Re: OTP: Any one watching?

On Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:10:13 -0400, Carole wrote
(in message <6gbh4sFf507dU1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>):

Nann Bell wrote:
Yeah, the age of the Chinese female gymnasts has been the subject of much
discussion. I know all that intense training can delay their development,
but even their faces look so young. Some of the other gymnasts are small,
but their faces at least look like teenagers. I do find it hard to
believe
the Chinese that all of their team will be at least 16 this year. But,
without further proof, let the games go on!


If you get a chance, there was a documentary on PBS about their
training. Quite frankly, it's nothing short of abuse. I sat and cried
over what they put those children through and how they get yelled at and
humiliated over the tiniest mistake. They even have the parents
brainwashed into thinking that what they are doing "for" their children
is correct. It was an absolute disgrace. No child should have to go
through that torture for anything.

Carole

I can believe that. Back when my sister was competing, that was true of the
Russian & German programs - and not just in gymnastics. Even the famed
Bolshoi Ballet was long built on people who were separated from their
families for ballet school at very young ages, but only a fraction became
really good. Then it was the Romanian program......

I heard the other night that the one 20 y.o. on the Chinese women's gymnastic
team begged her parents, in tears, to be allowed to quit 2 years ago and the
insisted she return to the program. A durn shame, even if she is a lovely
gymnast. it should be done for love of the sport. Contrast that to Shawn
Johnson of the US who says her parents love her no matter how well she
performs and regardless of whether she continues in gymnastics.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.


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