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China has put on a superb display at the 2008 Olympics, as if by intention, since they are the host country. They currently lead the total medal count by just one, over the US, but have far more golds than any other country. Perhaps no other gold more earned than Women’s Gymnastics. It is the first ever gold for the women’s team in any Olympic games. But with the American’s in second place, not the desired first, the US seems to be seeking out ways to dispute the legitimacy of China’s achievement.

Everyone that watched the women’s team gymnastic finals for the Olympics probably thought the same thing when they saw China’s team. ‘How old are some of those girls?’ As the women competed the commentators went over then age requirement, 16 years old, and how it is verified, through valid passports. Despite China’s insistence that all of the members are 16 years of age or older many are still skeptical, especially Americans.

In a CNN interview former American Olympic gymnast, Amanda Borden, even admits that if the American’s had done better in the finals and won gold then perhaps this issue would have never surfaced. Since the American’s didn’t win and the Chinese did so spectacular it only seems natural to find fault with China’s team. Does it mean that rules and regulations should be ignored? Absolutely not. But perhaps the time to bring up the issue is prior to the Olympic games and to set up better verification processes before competing.

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