There are reports that the International Olympic Committee has launched a probe into the claims that the Chinese gymnasts were underage. This comes after documents were found raising questions about their eligibility.
He Kexin has been feted after winning the individual and team gold, many believe that she is only 14 but she still maintains that she is 16. The ages of her team mates Jiang Yuyuan and Yang Yilin have also come into question.
There have been suspicions of the team’s ages as they look so young, the suspicions have now gained some ground since these documents had come out. These documents suggest that He is 13 or 14. Some of the documents look as if they have been amended or even removed following these questions.
Giselle Davies, director of communications for the IOC has said that they had asked gymnastics officials to investigate because “more information came to light”. She added: “If there is a question mark and we have a concern, which we do, we ask the governing body of any sport to look into it.” Davies said that it was not a formal investigation but was designed to clear up the situation and “put it to rest”.
The IOC has not gone as far as to announce the names of the individuals concerned. The head coach of the Chinese gymnast team, Huang Yubin has denied any such claim.
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In addition, I would like to comment on the lip synching controversy. Can we please be a bit more introspective about this? American advertising is based on the concept of beauty, whether the products are for adults or for kids (do you see ugly kids advertising for Gap?). Granted, it’s not supported by the government, but since this advertising works in a capitalist society, one can only assume that most American people support it either directly or indirectly, unless we think the American system doesn’t work, and the capitalist society continually produces products and images that do not sell. Beauty is one of the great contributing factors to success is further reinforced by other aspects of society. Frankly speaking, is that really better than a politically incorrect government making a choice to pick a pretty girl over an “ugly” girl? One is overt. The other is covert. Both are equally damaging. Just look at all the girls with extremely low self esteem in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
Comment by Jennie — August 28, 2008 @ 6:43 am
Underage gymnasts? Maybe not…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtB5VLxOBsQ
Comment by Kevin — September 14, 2008 @ 8:52 am