THE QUESTION: Do women enjoy competing against each other in sports?
MRS. MARK CLARK
Wife of the president of The Citadel
Charleston, S.C.
Speaking only from my own experience, I'd say yes. I know I have enjoyed sports with women as much as I have enjoyed them with men—sports like tennis, golf, etc. People speak about women being jealous of each other. That may be, but I've never observed it.
WHEELER SAMMONS JR.
Associate publisher
Who's Who in America
Chicago
I doubt it. In non-competitive sports like fishing they probably do have as much fun. But in sports where there are honors involved, they always seem to me to be trying too hard, frequently to the point of tears and near-hysteria. That doesn't sound like fun to me.
CAROLINE BURKE
Radio station owner
Portland, Ore.
Yes. We compete keenly among ourselves, and we are proud of our scores. But I'm feminine enough to admit that we enjoy ourselves much more when we compete in mixed company. In skiing it's awfully nice to have a man worry about your skis up in the hills.
NATE CUMMINGS
Board chairman
Consolidated Food Corp.
Chicago
Yes. For one thing, women are not as dedicated as men. Sports for them are fun, not work. I've often heard them laugh about the golf shots they missed and the big fish that got away. They don't expect others to believe that big fish story, but my men friends do.
CLAUDE D. REESE
Mayor of Palm Beach, Fla.
Ten years ago, my answer would have been no, but since the war women have gone in for sports in a big way. You see them fishing, swimming and sailing, playing tennis and golf. They do enjoy sports more with men, but there are not enough men to go around.
OSCAR FRALEY
Press association sports columnist
New York
The majority of women have about as much fun in sports as a coal miner in a laundermat. To most of them it's a great way to show off a new hat and/or dress. They enjoy the "dressy" events, but when it comes to the sweat and drudgery sports they pass. And thank goodness.
FRANK J. HALE
President, National Yeast Corp.
New York and Palm Beach, Fla.
No. I've often observed women in sport. They don't seem to have the fun that men have. That's because they are killing time until they can join their husbands or male companions, and they would be the first to admit it.
PAUL CRABTREE
Theater director
Palm Beach, Fla.
No. Most women develop a small interest in athletics to be with men. They enjoy a game of Kaffeeklatsch more than clutching a golf stick. Given the choice of playing among themselves or with men, they will always choose the men.
MRS. PAUL L. MEADERS
San Antonio and New York
When women become interested in a particular sport, they are very enthusiastic until they tire of it. A certain number go all out in attempts to be champions. However, as a whole, they are not as relaxed as men.
ROMY SCHNEIDER
Movie star
Munich, Germany
A few women do but most women prefer the social graces to a set of tennis or a round of golf. That's because women are greatly influenced by what men think. Big muscles on women do not appeal to men and women must beware of them.
SIDNEY KING RUSSELL
Poet
Palm Beach, Fla.
Women make a good try at being sports when competing among themselves, but I'll always remember that woman I met at a friend's house who cried bitterly when she lost. She was frank about her feelings, and I felt sorry for her.
TWELVE PHOTOS
