They’re Trying to Get Things Back on Track

Sorry, Larry Stewart, but Jim Thorpe’s accomplishments do not pale in comparison with current standards (Morning Briefing, May 1). Your denigrating remarks are an insult to American history. Remember (no, you wouldn’t), for running events, no starting blocks, no artificial composition surfaces. For pole vault, a stiff bamboo pole--no spring-loaded catapult. In the weights, technique was a couple of jumps, a couple of hops--no swirling centrifugal force thrust.

Come on, Junior, how about some respect for the world’s greatest athlete?

O. SCOTT KUNKEL

Laguna Niguel

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When I read The Times story about the track meet last Saturday at USC, I was reminded of the great tradition of the UCLA-USC meet.

For my money, these are the true athletes who should get the attention in the sports section, not the crybaby millionaire ballplayers or other money-grubbing pro stars.

JAMES TURNER

Los Angeles