You really wonder what is going through their minds. They don't dumb down the foot races or the swimming.
The only thing I can think of is that the latter are even-number distances (100 m, 400 m, etc.), and converting those to odd wombat measure would look really strange. But things like shot put are random distances, depending on the ability of the athlete. So in most cases the distance achieved will not be a round figure, so it doesn't seem as "dumb" to show it in feet. Nonetheless, it gives an entirely misleading indication to the American public, and makes them think that the Olympics use the measurements they hold near and dear. Of course, the Olympics does not. Carleton -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Harry Wyeth Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 21:28 To: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:41589] Olympics I told you. NBC is giving track and field--actually field--events in feet and inches. I just watched womens shot put reporting showing the shot landing at the 19 m line, and the announcer and the on-screen display showing feet and inches. Same old...same old.... HARRY WYETH
