THE Olympics has provided the opportunity for this country to spotlight its athletes and their achievements.

So why have the organisers included individuals who are not athletes in carrying the flame?

Sir Steve Redgrave is one of our greatest Olympians, so why wasn’t he chosen to represent us when the flame reached Britain?

Instead we involved the much-hyped David Beckham, who was sent off for unsporting behaviour in a second round match in World Cup 98. This reduced the England team to ten men and saw our departure from the competition.

And when did the US rap star Will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas singer, become one of our athletic icons?

Isn’t it time we moved on from indulging celebrities and footballers and started encouraging younger generations to get involved in sport for what it is – an activity for exercise, pleasure and the opportunity to create friendships and team spirit?

It should not be a platform for mindless claptrap.

Neil Kelly, Tredcroft Road, Hove