Our wonderful track and field "stars"

I reckon this thread may produce some interesting debate.At least I hope it does!

I am amazed,confused,disappointed and a little angry at some of our so called "stars" of track and field at the Olympics.
Millions of pounds invested to produce what?
Four years and we drop the baton!
Train with Kenyans and don't even qualify for the final race.

Andy Murray was rubbish too!!!

Discuss. 

I think you are being unnecessarily critical so soon after a brilliantly successful games.

That said, there is an issue as regards the achievements of track and field. Not sure how the debate should progress but.

However, it seems that those in charge of funding have finally realised the benefits of 'playing to our strengths' i.e. cycling, sailing etc. more emphasis (financial and otherwise) has been placed on those disciplines and less on our underachieving athletes).

Not sure how Murray is relevant. He has had a largely successful if uneven season. The guy lost a match. it happens. however he has finished the season with a Masters win and three other tournament wins and a ranking of six in the world. Not the finished article but he is 21 and it is another season of progress.

also ohurogue did well, regardless of your opinion on her validity. Idowu was unlucky and Mason did well.

Radcliffe wasn't fit and, though we can argue she may not have run, she doesn't have to prove her abilities to anyone.

ok the relay was a cock-up but it can, and has, happened to the best of them.

Interesting points already flowing in!

I accept that anyone can drop the baton and that we all have "bad days at the office". Paula I thought was damn brave to do what she did and will always be a beacon for others to follow.
I still find it somewhat strange though that the majority of us on these pages are club runners,those who are just in it for keeping fit and those who just enjoy the simplicity of running.We get injured but we still get on with our daily lives,working,bringing up a family etc.These Highly motivated stars of ours?Their "job" is to provide a return on the investment that we put into the sport.

I want my money back!

I know,I'm just having a Meldrew moment!   

I think sometimes if they can produce a PB or SB then maybe that is all we should ask - some are just a long way off being worlds best -and its all about it all coming together at the right time -sometimes it just doesnt work that way - there is a lot of expectation on the Athletics tho and maybe it is abit too much when you look at who they need to beat - a bit like football - if Ingerlund are there then they are going to win when the reality is they are not that good

 and virtually everybody buggered up the relays this year -bar Jamaicas sprint men