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Friday, August 29, 2008
Cheating Scandals Happen in Paralympics, Too
CHINA— Although some people consider the Paralympics Games a kinder, friendlier competition than the Olympics, competition is incredibly fierce, and some athletes cheat to gain advantage. The use of performance-enhancing drugs is not isolated to the Tour de France or the Olympics. Drug use and other cheating scandals have occurred in the Paralympics, too. In the 2000 Sydney Paralympic games, 14 athletes tested positive for prohibited drugs, and 10 members of the Spanish basketball team faked intellectual disabilities to play. As a result, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) eliminated all intellectual disability events in Athens, 2004 and Beijing, 2008. ID events may return for the London Games in 2012. However, drugs and fakery are not the only ways in which cheating can occur. Some athletes gain advantage through a process called boosting—a tactic primarily used by male competitors with spinal cord injuries. In boosting, the athlete raises his blood pressure by creating a injury below the level of his spinal cord injury. The body reacts with a surge in blood pressure, which can improve performance by up to 15%. Athletes who boost risk long-term health consequences. SOURCES:
Wow! I guess that cheating has no limits. But, then once again what do they get out out of it, if they are caught. If it's done in the paralympics, what doesn't happen in the Olympics? Alma D.
I never thought that in the Paralympics cheating occured. However, what impresses me the most is that individuals will fake a disability only to compete for a medal. I believe that the Intellectual Paralympic Committee should let ID events return because it is not fair for all to pay for the errors of some. Mariam G.
I'm not surprised that athletes participating in the Paralympics are cheating. However, I disagree with the IPC ban on ID events. I agree with Mariam. It seems a bit extreme to punish all athletes with intellectual disabilities for the misdeeds of a few. Rosie G
It is very astonishing to me that allegations and scandals of performing-enhancing drug use exist in the Paralympics, and the fact that certain individuals would fake a learning disability in order to be allowed to play is completely disrespectful and absurd. As a result of this, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has removed all intellectual disability events and now those individuals with actual intellectual disabilities must cope with not being able to compete. It deeply saddens me to imagine that in order to gain the athletic edge in the Paralympic games, individuals would resort to such shameful tactics. I was also very stunned to learn that some athletes in the Paralympics resort to a different type of cheating that is referred to as “boosting.” I would have never fathomed that those individuals who compete in the Paralympics would resort to such acts despite that fact that “boosting” has long-term health costs. Matthew V.
I was not so much suprise about athletes using drugs since we hear it in the news all the time. But is so sad for all of the followers that admire athletes to here that they fake a disability only to say that they are winners, when they didn't even play fair. Rocio D.
I am really not surprised by the drug use in Paralympics. Just like in the Olympics and other competitions there is a drive and a need to win. That competitive drive has driven athletes to use certain drugs or do stuff to their body that could end up being hazardous in the long run. So why be so surprised by the drug use and the physical strain they place their bodies under to win in the Paralympics? I do have to say though, the idea of the boosting surprises me to a certain extent. I am amazed at what extremes athletes will go to go to have the edge on the competition regardless if you have a disability or not. For the ban on sports for people with ID is an unjust move. It seems to me to be a form of discrimination because of what some medal greedy sub athletes.
Ok. Initially, some of us were shocked to hear about the tragic "cheating scandal." But honestly, who says PWDs never lie or cheat? Wouldn't that be considered labeling? Should we be so surprised to find out different? Unfortunately, there is and always will be dishonesty surrounding competive sporting events. It's everywhere. What about ethics, morals, and values you ask? It seems they have been thrown out the window. But let's not give up entirely my friends. Not everyone cheats! Maybe we should look to those who display honesty and morality more often. Let us not allow those forbidden scandals to force us to give up on the integrity and pride of those who abide by the rules.
As for the IPC, it seems a more thorough evaluation/assessment needs to be used to enter into the ID events. Maybe it won't be "cheater proof," but the honest athletes with ID deserve a chance to show their talents and skills just like everybody else. Crissy V.
Never would i have thought that there would be cheating in a Paralympic sport. Even though the drug use to enhance performance is some what common among sport atheletes, i had never heard of people actually faking a disability to join a team or messing up their spinal cord for a slight advantage which might later result in a greater injury. I guess people will do anything to win even if it means harm to them.
well the faking part is sad because it just shows that the people who did that have never won anything in thier lifes. they have to fake having a disability in order to have something or win something. i dont know how someone can have pride in winning something in a level they are completely superior. and the cheating part between disabled people it just shows how normal they are. they just want to win like a completely healthy person. even though it is wrong.
