Get ready for the Games!

Salt Lake City
GER 12 16 7 35
USA 10 13 11 34
NOR 11 7 6 24
CAN 6 3 8 17
RUS 6 6 4 16
AUT 2 4 10 16
ITA 4 4 4 12
FRA 4 5 2 11
SUI 3 2 6 11
NED 3 5 0 8

Format for printingFormat story for printing
E-mail storyE-mail a copy of this story

Athletes bond prior to games

Ed Yeates
KSL-TV

      The athletes' feelings have been strong and openly expressed almost from day one in Olympic Village.
      Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Bosnia, these were among the final ten teams officially welcomed at Olympic Village only hours before the Opening Ceremonies.
      Athletes representing the Islamic Republic of Iran watched as their flag was raised, joining the community of Olympic nations. This was a country some earlier had said might not come to the games. But their president said this was the year they MUST come.
      Translator for Eisa Saveh Shemshaki: "He says our president already said the year 2002 is the year of friendship and the year of the brotherhood. And we just came here to show our peace and friendship and brotherhood."
      Most athletes here in the Village say they feel more than ever before a need for unity. They all seem to be sending a message to the world that what happened on September 11th has only strengthened their resolve to stand together.
      Ann Swisshelm of Team USA: "I hope everybody in the world who is watching will feel a part of what is going on — not just in our country, but everywhere, from the events that occurred on September 11th."
      Kari Erickson, Team USA: "I think everybody feels just a little bit closer to one another. You want to share your feelings with other people a little bit more, talk a little bit longer."
      Bosnia and Herzegovina sent only two athletes to the games, both alpine skiers.
      Tahir Bisic, of Team Bosnia & Herzegovina: "These Olympics have been the best thing that can happen as to what has happened before in the year past to America and the rest of the world."
      After 17 days of bonding as an Olympic community, the athletes predict they'll probably send an even stronger message of unity to the world during the Closing Ceremonies.

February 9, 2002




Get ready for the Games!

WinterSports2002.com sponsored by:
BYU Independent Study:
Over 600 courses available now!
No More Homeless Pets:
Adopt a pet!
Thanksgiving Point:
Big shows coming to the Point.
Mosida Orchards:
Raw land at $7800 per acre.
Get sports tickets:
RazorGator.com