Letters: Aug. 30, 2004

Your cover line referred to Michael Phelps as a "Pool Shark" [Aug. 9]. But just who is the "shark" these days? Granted, Phelps and other members of the U.S. Olympic team are trying to focus on the Games, but with terrorists, drug scandals, injuries, journalists, coaches and p.r. machines working in overdrive, the athletes need a break. Let them concentrate on doing their best. We shouldn't be attempting to predetermine who will make Olympic history. Kudos to all the athletes! DIANNA WERTHMULLER Fort Smith, Ark.

I was hooked when I saw your cover article on the Olympics. It is terrific to see such excellent swimmers as the U.S.'s Michael Phelps and Australia's Ian Thorpe. I was already looking forward to the Olympics this summer, but your cover photo heightened my interest. Straight guys have their annual SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit Edition, and this year women and gay guys have the Phelps cover. Thanks for the equal-opportunity nod. FRANCISCO CONTRERAS Miami

There has been a lot of criticism of how Greece handled being host of the Olympic Games. Media reports made the situation in Athens sound dire. But at a time when the rest of the world was entering a civilized era, Greeks had already established a rich culture and accomplished better things, including the first Olympics. We Greeks are a caring people. The 2004 Games will be successful because Greeks welcome everyone from all over the world. Skeptical articles represent only a minority opinion and are not illustrative of the Greek people. GEORGE APOSTOLOPOULOS West Vancouver, B.C.

Swimmer Michael Phelps is a world-class athlete. He has also proved to be a world-class young adult and role model. Your article "Built for Speed" captured the essence of Phelps. Michael is a spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and he volunteers his time to kids. When a gold medal is awarded for integrity and citizenship, Michael will stand on the highest platform. DONALD MATHIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF HARFORD COUNTY Aberdeen, Md.

Fighting for a Second Term

In your article "How Bush Plans To Win" [Aug. 9], you reported that Republican National Committee operatives criticized John Kerry for including only 70 words about his 19-year Senate career in his acceptance speech at the Democratic Convention. The fact that Kerry was elected to four terms indicates that Massachusetts voters feel he has represented their interests well. I eagerly await the opportunity to count how many words George W. Bush will offer on his vaunted political career. GABRIELLE S. NURRE Edgewood, N.M.

Kerry says he will respond appropriately to any attack by terrorists. Bush, however, has prevented destructive attacks by going after the terrorists. Responding or preventing? The choice is easy. PETER NORSK Nivaa, Denmark