China Olympian Striped of Medal
Chinas gymnastics team was recently stripped of the bronze medal it had one
during the 2000 Olympic games. The medal was revoked after knowledge surfaced that the womens gymnastics team had an underage competitor participating during the 2000 games. Dong Fangxiao was found to be 14 during the time of the games instead of her registered age of 16. The bronze medal will now be returned to the United States team as part of the penalty.
During the 2000 games there had been evidence that China had fabricated documents and passports for more than one of the gymnasts on its team. However the evidence was forgotten about until recently when the IOC (International Olympic Committee) decided to reopen the case.
Olympic rules state that all athletes who are too compete must be at least 16 before the start of the Olympic year in order to participate. Dong Fangxiao had been outperforming her age group since she can remember and in an attempt to help her country win a medal she presented false documents to the IOC. Dong had been able to participate in the 2000 games and did remarakbly well for her age, however this issue has raised several quesitons. Why if an athlete is capable to compete should he or she have to wait until the age of 16? If not 16 is there a better age to set the limit at?
This break in Olympic policy raises many questions on the regulations that are in place for Olympic Athletes. For instance why would the Chinese government provide false identification? Why would the IOC not have caught this matter before now? What other rules are athletes being allowed to break? What do you think? Let us know
March Madness is Here
Finally it is here, the long awaited month of March the all the great basketball that comes with it. One of the most anticipated months of the year for sports fans and more importantly college basketball fans; the “Big Dance” kicks off
tomorrow with the opening round game. However, the real action begins the 18th with the start of the first round. Whether you are an avid fan or just interested in team mascots the NCAA tournament is always a good time to test your ability to predict who will go home early and who will stick around for another round. If you have yet to fill out your bracket you still have some time left. Use some of our bracket science to help you make those picks that are just too close for comfort.
Bracket Science:
- Historically not a single number one seed has lost during the first round
- Two out of every three tournaments results in the upset of a number three seed during the first round.
- Only 12 number 1 seeds have failed to reach the sweet sixteen.
- 14 seeds have the highest percent chance of an upset, due to their past records, high scoring offenses, strength of schedule
- 5 vs. 12 seed match up during the first round is historically where it no longer pays to give the higher seed an automatic bid to the next round.
- 6 seeds are more likely to advance to the second round than 5 seeds.
- The hardest pick to determine during the first round is 8 vs. 9 seeds; hope you have good luck
- The keys to a 13 seed walking away with a win in the first round are strong defenses, offenses that are consistent, and head coaches that have previous tournament experience.
If you still dont have your bracket CLICK HERE to get one and get in on all the action.
- Launch Player Check out this link to watch the games live on your computer.
Big Games In The Big East
The Big East tournament has reached the semi-finals but not without some upsets and buzzer beaters. The top two seeds, Syracuse and Villanova both lost their first game of the tournament. Syracuse lost to George Town 91-84, the Hoyas reminded the Big East that it’s still got the talent to make every game a dog fight. Marquette topped Villanova 80-76 even without their big time scorer’s. The Golden Eagles match up with fellow upset team George Town in the Semi’s for a battle of the better underdog.
With more on the upset special Notre Dame, downs Pitt with a slow paced sloppy 50-45 victory. Notre Dame was once a NIT-bound team, now after 6 straight wins over quality opponents has proven to be a threatening team to win the Big East and make a run in the Tourney. They are hitting their stride at the right time. They will be facing West Virginia tonight at 9 ET. West Virginia took on Cinnci last night, and it took a buzzer beater to squeak by. Da’Sean Butler’s big shot was icing on top of a crazy day at the Big East tournament.
The Big East has been the best conference tournament to watch thus far but there is more to come and the championship is up for grabs. Look for the action not to let up and tune in for quality college basketball and some prepping for the big dance.
