Competition and the Olympics

Re “X mars the sport,” Opinion, Feb. 22

Kevin Drum cuts right to the chase: Winning should indeed be what the Olympics are all about. All of those sappy athletes who come to compete knowing that winning is in no way possible should just stay home. Think of all the money that could be saved. With only those competing who have a chance of winning, most events would be completed in minutes rather than the hours or even days that are now wasted.

The Games could be wrapped up in three or four days, and we would be spared the embarrassment of athletes pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion with only the Olympic experience as their reward.

LARRY HARMELL

Granada Hills

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Great picture of Hannah Teter and her iPod, but what you didn’t show was the gold medal hanging around her neck. That and the other five medals the U.S. snowboarders won so far blows away the issues raised by Drum in his piece.

How you perform under pressure is what counts, Kevin. Give these kids the respect they earned.

MIKE CASSIDY

West Hills