Weight of a nation?

It's only been more than a year since I've posted. Maybe I'll start again, maybe not, we'll see. Chew sent me the article linked in the title. In summary it's a US journalist suggesting there is a "black cloud" over gymnastics because there is suspicion that the Chinese government is allowing girl gymnasts under the minimum Olympic age of 16 to compete. This is a problem because such a young girl shouldn't have to bear the weight of the hopes of a nation.

Is it okay if they are 16? 18? 21? When is it appropriate? Who is generating such pressure? The government, the press, coaches, families? Seriously, does the general public as a whole care that much? I've been sucked into the Michael Phleps craze and can't wait to see if he can pull off another victory. However, do I feel like I am somehow superior because my country can generate an athlete who can win so handily. I suppose in the Chinese case, it's a legacy thing. They always produce amazing gymnasts, so maybe they can therefore somehow feel superior because it's in their blood or something.

Athletics certainly creates an emotion of pride and it's fun to get caught in the craziness. I suppose this craziness is somehow responsible for the pressure. In college, I remember being emotional about each competition, but I don't ever remember feeling like the hopes of an entire school were on my back. Even in higher exposure sports I don't see it. Although I love to see the Hokies win lots of football games, what foolish fan would place their hopes in say Michael or Marcus Vick. Even the guys I know who think about nothing but Hokie football don't in REALITY put all their hopes in it.

Forget the pressure. What I think is a sad black cloud was what I heard a commentator say during the coverage. One of the young girls was sent to the training facility at age 3. Repeatably asked to come home and was denied by her parents because they knew what a successful gymnastics career could do for their family. She was being praised for her determination (or something). This is the same logic of the successful business puke who buys his family everything they could ever want, but works 80 hours a week. It's really a simple principle we all know, but it's depressing to see it on the world level.