He Kexin Olympic bar champ?

[Ingymmom]

I was just reading some of the controversy surrounding her age... you're right it sounds as if we will never know if her "current" age is indeed untrue. All we can do is hope that China has been truthful.

[I-Heart-Beam]

Wow that release sequence was incredible! Is it just me or does she kip funny though? She seems to stick her stomach out :s Maybe its just the angle.

[bogwoppit]

The age controversy thing is far from new in gymnastics. In other sports there will be 13 year old competing at the Olympics. FIG decided a few years a go to put the cap on it at 16 for the Olympics.

Is it fair? Perhaps their age should be set by the Olympic committee for all sports. But, regardless of that, in a country like China where paperwork can be done and redone, these things happen and will always happen. It's not as though He Kexin is going to argue that she is younger. Just think how many Us juniors would love to be on their way to the Olympics.

Her bars is a thing of beauty and an amazing level of skill. Should the Olympics be a competition of the best gymnasts in the world, not merely the best over a certain age.

Then there is the argument that no age limit would push coaches to push girls too young, and therefore damage them during vital growth periods.

I really don't know which argument makes the most sense. But, I imagine we will see her, Nastia and Beth Tweddle battle over the bar title. Awesome!

Many of the Chinese girls look young and prepubescent, heavy training schedules and controlled diet may be an issue. Most of them attend sports school from a very young age. Though how many large Chinese people do you know? Most of the of Chinese descent friends I have are petite and svelte, that could be stereotyping, but within ethnicities certain body types do exist. We all know that China does screen very heavily for certain body types before they begin to even train for gymnastics. It just isn't like that in North America.

I think the battle between the US and China is beginning now. Both very strong teams, but with very different philosophies. Should make for a very exciting Olympics.

[gymgymgymnast08]

Noooooo hunnie. He Kevin is NOT GOING TO WIN. Nastia is going to win bars but He Kevin is good too but Nastia is better.

[I-Heart-Beam]

What about Yang Yillin or Ksenia Semanova?

Bars EF is going to ROCK!

[Ingymmom]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bogwoppit The age controversy thing is far from new in gymnastics. In other sports there will be 13 year old competing at the Olympics. FIG decided a few years a go to put the cap on it at 16 for the Olympics. Is it fair? Perhaps their age should be set by the Olympic committee for all sports. But, regardless of that, in a country like China where paperwork can be done and redone, these things happen and will always happen. It's not as though He Kexin is going to argue that she is younger. Just think how many Us juniors would love to be on their way to the Olympics. Her bars is a thing of beauty and an amazing level of skill. Should the Olympics be a competition of the best gymnasts in the world, not merely the best over a certain age. Then there is the argument that no age limit would push coaches to push girls too young, and therefore damage them during vital growth periods. I really don't know which argument makes the most sense. But, I imagine we will see her, Nastia and Beth Tweddle battle over the bar title. Awesome! Many of the Chinese girls look young and prepubescent, heavy training schedules and controlled diet may be an issue. Most of them attend sports school from a very young age. Though how many large Chinese people do you know? Most of the of Chinese descent friends I have are petite and svelte, that could be stereotyping, but within ethnicities certain body types do exist. We all know that China does screen very heavily for certain body types before they begin to even train for gymnastics. It just isn't like that in North America. I think the battle between the US and China is beginning now. Both very strong teams, but with very different philosophies. Should make for a very exciting Olympics.

I saw many of the issues related to age & FIG, and have actually been following it for some time with interest. Not much we can do when the country really wants it to happen regardless of age - seems they will allow it for a win.

I personally am a believer the WAG Olympic age should be lowered. The level of difficulty is already there for the JR's anyway. Many compete the same difficulty as the SR's already. Since other sports allow it, why not gymnastics... its not like Olympic swimmers/divers etc grow up to swim/dive professionally either LOL. Well just my .02.

I am excited to see the battle as well!!!!!