China, not Americans, shows grace under pressure

The Monitor ^ | August 13, 2008 | AP

[roses of sharon]

I would imagine if the title were reversed and the “reporter” wrote that the Chinese girls were using bad sportsmanship, and none of us saw any examples of any, we would be slamming this article, and wondering if the reporter was crazy!

Anyway, what the Chinese government orders its children to do is not the fault of the child. These little 11 and 12 year olds have been practicing in a gymnastic factory since 3 years old, without even parents to comfort them. Their team is their family, their sport is their job. (as said in an interview last night with a Chinese athlete)

[ponder life]

I would imagine if the title were reversed and the “reporter” wrote that the Chinese girls were using bad sportsmanship, and none of us saw any examples of any, we would be slamming this article, and wondering if the reporter was crazy!

That possibility does exist. But honestly, I doubt it. Just my experience here.

Anyway, what the Chinese government orders its children to do is not the fault of the child. These little 11 and 12 year olds have been practicing in a gymnastic factory since 3 years old, without even parents to comfort them. Their team is their family, their sport is their job. (as said in an interview last night with a Chinese athlete)

It is sad I must admit. Hopefully, someday, the government will get out of engineered sports and the private sector takes it on. Both financially by corporations and by individuals aspiring on their own.

[jmc813]

Do you ever feel like a whore shilling for China like you do?

[jmc813]

Sorry for the tone of that last comment. Came after a long night of drinkin’.

[ponder life]

Sorry for the tone of that last comment. Came after a long night of drinkin’.

No problem. But inebriation does reveal how someone feels about something or someone :) Alcohol removes the inhibition.