PAGE 2B MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014 1. THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN QUOTE OF THE DAY Worst Olympics ever." — American speed skater Shani Davis. ABC News FACT OF THE DAY Netherlands' speed skaters (23 medals) would've finished sixth overall in the medal count if they were a country if they were a country. IUSA Todav TRIVIA OF THE DAY Q. Which country had the best athletes per medal ratio? A: Netherlands, 1.7 (41 athletes, 24 medals) -USA Today THE MORNING BREW US shouldn't be ashamed of Sochi performance The closing ceremonies hadn't even started. The final event had barely finished. And they already felt the need to defend themselves. "U.S. Officials defend team performance in Sochi," the Associated Press headline read. It's kind of funny if you think about it. The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) had to defend itself for finishing second in the overall medal count (28) and fourth in gold medals (9). (9) . The host country defended the motherland on its way to first overall in the medal count with 33. Like President Vladimir Putin wasn't going to ensure Russia's athletes prepared for a strong performance in the country's first Winter Olympics. Russia's extravagant Sochi Olympics cost $51 billion, more than all previous Winter Olympics combined. Everybody knew the games were immeasurably important to Russia. Russia, Norway and Canada were the only countries earning more golds than the U.S. Each earned 13, 11 and 10 golds, respectively. These countries hold significant geographical advantages over other noncold weather countries, like the U.S. Sure, we have cold weather. But each of these countries are bred in winter by our standards. In winter games, we're typically elite in snowboarding, but not much else. The summer games are a different story. The U.S. is a Summer Olympic nation. The domestic interest is exponentially higher in the summer events, along with well-recognized athletes and events. Also, our superstars failed to perform this year. Shaun White blanked on medals. Shani Davis, considered one of the best speed skaters in Amer ican history, also ended with zero. Skier Lindsey Vonn didn't compete because of a recent knee surgery. If White, Davis and Vonn turned in their usual performances from past Olympics, then today's discussion might be different. The U.S. medal count may have eclipsed Russia, and the headlines could read "Russian Officials defend team performance in Sochi." Yet, the U.S. leaves Sochi with its status in tact as an elite Olympic country. The lingering bitterness after the highly-watched hockey losses to Canada may be warranted, but it's a short-sighted viewpoint. I wouldn't doubt many Americans begin their Olympics critique with "Well, if we would've just beat Canada. And that loss to Finland...". The Olympics represent more than the big name events that draw viewers. Calling this year's Olympic performance among the best ever, as the USOC did yesterday, is clearly a stretch. But there's no reason the organization should need to defend itself and its athletes' performances because of unreasonably high expectations. An overwhelming overall medal count victory in Vancouver 2010 placed the bar too high. Our expectations for Sochi should've been more measured. This week in athletics Failure to obtain first doesn't always equate with placing in last. Sometimes that's hard for Americans to believe. Edited by Callan Reilly Monday Baseball Bonaventure 10 a.m. Port Charlotte, Fla. Tuesday No Events Men's Basketball Oklahoma 8 p.m. Lawrence Wednesday Women's Basketball Kansas State 7 p.m. Lawrence women's Swimming Big 12 Championships 10 a.m. Austin, Texas Women's Swimming Big 12 Championships 10 a.m. Austin, Texas Thursday Friday Women's Swimming Big 12 Championships 10 a.m. Austin, Texas Track Big 12 Indoor Championships All Day Ames, Iowa Baseball North Dakota 3 p.m. Lawrence Women's Tennis Wichita State 3 p.m. Lawrence Saturday Women's Swimming Big 12 Championships 10 a.m. Austin, Texas Softball Murray State University 4 p.m. Carbondale, Ill. Softball Western Illinois University 6 p.m. Carbondale, Ill. Women's Basketball Iowa State 7 p.m. Lawrence Men's Basketball Oklahoma State 8 p.m. Stillwater, Okla. Track Big 12 Indoor Championships All Day Ames, Iowa Baseball Houston Baptist 2 p.m. Lawrence Baseball Houston Baptist 12 p.m. Lawrence Women's Swimming Last Chance Meet 10 a.m. Austin, Texas Sunday Softball Southern Illinois University 3 p.m. Carbendale, Ill. Softball Miami University 1 p.m. Carbondale, III. 785-864-4358 CLASSIFIEDS@KANSAN.COM Medical Arts Pharmacy if looking for a Certified Pharmacy Tech. For an interview please call Marvin at 785-843-4130. JOBS Very sweet 20 year old Autistic girl needs part time companion. Call 785-766-6657 or 6659. Naismith Hall, a private student residence hall serving the University of KS, is accepting applications for Resident Director and Summer Resident Director; Apply in person at 1800 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS Naismith Hall, a private student residence hall serving the University of KS, is accepting applications for Summer Resident Advisors: Apply in person at 1800 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS HOUSING 5 BR, 2BA townhomes avail. Aug. 1 2808 University * $1300/month Adam Ave. * $1200/month Deposit one month rent Pet Friendly! Call Garber Property Management! 785-842-2475 NOW LEASING FOR AUGUSTI 1 & 2 Bedroom Luxury Townhomes Saddlebrook Townhomes Overland Pointe Townhomes 625 Folsom Road 785-832-8200 HAWKCHALK.COM PARKWAY COMMONS HAWTHORN TOWNHOMES HAWTHORN HOMES Spacial 1,2 & 3 BR w/large walk-in closets available now & for Fall! 3601 Clinton Parkway 785-842-9200 nwc@anflower.com HOUSING 2 females to share 3 BR house near 21st & Louisiana bus stop, 20min walk to campus. $350/month plus utilities. WD. 785-691-6951 Large 3BR, 2BA, garage, WD. FP- Jana Drive. Call/text 785-331-5360 www.lawrencecom. WANTED RESPONSIBLE TEN-ANTI? 2 BR house, quiet, real nice, close to campus, hard wood floors, lots of windows, CA, W/D, no smoking/pets. Avail. NOW! 331-509 3 BR and 4BR Available Aug. Close to KU. All appls. Must see Call 785-766-7518. HOUSING NOW LEASING FOR FALL! 1,2 & 3 Bedrooms Canyon Court 700 Comet Lane 785-832-8805 Summer lease June-July 3BR, 2 B.A. Near KU. All Apples. Wood floors Call 785-841-3849 NOW LEASING FOR FALL! Call for details! Chase Court Apartments 785-843-8220 Walk to campus/downtown. 281/IBA, W/D storage 901 Illinois. Call/tell 785-331-5360 lawrence.edu HOUSING NOW RESERVING FOR SUMMER & AUGUST STUDIO, 1, 2, & 3 BEDROOM OPTIONS hawkchalk 785-842-4200 www.meadowbrookapartments.net Bob Billings & Crestline Walking distance to KU KANSAN.COM HEY BRO, YOU CAN RECYCLE THIS PAPER +