Is it true that the public schools have produced the majority of our medal winners...

[sandyRoe]

...at the Olympics?
If we want even more medals at the next Olympics could we not introduce their methods of early training into all schools?

[sandyRoe]

Whatever their squalid origins, the Wet Bobs have done us proud.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leU1kbtIZUI

[McMouse]

I may be true that many medal winners have received a public school education, but UK sport governing bodies make funding available to attract youngsters. Where talent is recognised it is encourage and support funding is provided to cover training, travel and competition. Many so called 'elite' sports clubs such as tennis and rowing have junior programmes accessible to the poorest kids. Although golf is not an olympic sport Luke Donald (World No. 1) is the product of the junior programme at an exclusive Members Gold Club.

[petal54]

also have produced many politicians,hence where we're at now!

[Eve]

From what I can find, I don't think Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford or Mo Farah, similarly Andrew Triggs-Hodge, Pete Reed, Sophie Hosking. Victoria Pendleton didn't either.

Katherine Copeland went to a fee paying school, can't find the others.

I do agree though that some of the events would be more commonly undertaken and encouraged in public schools with the facilities and funding, the equestrian, shooting, rowing etc...

[dave50]

Anyone can join a rowing club or an athletics club for example, non of these are expensive. But of course if youths or parents of children choose instead to spend their money on booze or drugs or expensive tv's and mobile phones then it's their choice. To say these activities are not accessible to certain sections of society is rubbish. All it takes is some dedication and motivation and perhaps a little sacrifice. Of course those who are moaning most are the ones who expect everything handed to them on a plate. As for the schools, the answer is to increase standards and expectations in state schools, not drag down the public schools.

[maggiebee]

My grandson attends a state school and he plays football, rugby, hockey and lacrosse. He also does canoeing and archery but these are through the Army Cadets. His dad is a mountaineer so I feel he's a real all-rounder. Can't see him sailing though.