Three readers could pick the story written by Curtis Sittenfeld; another calls the experiment unfair. Also: Afghan women; athletes and crowds; pro-union workers.

A young skater’s emergence signals a pivot in the way an Olympic power defines success. But its handling of the table tennis competition suggests old expectations may persist, too.

A young skater’s emergence signals a pivot in the way an Olympic power defines success. But its handling of the table tennis competition suggests old expectations may persist, too.