What has gone wrong for the Northern Ireland athlete?

James McIlroy looked one of the most exciting middle-distance talents to emerge for many years when he burst on the scene in 1998.

McIlroy, then representing Ireland, finished fourth in the European Championships that year and looked set for a tremendous career.

However, McIlroy has struggled over the past three years and his latest disappointments came at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

Can McIlroy regain top form to fulfill his potential?

It must be frustrating for the lad, to not live up to your potential is a hard pill to swallow. All the best for the future, James.

Nugget, Portadown

Maybe he just bottles it on the biggest stages. But, unlike the Americans, us Brits just have the old mentality of 'never mind son, you done well to get where you did'. Come on James, remember the phrase "First is everything, second is nowhere!"
Andrew, London

McIlroy is still young(ish) and should not be written off just yet. It can't help to have people sniping at him every time he doesn't get in the medals. How many of us could get to the semi-final of a major Championship? He should be encouraged, not criticised!

Margaret Beamon, Belfast