One way that you can get more metric coverage is to tune in to the
Spanish-language broadcast. Most of the time the prattling commentary is
unnecessary anyway (if you don't know Spanish). Yesterday during the shot
put, the Spanish coverage reported only metres thrown.
In the water polo competition, I was interested to note that the
commentators (on the English-language broadcast) were describing distances
in metres only. In the swimming competition, I can understand that,
because the pool lengths are measured in metres. But in water polo there
are no obvious distance markings. I would have thought that the
commentators might revert to feet or years, but they didn't.
It may well be that metric will be introduced into the United States more
by sports than by commerce. Also, through the military. I notice that
the Army is using metric units for weapons (millimetres) and distances,
using the slang term "click" for a kilometre. The Air Force is somewhat
metricated because of international air usage. I surmise that the Navy is
the least metricated of the services.
- [USMA:51828] Metric Olympics csm
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