Online Message Board: What Do You Think of the 2002 Olympics? So what's on your mind with the 2002 Winter Olympics? Is the traffic as bad as you thought? Do you agree with the judges that gave the Canadian skaters the silver? How's the coverage? We want to hear what you have to say. Please keep it clean. Note that all messages are reviewed before going live! Here's what others have to say:

SLOC took advantage of early ticket buyers -- James of Highlands Ranch, CO

Overall, I will say that I enjoyed the games. However, I'm still really mad at the SLOC (Salt Lake Organizing Committee) since they gave us lousy seats, even though we bought our tickets at the earliest opportunity; they saved the best seats for last and didn't send the tickets until January since they knew they weren't selling out and also knew they could sell the remaining seat easier if they had good seats. We bought 4 packages, including opening ceremonies, where we ended up on row 52 in the corner section E30, which was still considered an "A" ticket at $885 each. For pairs figure skating, we ended up in section 103, which is on the upper deck with an obstructed view of the rink and thus should also not be an "A" ticket. Moreover, we had events that conflicted in time. There are no refunds, so the SLOC took advantage of the people who put in their money early. My only remedy is to file a complaint with the BBB, even though nothing will probably be done.  

NBC: No Broadcasting Class -- James of Murray, UT

I've spent the last few months dreading the Winter Olympics coming to my hometown. A week or two prior to the Opening Ceremony, my beautiful city looked as if it were under siege. Concrete barriers. Razor topped fences. Soldiers with M16 rifles slung low. Gradually, as the Games progressed, walking the mile out of my way, around Olympic Square, just to get to work every morning was less and less of a bother. Watching some of the athletes shine on the NBC coverage of the games lifted my spirits more. Sarah Hughes and her surprising gold medal performance turned me into a true fan. And then, with one extremely inconsiderate decision by the powers that be at NBC, it felt like a door was being slammed in Salt Lake's collective face. The decision to cut off the coverage of the Closing Ceremony right before the historical firework show was more than insensitive. It was the final memory of your coverage - a memory that leaves us wondering what in the world someone in that conglomerate was thinking. My elderly parents and I were waiting for the first of the big firework show to begin so we could hurry outside and see them for ourselves. That fireworks show was for us and the network cheated us out of it. We missed it. For a "once in a lifetime event" to end on such a sour note, I believe the folks at NBC owe Salt Lake, KSL and everyone else angered by their insensitivity an apology.   

closing song -- Larry of Muscatine, IA

Will someone tell me the name of the closing song sung by the young couple (he sang in Italian)? I think Bocelli has sung it but I do not know the title. Thanks  

Olympic book -- Susan of Midvale, UT

I enjoyed the Olympics. I'm not here to say something bad because I believe the Olympics were wonderful and beautiful. I would like to congratulate everyone who worked so hard. I'm wondering if it would be possible if KSL could put together a book with there wonderful pictures. Please let us know. Thanks  

Thanks Salt Lake City -- Pat of Hamilton, OH

I spent the last week in your great city. Thanks to all the volunteers, security staff and athletes for a great time. Everyone was incredibly friendly and the Park and Ride lots worked great. I only wish the SLOC had told the airlines how to handle the crowds. Fours hours in line and a missed flight, but I made it out on a stand-by flight. Congratulations Salt Lake - you were awesome.  

Kim disqualified due to the "lane switching" ? -- Stephanie of OT, NJ

As far as I know (read it in a newspaper), one of the referees said that Kim was disqualified due to the "two steps" movement. Now, I don't know every rules of speed skating but I think everyone can distinguish "lane switching" from "two steps". He was originally disqualified for "two steps" but now, he's disqualified for "lane switching"????? For the sake of the South Koreans, Americans, and all others , I hope that ISU informs the media what exactly was the cause of Kim's disqulification and why the reason of disqualification has changed. I thank all the speed skaters (including Kim and Ohno) for doing a great job out there. At this point, all I can say is Ohno has the medal now and no one can take it away from him. Regarding Kim, I wish him luck in the next winter Olympic.  

