Does anybody doubt that the Chinese government would create false documents so underage girls could compete in the Olympics?

 

I for one think the IOC should put more effort into finding the truth about this. The IOC spokewoman said that they documents provided (basically a passport issued by the Chinese government) is enough proof for them. There is a London news source that has at least two, possibly three rosters from former competitions that have one of the Chinese gymnasts as being only fourteen. One comentator's explaination is that they were possibly typos. I could see one roster bing a typo, but two or three from different competitions with the same typo?

 

China has already admitted that the girl who sang the solo in the opening ceremony was faking it while a "no as cute" singer was backstage actually doing the singing. If they would lie about that, what else would they lie about, especially to win gold medals? Rememer these are the people that sent us lead painted toys and deadly dog food.

^ I don't doubt it a bit....I think this whole situation should be investigated further. Good point about the singing controversy, if they'll lie about that I wouldn't put anything past them.

I don't doubt that they would but I personally think that if a 14 y/o can do it better than a 16 y/o than the 14 y/o should be able to compete.

Sure they broke the rule, but the rule is wrong IMO.

I don't doubt that they would but I personally think that if a 14 y/o can do it better than a 16 y/o than the 14 y/o should be able to compete.

Sure they broke the rule, but the rule is wrong IMO.

 

 

I agree with that, but if proven that they broke the rule, then they need to be stripped of the gold.

I don't doubt that they would but I personally think that if a 14 y/o can do it better than a 16 y/o than the 14 y/o should be able to compete.

Sure they broke the rule, but the rule is wrong IMO.

 

And if the U.S., Russia, etc. would have brought their 14 year olds as well, it would'nt be the problem that it is. The Chinese are cheaters plain and simple.

I don't doubt that they would but I personally think that if a 14 y/o can do it better than a 16 y/o than the 14 y/o should be able to compete.

Sure they broke the rule, but the rule is wrong IMO.

 

I also agree :thumb: I though this was to compete with the best from each nation. The rule is wrong IMO, but rules are rules and you have to follow them. The medals should be striped.

I don't doubt that they would but I personally think that if a 14 y/o can do it better than a 16 y/o than the 14 y/o should be able to compete.

Sure they broke the rule, but the rule is wrong IMO.

 

 

I don't know enough about the sport but I'm sure the rule about being 16 are in place for a reason.

 

I do know that I have been told but personal trainers that weight training for young girls is not advised because their bones are not ready for it and it can harm them, so I wondered if that was why the rule was in place to discourage countries from training the girls too extensively at a younger age.

 

I'm sure these girls have been probably been taking gymnastic classes since they could walk, but if they can't compete at the olympic level until 16 maybe they wouldn't be pushed so hard at a younger age when it could damage their future health. Until they are older the coaches should just be focusing on their tumbling, balance and movement (or grace).

 

Whatever the reason, they knew the rules and broke the rules. They cheated.

To those who think the rule is wrong. What about the reasons behind it? Apparently it was done to minimize the damage training has on the underdeveloped body. Isn't that a good reason for it?

To those who think the rule is wrong. What about the reasons behind it? Apparently it was done to minimize the damage training has on the underdeveloped body. Isn't that a good reason for it?

 

 

That's a good reason, but does it really cut down on the training. From every story I've ever seen or read, these young girls start training at a very, very early age to begin with, and train for 6-8 hours a day. Does limiting the age at which they can compete in the Olympics really limit their training at all?

That's a good reason, but does it really cut down on the training. From every story I've ever seen or read, these young girls start training at a very, very early age to begin with, and train for 6-8 hours a day. Does limiting the age at which they can compete in the Olympics really limit their training at all?

 

NO....One of the divers was 4 when she started. I am sure that all of them were very young. So, yes, the rules are there for a very good reason, however, it will not protect them form anything IMO.

Believe me, 14 year old girls as a whole are lighter, less developed and more flexible than 16 or older girls. A 14 year old in a sport like gymnastics would have a distinct advantage over someone even two years older.

I know my daughter's old ballet teacher said if they couldn't do the splits by 13 they would never be able to due to the changes in the body.

I agree that it shouldn't matter what age the competitors are ... if a 14-year-old is able to beat out a 16-year-old for a spot in the Olympics, so be it.

 

But rules are rules ... and the Chinese appear to be in violation of them.

I also heard that during the opening ceremonies they had 56 performers that were supposed to represent the "56" nationalities in the country. However all of the 56 participants were from the majority nationality. Just one more lie in a continuous growing list. I find it absurd that the president of the IOC can call out Bolt for "showboating" but hasn't addressed the supposed cheating of the China gymnastic team.

Officials need to check gymnast Mia Too Young, and Seol Nott Old.