2012 OLYMPICS: RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

           While women out-performed men at the 2012 Olympics, their athletic performances were downplayed by their appearance. Gabby Douglas had numerous achievements at this year’s Olympics, but the main topic of conversation centered on her hair, not her amazing athletic talent. She is the first African-American woman to win gold in the individual all-around competition and the team all-around competition, but these achievements came secondary to the condition of her hair as she broke barriers and inspired millions. Much of the controversy was sparked by Twitter comments from African American's voicing their frustration with Gabby's appearance. This highlights the “importance” of a woman’s appearance to society. Her achievements were downplayed because her appearance wasn’t up to par with what is expected.

In the absence of hard evidence, such as a drug test or reliable sources, 16 year old Ye Shiwen of China is being accused of “doping” after an incredible win in the 400 meter individual medley. John Leonard, executive director of the USA Swimming Coaches Association, referred to Ye’s world-record-breaking performance as “disturbing” and “suspicious.” Ye's  new record has left high ranking swimming officials, journalists, T.V. commentators, and athletes all questioning the 16 year old's performance.

 

“Amid widespread suspicions of doping, Chinese swimmers at the 1994 World Aquatics Championships won 12 of 16 gold medals and set five world records. Between 1990 and 1998, 28 Chinese swimmers tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.”

          In the final 50 meters of the IM’s freestyle leg, Ye swam .17 seconds faster than Ryan Lochte did in that portion of his gold-medal-winning 400-meter IM. Critics are wondering, how is it possible that a clean female swimmer was able to go faster than one of the best male swimmers in the world? The easy answer for critics is to assume that she's cheating, even though she has passed every drug test she has been given.

Would these questions arise from a spectacular performance from one of our American superstars, such as a Michael Phelps? A U.S. swimmer’s performance would be credited to hard work and dedication; whereas a Chinese swimmer’s success, given their history of doping, is written off as some form of cheating. It seems to be that these accusations are rooted in racial discrimination.