MY COLUMN "Women just can't take the pressure" (my paper, Aug 11) was meant to be an argument about how the different sexes have different capabilities.
Specifically, I highlighted the task of delivering a sporting victory under intense pressure at the highest level of competition - and argued that elite male athletes are more capable of doing so, compared to their female counterparts.
I disagree with some readers' accusations of sexism and my making generalisations in the column.
Never did I ridicule the sizeable contributions of women athletes and the amazing sporting feats that they have achieved.
But I am convinced that in picking an athlete to deliver China's first gold in Beijing - as the nation watched and in a sport where mental strength is paramount - the organisers had erred in choosing a woman shooter to do the job.
Not only did Du Li, the Chinese shooter, have to defend her Athens title, but she also had to win the gold for China to ensure a perfect start to the Games.
She was in trouble with her first bad shot in the final. When the home crowd gasped, she got nervous and made an even worse shot.
If all things were equal, she could very well have shown greater prowess than her male counterparts.
But under great pressure, women athletes tend to let their focus waver and allow doubts to creep in - and falter.
I am convinced that male athletes have a better shot at success in such situations, because they are better able to control their emotions during crunch time.
Yes, there are ice-cool women athletes. Golfer Annika Sorenstam is one - rarely cracking under high pressure.
And yes, there are male athletes who choke. Golfer Greg Norman is notorious for repeatedly throwing away big final- round leads in Majors.
But there are plenty more top male athletes who have proven time and again that they do not crack.
Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan have made careers by successfully making the final putt or shot.
Yesterday, the China men's gymnastics team, determined to win gold to erase a horrendous showing in Athens, succeeded in redeeming themselves on home ground.
Even national bowler Remy Ong has come through repeatedly at crunch time. If he needs a last strike to edge out his opponent in the final, he usually makes it.
So, until more women show the world that they can win consistently under extreme pressure, I will always go for a top male athlete to do the job.
