You know better than anyone how well I understand the pressures of that level of competition.
And you get no argument from me about this being an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed thoroughly. Right now, while the games are going on, is not the time - because then you *add* to the emotional damage by telling nine and ten year olds (okay, *maybe* twelve and thirteen year olds) that - well, we know you did everything the grown-ups in your life ever asked you to, but we're still going to take away your victory.
You can't carbon date live children, and on paper, at least, the rules were followed. It's more complicated than a yes/no, right/wrong situation - it's not like steroid abuse by any stretch of the imagination.
I do disagree with you that the gymnasts looked like they were starving. I've *seen* eating disorders on legs in these competitions - and that wasn't it.
Are they courting all sorts of muscle and bone issues in the future? Of course. I just don't think their body mass index is the critical problem.
I was pleased to see Nastia Liukin take the individual gold. She and Shawn Johnson look healthier than I've seen gymnasts look in forever - and Nastia's height alone smashed the myth of pixie-child being the way to go.
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15/8/08 12:50 (UTC)And you get no argument from me about this being an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed thoroughly. Right now, while the games are going on, is not the time - because then you *add* to the emotional damage by telling nine and ten year olds (okay, *maybe* twelve and thirteen year olds) that - well, we know you did everything the grown-ups in your life ever asked you to, but we're still going to take away your victory.
You can't carbon date live children, and on paper, at least, the rules were followed. It's more complicated than a yes/no, right/wrong situation - it's not like steroid abuse by any stretch of the imagination.
I do disagree with you that the gymnasts looked like they were starving. I've *seen* eating disorders on legs in these competitions - and that wasn't it.
Are they courting all sorts of muscle and bone issues in the future? Of course. I just don't think their body mass index is the critical problem.
I was pleased to see Nastia Liukin take the individual gold. She and Shawn Johnson look healthier than I've seen gymnasts look in forever - and Nastia's height alone smashed the myth of pixie-child being the way to go.