Are the medals worth their weight in gold?

After the spectacle of the Olympics is there a need for such an occasion on the sporting calendar?

Some of the world's top athletes will congregate in Portugal between March 9 and 11.

Many others will not.

Do you care about an athletics event that's being held indoors? The 60 metres race replaces the 100 metres - does this devalue the competition?

How significant do you think this event is?

Does the prospect of seeing Kenya's 1500 metres gold medallist Noah Ngeny, Spain's long jump champion Niurka Montalvo or Britain's teenage running star Mark Lewis-Francis compete under a roof excite you?

Tell us what you think?

As athletics and athletes have embraced professionalism, they have turn most events as the World Indoor Championships in to a circus. All that is needed is for the sponsers to crack their whips and put the athletes in a big ring.
Brian Bloomfield, United Kingdom

As an athlete myself, calling these "non-championships" is ridiculous. Some people train for an indoor season, some don't. For those who do, this is the culmination of that season - a shot at the World Indoor title. The events especially on the track, are so distinct from outdoor competition that this is a title in its own right.
Chris Lambert, England

Lionel Scales obviously has his tongue in his cheek - unless he has a javelin through it! The five great athletes he named, from Backley to Oerter, are all throwers of either javelin or discus: about as popular in an indoor arena as a snake in a jacuzzi!
John Aberdein, Scotland

The world's best are allowed to compete. Baulch will not be running because his performances this winter do not rank him amongst the world's best. It will be a great championship. Indoors requires something different to outdoors and that is why not everyone enters. Those who have, are those who excel in this environment.
Gareth Rees, UK

The indoor championships to me is an indicator of who is going to do well on the outdoor circuit. It gives us the chance to view fresh talent, and I personally will be glued to the box next weekend. I have been to many indoor events in Britain as a spectator and the atmosphere and spirit is far better than outdoor events. The fact that many top athletes will not be competing is leaving the way for younger talent to gain experience and prosper in the intense competition. I would like to wish all the GB team good luck for this event.
Denise, Great Britain

It is dissappointing that a defending champion is not allowed to defend is crown as is the case with Jamie Baulch. It devalues the competition if you don't have the world's best in action. Noah Ngeny is a class athlete and he could break the world's best.
Danny Lloyd, UK