In the US’s defense, I can see why they are POed about this. He DOES look young even for an Asian (tho this is not solid evidence in itself) and there were those suspicious forum postings and web articles listing her as a 14 year old. While many He-supporters dismiss anything off the web as “weak” evidence………let’s face it, any other evidence would have to be obtained from the Chinese government, a government known notoriously to edit information to China’s advantage. I this aspect, it’s not surprising to hear very few people trust the government-produced passports verifying their ages. The fact this age controversy is following on the coattails of the 9year old lipsyncer and the CGed fireworks only plays into the current world view that China is a manipulator of facts.

But on the other hand, it’s not UNbelievable that He is 16, just a bit startling at first. Looking that young is not unheard of among Asians. And China could just be a victim of its previous “deceptions” (lipsyncing, fireworks). Just b/c they tweaked the facts before doesn’t mean they did it this case. Also, I’m sure the US team smarts from the loss of a gold.

All in all, China won’t lose the gold and the US won’t be getting it…..the best thing would be if the US just buttons up and starts preparing for 2012 and for China to learn to stop twisting the facts on such minor things – b/c the little things become the face they present to the world. That kind of scrutiny may not be fair for China but that’s a consequence of being such a big country set on becoming the next world power.

And the Paul Hamm thing was plenty scandalous in the US. I believe a rule is a rule and PH earned his medal because YTY failed to follow the rules and protest in time his start value in time. The start value is not a secret. It pops right up on the score board right along with the score. Plenty of other people think PH should’ve given back the medal though.