Is figure skating unacceptably cruel? Measured by physical exertion, sheer competitiveness and entertainment value, fans say it is the world’s greatest sport. But at what cost?
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Drug test drama for teenage Olympics star
Is figure skating unacceptably cruel? Measured by physical exertion, sheer competitiveness and entertainment value, fans say it is the world's greatest sport. But at what cost?
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Is figure skating unacceptably cruel?
Yes: Elite sport is a brutal machine that takes in young people in the name of national glory, and gets rid of them when they are no longer useful. However impressive, the cost is too great.
No: Not only are these skaters pushing the limits of what the human body can do; they are also following their passion. We should celebrate these miracles of strength, not pity them.
Or... Athletes have every right to put themselves through bruising ordeals in pursuit of greatness, but when those athletes are children it's more complicated. Sports authorities should get serious about their duty of care.
Keywords
Weibo - One of the most popular social networks in China, where platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are banned.
Body shape - Fully mature women have broader hips, which slows the momentum of the spin. Teenagers have similar strength but with lighter and narrower bodies.
Drug test drama for teenage Olympics star
Glossary
Weibo - One of the most popular social networks in China, where platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are banned.
Body shape - Fully mature women have broader hips, which slows the momentum of the spin. Teenagers have similar strength but with lighter and narrower bodies.