That is very selfish of the athletes using performance enhancing drugs to win a medal. I cant believe they actually thought that they were going to get away with cheating. And to hear that anyone would fake an intellectual disability, that is low. The Paralympic Committee did well in cancelling the ID events. There has to be soome disipline. It will also give the Paralymic Committee time to initial new standards on participation. CarmenG
It's good to have a winning desire within; but to have to resort to cheating in order to win, this is uncalled for, this is not winning, it's just plain disgusting. This is how I feel about cheating, no matter what the competition may be, but to cheat at the paralympics...come on. I couldn't agree more with Mariam and Rosie, let the ID events return and punish those whom so justly deserve to be punished. Teresa E.
This is increible! How people can play with serious things. Or playing with faking having a disability. This is unacceptable! there's no reason to be doing that. I think sometimes in life people dont have limits to do any crazy thing just for money and power. Claudia P.
This makes me think of shows like South Park, an animated show where, a show character Jimmy “Some form of MD, and a speech impediment” was in the special Olympics, and cheated to win by taking drugs, in a rivalry with another show character named Timmy, “Some form of CP possibly, MR, and utilizes a wheelchair with electronic directional assessment”. Another core character Cartman fakes MR, to be in the Special Olympics thinking he could dominate and win the prize money because he is a normal able bodied person, who soon learns he is not able to compete with the other Olympians who have trained and worked to be where they are, where as Cartman is an obese kid. The show while funny in it’s own regareds touches on how some people cheat to win, or prove they are better and in the end hurt not only them selves, but the people around them. This topic of people cheating in an Olympic sport “Special Olympics” was also touched on in the film, “The Ringer” with Johnny Knoxville, which I found to be both funny, enjoyable, and interesting. Here’s a link to see the above mentioned show of South Park dealing with the Special Olympics, you may also enjoy it as well, (Show is rated for people 18 or older for mature content and language) http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/154424
So the article starts by stating that some people expect the Paralympics to be “A kinder, friendlier competition.” I expect that most these people will also gasp at the headlines. My first reaction was “what just because their disabled they don’t want to win.” Most cheating occurs when individuals feel like they are not prepared or feel they need an extra boost to their game. It is human nature to want to come out victoriously. Of course there will be cheating in the Paralympics, no matter who’s participating it boils down to the Paralympics being a competition. As long as there is a winner and loser there will always be those individuals trying to boost their chances of winning. ~Marlene H.
I really don't understand how some people have the audacity to pull such scandals as these. Thats horrible to cheat, especially in something that is so carefully reviewed, come on its the paralympics. The drugs also throws me for a loop, do they think that they too will easily get away with something that is taken so seriously. Both of these actions are wrong and i hope they continue to enforce rules and stay strict on all the athletes. Holly M.
Often we forget that sometimes people who have disabilities may have been athletes prior to it and already have that competitive personality so losing is not an option and will do anything at all cost. It's sad because like in many sports it places a bad stigma on the sport or team they be representing.
Often we forget that sometimes people who have disabilities may have been athletes prior to it and already have that competitive personality so losing is not an option and will do anything at all cost. It's sad because like in many sports it places a bad stigma on the sport or team they be representing. Jessica M.
WOW! I never thought that people would go as far as faking a disability just for a medal! It's outrageous. Although i dont agree that the ID events should have been banned. I agree with mariam, all the athletes should not have to pay for what some of the other athletes decided to do. I guess cheating has no limits. Alma R.
People with disabilities are just like everybody else, so there is no reason to think they aren't capable of cheating. People don't seem to expect it coming out of the Paralympics by giving it a stereotype.
The Olympics were set up to allow the best in the world to compete against each other to see who wins. The paralympics are a choice for people who have disabilities which prevent them for competing in the olympics.
I agree with other bloggers that it is shocking and pathetic to cheat in the paralympics (as well in any competition)Those who have disabilities and use performance enhancers should be ashamed of themselves for trying for an unfair advantage against other competitors who are similarly situated with them in terms of disability.
Those who are not disabled and pretend to have a disability because they have a better chance of winning against persons with disabilities should be condemned and mocked. It is like a professional competing in a high school game. A victory would have no value for them. It defeats the purpose for having paralympics and takes away from somebody who has actually earned honors from a victory.
While I was reading this i remembered a movie that came out a long time ago and it was called the ringer about a guy who pretends to have an intellectual disability in order to compete in the special olympics. I watched this movie and didnt like it because it was in my opinion offensive. Just like the guys who pretended in the paralympics they have also offended and now even kept them from being able to compete. I think it was unfair to stop the other competition only because of their mistakes and disregard. I also think that more media coverage should be given to these events just like the olympics. Diana m.b.
