We have reached the time of year when many competitions reach their climaxes. The United Kingdom suffers its annual humiliation in the Eurovision Song Contest, the air waves are filled with numerous cookery competitions and various sporting competitions reach their annual zeniths. Triumph for some spells disaster for others and fans experience extremes of vicarious emotions.

It is good to celebrate human achievement, but the naked desire to win at all costs can induce foolish behaviour. In professional sport so much money rests on results that it is easy to lose a sense of proportion. It may be an old-fashioned idea, but it is worth remembering that there is honour in taking part, and that ,without worthy losers, there would be no winners.