Olympics Terrific for the Most Part -- ann of st. clair, PA

Congratulations to SLC on a difficult job well done. The opening ceremonies & smooth running events were exceptional. I have only a couple negative remarks. 1) Why weren't the childrens faces shown in more close ups. This is one of the most precious parts of the ceremonies & I was disappointed that there were so few shots of the adorable children. 2) I'm sure the person who was outraged by 2 of the musical groups for the closing was referring to "Kiss" & Christine Aglero? Kiss' appearance did not bother me since it is sort of an icon of aged rock groups; however, Christine's outfit was indeed an insult to the winter games & what they stand for. Young children did not need to see an entertainer dressed like a hooker at an event expected to show good taste. How did her exposed garter belt ever get past the Olympic Committee?? Let's not lower the standards that have set the olympics apart from today's gutter style entertainment. 3) This point has more to do with the behavior of the US fans than with the olympics. Come on now.....how would you like to be invited to a home in Europe & then have the owners spend the entire time telling you how great their house, children, country & themselves are?? That's what U.S. fans do when they wrap themselves in the stars & stripes & boo athletes from other countries. It's juvenile behavior and I hope the next time we are the olympic hosts, we wil see more mature reactions from the american fans.  

Bravo Salt Lake -- Ron of St Petersburg, FL

From my home in St Petersburg, Florida, I watched a lot of the coverage on NBC. Utah should be proud at the fantastic job it did. I hope one day to visit your city and state. BRAVO!  

DEREK PARRA -- Sheila of Kaysville, UT

I was one of several volunteers helping out with clean-up after the closing ceremonies. When the show was over and the athletes and spectators had all rushed off, Derek Parra remained. He was surrounded by fans wanting pictures, autographs, handshakes, etc. He was very accommodating and stayed until the last person got his autograph or picture. He even talked to strangers on cell phones to the delight of the fans telling family and friends, "Guess who I'm with?" He was at the stadium an hour after others had left. He did not complain, he did not rush off, and he did not act annoyed--just overjoyed and appreciative of the attention. Derek, you're the best!!  

closing ceremonies -- Mary of Albuquerque, NM

This was the most winter olympics I have ever watched and it was terrific except for one thing at closing ceremonies. The Salt Lake city olympics was suppose to be "celebration of children". Where did Christine Aguillara fit into this equation. I thought her outfit and gyrations were totally, totally inappropriate for the olympic closing ceremony. She looked like she belonged in a strip joint. Didn't anyone suggest that she might where something appropriate.   

Hats off to Utah!! -- Tim of Cleveland, OH

I'm a long time Olympic fan from Cleveland, Ohio and I must say that you folks in Salt Lake City did a wonderful job the past two weeks. With all the good and bad that took place in and out of competition, you and your area showed the best of professionalism and friendliness, at least from what I've seen on air. It's too bad that I discovered KSL and KSL.com after the Games were over, but this will still be my new homepage and new favorite internet radio station. Also, the opening and closing ceremonies were much more than I ever expected. Way cool!! I just may have to come out for a visit sometime, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Congrats to SLC and to the volunteers!!!!   

Mitt Romney -- Mark of Mountain View, WY

Mitt did a great job turning the Salt Lake Olympics around and it appears he is looking for another challenge. Anything in Mass. would be way too easy. Let him take on Enron.   

Closing ceremonies -- Elaine of Provo, UT

The closing ceremonies have just concluded, and we received an e-mail from a distant cousin in Florida: "Watched the closing ceremonies tonight! No wonder many in other parts of the world think of us as a decadent society. Two of the acts would prove it to most. SICK SICK! If this is what we are I am ashamed". My comments: The opening ceremony was SO good, the Olympics went smoothly, and much of the closing was alright. But including two acts of questionable taste almost spoils the entire experience.   

Grand Job!!! -- Kathy of Tooele, UT

Salt Lake City and the State of Utah! Hats off to each and every person. The Olympics is something that we should all be proud of. With everything that took place on 9-11 we have not let it hold us back from putting on one of the best shows the world will ever see or be part of. To all the athletes great jobs to all of you, don't let the political statements keep you from your dreams. Each and every one of you have proven that it takes hard work and dedication to do what you do. Good Luck to all of you in Italy! GREAT JOB SALT LAKE CITY!!!!!!!!!!   

