Temat: 14 yrs old competing in Beijing

Tomasz Laskowski:
Hi,

I wonder is there any age limitation on the Olympics? I guess no, because as i saw swimming competition - there was 14 yrs old girl in china national team! She came last in her run (semifinal or something), but I was amazed that so young person was competing at that level.

Have you heard or saw any good stories from Olympics or other sporting competition?

There's a 14 year old diver from Plymouth there too. He's a really cool kid but he got an attack of nerves in the final yesterday.

Temat: 14 yrs old competing in Beijing

Apparently each sport has its own rules regarding age. I read that in gymnastics the rule is 16, but there is suspicion about some of the contestants from China (still breastfeeding, taking afternoon naps, etc.). Given that the Olympic ideal is about faster, further, more, and all that, age shouldn't be an issue - simply getting the best result, however you get the feeling that some of the kids are practically slaves...

Temat: 14 yrs old competing in Beijing

Tomasz Laskowski:
Hi,

I wonder is there any age limitation on the Olympics?

China was recently stripped of it's (was it Gold?) medal in Gymnastics by the IOC for having that underaged competitor. I think they'll re-award the medals to the runners-up. 4th to Bronze, Bronze to Silver, Silver to Gold, China to last.