IN 2012, London will host the Olympic games.

The greatest sporting spectacle on Earth will come to England.

Over the past couple of years, however, something has been happening in primary schools that may dent the chances of any future stars.

More and more sports days are becoming non-competitive.

We may soon have a situation where races are a thing of the past - imagine the scene as 10 pupils line up for a race before crossing the line simultaneously to ensure that nobody comes last.

Instead of traditional races, many of our primary school children engage in group activities where competition is stopped.

In the real world, however, we face competition every day.

Searching for jobs, university places, promotion, housing, all involve a degree of competition.

If youngsters are not able to compete at a young age then their inexperience could seriously hamper their attempts at employment.

Sports days used to be a chance for all to shine.

Students of all academic abilities had a chance to show what they can do.

For me sports day was always great fun, anticipated by everyone.

It didn't matter if you lost the race, and many relays were run meaning that we won and lost together encouraging not only competition but teamwork.

Losing an egg-and-spoon race does not scar people for life but taking part prepares them for the competition we face everyday in the real world.

Bringing back competition may be vital if tomorrow's athletes are to turn up to the Olympics with the drive and determination to beat those lining up next to them on the track.