Recently among the gymnastic message boards there has been a lot of talk about the ages of some the Chinese, notably He Kexin. (wwgym is very appealing to me) 
Many people have claimed that it was well known that He was and IS still a junior, born in 1994, not 1992. This has lead to other discussions about several of the other Chinese gymnasts not being of age either. Some claiming that ALL of the current Olympic prospects are underage with exception of Cheng Fei. There have then also been a couple of claims that even Cheng just turned 17 last year! (a rumored photograph of her at her birthday, only 17 candles on the cake. If anyone can show me this picture I would love to see it!)
One of my most recent thoughts is, “How does something like this not get out?” The Chinese have media, just like we do. If suddenly Rebecca Bross was 16 it would be all over the media. But of course, our media gives us everything you could ever know about a person, and controversies are easily sought out because they make sensational stories. I am not familiar with the media system in China, but one thing I do know a little bit about is their sports philosophy. To my understanding, the Chinese find physical well-being quite important. As that combined with metal well being brings upon a balance, the Qi. Sports success brings great honor. I feel that in the US, sports success just brings about fame or money. Hence, this is why I love watching the Chinese compete; their pride and passion moves me, the way they root and congratulate one another. it is refreshing. Not to say I don’t see that from other nations, but thinking of examples I think of Ling Jie praying for Liu Xuan in the balance beam event final, Sydney 2000. Or Andreea Munteanu screaming in jumping for Catalina Ponor in the floor event final, World Championships 2003. Both Ling and Munteanu had already competed in the same event final, and rather than being upset for their loss, they thrived on their teammate’s happiness. That isn’t something I see with the US girls. I am not saying they are bad people but our systems and societies are different.
Back on topic, do I think these allegations are true? Tough to say, I do have a gut feeling Kexin is underage. Why didn’t she compete in the 2007 worlds? When I thought about the Cheng allegations I did ponder the fact that she too was absent from the prior worlds before Athens. And she did fill the hole of vault/floor for the team. Kexin does look awfully young, but I think that reasonable evidence. And she doesn’t appear Kim Gwang Suk young. Then again, there could be reasons (injuries) that neither competed the World Championships preceding the Olympics.
Now IF there are underage people competing, do I care? I am still trying to figure that out. I am opposed to the age rule in place, I think it should be 14 or 15. But I don’t like cheating. But with Cheng, I am blinded by how awesome she is, and nothing I hear can taint what I think of her. And really, same thing with Kexin. I favor the “wow” factor of gymnastcs, I love new and innovative routines. She certainly fills that. Her Yaeger combos are truely magnificent (and the nod to Li Ya, I think the half turn Yaeger should be named after her, OR call it a “Li Ya” combo). Due to my love for gymnastics and lack of evidence, I am willing to turn my back on the issue. I my opinion, I think He Kexin should be the bars champion, as her routine is the most spectacular to emerge in years.
8 Comments
May 2, 2008 at 8:56 am
If they ditched the age rule, there wouldn’t be anymore age cheating that’s for sure. Don’t have a rule you can’t enforce. Simple.
May 2, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I agree with your thoughts. They should lower the age limit to 14 or 15.
The current age limit of 16 is ridiculous, especially when FIG does not have any mechanism to enforce it.
My observation on those Chinese gymnasts is that their peak times usually take place around age 15-18. That means they can only compete in one Olympics in their life times. Say if you are 15 in 2008, you are not qualified for 2008 Olympics and you probably won’t be strong enough for the next Olympics as well. I found it very troublesome for a lot of gymnasts.
May 5, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I think that if they are lying about there age then it isn’t fair. I think the age limit should probably be 14 or 15 but since it isn’t people shouldn’t lie to get around it.
I think lying is unfair to the other teams that are following the rule. For example Bross could be helpful to the US team for this olympics, and could maybe win an individual title but because it is known she isn’t old enough the US wont put her on their team which is the correct thing to do.
May 6, 2008 at 8:35 am
what i dont get is why people is asuming that they are 100% sure that the chinese lie. is it also unfair to them that they are being judged without any basis and just mear acusations.
or is this a tactic for other teams like the usa to destroy the reputations of the gymnasts.
if people feel that its unfair to them, do you think it is also unfair to the chinese and the chinese fans that they are being accused without any proof?
just dont assume as if you are already 100% sure when all the details you are saying all her says.
just talking about being fair here.
May 6, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I like discussing these possibilities, but like I said, I am not sure, and not even sure that I care, because if a stupid age rule made me miss Kim Gwang Suk’s bar routine I would be mad
shergymrag:
I totally agree with you. There would be no problem if there was no age rule. And also, I think it is unfair to have a rule since it isn’t really possible to enforce.
If you are the best in the world, you deserve to compete. Period.
May 11, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I’m not sure. I think so. I also thought that Barry Bonds was on roids. And had the balls to say so. Didn’t think much of people who thought we needed a smoking gun to raise the issue.
June 20, 2008 at 11:12 pm
The point of the matter is that rules are rules. People might not like them or agree with them, but they are there for a reason. I don’t know for a fact that the Chinese are lying about their ages, so I won’t comment on that, however I do believe that 16 is a good age for gymnasts to be at Olympic competition. Think about where you were in life at 14 years old. This is so much pressure for these kids to have to handle at such a young age, I really don’t think it’s appropriate. Could you imagine representing your country at 14? There is certainly a maturity level that should come with that responsibility.
August 20, 2008 at 9:03 pm
The rule making 16yo the minimum was set for gymnastics in part because of size, height and the changing weight distribution of women as they mature. Before a woman develops curves, her body’s center of mass is more to her advantage. Basically, in general, a well trained girl stands better chances to beat many well trained adult in gymnastics because of these advantages. For men is the opposite and that’s why we rarely see Champions in gymnastics younger than 19yo.
We’re supposed to believe that the Chinese government – with their totalitarian regime and strict state athletic program – couldn’t find three more legitimate 16yo to compete at an Olympic level in a population of 1.3 billion? In the same way, China couldn’t find a 9yo girl with a decent voice and appearance and so they lip-sync the beautiful at the Opening Ceremony. That was so ridiculous and insulting for the girl with the nice voice. It seems it is pretty easy for them to play with girls’ ages.
No, this isn’t about cheating. It’s about the Chinese government slapping the world in the face, and the world dutifully responding, “Thank you, sir! May I have another?”