1. How amazing is it that Missoula swimmer Katharine Berkoff earned an Olympics bronze medal in Paris?
John Letasky: That’s an incredible achievement that few people can boast. Well done!
Jake Iverson: It must be advantageous to come from a town with abundant water, as depicted in a best-selling book and movie, when aiming to become an Olympic swimming medalist.
Victor Flores: It’s truly remarkable, especially considering her status as one of the fastest women’s 100 backstroke swimmers in history and her strong early performance in the race.
Gavin Derkatch: Berkoff represented the United States and Montana with great honor. A truly remarkable accomplishment.
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Briar Napier: This just goes to show that with hard work, talent, and performing under pressure, anyone can have a shot at success, regardless of their background.
2. Are you eagerly anticipating the start of the NFL season?
John Letasky: While I may not be counting down the days, I do hope to catch more NFL games this fall than in recent years.
Jake Iverson: As a Minnesota Vikings fan, Week 1 fills me with dread similar to how kids feel about the first day of school.
Victor Flores: If the SF Giants don’t make a strong playoff push soon, I might start counting down to the NFL season.
Gavin Derkatch: I’m always excited for football season, especially the atmosphere at high school and Frontier Conference games.
Briar Napier: I’m curious to see if Joe Burrow’s blonde buzzcut becomes iconic or a joke during the season.
3. Olympic rugby player Nicole Heavirland of Whitefish challenged Jason Kelce to arm wrestle. Who is one celebrity/athlete you wouldn’t want to arm wrestle?
John Letasky: I don’t need to look further than Billings for my answer — the “Blond Bear” Jim Wright.
Jake Iverson: I’d rather not arm wrestle anyone, to be honest. I prefer to keep my arm bones intact.
Victor Flores: Max Scherzer. A strong right arm from pitching combined with intense athleticism would make him a formidable opponent in an arm wrestling match.
Gavin Derkatch: The list is long, but Aaron Donald would probably be at the top. His sheer physical prowess is intimidating.
Briar Napier: Only Letasky and wrestling fans will understand why I’d avoid arm wrestling with “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner.
4. What Olympic event do you think would be the most exciting to witness live?
John Letasky: While gymnastics attracts a celebrity crowd, I think water polo or women’s beach volleyball would be thrilling to experience in person.
Jake Iverson: The energy at gymnastics events seems electrifying. The cheers for Simone Biles rival those of rock stars.
Victor Flores: I agree with Briar. Witnessing a relay or individual sprinting event live would be incredibly exciting.
Gavin Derkatch: I’d love to witness the intensity of swimming relays firsthand.
Briar Napier: Without a doubt, the 4×100-meter relay. It’s already a pulsating track event, but add in Olympic medals and it becomes the most thrilling dash in sports.
5. When was the last time you used a pencil sharpener?
John Letasky: I still use a pencil at work every day, so I find myself at the pencil sharpener regularly, just like in grade school.
Jake Iverson: I’ve never used one, but I did win a pencil sharpener at a lively holiday party hosted by the Associated Press’ Matt Brown.
Victor Flores: Probably during college. I use pencils often for scoring in golf, but I tend to use fresh ones provided by the course.
Gavin Derkatch: I’d say high school was the last time I used a pencil sharpener, and only when I had somehow misplaced all my pens.
Briar Napier: My pencil sharpener days ended in high school. I switched to pens a long time ago.
