U.S. athletes a no-show
Mark Kiszla’s column Monday on the lack of interest in the Olympics was right on, although the blame should be equally shared by NBC, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and most certainly the athletes. It is easy to understand the low ratings since most can identify with the characters on “CSI,” “Law and Order” and “Desperate Housewives.” I would guess that few if any could have named as few as five or six performers on the U.S. Olympic team.
It appears that the other nations sent athletes who wanted to represent and win for their country. The U.S. sent a large cast of individuals who were there to represent themselves without any consideration to their country.
We did not see tears being shed on the podium – worse yet we didn’t see tears being shed by the athletes in spite of their performances and failures. Michelle Kwan, lame excuses aside, didn’t think it worth her while to stay on and support the other members of the team because she had to get back to her new sponsor, Disney. The snowboarders took their medals and flew home. The speedskaters apparently don’t even like each other! There were no crowds of other U.S. participants at the medals ceremony cheering their fellow countrymen on. What a sad display of country pride!
Lloyd Hunley, Grand Junction
Hurdle needs gut check
So Clint Hurdle says the Rockies have no glaring weaknesses.
Check the mirror, Clint.
Fred Everding, Arvada
No place for a girl
I don’t want this to sound like I’m criticizing a young high school girl. (, Feb. 17). However, I am really opposed to boys wrestling girls at the high school level. It’s such an awkward situation for everyone involved. If you’re a boy and you lose to a girl you will be humiliated at school. If you’re a boy and you are trying to pin the girl, you can’t drive your chin into her chest, like you would against a boy, to get her to flatten out for the pin. Society says you can’t touch her chest.
There are other sports. She could get a black belt in karate. for example. Run cross country. Play soccer. Volleyball. Wrestling should be a same-sex activity unless it’s in the bedroom.
B. Koch, Aurora
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