None of the four runners he mentioned ran in the 1,500m.

Derek Ibbotson ran only in the 5,000m finishing third. Gordon Pirie ran in both the 5,000m and 10,000m finishing second and eighth respectively, both these races were won by Vladimir Kuts.

Emil Zatopek just ran in the marathon but failed to repeat his 1952 success and finished sixth.

So you can see that the four runners never ran in the same race. I believe Kevin was thinking of the 5,000m which was a hotly-contested race until Kuts broke clear in the last two laps to beat Pirie (second) by 11 seconds and Ibbotson (third) by 14.8 seconds.

D JOHNSON, Woodlesford

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I'd like to reply to the letter from Tony Armstrong of Hunslet (Letters to the Sports Editor, August 27).

It seems to me that every time he gets a chance he can't wait to slag the Rhinos off. Personally I put it down to jealousy because he obviously supports a team from yesteryear but that's his choice.

If he wants to support a team that play in front of crowds in their hundreds good luck to him but leave the Rhinos alone and remember what city Hunslet is in.

PETER WALTON, Middleton, via e-mail

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Rugby League 2008 is almost finished, what do I see for 2009?

The divisions are getting wider between the Super League and National League clubs. Super League is financed by Sky TV and the players all have full-time contracts.

The Super League is getting bigger next year with two extra clubs and Salford and Celtic Crusaders will be searching for more quality players.

May I suggest they look at the youth in the amateur game. Please, no more past-their-best Aussie players.

Young players such as Gregg McNally of Whitehaven are a class act and are the future of the sport in this country.

At the same time the grounds must be upgraded. I say to the National League clubs – do not sign any former Super League players, it is not worth it.

Finally, I think it is clear the cup is simply the Super League Challenge Cup, surely nobody would argue with that?

KEVIN MAGUIRE, Batley

Ends



A LOT has been made about Leeds United's poor home record in 2008 and the team's relatively disappointing first few games – but I'm confident that if we stick with Gary McAllister's style of passing football we'll be in the Championship come this time next season.

I think over a full season, with the squad we've got we'll certainly be in the automatic promotion spots.

PAUL BISHOP, Garforth, via e-mail