To the Editor:

Greek weightlifting champion Theodoros Iakovidis moved many people with his statements about retiring from the sport [after competing in the Tokyo Olympics] due to the great financial difficulties he faces. Fortunately, he went out and said it and found an immediate response and mobilized many. This should have already been done by the state. In order to compete, one must have the support of the state, one cannot be dedicated to one's training and at the same time try to survive, one cannot work and compete.

When children do well in sports, we feel proud and run to take pictures of them. But to get there they also need financial help, they cannot be supported only by their family so that they can have time to train. In order to reach the top level, there has to be someone to foot the bill. Unfortunately, this is the reality. May they support Iakovidis because Greece needs athletes like him.

Vangelis Michailidis

New York, NY