It is interesting that, in the book, Smith insists that only the American press gave her any grief in Atlanta. Few European-based journalists, knowing their own reactions after Smith's achievements in Atlanta, would agree, and they remain keenly interested in her unconventional training habits, while the Americans have, for the most part, let the story lie. Much to Smith's chagrin. In recent months a series of articles questioning the validity of her performances in the Irish press have provoked Smith's ire. Whitten quoted a 1993 interview with Smith's husband, banned Dutch discus-thrower Erik de Bruin.
Sport is by definition dishonest.
Some people are naturally gifted, others have to work very hard. Some people are not going to make it without the extra help. Telling words indeed. But in February, Tom Humphries ofThe Irish Times told it otherwise. Smith's tendency to avoid high level competition before major meets has been widely noticed, as has the fact that she neglects to clearly advise the IASA of her whereabouts in Holland and elsewhere.