Have the Chinese cheated by lying about the gymnasts´ages?

Question

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4583174.ece

An American coach complains that He Kexin China´s gold medal gymnast is really only 14 and therefore uneligible to compete.

Hackers claim to have discovered "evidence" that her age was reported in Chinese media earlier this year as 14.

Is it true?

Is it important?

How hypocritical of the American coach Karolyi to complain when he was 14 year old Nadia Comaneci´s coach!

Answer 1

If you look at Chinese behaviour historically then it is most likely true.  They have misrepresented ages for the gymnasts at least twice in the past 20 years, first in 1991 and later in 2001.  

What is important is not the fact that Chinese gymnasts are so young.  What is important is that the other countries, as far as we know, have followed these regulations.  Otherwise, they would have expanded their national qualifications to gymnasts of all ages, thus giving them a chance to significantly improve their team.

Answer 2

The case is under investigation and nothing should be said until the completion of the investigation.

There is a possibility for the age problem.

However, U.S. may also be a liar. It spent so many money to buy athlete of gymnastic from Russia. It intended to win more Gold but the result was far from expectation. Then he raised such issue again.

According to the medical record, He Kexin was born in Jan. 1, 1992. Hence, she has been 16. Of course, hackers can change every record as they like, especially the computing security in China is very weak.

Answer 3

Tom Daly is only 14 and he is allowed so why not the Chinese?

Answer 4

What a legend, Nadia that is, as well as Olga & Nelly, great era in the sport!

Anyway, the rules now are that competitors must be over 16, lying and cheating is not accepted in the Olympics.  Well, not if you get found out....

Wouldn't it be a shame to disqualify the whole China squad over this? (tic)

Answer 5

The USA do not having a very good sporting nature.  Her age could have easily been reported wrong in the media.  

Answer 6

It would seem whoever holds the olympics cheats,The history of cheating in the Olympics is long and deep the Americans blatantly did it as did the Australians and Greek and now the Chinese, I suppose it will be our turn next but knowing the UK's sense of fair play we probably wont. Only time will tell.

Answer 7

The Chinese have cheated on many levels. Why anyone is surprised by this is the real question.

Answer 8

How old is our Diving Kid?

14...

so what exactly are the Americans on about?

Answer 9

The Chinese cheat.......never  

Answer 10

it is a false news.  The chinese administration of sports are very strict. They are very keen.  This is not an ordinary game.  This is an international game.  They are alert.  if they do, their image in the world will be tarnished.  They know it fully well.  Some one is commenting and spreading false news. what is in the timesonline?  The international com. members to probe the allegations.  That's all.  if a lie told by thousand people, will it become a true ? They say about the age of He Kexin.  Let the investigate and tell the truth to the world.  i think this is purely on jealousy.  This will happen in all forums and no wonder such propaganda catches the olympics.

Answer 11

I bet EVERYONE would be all over this if it was an American doing it.  

Cheating is Cheating.  If it is proven that China cheated then pony up and do the right thing.

Answer 12

If it is true then yes it is cheat, but who really cares that much. They've done far worse things, as have we! Lets not be too hypocritical.

Answer 13

well they have done it in the past, and the gymnast confessed she was only 14 at the time.  So why would they not do it again?

Answer 14

The girl won it fair and square,the Americans have found this Olympic Games difficult because of the enhanced technology and frequency of drug testing.Now that they are forced to compete on a level playing field they have resorted to scapegoating.  

Answer 15

i don't understand why people complain and protest. she's really good, and she deserves it. just one question though, they are complaining for an athlete, not because of her abilities but because she is "younger than the other competitors or under age? does this mean they got intimidated by a very young lady??

Answer 16

Americans are just jealous the China have more medals and are a faster growing superpower

Answer 17

Gymnastics has always been one of the most 'dodgy' sports hasn't it? Strange practices and odd coach/athlete relationships.

Firstly..No..I wouldn't be surprised but I actually do think there would be an advantage to be gained. I used to run with Liverpool Harriers and was at one point the good enough to represent U.K. All this was prior to the age of 13.

Let's just say after that point I became ..er ..'blessed' with curves and the old running became a bit troublesome ;-) I should imagine throwing yourself around a gym mat with a ribbon would be equally as challenging!

Answer 18

wouldn't surprise me

I'm sure they get sent off to a gymnastics style boot camp when they're still sperm

The Americans are just bad losers,

Answer 19

is it important?  of course it is

The minimum age for female gymnasts was increased from 14 to 15 in 1981, and up to 16 in 1997, to protect the physical and mental health of young athletes.

so nadia comaneci was allowed to compete at 14 then, but she wouldnt be now

Answer 20

you bet ye they did.

Answer 21

it would not even have been brought up if they lost.   sounds like jealousy to me  the USA got beat by young kids.  then again, rules are rules.  

Answer 22

They most probably have. I don't see it as hypocritical though, when he coached her it was legal to compete at 14, now it isn't, that's the real issue, I think. The cheating, not her age.

EDIT: To f***y - it's only gymnastics where it's 16 - because apparently their bodies are damaged from the activity that young.

The crux of it is that the American's are the sorest losers in the world though.

Answer 23

no if they are good enough then why not let them into the olympics