Winter Olympics: Kwan Seeks to Duplicate Kulik's Feat, Bobek Struggles to Recover, and Ratings Remain a Concern for CBS

Strategic Insights -

Michelle Kwan, the reigning Olympic champion, has a chance to replicate Ilia Kulik's achievement of winning the gold medal while skating first in the final group. Skating first is often considered an advantage as judges tend to save room for the highest marks. However, Kulik set a high standard by going first last week and securing his score. Meanwhile, Nicole Bobek's difficulties continue as she fell to 17th in the short program and had a disastrous practice session, falling over a dozen times and cutting the session short.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michelle Kwan has a chance to duplicate Ilia Kulik's feat by skating first in the final group and potentially securing the gold medal.
  • Nicole Bobek struggled in the short program, falling to 17th, and had a poor practice session, falling over a dozen times.
  • CBS is facing a costly defeat after Dominic Hasek's brilliant goaltending led the Czech Republic to a 4-1 victory over the United States, eliminating the American dream team.
  • CBS's prime-time show is struggling, with ratings down 46% compared to the 1994 Lillehammer Games and 15% lower than the 1992 Albertville Games.
  • The most sought-after items in Nagano are NHL jerseys, particularly those of Paul Kariya, Wayne Gretzky, and Pavel Bure, which are selling for $200 each.

Statistics:

  • 17th: The ranking Nicole Bobek fell to in the short program.
  • 1: The number of times Nicole Bobek fell in her practice session.
  • 13.5/21: The rating CBS' prime-time show received on Tuesday night, a 46% decrease from the 1994 Lillehammer Games.
  • 16.2/26: The average rating CBS' prime-time show has received over 12 nights of coverage, 37% behind the 1994 Lillehammer Games and 14% below the 1992 Albertville Games.
  • 1994: The year the Lillehammer Games were held, which saw a 46% higher rating than CBS' current prime-time show.
  • 1992: The year the Albertville Games were held, which saw a 15% higher rating than CBS' current prime-time show.
  • $200: The price of an NHL jersey, particularly those of popular players like Paul Kariya and Wayne Gretzky.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post (2/12/98)
  • The Los Angeles Times (2/12/98)
  • The Chicago Tribune (2/12/98)
  • Wire reports