Editor's letter

Captain of endurance for rudderless ship

ATHLETICS is a sport of many sports. But the bit that the majority of people are most passionate about is endurance running.

It commands more interest than sprinting, hurdling, jumping and throwing. To many of you – especially the hardened souls who frequent the cross-country circuit – it simply is athletics.

Problem is, endurance running in Britain is currently rudderless. Alan Storey, the head of endurance at UKA in recent years, has left his post and a replacement has still to be found. The London Olympics is less than four years away and the part of the sport most people care about is without a leader.

So who should UKA get for this vital job? Top of the wish list would surely be iconic figures such as Brendan Foster, Dave Bedford, Liz McColgan or Steve Cram – although it is unlikely any would want the role. Steve Ovett would be an interesting candidate, though, as he has hinted he would consider a role helping athletes in the run-up to 2012.

Other potential contenders include marathon legend Steve Jones, who is currently coaching in the United States, or Eamonn Martin, another London Marathon winner presently doing some good work in England. George Gandy has a mighty coaching record, but his ties with Loughborough are probably too strong. Richard Nerurkar, currently based in Ethiopia, would be another interesting choice, as would the Australian coach and agent Nic Bideau.

All are smart and charismatic characters who know what it takes to reach the highest level. It depends who is up for the challenge, though, because in addition to being the most popular area of the sport, it is also arguably the most competitive.

► JUDGING by my mailbag this week, a couple of articles in last week’s issue touched a raw nerve with some readers. Frank Horwill’s piece on nutrition was dubbed “irresponsible” in some quarters, while the feature on static stretching drew the usual criticism from those who believe it is dangerous.

The fact is, you have to be thin to win – especially in running events –but we trust readers to make intelligent nutritional choices and not take dieting to dangerous extremes. As for static stretching, yes it is mildly controversial, but readers can make an informed choice on whether to use it or not.

Jason Henderson, Editor

From this week's Athletics Weekly, - available in WH Smith and all good newsagents, or on subscription

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