smokerblog

Gold Medal with an Asterisk

Should Paul Hamm give up his gold medal in light of this year's gymnastics judging controversy? Some say yes, other say no. The answer is that it's probably too late for a graceful solution to the problem.

It would be one thing if there were any foul play, but this was just a basic, stupid mistake. Throughout the history of sports, there have always been controversies where the officials plain messed up and altered the outcome of a match. Bad refereeing has to be endured by the loser like bad weather, it's a part of the game.

It would have been nice if the South Korean coaching staff had filed an immediate protest. It would have been better still if Paul Hamm had kept quiet about the dispute. He's coming across in the media as ingracious and belligerent. It' not over yet, either. The Olympic officials could still strip Hamm of his gold medal, although it appears more likely that they may decide to award two golds medals. If Hamm graciously accepts the decision of the officials, he may actually earn the repect due to an Olympic champion.