[Cerek]

There has been a lot of controversy concerning the Chinese female gymnasts - from the allegations that two of the best are actually underage to some very obvious favoring in their scores.

Cheng Fuey(sp?) is the best example. Records from previous competitions showed her as being 14 this year, but now she is suddenly 16??? In the vault event, Cheng Fuey blatantly missed her landing, ending her somersault on one knee instead of both feet. This wasn't a matter of her taking step or hop, she never landed on her feet to begin with. Yet she tied the American girl who did land on her feet. Both of them had some minor technical deductions on their form, but the landings weren't even close to the same.

However, reporters and commentators all agree there is always bias for the hosting country. In 1996, the American gymnasts got the higher scores. It's just the way it goes.

Referees and judges are human and some events (like gymnastics) have a great deal of subjective voting due to the nature of the event. One judge might count off more for a minor step than another. But when a gymnast falls FLAT, there isn't much grey area.