You're absolutely right that they aren't role models. However I don't think that was the key point.

If we are to set a standard of achievement and beauty wouldn't it be more admirable, socially beneficial and perhaps just plain inspiring to have a concept of beauty based on being as physically fit and healthy as we can?

Instead of obsessing about being slim, or the right shade of whatever, or about how big or shapely some part of our anatomy is; why not find someone attractive for how healthy and happy they appear?

So yes the attack on fashion models was a bit silly; however the idea that athletes can be more beautiful than a malnourished waif with a drug problem? Well maybe that's a good thing?

"Even if the fashion industry did bulk up its models - using healthy looking, muscular women - as a post-Olympic hoard are urging it to do..."

Wrong 'horde' btw....very shoddy

"Well I disagree - they're not bad role models. They're not role models. They never said they were role models. They're just people who sell clothes. "

So, if "They're just people who sell clothes", what justification is there for including them while neglecting, say, people who sell fish or people who sell car spares?

"Shona Robison and co are giving the fashion industry far too much credit "

No she isn't. She's effectively criticising their inclusion as well as the judgement of the organisers who clearly do regard the fashion industry as representing "some cultural zenith." This is a very confused and silly article; no doubt trotted out in a hurry through the demands of topicality and the requirement to shoehorn in a piece of air-headed social commentary on what was a bit of pointless fun...which I assume more or less sums up the writer's job description.

Nice work if you can get it etc...personally-given that I'm presently out of work due to a f**ked back which will hopefully heal in time to let me return to my usual task of ditch digging and sh*t shovelling until I'm no longer physically capable-if I had a gig like this I might just put a bit of effort in. Obviously it may be that the author has done just that, in which case: how come I spend my time shovelling sh*t when I could churn out this kinda inconsequential frippery in my f**kin sleep?

If it's my lack of a degree, a public school education and family connections then...y'know...fair enough. But how come I left school at 16 without a f**kin certificate to wipe backside on and yet I don't go around using 'hoard' for 'horde'? I'd tell you why, but frankly why would I bother doing that for free when etc etc...