That's the question being asked by the IOC this week in regards to the Chinese gymnasts who have raised suspicions with various sport governing bodies in regards to their ages. The Chinese authorities have turned over copies of documentation, such as passports, residence permits and ID cards to prove the ages of the 2008 gold medal team are within the 16-years old minimum age limit.
I watched some of the gymnastics events. If all of those kids are at least 16, then there is a bridge somewhere that is for sale. One of them looked awfully young. I have heard thru the grapevine that one of them is all of 11 years old. Some of the members of China's 2000 Sydney gymnastics team are also being investigated. If it turns out some of these girls are under age, it throws the medal placements into chaos.
China's "win at all costs" attitude got them into trouble. And it's victims are the youngest ones, pawns in a closely-crafted propaganda machine, that awards deceit and punishes honesty.
No one knows what the eventual outcome of this is going to be, but one thing is for certain: we haven't heard the last of this one yet.
A case of child abuse: legally sanctioned by the Chinese government.
And this is only the beginning.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Bye Giselle
Come the end of November or thereabouts, the Olympic media office will have one less person we have come to know. It's definitely going to be a loss.
Giselle Davies was (and still is!) a class act. However, I understand her decision to step down after six years. Being the Director of Communications, and all that goes with it takes a lot out of you-especially the travelling. She has said she "wants to start a new chapter both personally and professionally" in her life.
I had another friend who worked in the press office. She cited similar reasons for wanting to get off the treadmill and put down roots. It's tough to have any resembalance of a life when one's job takes you to London, Sydney, Beijing and all points inbetween.
She has been entirely supportive of me-and that means a lot. Considering that what I have written has many times not been entirely complimentary regarding IOC activities, she certainly has supported my right to say it. Sometimes painful things have to be said-and I can't think of a better person to leave the Communications department in good hands than her.
I only hope her replacement will continue her high standards and fairness. I have seen her handle uppity press people (you know who you are!) with grace and style. I wish her all the best.
What next for her? At this time, no one has said and if they know, it's being kept close to the vest. I personally would like to see her write a book, and knowing where the bodies are buried will make for very interesting reading. I would love to read what she has to say after she leaves that she probably couldn't have said before.
Happy trails Giselle. You've more than earned this next chaper in your life-and it's going to be a good one!
Giselle Davies was (and still is!) a class act. However, I understand her decision to step down after six years. Being the Director of Communications, and all that goes with it takes a lot out of you-especially the travelling. She has said she "wants to start a new chapter both personally and professionally" in her life.
I had another friend who worked in the press office. She cited similar reasons for wanting to get off the treadmill and put down roots. It's tough to have any resembalance of a life when one's job takes you to London, Sydney, Beijing and all points inbetween.
She has been entirely supportive of me-and that means a lot. Considering that what I have written has many times not been entirely complimentary regarding IOC activities, she certainly has supported my right to say it. Sometimes painful things have to be said-and I can't think of a better person to leave the Communications department in good hands than her.
I only hope her replacement will continue her high standards and fairness. I have seen her handle uppity press people (you know who you are!) with grace and style. I wish her all the best.
What next for her? At this time, no one has said and if they know, it's being kept close to the vest. I personally would like to see her write a book, and knowing where the bodies are buried will make for very interesting reading. I would love to read what she has to say after she leaves that she probably couldn't have said before.
Happy trails Giselle. You've more than earned this next chaper in your life-and it's going to be a good one!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Getting ready for another busy year
We've been busy, but we haven't forgotten about you! Many thanks to my loyal readers. We're coming up on our first anniversary and I thank you for your support. There's going to be lots of stuff to discuss in the run-up to Copenhagen 2009, so stay right here!