http://www.nbcolympics.com/gymnastics/news/newsid=246060.html#did+chinese+gymnasts+cheat+ioc+says?GT1=39003
Man I wish I could figure out how to do links right. Anyway, this article is titled " IOC: Despite questions, no proof China cheated"
Lu said the Chinese gave the FIG documents Thursday evening that included the current and former passport, ID card and family residence permit for double gold medalist He Kexin. Lu said the documents all say she was born in 1992, which makes her eligible to compete. Gymnasts must turn 16 at some point during the Olympic year in order to be eligible.
"We believe the matter will be put to rest and there's no question ... on the eligibility," Davies said. "The information we have received seems satisfactory in terms of the correct documentation - including birth certificates."
"Surely it's not possible that these documents are still not sufficient proof of her birthdate?" Lu asked. "The passports were issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The identity card was issued by China's Ministry of Public Security. If these valid documents are not enough to clarify this problem, then what will you believe?
"The Chinese government and the Chinese athletes must be respected," he added.
Yes, respect the athletes, the government, maybe maybe not, but respect the althletes.
"If you trust every Web site but not a government ... There are so many Web sites, so much hearsay," Lu said. "These are not official. It is possible that all news on the Internet is accurate?"
I have heard that someplace before, hmm, must have been from a wise man.
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1 comment:
The problem is "dual control." If, the government of China "wanted" to put underage girls on the floor. It is no problem for them to provide official documents that could say they were any age they wanted. As for the "web pages" it is ironic that that web pages were official government web pages in which a switch of ages was very apparent. Interesting, the day after they come to light, they are pulled down. So the statement... "should you trust a web page or a government" is a bit ironic in this case.
As for a few other comments made here and by others. Why should little girls be a problem in gymnastics? In women's gymnastics, smaller and lighter is a very competitive advantage. So, why not put little girls out on the floor? A couple of reasons. One, high level international competition is a demanding thing. The issue of exploiting young girls, who are forced by government and parents into winning gold medals is to be avoid. Anyone can be exploited, but the young are at greater risk. Competitive gymnastics will leave you with life long effects. Also, developing bodies should not be subjected to some of the demands of this level of competition. I know from marital arts instruction, there are things you don't do to children and their bodies. In short, the rule is there to protect the sport and to protect women.
As for this controversy being fueled by "anti-China" hate. That is debatable, and I am sure a part of it. However in the end a small part of it. China dominated men's gymnastics. Do you see people saying they cheated? Men's gymnastics demands a level of strength that younger boys could not duplicate (pommel horse, rings, etc...) China dominates diving... No says they cheat, they just made it a focus and are winning. The USA did this in swimming... Used to in track. Hey we can all feel good for the Jamaicans.
As for the comments on doping. Yes there have been some high level American athletes who have been caught doping, and guess what... it is rampant in many of the sports we are watching by countries all around the world. It was even taken to an institutional level by some governments in the old Eastern Bloc. But guess what, when they are caught, they are punished and striped of any awards. That is the way it is in sports. You cheat, you get caught, you lose. Be it track and field or gymnastics.
And yes, think of the athletes. You have a 20 year old woman, who has her one shot at the an Olympic medal. Who played by the rules. Losing to a 14 year old who has a competitive advantage, and will have at least another shot at an Olympic experience. Many of these young women worked hard, AND had to play by the rules someone else did not. I am sure many of them could have trotted out on the floor at 11 or 12 and gone to the Olympics. Trust me, the day your child is playing soccer, and you see kids on the other side that are obviously too old to be on the 12 and under team... You will understand that age restrictions are to be respected or it is a big deal. It is cheating. If Michael Phelps fails a drug test... Take his medals.
It is like the New England Patriots and "spy gate." When you bend the rules or break them... It ruins the purity of sport. Let me ask... Why are we to blame for that? If China tarnished their games... It is on them. They don't need me, you or anyone to defend them. They are big boys and girls.
And as an aside, they did a wonderful job, the games have gone off well, and the buildings are wonderful. And yes, a country does get some "love" for hosting the games. Some nice scores in judged sports are to be expected, however open cheating cannot...
We are rivals, in an economic and a political sense. Some of this is to be expected... But with all due love and friendship.. I expect a heated posting about the "slant-y eyed" pictures taken by the Spanish basketball AND women's soccer team. That was poor taste and should be addressed... :-)
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