09.06.2008 3:00 am
Protecting the athletes or cheaters?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
In this week’s column, I write about the age controversy surrounding the Chinese gymnasts at the Olympics. Initially, I thought the IOC should eliminate its age ban because they obviously were not able to enforce it. But after talking to several gymnastic coaches and parents, I understood why it was neccessary. Do you think the IOC should keep its age limit at 16 (or turning 16) for the gymnastics competition?
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
Aisha: I wish you had shared with readers some of the reasons for the age limit.
Abby,
Sorry that the column did not get linked to this post earlier. I will add that link now. The column cites many of the reasons for the age ban. Thanks for pointing out that the link was missing.
You have to start at some age, you can’t have children competing on that level any younger than 16. It is apparent that China cheats and the IOC did not to “embarrass” the host country.