Great topic! On the General Board, there was a thread about this, which was posted on Aug. 13th...I am posting what I wrote then right here...with a few more thoughts...as I still feel VERY strongly about the Chinese gymnasts and the lying about ages:

I usually love all aspects of the Olympics, from the Opening Ceremonies to the many exciting events. I really liked the Opening Ceremonies this time, and particularly enjoyed the little girl who was supposedly singing. How pathetic that the Chinese had to lie about who was really singing. Great values here : "You're not pretty enough to represent our country" - I thought the girl who really sang was ADORABLE!!!! Makes me wonder how many other lies are present in these games...?

However, even though I am enjoying many of the Olympic events, and have enormous respect for their hard work and dedication...I do NOT enjoy the lying and deception from the host country.

I do not enjoy watching the Chinese gymnasts who are obviously NOT the age of the other gymnasts in the Olympics.

Obviously, the Chinese gymnasts did an outstanding job and do derserve the medals they earned. Their training is amazing, and their performance was fabulous...However, I wonder what the outcome would have been if the Chinese gymnasts had actually been the age of the other TEENAGERS in the Olympics???

For over 30 years, I have worked with children and teenagers of all ages and cultures, and have seen many kids who are tiny or big or small for their ages...all sizes and shapes....believe me...I KNOW when I see someone who is NOT a teenager. Since the Chinese choose their gymnasts at a very young age, I am guessing that they change birth records and passports BEFORE these kids are even competing, so that nothing can be proven or challenged later on during Olympic trials and competitions, when people might be quetioning a 72 pound kid who claims to be 16...hmm...

There was an article in the Los Angeles Times today about proving ages with x-ryas - bones fuse at specific ages...However, it is unlikely that the Chinese would ever consent to this type of testing, as it would scientifically prove the ages...

I would welcome a future Olympics where ALL of the "women" gymnasts are of the age reuqired by the Olympic Committee. I am proud of the United States for being truthful about American gymnasts and their ages.

Emily

Last edited by Emily Sanders; 08/23/08 07:40 PM.
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