Chaotic build-up must not tarnish games

The performance of UK athletes at the Olympics in Rio caused a wave of euphoria to sweep across the nation.

Scottish members of the contingent more than played their part, ensuring the games were the most successful on record.

London was always going to be hard to beat, but the achievements of Team GB – albeit helped by quite staggering levels of lottery funding – ensured the home games success was no flash in the pan. Attention will now turn to the Paralympics. Expectations are higher than ever for UK participants ahead of the games, which start on September 7.

Sadly the run-up to the games has been mired in controversy.

Fears venues will not be ready and warnings of a scaledback programme due to funding issues have dominated the headlines.

Earlier this week, the Russian team was banned amid the same allegations of state-sponsored doping which threatened to cast a shadow over the Olympics.

However, none of the problems in the build-up should be allowed to take the shine off for those talented enough to be taking part.

None of the problems currently facing the organisers in Rio is the fault of those who have dedicated the last four years of their lives preparing for one shot at glory.

We wish every one of them luck.