Thursday, August 21, 2008

For a comparison of the Olympic standings among countries, The Post now presents each day the total medal count as if gold, silver and bronze are equal in value or weighting.

Also, in the Aug. 18 edition, a comparison of countries was made on the basis of their per capita medal totals.

Is gold worth more than bronze? Yes.

Greater recognition should be given to the extra competitive accomplishment, prestige and social standing achieved by the winners of gold in relation to winners of silver and bronze.

Even a subjective marginal weighting such as, say, 1.0 for gold, 0.9 for silver and 0.8 for bronze would provide a more realistic impression of country standings.

CLIFF HARDY

Washington