Letter: Of races,hurdles and sporting chances

From Mr Ormond Uren

Sir: Various correspondents (letters, 16 September) have rightly pointed out that sporting success is a complex matter that depends on a number of factors, including opportunity, resources, role models, climate, and sheer hard work, as well as natural aptitude.

However, people - both white and black - are genetically determined to come in different shapes and sizes; and you don't have to be a racist to recognise that certain morphological types have an inborn advantage in particular sports. Pygmies are not likely to be picked for the basketball team.

It is not a question of black or white. Ethiopia's crop of first-class black runners would stand no more chance in a sprint than Lynford Christie in a marathon.

Yours sincerely,

Ormond Uren

London, NW5

16 September