Editor,—Following the recent success of the British team at the Sydney Olympics, media and medical attention appears to be preoccupied with the health and welfare of the “elite athlete”. However, the overwhelming majority of people who participate in sport in this country are not at an elite level. In fact, the term “athlete” may not even be correct. Many people participate in sport for the physical benefits of exercise and the personal enjoyment that it brings.

When these people are acutely injured, their …