Quote:
Originally Posted by pbear19
I was thinking about the possibility that some of the Chinese girls are under 16 last night, and actually feeling a bit sorry for them. Can you imagine if they are in fact too young? They will have to go through their whole lives living a lie about their age, knowing that they won a medal they didn't technically deserve. The likelihood that it was their choice to lie about their ages (if they have) is slim to none.
I know it's a different culture, but think about it in terms of the US. Your 18th and 21st birthdays are a lie, you "turn" 30, 40, 50 before you actually get there, you qualify for benefits at an earlier age than you deserve. For me the guilt and the need to keep up the ruse would take away all the joy of the medal.
So, I hope for their sakes that they really are all 16.
|
I'm more concerned about what they may have had to give up to be part of the gymnastics program. Are they attending school or did they have to give that up for gymnastics? Are they living with their families or did they have to move away to a gymnastics school? If they are under 16, they may be able to get a few more years of gymnastics in, but what will happen to them when they are too big/too old for gymnastics and they are replaced with younger/smaller girls?
I feel like the US athletes have more of a chance at a balanced "normal" life. They practice hours and hours each day, but they still get to see their family. They still get an education, either going to school or being home-schooled. And hopefully, the combination of education and family will help them transition and adjust well to life after gymnastics.
I think, even for girls that are 16, it is an incredible amount of pressure. I cannot imagine the pressure for the Chinese girls if they are really only 10-14. The situation kinda reminds me of child actors that self-destructed after their fame ended...being used by people until they are too old and no longer useful to their handlers, being replaced by newer/younger stars in the spotlight, not being able to have a normal childhood, not getting the education needed to be able to go to college/get a job to support themselves as adults. I really hope that the Chinese gymnasts are able to avoid these pitfalls and grow into well-adjusted adults.
Threaded Mode
