Why select injured Brown?

THE EDITOR: It is a reoccurring fact that our young cricketers are selected for overseas tours only to break down early on the tour with various aches and pains just to be sent back to their respective territories. Are those selected to represent TT in any fashion of sport not given a thorough medical before leaving these shores?

I now read that Darrel Brown has opted out of the 100m dash in Greece through an injury that was evident way back in June at the national senior championships. Should Darrel Brown have been selected by the Olympic association to represent TT in Greece, after what was already known of his injury? With some amazement I read in one of the daily newspapers that although our medal hope would be unable to compete in his pet distance, he will be making his individual debut in 2008 in Beijing, China.

Here is a man who, according to the report, is willing to sacrifice self for country in the 4 x 400 relay, not knowing if he is physically fit to finish the race. What happens, if indeed we have a good chance in the 4 x 400 relay, but due to Brown’s injury he is unable to finish his lap? Is this really sacrificing self for country? I look forward to Brown’s progress in the Games, but according to the report in the papers, I will now have to wait for the year 2008 to see Brown mount the winners’ podium. As for Mr “Penthouse,” I shall leave him for someone else to deal with.

ANDY PATRIOT