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:

Politics and Olympics -- Damian of Phoenix, AZ

The olympics have always been political. Quit kidding yourselves. The politics start with the bidding and end with the games. Is it suppose to be? No. But it is, has been and always will be. The difference this year is how out spoken everyone is. Good or bad or indifferent the 2002 Olympics in SLC have been a huge success.  

Tight Corners… -- Chris of Sunnyvale, CA

I feel the judgment call that was made against Kim Dong-Sung of South Korea was a bad call. I am a participant to the sport of short track speed skating, and this sport does involve many tight turns and keeping an opponent behind you like in NASCAR. This is the “strategy” part of the sport. It’s only a foul if someone deliberately cut-off another opponent if they were side-by-side, but in the case of the 1500-meter race, Kim was clearly in the lead and was making a tight corner, which is normal for short track. Now if Apolo Anton Ohno wanted to over take Kim, he would have been the responsible party to move to the outside lane and overpower his opponent. Since he was in back of Kim, Kim is not entitled to make a path just so that his opponent can pass him. If this was so, then the sport of short track speed skating might as well have only 2 opponents in designated lanes such as long track speed skating. Tight turns and making your opponents pass “ON THE OUTSIDE LANE” is all part of the sport. Speed, strategy, and good referring are all what makes short track speed skating so exciting. Oh yeah, plenty of wipeouts too, of course. But good, impartial referring wasn’t anything that I saw in this Olympics. I can’t understand why the Olympics don’t utilize slow motion video like they do in Hockey when a goal is in question? NBC briefly aired the fault of the Chinese skater, Li Jiajun, pulling the leg of Kim Dong-Sung who was unjustly disqualified in the 1000-meter race too, while Li Jiajun skated on. Li Jiajun’s infraction carried over to the semi-finals as well, and yet caused another pile up which brought down the South Korean, Ahn Hyun Soo, along with Apolo Anton Ohno. Ahn Hyun Soo was shortly accused of and disqualified while the Chinese skater was not. Yes, slow motion video has caught all these faults, yet I guess the International Skating Union feels that its referees have eyes better than the latest and greatest technological optical systems. I too, feel that politics should not be part of the Olympics, but whom are we kidding when everyone is marched in the arena bearing each countries flag. If there’s truly to be no politics, then give masks to every athlete to put on, a number instead of a name, then announce the name and country of the winner at the end of the competition. I do think it’s ugly though, when people “boo” athletes competing in such an elaborate international competition. Remember, many of these athletes are in their teens and have given up many years of their lives devoting themselves to the sport. Now if the competitor is 16 years old, that means that the child has given up at least 4 years of his/her life preparing for this one glorious day. Remember people, we were all young once at the precious age of 11 or 12, and to be devoting that many years of your life and not being able to do “normal” things with your teen friends because of your devotion to your sport is a tremendous sacrifice in itself. So next time if some of you feel the urge to “boo”, remember how you or your relatives would feel if you were the booed athlete, and see if it’s not similar to being tortured in the worst Medieval torture device. These are people, and many of them in their most impressionable ages. Let’s cheer them on for their competitive efforts, and NOT by association of flag that they were born to. They too, after all, are someone’s son, daughter, father, or mother. With that said, CONGRATULATIONS to all the athletes and a BIG THANK YOU for showing us the true meaning of competitive efforts in sports!  

Apolo & Sarah Won the Gold Fairly -- ann of st. clair, PA

I second the remarks of those who support Apolo Ohno's speed skating gold medal win as well as Sarah's magnificent & perfect figure skating performance. Both athletes won their gold medal fairly. The So. Korean skater blocked Apolo from passing & that is why he was disqualified. Apolo learned in his earlier event that it was better to show the judges he was being blocked rather than try to pass & end up crashing with the other skaters. Sarah's skating performance resembled ballet on ice. Michelle's did not measure up to it nor did the Russian skaters'. I agree that the whining & crying over the results of both events shows unsportsmanlike conduct.......similar to a 2-yr old's temper tantrum.   

