Eight figure skaters from the Chinese Skating Association were accused of having altered birthdates in order to compete. Some skaters were found to be just a bit too old for the 2003 junior world championships or a tad too young for the world championships. This isn’t much of a surprise since China has been accused and found guilty several times in a variety of past competitions, including the Olympics. Their titles and medals have been stripped from them in the past as well. I recall reading how some of China’s gymnasts who competed and won several medals in the Beijing Olympics were too young to compete and stripped of their medals. I understand why China chooses to lie about their athlete’s ages: they are the ones who bring gold, glory, and recognition to their nation; but by doing so they are also highlighting the fact that they are greedy. They’re willing to break rules and ignore the consequences thus creating an unwanted image of avarice, not only for their nation but for their athletes too. I feel sorry for the athletes who are obviously talented but have to suffer humiliation, because their country decided to be greedy.
This blog is meant to be a space for the Austin College community to discuss issues related to China and the Chinese language. For author permissions, please write to Dr. Jennifer Thackston Johnson: jtj.at.ac –at- gmail.com. Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas.
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