Beijing Olympics 2008

[Eian Flannagan]

Seems the IOC will be looking the other way regarding those Chinese gymnasts. Here is an interesting article on the "investigation."

Eian

[leslina]

Seems the IOC will be looking the other way regarding those Chinese gymnasts. Here is an interesting article on the "investigation."

Eian

Here's a follow up article in The London Times.

[Eian Flannagan]

Seems the IOC will be looking the other way regarding those Chinese gymnasts. Here is an interesting article on the "investigation."

Eian

Here's a follow up article in The London Times.

There is a part of me that thinks the IOC is attempting to sweep this situation away in an attempt to avoid embarrassing the host country. If it were proven the host country covered up its gymnasts' ages in order to heighten their medal chances, it would validate the arguments of those who criticized giving China the Games in the first place. And though I do not necessarily agree with the age requirement, it is a rule. And rules are for all participants, not just "most."

I find this disturbing, and it upsets my personal idea of Olympic Utopia. To me, the Olympics are a showcase for all that is good in sport and competition; the chance for an athlete to stand atop a podium, bow his head so his neck could be draped with history, then lift his head and say "On this day, I was the very best in the world at what I do. At this moment in history, there is no better." I feel violated when the seedier elements infringe on my enjoyment of history being made. China had a chance to monumentally alter the world's perception of it as a whole. And, in part, it did so. But it also showed, repeatedly, that change does not occur overnight......

I think John Le Carre best sums this up for me:

"History keeps her secrets longer than most of us. But she has one secret that I will reveal to you tonight in the greatest confidence.
Sometimes there are no winners at all.
And sometimes...nobody needs to lose."

Eian

[Alelou]

The International Olympic Committee doesn't exactly have a reputation for being pure of heart.

[Eian Flannagan]

The International Olympic Committee doesn't exactly have a reputation for being pure of heart.

Aye. Damn shame, too.

[leslina]

Escriba, the Men's Basketball Gold Medal Game is underway and your boys made it to the final for a re-match... and I'm too tired to stay up any longer for the final result.