PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked people for their thoughts about the Winter Olympics.

Shannon Davis: "I enjoy the downhill skiing most of all. I have watched a few hours of it, but I wish I had the time to see more of it. It seems that there is less political influence with it this time. I think we should get more involved with our teams as a patriotic endeavor."

Lynn Petzoldt: "I like the hockey, basketball and speed skating the most. I plan to watch as much as I can. If I'm home, I make a point to turn it on. I think that in the future, Americans will be even more supportive of our participation in the Olympics than we are now."

LaShay Davis: "I like to watch the figure skating because it's graceful. I also like the downhill skiing and the hockey games. I've never been skiing, so it's intriguing to me. We watch at least an hour of it every night. I'll be looking forward to the Summer Olympics."

Lee Ruebel: "I've watched some of it just about every night. I like the competition between the American hockey players and those from other countries who are more in line with professional players. I think that we are competitive with the way we support our athletes."

Norman Craig: "I watch it every night. It's more important than anything else on the tube. My favorite is the downhill skiing. Everybody ought to watch it as a matter of pride. I think that private support of our Olympics teams is best. We should keep our government out of it."

Sonnie Fulkerson: "I've kept up with the couples pair skating more than anything else. I was very impressed with it. My husband and daughter are watching it too. It's wonderful to see young people participating in athletics and putting so much time and effort into it."