I was disappointed to read about how Winona Howe, who topped the Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) SEA Games selection race, may have her nomination for the Games withdrawn (Trial winner a doubt for Games; June 10).

TAS' high performance manager said that Howe had submitted her training plan late, despite reminders, and that elite athletes have to be responsible for their actions.

The chairman of the TAS development committee also said that her plan was not comprehensive enough.

As a young, talented and aspiring sportswoman, Howe would do well to heed the advice and instructions of her national sports association if she is to fulfil her potential and go far in her sporting journey.

But it takes two hands to clap.

TAS should also render all the technical help and administrative and logistical support it can give to its athletes, so that they can concentrate on training and competing.

We must ensure our nation is represented in major sports events by the best athletes we have.

The success of Singapore and TAS will be measured by the medals our national triathletes win, not by the training plans they write.

Edwin Pang