London Olympic

[AXOmom]

I don't think you're in the minority actually. A lot of people (okay, mostly men) mention that as a reason they don't like gymnastics or ice skating.

I should have qualified that statement by saying that sometimes gymnasts, coaches, and fans believe this has happened when the score was REALLY close. Of course, unless the competitors are pretty even to begin with - it can't be done. If it's close, I don't think it's necessarily intentional - in other words, I don't think they get together and decide ahead of time - I just think the thought can influence their judging a bit if it's close.

Gymnastics is subjective, certainly, but not as subjective as people think it is particularly when you know how difficulty is determined and how execution points are deducted. It really is pretty specific and doesn't give judges much latitude. In addition, depending on the level and the meet, several people judge separately and if their individual scores aren't within a specific point difference, they have to dicuss, go over their deductions and rescore. I know, more information than you wanted.

I agree the sports you mentioned are less subjective; on the other hand, can you say you've never heard basketball fans complain a ref determined the outcome of a game due to a subjective foul being called? Those complaints are fewer in football, but they happen. What about several recent boxing matches? I agree that things like swimming and track are pretty straightforward, but my husband is a track coach, and believe or not, they've had some fishy stuff go on there as well.