Crybabies -- amy of pottsville, PA

The So. Korean skater was disqualified due to "lane switching" which is against the rules. The Canadian couple deserved their gold medal because the French judge of the Pairs event admitted that she manipulated her vote. I heard this directly from the lips of the President of the International Olympic Committee. Back in the 80s, it was common for the USSR & soviet bloc in general to send professional athletes to compete in the Olympics. Rather than put pressure on them to send non-professionals like all other countries, the rules were changed to allow professionals to compete in order to have a level playing field for all nations. Since the collapse of the USSR, Russian athletes have been winning fewer medals because they no longer have the "professional" advantage. The result for this olympics has been a temper tantrum from the officials of that country. There must be a conspiracy if their team does not take a truck load of medals home.  

Where are the mascots??? -- Scott of South Jordan, UT

Those mascots sure have been sights unseen during the games. I can honestly say "I have not seen hide nor 'hare' of them".  

It was terrible! -- Gin of HP, NJ

It is ineffable to express my empathy for the Korean speed skater Kim Dong Sung.I saw the video clip of the game and all I saw was Ohno flinch a bit. It is highly absurd that Kim was disqualified.I didn't see any "two steps" or whatsoever. I would agree with all those people who say that the judges were biased. Some people say that it's just a sport and that Koreans (or any other nationalities) are just too uptight about the whole situation. However, if you practiced every day and night for four years to bring honor to your country and were disqualified regardless of finishing the race in 1st place, how CAN you laugh it off? After seeing what has happened in this race, I hope that the future generations don't look up to the hideous and horrid rulings of the 2002 Olympic and make sure that no other athletes or nations are to be offended by the unfair rulings. Although Ohno has the medal,the genuine sportsmanship remains with Kim Dong Sung.  

Have we changed - or we any closer ? -- Gregory of San Francisco, CA

The Olympics, the family planet as far as the eyes can see through the stillness and calm of the passing winter nights, now the miles of oceans between us and the rest who has since waved goodbye, shared a joke, maybe cried for joy for their winning team, or cried because they did not. The many colors of the flags that flew in flutter harmony, perhaps not to share the same thoughts, perhaps not to share the same spoken language, perhaps not to share in the same likes or dislikes of everyday task and chores of our lives back at home, yet still we are an unbroken chain with a few strained links. Feeling the pain of another's loss though they are not related, but only by the one flutter which we share, the one flag of Mother Earth that is being stitched together by each of us every four years. Are we any closer than before for hence we have come together for international play of the games within our ideas of fairness, and in truth? Perhaps someday we will fly our new world flag to catch that first equal glimmer of unity of champions.  

Apolo Anton Ohno -- Megan of Chapel Hill, NC

I think that Apolo Ohno did great for his first time in the olympics. He has really made the short track competions fun for me to watch. He is actually the whole reason i watch the short track competitions. He glides on the ice with such grace and ease and his good looks make the events even better! I think he truly deserves the medals he received and when I watched the olympics Saturday night, it made me realize what an unpredictable sport short track really is. I just want Apolo to know I love to watch him skating, much like the rest of America, and cannot wait to see him in the next winter olympics!  

Apollo Anton Ohno -- Sandi of Atlanta, GA

I believe that as Americans we should cheer on our athletes. It is sad to come on here and see people of our own Nation talking dirty about OUR athletes. Being an athlete myself, I am disgusted with some of the comments I have read this morning. I believe that Apollo fairly won the gold, and deserves the credit of a fair skate to go along with it. If you have any doubts, watch the replays that are constantly being played on the television. Apollo is a strong, dedicated athelete that should be supported by his country not ridiculed by it.  

Russian Sour Grapes -- Nolan of West Jordan, UT

Just a few observations on the recent explosion of idiocy by the Russian Olympic committee leadership. 1. The Russians are obviously under enormous pressure from the homeland to win at all costs. A sub par performance under any circumstances means that there will be much explaining to do. This is perhaps a lingering attitude from the old Soviet days when superior Olympic performances were used as propoganda to promote the system to their people. 2. The Russians have performed far below expectations in this Olympiad, a fact that is not lost on its media, parliament, and general public. The absence of a state run media makes it more difficult to disguise such. 3. There is credible evidence to link the Russians to attempts to influence judging, and a strong possibility of participation in doping. Based on these factors, the Russian meltdown earlier this week seems clearly more than just sour grapes. Russian Olympic officials know they will be called on to account for their teams performance, and the scrutiny will be intense. Last weeks stupidity is merely an attempt to deflect attention away from poor performances in a number of areas, and its done primarily for the benefit of the Russian people. I don't see it as over anti-americanism as some have suggested. It is a desperate attempt to get Russian people to focus on so-called injustices rather than have to account for poor performances (see Russian Hockey coach). It is ridiculous and embarrassing for all involved and has made an already bad situation much worse for the Russian team.  

