Cost of a medal

I WOULD be the first to applaud the success of Team GB at the Winter Olympics, but there must be a question about cost. Trying to keep up with the Norwegians, U.S. and Germans is not feasible.

Can spending millions on competing in the Winter Olympics be justified? It is time there was a national debate on how out taxes are being

spent before money is allotted to non-essential activities.

SIMON DREW, Bracknell, Berks. PAYING £28.4 million to 59 athletes in the GB Winter Olympics team for five medals works out at £5.68 million per medal. This is appalling value for money and — given the parlous state of the NHS — totally unjustified. JAMES ROBERT-POULAIN,

Bexhill-on-Sea, E. Sussex. WELL said, Eddie the Eagle. How can we spend £28.4 million on winter sports that only the well-to- do can afford to even have a go at trying?

Most of the training for the sports must be done abroad. We should invest in sports open to everyone — or even hospitals, care homes, libraries, roads and mental health, that affect the rest of us, not just 59 athletes.

HARRY GEARY, address supplied.