Heather Fell, Olympic modern pentathlete silver medalist, writes about her life 'on and off' the track.

THE London Olympics are capturing the headlines again this week but unfortunately in a less celebratory fashion.

It has just been announced that the British Olympic Association have lost their battle to prevent any athlete who has in the past tested positive for using performance enhancing drugs, from competing in the Olympic Games. Previously if an athlete tested positive they would be banned for several years but most importantly would never have the honour of representing their country at the Olympic games. I feel this is sending out the wrong message to young athletes but I am proud that Great Britain took a strong stance and fought this decision to the end. Fortunately, to my knowledge, this ruling will not directly effect the pentathlon so let's hope the other sports in London this summer are not tainted too.

On a more positive note I discovered last week that I have been selected for the World Championships team. Prior to this announcement we were given a couple days of 'downtime' and as we had flown into Heathrow I made the most of this by spending some time in London.

As well as catching up with friends I had an appointment to be fitted with new orthotics for my running trainers. It wasn't until I navigated my way across the city to the practice that I discovered it was directly behind the famous department store Selfridges. With time to spare before my next engagement it would have been rude not to have a browse but I am very proud to say I left empty handed (as opposed to an empty bank account!), even after discovering the 'shoe gallery.'