http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/gymnastics/08/27/bc.oly.taintedgold.ap/index.html?cnn=yes
IOC tried to send a letter to Paul Hamm suggesting he should give up his gold medal as the "ultimate demonstration of fair play."
The USOC refused to deliver the letter to Hamm, saying that Paul should not have to bear the burden of correcting the IOC's mistakes.
Based on the fact that the tape reveals that Yang actually made some errors in his routine that were not deducted, I think the issue should be closed. I don't think it is fair to pressure Paul Hamm to do something that he should not have to do. It's not fair: if he doesn't give it back, he looks like the bad guy and "unsportsmanlike." If he does give it back, he is the "fall guy."
It's really a no-win situation. What a shame.
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RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
Paul isn't being unsportsmanlike at all. People who think he is are fools. As soon as the errors for which deductions weren't taken in Yang's routine were noticed, the issue should have been dropped. Paul has behaved with amazing dignity, and is an even more deserving champion now. I'm glad the USOC backed him, especially after their early waffling. The medal is Paul's, and if the FIG tries to put any further pressure on him, he should do the patriotic thing and sue them! 
RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
The medal is Paul's, and if the FIG tries to put any further pressure on him, he should do the patriotic thing and sue them!
LOL!
Seriously though, he shouldn't now. The bloody FIG (and Hamm and Yang too) should have sorted this out in Athens itself, before the gymnasts in questions already left for home.
I don't know if this medal will be seen with an asterisk next to it now - at least for the near future - because the issue's been left unresolved.
LOL!
Seriously though, he shouldn't now. The bloody FIG (and Hamm and Yang too) should have sorted this out in Athens itself, before the gymnasts in questions already left for home.
I don't know if this medal will be seen with an asterisk next to it now - at least for the near future - because the issue's been left unresolved.
RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
Why must politics play so much into these kind of sports? Every time the Olympic Committee is deciding something we have to hear about bribes under the table, scandals, etc. When can't the games just be played? I think the FIG is just trying to make themselves look good by asking Hamm if he wouldn't mind giving the medal to someone else as a show of "sportsmanship." They couldn't give a damn about Hamm, or Yang. All they want to do is kill the controversy and save face for their board of directors, and they're willing to abuse the athletes who pay their salaries to do it. It's absolutely despicable.
All sports have judges to a certain degree, but people who participate in sports like gymnastics are going to have to face the facts that sometimes, you won't get the calls you want, and that's just the way it is. How many times have we heard baseball players complain about a bad call that changed a game? But the results still stand. Maybe Yang should have won, maybe he shouldn't have. But he didn't, and ended up with the bronze. That's nothing to be ashamed of, and Korea did win the silver too, so there's no national pride lost. Get over it.
Things like this just cast a shadow on the sport, and they shouldn't be allowed to go on.
All sports have judges to a certain degree, but people who participate in sports like gymnastics are going to have to face the facts that sometimes, you won't get the calls you want, and that's just the way it is. How many times have we heard baseball players complain about a bad call that changed a game? But the results still stand. Maybe Yang should have won, maybe he shouldn't have. But he didn't, and ended up with the bronze. That's nothing to be ashamed of, and Korea did win the silver too, so there's no national pride lost. Get over it.
Things like this just cast a shadow on the sport, and they shouldn't be allowed to go on.
RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
Let's look at the facts first, shall we?
It is the FIG (International Federation of Gymnastics) head who sent the letter to Hamm.
The IOC (International Olympic Committee) is neutral and the head of the IOC said last night, in an NBC interview, that just as athletes make mistakes, so can judges, and that human error is a natural part of the games. The IOC has not suggested nor does it recommend that Hamm give up his medal.
The USOC (United States Olympic Committee) is the group that is angry at the FIG and refused to deliver the letter.
It is the FIG (International Federation of Gymnastics) head who sent the letter to Hamm.
The IOC (International Olympic Committee) is neutral and the head of the IOC said last night, in an NBC interview, that just as athletes make mistakes, so can judges, and that human error is a natural part of the games. The IOC has not suggested nor does it recommend that Hamm give up his medal.
The USOC (United States Olympic Committee) is the group that is angry at the FIG and refused to deliver the letter.
RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
It is the FIG (International Federation of Gymnastics) head who sent the letter to Hamm.
Duly noted. However, it doesn't change the fact that it's wrong.
Duly noted. However, it doesn't change the fact that it's wrong.
RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
Nope, has FIG admited to the missed hold that should have cost the Korean .2 points, So add that to the .1 for the bad card and he is still down .1 points.
RE: Paul Hamm Being Pressured By IOC To Give It Up
IOC tried to send a letter to Paul Hamm suggesting he should give up his gold medal as the "ultimate demonstration of fair play."
Fine, then in the interest of fair play, have the IOC write to all the members of the USSR basketball theam, and tell them to give up their golds as the "ultimate demonstration of fair play."
Think they'd listen? Hell no, and neither should Paul Hamm. He didn't judge the even. He went out and did his thing, and let the chips fall as they may. He need apologize to no one; he need not give back his medal for any reason.
Fine, then in the interest of fair play, have the IOC write to all the members of the USSR basketball theam, and tell them to give up their golds as the "ultimate demonstration of fair play."
Think they'd listen? Hell no, and neither should Paul Hamm. He didn't judge the even. He went out and did his thing, and let the chips fall as they may. He need apologize to no one; he need not give back his medal for any reason.
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