Olympic Spirit -- Bill of Madison, WI

I don't think we will truely comprehend the Olympic Spirit until: --We quit keeping count of medals by country; and athletes quit kissing medals. --We quit tracking, focusing on, and reporting accomplishments of African-Americans and Mexican-Americans and focus on the accomplishments of Americans. --Interviewers quit trying to get 16 year old gold medal figure skaters to say that they wished other figure skaters would fail.   

Controversy? -- TH of Princeton, NJ

It is sad to see that controversy and dirty rulings plague the Olympics. I am sure the founders did not have such a vision on their agenda. As to the controversy it seems Ohno has been tagging a cloud since the preliminaries when he "helped"one of his friends in making the Olympic team, although he was kept on the team due to "insufficient evidence". Regarding the results of the 1500 meters and the Ohno - Kim controversy, it seems quite clear that there has been at least to some degree unfair rulings. It is quite embarrassing that Ohno is so happy amidst all this controversy. As people here have posted, the consensus indeed seems to suggest unfair ruling, or at least some problems with the rulings do exist. Tthe postings on this board suggest that those who favour Ohno gold do not really elaborate on the technicalities pertain to Kim's actual breaking of the rules. This shows how shallow their reasoning is and how little they know about the sport. Indeed, it also shows how easily they take in whatever mass media in this country feeds them. The facts are: 1) Kim finished first 2) Ohno got the judges attention by pulling what I call a "soccer- foul" (watch soccer games and see those athlete actors in action, one minute the tackled person is in pain on the ground, the next second after the refereed gives the tackler a yellow, or even better a red card the tackled person starts running around with no impediment whatsoever - go figure ...) 3) Big boo by audience occurred (I am %99 sure the majority of the audience doesn't have a clue as to the rules of the sport) 4) Kim got disqualified and had to give up 1st place. 5)Kim's DQ resulted in Bronze medal to Canada, upgrade of Silver to China and Gold to USA. The referees were from USA, China, Australia, England and Norway. Read Chris' comments who seems to know about the technicalities of the sport below "Tight Corners… -- Chris of Sunnyvale, CA". On a final note, I think it's sad that people boo athletes in any sport, that's just bad taste and an insult to sportsmanship ... after all the athletes themselves try theirvery best! The only thing booing does to the sport is hurt the players (and also sometimes affect the science of alchemy apparently) ...  

Kim deserves Gold! -- annie of los angeles, CA

Ohno's previous attempts that looked like cheating were ignored by the public, and now the judges disqualify Kim, when he clearly had the lead? The judges were obviously biased against the Koreans, because earlier in the races, Min Ryoung was elbowed by another racer, Kim was grabbed in the leg by Li, and Ahn was knocked down by Ohno's hand. If anyone should have been disqualified, it should have been Ohno. "Cross-tracking"...Kim can only be disqualified IF and only if, he intentionally pushed or made the other fall. Did he do either? no. It is the person trying to take the lead's responsibility to take over from the side, but Ohno didn't seem to have the ability to do this. Kim never acted "inappropriately"...so under what terms did Hewish disqualify Kim? Hewish claims Kim "two-stepped"...no matter how many times you replay the race, you can clearly tell Kim skated a clean race, and never even had the time to "two-step." Even the Italian speed skater as well as the Australian believes this is absurd. Of course the silver and bronze medalist wouldn't complain, because thanks to this disqualification, they won their positions they don't deserve. I was also appalled by the reactions of the Salt Lake City crowd...How can they boo at the gold medalist?? That's just wrong...imagine you win gold, and you hear deafening boos from the crowd. How would you react? and this is supposed to be a unificating experience? I can't believe how the judges gave the results...completely biased towards the Koreans. No wonder so many countries are upset by this years' Winter Olympics, and feel the Americans are being unfair.   

Win or Lose with Grace -- amy of saint clair, PA

Kudos to the Canadian & Russian pairs skaters who showed such tremendous olympic spirit last night by skating together during the skating gala. Both couples showed wonderful class. Hopefully, the olympic committee will settle all disputes & set in place procedures that will maintain fairness & freedom from outside pressures for future olympics.  

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