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Q: Is there cheating in the Olympics
There are so many many areas in Chinese life where cheating is accepted as perfectly normal. We have plagiarism in schools and universities and the chance sometimes to see the question sheet before the exam; outright copying of different goods such as fake everything; ripping off foreigners by upping the prices; supplying sub-standard goods and services and then doing sweet fa about it. These are all forms of cheating which everyone just puts down to "this is China". Whilst watching yet another Chinese take gold at an Olympic event I did wonder if the culture of cheating extended into this as well, and if not why not. Before all the wumao commentators start on this I mean no disrespect to any of the genuinely honest athletes, but it did make me think that if there was no cheating in the training or the events themselves it must be the only area of Chinese life where it does not happen. Comments please.
A 16 year old GIRL from Zhejiang province had a faster 50m split time than arguably the best MAN from the USA swim team. That's my answer.
In free countries it is generally the individual athletes and their coaches that try to cheat the system.
In authoritative countries (please let's not use the term communism because China is far from it) they can funnel all their resources and chemists and biologists into the mix they wish.
Think about the Soviet Union back in the 80's.
They only think about the short term face gaining endevour of winning a medal and couldn't give a crap about the athletes themselves...propoganda over human lives.
I've read stories about former Chinese olympic athletes that are homeless beggers now.
Hi Tom,
Are you kidding me?! China has been busted for doping of Olympic athletes in the '80's and '90's. It's very well known.
crimochina:
you american liars we were only giving them tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 and bear feces
In Beijing they got off with a slap on the wrist regarding the age discrepancy scandal.
Maybe because they all know that cheating is the way to get ahead in China... but once they enter the international arena, they get the realisation that it's the fastest way to hit the bottom...
Sure, some will (and have) tried... but with more and more experience, the facts become obvious that cheating just won't do it.
Also, combined with this, there is a strong sense of pride in having accomplished this yourself... YOU are the real winner - not the drug or the cheat... but YOU!!! Hard to beat that rush!
cheating is not only about competitors
remember some decisions, for example - I heard about "the longest second" yesterday ...
I think it's terrible that China can't enjoy an Olympic Gold medal and a world record without getting immediately slammed.
Too much politics in these games, that's why I'm not too interested!
the thing is that many times we will just never know. If one of the most amazing athletic performances of all time was truly done drug free it is such a shame that individual and state sponsored cheating that has occurred for so many years now will always cast aspersions on those who it all drug free. Quite easy to point the finger but there are not many nations who have not had their snout in the cheating for medals trough at some time or other.
Because the chemists are often ahead of the testers I favor the idea of keeping a blood, hair or other form of sample that can be tested at a later date so that the cheats will at least have their records wiped and names sullied once testing technology catches up.
While the aim of the Games is to compete and no to win, every athlete there wants a gold medal as a human normal reaction. And I fully understand that. And athletes and managers will exploits every opportunity to excel. I also understand that. But while I am not against legal means, I am opposed to illegal means totally.
And dharma86, do you think China is slammed for every gold medal? I disagree with you. It is not for everyone, but for some with "disgusting" or questionable intentions. take in gymnastics, for example. It is a well known fact that your physical age is counted from your date of birth. Now, China came up with the idea that all people have their birthday on New lunar Year. And that the day you are born you are one year of age, not zero years like everyone else. And what allows China to use this rule ? For one thing, it allows a 14 years old girl to compete against all others who are a minimum or 16 years of age, giving her a natural advantage in flexibility and elasticity, and hardly no breasts to unbalance her. So, in my mind, when a female Chinese wins a gold medal in gymnastics, many feel it is cheating, because they are using the rules to their advantage. Too bad the Olympic committee is too worried about political issues to put an end to this as they should. All athletes should be measured exactly the same way, so it will be their expertise and proficiency that shines, not shaddy deals.
