LETTERS
Carl Lewis not greater than today's Olympians
To the sports editor:
Why would Associated Press national columnist Tim Dahlberg undermine Michael Phelps' amazing Olympic achievements ("Phelps not best ever," Aug. 18)?
There doesn't have to be a "greatest Olympian," as Dahlberg tries to determine. The current ones are always the best.
For instance, Dahlberg's choice as "greatest Olympian," Carl Lewis, won three events that were closely connected -- the 100 meters, 200 meters and long jump. All are basically the same event, all lasting shorter than 20 seconds with a lot of rest in between.
All of Phelps' swimming events lasted more than 20 seconds, and between two events on one night, he had just 50 minutes of rest. Not to mention that Phelps set world records in seven of eight events.
And what about Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt? Would Lewis have come within 3 yards of Bolt in the 100 meters? Or within 5 yards of him in the 200 meters?
Longevity, as Dahlberg claims, really means nothing in the Olympics. Truth is, Carl Lewis would find it hard to win gold today.
KIPP ALTEMARA
Kudos to Review-Journal for coverage of Olympics
To the sports editor:
What a joy it has been to read the thorough Olympic coverage in the Review-Journal these past two weeks. You folks have done a great job (although I would've liked to have seen a little more reporting on tennis).
The best part of what you had were the columns by Ed Graney of the Review-Journal, Dave Barry of The Miami Herald and Tim Dahlberg of The Associated Press. Barry was my favorite because of the way he writes. It never hurts to start the day with a smile on your face.
Anyway, many thanks for your coverage of the Games.
Now, my husband wants you to get back to writing about football.
ELLEN REYNOLDS
NBC bungles scheduling in airing Summer Games
To the sports editor:
Somebody should let NBC know that its scheduling of televised Olympic events this year really stunk.
Sure, everyone wanted to see swimmer Michael Phelps, and I can understand gymnastics (for the women) and track, but how about showing every U.S. men's basketball game in prime time?
Would that have been too much to ask? Oh, wait, synchronized diving is on ... I have to catch that.
RICK SCHULER
Local in QB battle at LSU good leader, weak passer
To the sports editor:
I enjoyed reading Mark Anderson's recent story on Louisiana State quarterback and Henderson resident Andrew Hatch ("Local in QB battle at LSU," Aug. 14).
I sincerely hope that Hatch finds great success, but he is the worst of the three quarterback hopefuls (Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson being the other two) at the Tigers' passing game. He has not shown a strong, accurate arm. But LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton is a wizard at developing quarterbacks and will help Hatch to get the ball to the Tigers' skill people.
Hatch also has great wheels and can get around.
His most admirable qualities, though, are his leadership skills and his attitude.
BEAU FOURNET
NEW ORLEANS
The Review-Journal welcomes letters from its readers. Letters should be 150 words or less and must include the author's name and phone number. Send letters to: Letters to the Sports Editor, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. Letters also can be e-mailed to: jhawk@reviewjournal.com.
