[Celtjew Libertarian]

Her looks may be part of it. However, there were several boys who were attacked by sharks down here in Florida that got some national new coverage as well, a few years back.

The fact that she was a young athlete expected to turn pro any day is part of the story as well. Imagine if that 14-year-old kid who just signed a pro soccer contract were seriously injured in an accident. I think he would get similar national coverage.

[seamus]

I don't doubt that. My point was that you can't deny that the "girl doing a traditionally boys sport" angle -- and a cute one at that -- was part of the reason the story was written.