We haven't got so many good medal prospects in this country that we can afford to lose them through neglect.". The United States basketball team commenced their inevitable march towards an Olympic gold medal in the early hours of this morning. But for several of theirmembers there are much greater prizes at present at stake. The prospect of dealing with basketball powerhouses like Argentina and Angola was a side issue for players, fans and media alike in the US last week.

You know what you want out of swimming, you know whether you should be in it."The downside, financial and social? "I believe the sacrifices are worth it You're doing what you want to. If you preferred to be doing something else you'd probably do it."I know money's tight in Britain and I can't say I've got the answers but the problem needs looking at. When it comes to age, Foot is out on her own."It gives newspapers some way to describe me," she said, "but I'm just a member of the team I don't go around thinking I'm the eldest since Jean. Having said that, every Games is a learning experience, it can overwhelm you. If people want to talk they're welcome."Being 31 isn't necessarily a barrier, it's an advantage for some people. You have experience behind you, an authority, and you cope with situations better.