Picture worth a thousand words
This picture tells the whole story of last night.
For those who missed it, the Chinese Women’s Gymnastics team won the Team Gold over the USA team, by about 2.30 points in the final standings. Exactly 1.60 of those points came from mistakes by Alicia Sacramone. First, the stunning fall off the beam on her mount, then an all-too-predictable fall on the following floor exercise. Her falls definitely deflated the team, and subsequent mistakes by Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson sealed the deal.
Meanwhile, the Chinese women did well, but not with their normal precision or perfection, on both the beam and the floor. They won going away, but you definitely got the feeling that the US would have either won the gold or at least put a LOT of drama in that stadium for those final routines. Furthermore, there would have been a lot less whining from the USA after the meet… more on that later.
But first, a picture of pure happiness. You almost can’t help but be happy for that Chinese team!
Pure happiness
Congratulations to the Chinese for the gold, and to the USA for the silver!
Now, onto the ugliness that ensued. Before the glitter could be mopped off the mats in the stadium, the Americans – notably Marta and Bela Karolyi – began blasting the Chinese stadium officials for what they termed gamesmanship (the long delay before Sacramone’s beam routine). Then they took another shot at the Chinese nationals for allowing 14 and 15 year old girls to compete. Then they came up with every possible excuse for their loss… except for the one that counts: China outperformed the USA.
Why do we Americans have to do this when we lose?? Why does there have to be a nefarious reason?? Why can’t we just graciously congratulate the other team?? It just seems a little insecure. Sure you’re sad, and bitter, and angry, but first, look at the mirror. Then, get ready for the all-around. Even if China used 14 year olds, the bottom line is they were stellar.
By the way, this is not to say that we should be heaping any criticism on Ms. Sacramone. I actually feel genuinely terrible for her. But no criticism, because in the end, all that happened is that she had an off moment that led to a completely understandable loss of confidence. That’s what happens to athletes and any other competitors.
Some pictures to leave you with to show that Alicia Sacramone is already tearing herself up.
