The creation of the JSAs to produce future champions is both crucial and timely. And although some fear that intensive training at a tender age may be harmful, I think our level of knowledge and skill in the 'sports sciences' can ensure that this will not happen. The trick is to apply the expertise such that training regimens are tailored to suit individual needs.

For this to happen, coaches must work closely with sports scientists to come up with the best training plans for each athlete. This synergy is the sine qua non of sporting success, especially at world-class level, and should form the basis of all training programs at the JSAs.

However, the report, 'Shearn, 12, is fast making a name for himself in US' (ST, Dec 6), does raise an important question: Can our young athletes make it like Shearn just by training in Singapore?

With few exceptions, it has been amply demonstrated that prolonged immersion in a conducive environment is crucial to a young athlete's progress and eventual success in his sport.

And as Singapore is far from that kind of an environment with respect to most sports, the challenge for the JSAs will be all the more daunting.

I wish the JSAs success in their venture.

Lee Seck Kay