19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

OLYMPIC PREVIEW (CONT.)
Sir:
Upon receipt of my copy of your special preview. The 1984 Olympics (July 18), I turned immediately to the several articles written by Kenny Moore and was rewarded once again by the work of your unrivaled writer of profiles. Although his athletic specialty was distance running, as a writer Moore has demonstrated a rare commonality of understanding with athletes in a wide variety of disciplines. This has enabled him to share with his readers seldom-revealed glimpses of the intrinsic beauties of diverse athletic experiences.
TERRY LAUGHLIN
Goshen, N.Y. Sir:

Sir:
What an excellent article by Kenny Moore on Daley Thompson (He's a Perfect 10). Being a fairly respectable decathlete myself (1984 Olympic trials qualifier), I can relate to a lot of what Daley says.

Some of the most satisfying times in my life have come when putting the shot or hurling the discus all alone on a track somewhere and feeling that progress is being made. The rest of the world is going about its daily routine and couldn't care less about the distances I've achieved. But I care, and I can only describe the feeling as incredible.

Moore has been able to capture some of this feeling and convey it to the public. It's a hard thing to explain, but he's done it quite remarkably.
ERIC LAMMI
Boulder, Colo.

Sir:
Your 1984 Olympic preview is outstanding. Douglas S. Looney's article on Dan Gable (The Ultimate Winner) is the best ever in SHORTS ILLUSTRATED, and as a charter subscriber I've read them all. Gable's dedication, determination and intensity have made him America's best wrestler ever and the best coach in sports. To wrestle for Gable is the ultimate. His Olympic wrestlers must feel that they can take on the world and win, and I believe that they will.
W.F. HICKSON JR.
Lynchburg, Va.

Sir:
Thanks for the article by William Oscar Johnson on Buster Crabbe (A Star Was Born). My parents own a Buster Crabbe Swimming Pools dealership, and you'd be surprised at the number of people who don't know who Buster Crabbe was. Even though he was an Olympic swimmer and played Flash Gordon and Tarzan in the movies, people still call the office and ask for " Mr. Crabbe," or when my mom answers, they say, "Oh, Mrs. Crabbe, is Buster there?" Your article will shed some light on the real Buster Crabbe.
STEVE GOODALL
Chickasha, Okla.

Sir:
The breathtaking photo essay by Brian Lanker on rhythmic gymnastics (A Feast for the Eyes) approaches a truer feminine beauty than any of your swimsuit issues ever will.
LISA L. ZWICK
Akron

Sir:
I was very disappointed when I received your special Olympic preview and found, after careful scrutiny, that the equestrian events were virtually ignored. Of the 540 pages the issue contained, a mere half-page (page 252) was devoted to the equestrians. It's my opinion that if equestrianism is regarded highly enough to be included in the Olympic Games, then it certainly warrants appreciable coverage in America's most widely read sports publication.
JODY N. ANDERSON
New Park, Pa.

BOBBY AND HIS BOYS
Sir:
Curry Kirkpatrick's article Hooray for the Red, White, Black and Blue! (July 23) on teaching our Olympians the skills of the pros was excellent. Bravo! I enjoyed it and laughed with Curry as he told us how it is in the real world of basketball.

Go get 'em, Bobby Knight. Show everyone that your slammo-jammo-in-your-face youth are just as good as—if not better than—the best in the world, including the NBA.
MIKE WILLIAMS
Salt Lake City