Whilst I applaud the philosopy that encourages sport at all levels, I am frankly horrified at this inclusion in the Games

  Dave Harman, UK

His own achievements do not warrant a place at the Olympics, but Moussanbani is providing a platform to promote both swimming and the Olympic movement to a huge new audience. Of course he won't win gold, but Britain sends many athletes to the games in the knowledge that they don't have a chance of medals: if it is important for one of our many to be seen, how much more important is it for one of Guinea's few to be given a chance? Good on him.
Dave, UK

I think that it is a bit of a farce for such poor performances to be accepted at the Olympics. I know that in Britain, the standards are quite high for gaining entry to the Olympics. Are these standards not set elsewhere or if they are, why are some of them significantly lower?
James Kilner, England

Whilst I applaud the philosopy that encourages sport at all levels, I am frankly horrified at this inclusion in the Games. The ethos of the Games is one of world elite, accepting that "it is the taking part" that counts - this can only be under the caveat of world ranked excellence.
Dave Harman, UK

The Olympics is all about the pride and ambition to compete for you country. Whether you are the world's best or the world's last you should have the right to compete at the olympics if your country see you as their best.
Aaron Townsend, Great Britain

His sporting achievement was not great, but what he did for the olympic ideal is worth more than a medal

  Chris M, UK

Even though Moussambani had no chance of a medal, his participation tipyfies the spirit of the Olymipics ... it's the competing that counts. Good luck to the guy.
Edward Ryles, United Kingdom

Watching Eric was the most enjoyable moment of the olympics so far. Sport is not just about money, medal tables, records and being the best as some would want it, but also about personal triumphs and the chance for all to realise a dream. His sporting achievement was not great, but what he did for the olympic ideal is worth more than a medal.
Chris M, UK

Mr Moussambani does embody the spirit of the Olympics, as he took part and therefore has more right to be there than any number of freeloaders that ride off the Olympic movement's back (officials, media, spectators). Modern sport is cursed with the "winning is all that matters" ethic, rather missing the point that its the striving as well as the achieving that matters. After all, if there were no "losers" there could be no competition.
Alan Cooke, UK

He might want to work on his stroke a bit

  Joe Twyman, UK

His display was fantastic and not a "freak show" at all. It took real courage for him to go to Sydney and take part - especially when he was left on his own. Why shouldn't athletes like Eric be allowed to compete - or should we means test all competitors when we drugs test them now? The Games are always being accused of being too commercial, surely this is the perfect example to prove that to many people the Games are actually about competing, not keeping the sponsors happy.
Claire, UK

If athletes meet their countries qualification criteria then of course they should be allowed to compete no matter what their ability is. If they are the best in their country then it is a reminder to the rest of the world just how different facilities are in other countries.
Sally Rowntree, England

In my opinion Moussambani and competitors of his ilk should be allowed to join in the olympics. Far from turning the event into a farce I believe that this enhances the world wide appeal of the games. I'm sure he has trained just as hard but without the undoubted world class facilities that the best athletes have had. Hopefully now he can improve for the next games or become a coach who can pass on his experiences to youngsters.
Colin Glasgow, Scotland

Normally I'd say let him go for it, but come on, this guy nearly drowned

  Mike, Australia

Well let me ask if anybody out there would have the courage to perform in a discipline,where they are a hundred times worse than all the other entrants, in front of the whole world? Because I for one admire the man's courage. He may not be anywhere near the best but he had the courage to take part knowing that all the people in the world who couldn't be bothered to try would queue up to knock him for doing so.
Richard How, UK

The Olympics is designed to bring together the best athletes in the world to compete on a country-level basis. If this guy is the best at what he does in his country and passed all of the qualifying criteria then there is no reason why he should not be there.
Gareth Brace, UK

If he's amongst the best swimmers in his country and he swam at his best, then he's done everything asked of an Olympian. I think he and his country should be honoured with the same good-humoured respect and support granted him by the crowd in Sydney.
Jon, Australia

It is excellent that he was allowed to compete - it was disappointing however that the other two swimmers were disqualified for what was obviously not a deliberate false start

  Mick Fletcher, UK

I think that it is a bit of a farce for such poor performances to be accepted at the Olympics. I know that in Britain, the standards are quite high for gaining entry to the Olympics. Are these standards not set elsewhere or if they are, why are some of them significantly lower?
James Kilner, England

I swim seriously at galas in the UK but have little chance of making the Olympic team in this country - but if I had a passport from Equatorial Guinea I'd jump at the chance to swim. He might want to work on his stroke a bit though!
Joe Twyman, UK

It is excellent that he was allowed to compete. It was disappointing however that the other two swimmers were disqualified for what was obviously not a deliberate false start.
Mick Fletcher, UK

Well, normally I'd say let him go for it, but come on this guy nearly drowned.
Mike, Australia

If the athlete in question is the best that his country has then of course he should be allowed to swim, otherwise the temptation is to drop the qualifying times lower and lower and exclude whole nations that may not have the budgets to compete at the very highest level. By competing countries gain national pride and maybe some sponsorship for their budding athletes. Sport is one of the few things that bring all the countries of the world together, and excluding nations would discourage people to participate, which will ultimately lead to a watering down of the Olympics into a purely commercial event, that only the countries with enourmous budgets can take part in.
P.Crookall, U.K.

I thought there were set olympic qualifying time. In which case there should only be those competing who have achieved the qualification time!
Grant Charles, UK

Even though Moussambani had no chance of a medal, his participation tipifies the spirit of the Olymipics ... it's the competing that counts. Good luck to the guy.
Edward Ryles, United Kingdom

Every country should have the opportunity to send athletes to the Olympics, whether they reach the set standards or not. Sport is not always about winning, just taking part can take as much effort and sacrifice for less able athletes as for those at the top. Why should we deny Moussanbani his moment in the limelight?
Doug Hosking, England