Disappointed with Ice Skating -- Jennifer of Sandy, UT

Okay, I am no judge and I am not an expert on skating just a simple spectator who has always loved to watch this sport. Ice skating is a beautiful and graceful sport but recently it has become quite ugly. I am not usually one to complain and I don't even know if this comment will be read but I must ask what is going on with ice skating? Forget the fact that the french judge messed up and all of the controversy over the pairs skating in my opinion if the canadian pair who deserved gold in the first place were given their medals late because of some bad judging why was the whole event not redone because others were obviously short changed, and did we completely look past the fact that the olympics is all about celebration and healthy competition and who did their best? The pair from china did not do their best but somehow seemed to have recieved the bronze. Sarah Hughes did so good last night, she had a practically perfect performance and was out there skating for the love of the sport and to have fun, she was so relaxed and she was smiling, it was such a great performance. Well the other two, Kwan and Slutskaya did not perform their best and they both seemed a little uptight and were not having fun, plus most importantly they did not skate their best, their programs were not nearly perfect so they do not deserve a gold there is no favoritism they just don't deserve it. Russia can go home crying and Korea too, they are missing the spirit of the Olympics, they are too uptight, it is a celebration, I do not know why they are complaining when the canadian couple obviously skated better, and so did Sarah Hughes they have nothing to complain about. Get over it. The olympics have been spoiled by commercialism and bad judges, people, this is supposed to be a time of peace between countries, come on, stop acting like little 3 year olds, they are just games, it is not the end of the world, it is a medal, like I said I am just a spectator but what I wouldn't give to have those kinds of skills, to even have the chance to perform among the best, to even recieve a bronze medal, that would be so great. I really hope this can all be resolved and we can all remember why we have the olympic games.  

women hockey -- claude of montrel, UT

think twice before you step on the CANADA flag again. good game anyway.  

Sportsmanship -- Debra of Woodland Hills, UT

When did the Olympics become a political arena? Did you see Apolo cry foul in the race he ended up with silver? Why can't atheletes and judges act more like Shay -when he expressed his feelings about just being excited and gratified with the opportunity to be here? What happened to good sportsmanship, winning or losing with grace. I am sick to death of everyone saying the Americans are trying to prove they are "superior" by fair means or foul. That's nuts! How many of those judges in each event are American? The majority? Give me a break!!! This is the first time Americans have been able to bring home so many medals, Hey, maybe, just maybe, its because they worked really, really hard. It is a very American thing this need to go farther, jump higher, be and do more. Sorry if that angers the rest of the world when we succeed. The Russians and the South Koreans seem to be "wearing their feelings on their sleeves" as the old saying goes. Or is it just-tit for tat, now that would be so much more mature. If I am a bit sarcastic it's because like so many others, I want the games to be about the games. And the athletes and teams (and their countries) to behave like good sports.   

Appllo is the Winner, stop crying about it! -- Don of San Jose, CA

Watch the tape everyone, Kim blocked off the lane of Apollo. I am sick and tired of people portraying the U.S. as the evil empire. "If the stuff doesn't taste good, then don't eat it". People always cry about how bad our country is and how we bully other countries around, well you know what? Stay at a third world country and see how faboulous your life will be. I lived in a third world country through childhood, and I have to tell you that it isn't easy. I hate to hear people talk bad about a country that can feed their citizens and provide jobs for them. It makes me sick, especially to hear American Citizens talk bad about their own country.  

Olympic Whining -- Layne of West Jordan, UT

I am so disgusted with these Olympics. This latest Russian stunt has moved the games legitimacy to an all time low. It no longer matters who wins any event, the runner up or non-gold meadalist will say they were cheated somehow. Drug testing is now seen as a political ploy rather than an attempt to put everyone on a level playing field. The sad thing is, the athletes are the victims of all this media and political grandstanding. They have trained for years and years in their sport and now that their moment is here, they are turned into political pawns. How fun is it to win a gold medal with all this controversy swirling around....it really cheapens your accomplishment. The unfortunate thing for the rest of us who enjoy watching the games is......all of a sudden its not fun anymore. No I won't be watching the hockey game tonight.......it just doesn't matter who wins, someone will feel cheated and file a protest. These Olympics have sadly brought out the worst in many of us.  

