Sports Celebrities Additional Questions Some of the other interesting and thought-provoking questions that you asked our sports celebrities are answered here. Be sure to check out their other answers for the scenario-based conversations, too. Reginald R., 17 (Oakland, CA.): Have you experienced any racial discrimination in your skiing career? Bonnie St. John Deane Bonnie St. John Deane: No. But I have heard other black skiers get called "nigger" at the top of the hill while waiting with all the other racers. I don't think it is really about racial differences at all. Some people are so competitive that they will say anything if they think it will distract you from the real competition. If you let someone wind you up...they win. LaTisha J., 15 (New Orleans, LA): Were you ever pushed to more traditional female sports? Cammi Granato: Not exactly. As I mentioned before (click to see reference), there were certain parents who didn't feel I should be playing boys' hockey, but there was never a specific individual who sat me down and tried to encourage me to quit hockey and play a more traditional female sport..   LaTisha J., 15 (New Orleans, LA): Were you pushed to get involved in figure skating because it's considered more appropriate for women than more contact-oriented sports? Vickie Lee Tassone Vickie Lee Tassone:I personally was not pushed into skating. It was purely my choice at four years of age to pursue something I found exciting and fun! As I progressed and grew older, I found its many diverse aspects challenging-it has held my interest through my adult life as well. Figure skating, especially pair skating, is extremely daring, physically as well as mentally, and has proven to be one of the most challenging sports I have ever experienced.   Freddy J., 17 (New York, NY): What would you say is the ratio of male figure skaters to female figure skaters? Has it changed any in the last 20 years? Why? Vickie Lee Tassone: In my ice rink skating class programs, there are about 1,200 students enrolled in our busiest winter session. Our hockey class program has 191 boys and 8 girls, and the figure skating classes have 205 boys and 795 girls. The number of boys in the figure skating program is substantially higher than only 4 years ago. I believe this change owes somewhat to the popularity and increased media coverage of such athletic skaters as Michael Weiss (the current U.S. men's champion who is married and father to a baby daughter) and Elvis Stojko (Olympic silver medalist and one of the most prolific jumpers ever). Also, great performers like Scott Hamilton and Kurt Browning demonstrate that skating is both entertaining and athletically demanding.   Andrea P., 17 (Baltimore, MD): Do you think it's important for girls to be involved in sports? What advice do you have for young aspiring women athletes? Cammi Granato:  Yes. Through sports, girls have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons, meet wonderful people, and experience competition. Sports teach us the meaning of commitment, discipline, and teamwork. Participating in sports also teaches us to respect ourselves, and gives us self-confidence. Most of all, it provides us with an opportunity to develop life-long friendships with teammates, with whom we can share successes, and find support when we lose. Vickie Lee Tassone:  Yes, it is very important for girls to be involved in sports! Sports are a great builder of self-esteem and confidence, allowing girls to set and achieve goals. I advise all girls to follow their hearts and participate in the sports of their choice, whatever they may be. Jonathan Ogden Jonathan Ogden:  Yes. Sports are good for health and camaraderie; being on a team teaches you to work with people and follow instructions . . . it’s just good in general for life. Everyone should be involved in sports in some way—it’s fun.         The purpose of this column is to identify issues. It does not purport to be exhaustive or to render legal advice. You should consult with qualified counsel or other professionals in developing responses to specific situations. >>Sports celebrities scenario 1 conversation >>Sports celebrities scenario 2 conversation >>Sports celebrities scenario 3 conversation >>Sports celebrities additional questions Student Panelists | Sports Celebrities | Legal Experts Scenario 1 | Scenario 2 | Scenario 3 *Conversations* | Convo Central (Student Comments) Links Online Conversations | Title IX