The Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” translates “swifter, higher, stronger.” If Bela Karolyi has his way, it will also be “younger.”
A long time fixture in women’s gymnastics, Bela Karolyi, with his wife Marta, has guided women gymnasts for decades, developing world and Olympic champions. Always candid and outspoken, he continues to speak his mind on the topic of age restrictions on women’s gymnastics:
“… When you look at the cheating in Beijing and the cowardice of International Gymnastics Federation and the IOC and the hurting way they handled everything, I just want to tell you one thing: Rebecca Bross, a young child who had about a month and a half to be able to compete in the Olympics Games – she was just as good, like any of these Chinese teams. … Or look at Nastia Liukin in the previous Olympics. She could have competed, she was ready – no doubt about it. How can you (officials) lay down and how can you accept an obvious steal, a crime, knowing that the whole world is watching and the whole world sees what is illegal?”
Asked whether the age restrictions should be removed, Bela Karolyi does not parse words… “Absolutely, take it away and forget it. This is an obvious and blatant discrimination. It only creates heartache and headache.”
link: Karolyi’s voice still resonates in gymnastics
Bela Karolyi is clearly still upset over the controversy that the Chinese women gymnasts were underage. It is practically impossible to prove that Chinese state-run athletic agencies conspired when the government can provide any documentation necessary.
The famed coach’s suggestion of eliminating the age requirement might remove all controversy. Any gymnast would then be allowed to compete at the Olympic level, which would have a trickle-down effect and change national competitions. Any female competitor could attempt to qualify for the Olympic team. It’s not clear, however, whether a young teen or preteen girl is psychologically equipped to handle the stresses of Olympic competition before a world audience. A young competitor might be able to perform physically, but not handle it on an emotional level. Certainly, a young teen can win, but not necessarily withstand the consequences of losing at that level and at that young age.
Beyond the focus of those who reach the Olympic podium, what is in the best interests of the very young competitors who try and, at that age, will not succeed?
Catherine Forsythe
