2002 Olympic Games Survey Results!

 June, 2002

In February, SmartGirl asked you your opinions about the Olympic games.  192 people (including 2 boys) between the ages of 8 and 22 answered the survey.  Most (130) were from the United States, but respondents also live in Great Britain, Canada, Spain, Australia and Denmark.  Here are their responses to SmartGirl's questions.

 SmartGirl asked, "Are you watching the 2002 Olympic Games?"

71% of respondents watched the Olympics at least every couple of days and only 7% did not watch at all.

SmartGirl asked, "If you watch the 2002 Olympic Games, with whom do you watch them?"

Of those who answered the question:

63% watched the Olympics with family

12.3% watched the Olympics with friends

22.7% watched the Olympics alone

1.2% watched the Olympics in school

 SmartGirl asked, "What form of media are you using the most to keep up with the 2002 Olympic Games?"

Television was the most popular way to keep track of the Olympic games with 85% of respondents watching.

SmartGirl asked, "How interested are you in the 2002 Olympic Games?"

SmartGirl asked, "What country do you think will win the most medals at the 2002 Olympic Games?" and "What country do you want to win the most medals at the 2002 Olympic Games?" 

The following graph compares the results of those two questions.

Because so many respondents were from the United States, many 103 wanted their athletes to win the most medals, but only 72 really predicted that they would.  On the opposite end of the data, 39 respondents predicted that Germany would win the most medals, but no one who answered the survey hoped for it.

SmartGirl asked, "What is your favorite winter Olympic sport?

Of the 166 respondents who answered the question, figure skating won the popularity contest with 65% of the vote.  Other sports received the following percentage of the vote:

SmartGirl asked, "Who is your favorite Olympic athlete or team?"

The respondents' love of figure skating shows again in these results.  Of respondents who named an athlete, three out of the top four picks for individual athletes were figure skaters. 

33% liked Michelle Kwan

12% liked Jamie Sale and David Pelletier

12% liked Apollo Anton Ono

9% liked Sarah Hughes

Of respondents who named a favorite team:

32% liked the US Olympic Team

19% liked the Great Britain Olympic Team

10% liked the Canadian Olympic Team

10% liked the US Women's Hockey Team

SmartGirl asked, "If you could pick an Olympic sport to compete in, what would it be?" and "What winter Olympic events have you participated in competitively or non-competitively?"

As you can see, figure skating topped both questions for popularity.  For the most part, respondents would like to compete in the same sports that they already participate in, but at a lower rate, except for figure skating.  More respondents think they would like to compete in ice skating even though they haven't tried it yet.

SmartGirl asked, "In your opinion, what is the craziest Olympic sport?"

According to respondents, the two craziest sports at the Winter Olympic Games were skeleton and curling.

SmartGirl asked, "If you could go to Park City, Utah to watch the Olympic Games, which three events would you pick?"

SmartGirl asked, "Do you feel a sense of pride when an athlete, that represents your country, wins a medal?"

SmartGirl asked, "Do the female Olympic athletes inspire you? How? Why?"

Out of the respondents who answered this question, a large majority said that female athletes do inspire them.

In the words of some respondents who said "yes, female Olympic athletes inspire me":

"They are positive role models who show that hard work and determination can really get you somewhere." SmartGirl, age 15.

"They do! When Catriona Lemay Doan won the gold medal all I could think was I'm going to do that! So for the last week I've been planning to go to the 2008 Olympics. And I've been so inspired that I know I will go!" SmartGirl, age 14

" Yes because they show that women are just as good as men. The can do it too. Sometimes guys get cocky and say, "Girls can't do everything we do!" These women prove them wrong!" SmartGirl, age 10

"Sure- they're beautiful, spirited, competitive & they prove women can do wonderful things!" SmartGirl, age 17

"It is interesting to think that not long ago women were not participating in the events that they are now. I am amazed by the women's bobsled and hockey teams and the enormous effort they have put forth to prove themselves as athletes. . ." SmartGirl, age 18

"The female Olympic athletes inspire me greatly.  They each have a unique story and dream.  But it's not only their dreams that got them here - it's their skill, work, talent, time, effort, heart, and dedication." SmartGirl, age 14

"It's great that so many females are out there, from so many countries! To see the fans responding to them is simply amazing. It makes me proud to be a girl!" SmartGirl, age 16

Several respondents said both female and male athletes inspired them:

"Yes, but not any more then the male ones.  The age of femininity is over.  Girls are equal to guys." SmartGirl, age 15

SmartGirl asked, "Do you think that this year's Olympic games have a special meaning?"

Of the respondents who answered this question, a slight majority thought this year's Olympics did have a special meaning.

Here are some SmartGirl responses:

"[Yes] because of the Sept. 11 attack. It affected the whole world, not just the USA. The world is telling terrorists that we won't let them control our lives." And " I think they mean more to some people because (the Olympics) are a place where people from all nations can come together and compete. . .  I haven't heard anything about bitter hatred between athletes from warring countries."  SmartGirl, age 14

"[Yes because] 'Light the Fire Within,' this year's theme, has a special meaning. It means to find this fire, this power, inside of you, to help you keep going and pursue your dreams."  SmartGirl, age 15

SmartGirl asked "Are there any sports that you think should be in the 2002 Winter Olympics that are not?"

59% of respondents didn't think any new sports needed to be added, but here are a few suggestions from those who did:

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!