Coach George Novak and many others stated that he was happy the (possibly) underaged Chinese gymnasts were able to compete in Beijing, because otherwise he would never have got to see those fantastic routines on the big stage.
The loudest accuser, Bela Károlyi, was called a hypocrite by some.
… Should we really protest to the International Olympic Committee and the Gymnastic Federation and ask that these girls return their medals?
By many accounts, the Chinese gymnasts are victims also. They were doing what they were trained to do. But 14-year-old girls who win deserve their medals, too.
Let’s state right up front that cheating is wrong. The Olympic gymnastic age rule is an attempt to avoid serious injury in athletes younger than 16 whose long bones are not yet fused. But at best this is a disingenuous rule, as gymnasts may practice for years often daily for long hours under harsher conditions than the few minutes spent in Olympic routines. The rule does not prevent practice injuries.
…
Perhaps we should accept the games and big-time athletics as what they are, realizing that the vast majority of the athletes are there by choice, and either receive or expect considerable material benefits. …
To undo all the international good this Olympics accomplished by our protesting a few Chinese seems foolish. Let’s not penalize a few young girls and a host country in order to protect ourselves from ourselves. We started the whole rich and famous spectacle and should take much of the blame.
SOUNDING OFF: If we enjoyed Olympics, let’s not be hypocrites – Daily Pilot
Actually, the age requirement has slowed down the intense training of young children by some coaches.
But it is unenforcable by F.I.G. at this time. So the rule must go. Be sure totalitarian governments including China will have their documentation perfected and no age references on the internet for the 2012 Olympics.
I’ve heard nothing for many days on the “scandal”. Perhaps it’s over.
Over until one of the Chinese girls sells her “story” to the western media … some day in the future. The truth MIGHT be that He Kexin is old enough … but had her age lowered in official documentation in order to be eligible for 2012 Olympic selection squads.
In the meantime:
… I know there is a lot of controversy about her age but please can we just admire the skill of this athlete …
Click PLAY or watch the He Kexin montage on YouTube:
related:
Gymnastics Coaching.com 