Police Volunteers -- Bill of Lodi, CA

I understand that there are about a thousand out-of-state and international police officers volunteering at the games. I'd like to hear more about them and how they were used.  

Greetings from an SLC native! -- Patricia of Las Vegas, NV

Greetings from a Salt Lake native now living in Las Vegas! I have enjoyed watching the games and seeing the beauty of my hometown in all of it's glory! Has anyone given thought to putting the SLC/Park City scenic highlights on video/DVD for those of us who are unable to come home for such a great event?? C'mon KSL...gather all that video and call in your marketing people!! What a timeless treasure it will be for the locals....just make sure you let me know so I can call and reserve my copy!   

Stupid Ignorant Commentator -- Justin of Nyack, NY

Today I was watching the Olympic figure skating. After about 10 min I had enough of the NBC women commentator because she was constantly critisizing EVERY single skater. I was trying to enjoy it but I couldnt. How are you supposed to watch t.v. when somebody constantly babbles about nothing. The common sterotype blonde....   

LETS KEEP THE POLITICS OUT!!!! -- Frank(angry American) of Washington, DC

As I watched the 1500m men's short track, I felt discussed about the results of the race. What is sportsmanship? What is competition? If politics play big role in outcome of races, what is the point of inviting all the athlets from around the world to find out they lost because their nation is weaker than your opponents? Wher is the INTEGERTY??? What is the price of the gold Ohno had stole?? I felt embarased as fellow American,for those who cheered as Oh-no stole the medal from the Korean skater. We should apologize to the world and let the games be played the the way it should(keeping the political pressure out).   

How could I enjoy poor olympic? -- Andreas of Sweden, UT

There's no more olympic spirit and we can't find it in Salt Lake. Some referees are blind, and they are supporting unfair plays. I don't understand. Unhappily I can't see any more this poor olympic. Is this olympic? Oh-No! It's a show for someone. It's a movie for showing something. What is that? It's not a gold medal. It is to be regretted that 2002 olympic.   

Michelle Kwan Will Win/Figure Skating -- Tony of Roy, UT

She was denied the Gold in the last Olympics, and she'll be on a tear to prevent that miscarriage of justice from happening again. Who can defy her grace and athleticism, not to mention her verteran-like composure and saavy. Hey, America, cheer till it hurts for our Ice Princess, Michelle Kwan. Also, KSL and Kimbyre Smith RULE!  

Who invited Bob Costas? -- Kaye of Salt Lake City, UT

NBC/KSL coverage of the Olympics has been outstanding. The Today Show staff views the Olympic experience with humor and enthusiasm. However,during primetime we are subjected to Bob Costas. He does not miss an opportunity show his distain for the Salt Lake community and his boredom with the games in general. It has been a nice touch of nostalgia to have Jim McKay appear. Jim has maintained the Olympic spirit for over four decades. Bob just doesn't "get it". The winter games represent a time of healing for our nation. This is also a time for solidifying our world relationships. This isn't about you - Bob.  

Enjoyed the 2002 Winter Games -- Sienna of Atlanta, GA

The activity is winding down---It has been Fun! I, too would have liked to see the mascots more--Copper, Coal and Snow--3 mammals...I imagine they appear on much of the Olympic merchandise. (Here in Atlanta--you can still find 'Izzy'--our Mascot if you look hard enough. For about two years after the Games we recycled the uniforms and all other memorabilia. *G* Good Luck to the citizens of Salt Lake City. Beautiful scenery, good weather (or so it seemed) and fantastic entertainment/shopping/dining!!! Give yourself a Hand!  

Medals at Salt Lake Ice Center -- Frank of Sandy, UT

The medals ceremony at the Salt Lake Ice Center should be moved 15 to 20 feet closer to the center of the ice to allow those seated in that end of the ice to view the medals ceremony directly instead of only viewing on the overhead screens.   

Sad Lack of Olympic Coverage -- Melody of South Jordan, UT

We used to look forward to fairly complete coverage of the Olympics, which included many venues, popular or not, medals for USA or not ....just simply a wide variety of the entire Olympic experience. The last few years has sadly become a choice of the sponsoring network, including mainly USA or medal winners. I wish for the day to come back when we can see ALL the participants possible! For example, if we see only the top winners and/or USA entrants of Figure Skating, what does that give us to compare to with the rest of the skaters? Did they ALL fall, or miss a technique, so we saw the best of the best, or did we see the best of the judges or tv's choices???? Please bring back more complete, non-biased coverage so that we better enjoy the Olympic experience!  

