USA women vs Russia

[Vladifan 680]

I get that but it's still not a reason to keep the sport out.

Also football might be a bad example. That seems to be a truly American game and no one else seems interested in developing talent.

Agreed.

[EuroTwin 240]

To those who say they shouldn't be playing: I think it reflects on women's sports in general. It's taken decades for women to be recognized for having the skill to play at upper levels in anything. Even our beloved and reliable government came through with support for women who choose to strive to be the best in their given sport because they knew they should be given the chance. They've already kicked women's softball out of the Olympics - just when other teams were beginning to field really good and trained players.

There was surely a time when at least American women (as opposed to Canadian women) didn't play hockey, let alone understand it. Now they do and they're damn good at it. With support and time, other countries will realize that ALL athletes should have monetary, logistic and physical support. So it's not happening right now. I don't think that's the point. Point is, other countries - even where women are not treated as well as in America - WILL start fielding teams that have the training and talent, and I DO NOT WANT to see another woman's sport tanked because there's just not enough parity right now. And where's the competition going to come from if they don't get to play at the upper levels? Who's going to give a s***? Hell, it wasn't even happening in men's pro basketball in the Olympics a few years back. We knocked everybody on their asses because we only played our pros. And it was BORing. And now there is parity.

So please. A little patience? A little perspective?

I think this was beautifully said.

These ladies are awesome, most of them play well and can only get better. I'm excited for the day they start letting them check. It's going to be glorious.

[Third Man In 2,091]

I'm pretty sure that competing itself is supposed to be the point for Olympians. Yes, for some athletes success or failure is judged solely on a place on a podium, and somehow for two weeks national worth becomes measured in the medal count. But we shouldn't all be that jaded.

[Vladifan 680]

I think this was beautifully said.

These ladies are awesome, most of them play well and can only get better. I'm excited for the day they start letting them check. It's going to be glorious.

Thanks, sweetpea. The feeling is mutual, I'm sure. The other thing not mentioned about these women is that many of them have kids, husbands and families. And they STILL excel. And strive to be better. That goes for Chinese, Finnish, Norwegian, etc., women too. While we're at it, let's hear it for the HUSBANDS who do their bit so the women can compete.

As far as the Checking Thing, it's coming. I can remember when some women basketball players (guards?!) couldn't cross the half-court line. Myohmy, how things have changed. And not a damn minute too soon!