Don’t Read This Now, CBS Will Show It All Tomorrow

Maybe even the USOC can figure this out now. Stop sending the spoiled prima donnas from the NHL (and the NBA for that matter) to the Olympics and send some amateurs who value the experience.

TOM WUESTHOFF

Newbury Park

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As the mother of a 1996 U.S. Olympic athlete [Dan Hackett, of the water polo team], I have learned how meaningful it is for most athletes to take part in the total Olympic experience (i.e. participating in opening ceremonies, living and interacting in the Olympic housing village). According to the press, Michelle Kwan went to Nagano “on business only--to win the gold.” Too bad she never obviously experienced the camaraderie of other athletes. On the other hand, Tara Lipinski showed her pure joy in being there through her skating and when in the stands cheering others.

One wonders, now that Kwan lost her bid for the gold, what other regrets she has? My opinion is that the Olympics are all about competing in the spirit of international friendship and cooperation, not just being there to add a few more sponsors because one may have won a medal.

MARCIA C. HACKETT

Tustin