Elwiz wrote:

> Take a look at who is at number 10 and number 5 (both of which would never
have taken part in winter Olympcs had standards been imposed back then)

When speed skating was Norway's most popular winter sports, the totally amateur
participants from 'exotic' countries were always among the public's greatest
favourites. Still athletes like this got lots of attantion in sports that still
allows them. Grave commentators tend to mention them as the ultimate proof of
the sport's world wide importance.

Indeed speed skating is hurting itself by limiting its participation.

And doing it to pursuit a dream of live TV coverage, that's only imaginable in 2
or 3 countries anyway.


-------------
T.B.Hansen