PLATFORM : A Real Olympic High

Ironically, the money that was the catalyst for Nancy Kerrigan’s attack is the same that helps more Americans take part in sports.

As the first woman on the board of the U.S. Olympic Committee in 1972, I wrote the rule that athletes may be in commercials and ads individually as long as a portion goes to helping other athletes. This raised a lot of money, Madison Avenue-style, for everyone.

Perhaps what would diminish the greed and emphasize healthier Olympic values is for the sports associations to ensure that a greater percentage of the contracts received by Olympians be shared to increase opportunities for others.

Athletes from most sports have modest contracts; the more generous the contract, the bigger the share since someone, after all, gave us a chance. Most champions will tell you giving back is what makes you feel that “Olympic high.”