Olympic Coverage -- Sigrun of Payson, UT

I really have enjoyed the coverage of the Olympic games and some of the advertisements. My favorite KSL break is when a video is shown of the city of Salt Lake and in the background the music plays an awesome tune, with the scale on the piano going from high to low being just something I love. I would like to know where I could buy this music. Sigrun  

Judging... Who gives the final word? -- Gina of New York, NY

I am one of millions of viewers who was just astounded by the result on the 1500m short-track. More astonishing was that this is not the first time a controversial call is made favoring certain teams over others. The rules, and the spirit of Fair Play are very clear, but why does it seem that it is not very fair at all? Anton Ohno won gold, but at what price? It is very degrading to see that his 'hollywood' action (which obviously got him the judjes' attetion)took him to the gold. Is America proud of him? Even the Italian participant, Fabio Carta, who finished fourth, thought it was absurd that the Korean was disqualified. Not only him, and many other coaches and speed-skate related people, but a poll made by over the internet shows 97% of the people thought it was an unfair call. This just shows why Americans are disliked all over the world. It makes other people feel like Americans want to emphasise on their "superiority". Please, let's be fair.  

Stolen gold medal -- Jeanne of cambridge, MA

Was there a perfect scenario of 'Apolo for gold medal at 1,500m shorttrack'? Was I the only one who did not know the existence of the scenario and prayed for gold medal for Kim Dong Sung?   

Kim Dong Sung is the Winner -- Grace of Marietta, GA

I video tape 1500m Men's speed skating and watched it more than ten times. I still do not understand why Kim Dong Sung got disqualified. He did not cheat but made everything clear. Why did he disqualified? It seem to me after watching it ten times Apolo try to pass him and Kim Dong Sung went tight on the track,then Apolo acted like Kim Dong Sung was trying to block his way. Apolo acted out. I wanna say to Kim Dong Sung you are theTRUE WINNER~!!!.I do not think this judging was fair. It seems to me it favored America more. Kim Dong Sung is true winner..  

Utah Army National Guard--a Winner -- Sam of Riverton, UT

If someone is paying for their meals, they are the commissioned officers. The enlisted men and women sign a meal roster and their meals are not deducted from their pay. If they are paying for meals, as has been claimed, then they aren't eating at their respective dining rooms. Now, to the point, the lady bobsleigh team was incorrectly reported as one member being a member of the Army. She in fact is a member of the Utah Army National Guard. While we are related to and sometimes in support of the United States Army, the Army National Guard has a rich and at times independent history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Ever hear of the "Minutemen?"  

Olympic Coverage -- Jon of St.George, UT

I understand that it is hard to bring the Olympics on our T.V.'s. But, I don't think that they are doing a very good job of covering the Olympics. I know it's hard, but why don't they show it to us live. They have cut Medal Ceremonies short when they are showing them on T.V. And I have not seen very much of the Medal Ceremonies. I think they should show it live. But, they are trying their best, that's for sure!  

2002 Olympics -- Am of St. Clair, PA

First Good comments: Opening ceremonies were spectacular. Russia's outfit for paradeof athletes was the best. Hockey games are very exciting especially now that it's down to the semifinals. Speed skating, ski jumping & Bob sled runs are exciting as well. However, the programming of events for the east coast has been abyssmal for the 2002 games. Some of team USA's best events have been on past 11PM--that's ridiculous. The figure skating couples debacle received far too much attention. We want to see athletic prowess not melodrama. Ski Aerials are unbelieveable & entertaining but when did Curling become an olympic event? It's as interesting as watching paint dry. Ice dancing is another event that is not worth taking up time at the World Olympics. One more pet peeve about the olympics--professionals. The original idea was for the "youth" of the world to join together & compete for laurels. These 30-something professionals on the hockey teams just do not fill that qualification. Let's return all events to those who qualify who are not older than college age.  

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