Jessica deserves success

How inspiring to see your coverage last week of our Olympic hopefuls, such as showjumper Jessica Mendoza, left. They looked so natural and confident, but their interviews revealed punishing schedules that show why they are a class apart from the rest of us. Jessica said that she had been riding since she was three and that at ten she suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung when thrown from a horse. Yet she has kept on going and now rides up to five horses every day between 8am and lunchtime. For this alone I hope she triumphs in Rio! J. Benn, London Being healthy doesn’t mean being a certain shape or size. Jessica Mendoza describes herself as ‘tall’ and ‘lean’, while her fellow Olympic hopeful Claudia Fragapane, a gymnast, is 4ft 7in and says her favourite hashtag is #Strongnotskinny. As these athletes show, being healthy is about being the most vibrant, happiest and most energised person that you can be. Mia Smith, Slice Urban Fitness Team, London