Sports Letter: Running repairs

Sir: Can it be that Linford Christie's victory in Stuttgart and Damon Hill's Hungarian Grand Prix triumph are sporting precursors to a revival of Britain's fortunes on the continent? The commitment and application demanded for these two athletes to lead the world in their chosen field provides a lesson for the politicians. We think that the decision-makers in Whitehall would do well to be seen to invest the same amount of desire, dedication and passion to lead. Then and only then will the 'economic recovery' and 'new world order' truly manifest. We suggest John Major could take the first step by investing in a pair of lycra running shorts in which he could secrete, in the appropriate position, a rolled-up copy of the 'Maastricht Treaty'.

Yours faithfully,

PAUL J A EMMET

DAVID E POTTS

Pledgdon Green

Hertfordshire

16 August