I had never heard about the Paralympics that only once I had heard about was the Special Olympics. I read different articles to find a little more on this subject and I was amazed of the things I found. I found out the some athletes with physical disabilities tie a wire around their genital area. The movie the ringer was kind of what these athletes do. Faking an intellectual disability to play or to win the medal not only does it make fun of people with intellectual disabilities but it makes the sport look like a joke. Angie K.
I am a little surprise about the cheating in the paralympics, however people do those kind of things with or with out disabilities. Sometimes competition may trigger vulnerable points of people and push people to the extremes in order to win. Using drugs to enhance performance sounds familiar but on the other side, faking and intellectual disability sounds a bit extreme. Just like Angie said, it reminds me of the move the Ringer. I believe that this kind of situations made the paralympics look unimportant and maybe almost as a funny story. I honestly think that eliminating all competitions for those with intellectual disabilities is not fair. Mariana G.G.
As I read the article, I recall watching a movie called “The Ringer” the movie is supposed to be a comedy about how the main character in the movie can’t win in his division and his coach persuades him to “fix” the Special Olympics by faking that he has mental retardation. I have heard about the Special Olympics, however, I haven’t heard about the Paralympics until this year. While looking for commentaries on this movie, I found that people did not find it “funny” enough. Like if having a disability or impairment was some sort of joke that needed to be laughed at. I find it hard to believe how in events like these, people don’t think that they will get caught and not think about the consequences. I agree with some of my class mates in the sense that how can people “fake” a disability to gain advantage. It, in my opinion, is not morally correct. Hopefully, this case makes people understand that a disability or impairment is not to be made fun of or faked. Those who experience it in real life can vouch for that.
I guess cheating goes for everyone, to fake that your disabled or even take drugs, is sad to hear. Some people just go beyond extreme and ruin it for everyone one else. Like for this case of the paralympics, there must been some competetors who actually worked day and night to get where they are, to represent there country, so that a couple of fakers, and cheaters can ruin it for them. That is sad and dissappointing. Raquel M
I am shocked to here that cheating has been occurring in the Paralympics. I do not find it as a surprise to hear about people pretending to have a disability to participate in the Paralympics, which is something we see in everyday life. A lot of people pretend to have a disability for its ‘benefits’. I just do not understand why someone with a spinal cord injury would hurt themselves more to be in the spotlight of getting a metal. Well, I think I would do that if winning a medal was all I dreamt about but it was not I would do everything to help my condition better or at least alleviate it. I only hope that drug test could be done before any events, it does not matter if it a ‘normal’ person or a person with a disability. Crystal S.
There are still things in life that surprise me, and I must say this is certainly one of those times. How a person can have no sense of dignity or morals is just wrong! I totally agree with all of you in that the Paralympic Committee needs to restructure the method of "qualifying" for the paralypics and let the events continue. Why should qualifying individuals be kept from participating in a lifetime event. I don't see them stopping the events in the Olypics, the World Series or Superbowl and we all know there have been many "cheaters" there! Norfy G.
This is a surprise to me. I did not think that people would fake a disability in order to perform at the paralympics. But i do agree with everyone else people will do whatever it takes in order to get a medal.
I was really shocked by what the blog was about. In my mind I think most people who have a disablity are fair and kind people, but in reality they are just the same as any other person. It has never crossed my mind that during a game they would cheat as in having other people pretend to have a disability in order to play and win the game. Everyone is competitive no matter with a disability or not and everyone likes to win. Almost all teams cheat or are not fair when playing a game, but now I have come to understand simply because someone has a disability doesn't mean they are the nicest person or a trustworthy person. Tracy S.
I cannot believe that cheating happens in the Paralympics Games. I guess I am being bias when I say this. Who doesn’t want to win when they are competing for a gold medal? I know that people cheat all the time to get ahead or to get what they want, but I honestly thought that the competition at the Paralympics was kinder and friendlier. Reality check for me! I suppose anyone, including persons with disabilities, will do whatever they need to in order to win. What got to me most about this article were the 10 members if the Spanish team who actually faked having an intellectual disability in order to play. They are taking the chance away from people who do have an intellectual disability and what are they gaining? A medal? Yeah, against other people with intellectual disabilities, how sad is that? Nancy C. 3 of 12
Wow! Cheating is done by all I see that now. I had not heard of the Paralympics before so I looked up a little more on it and I was amazed to see that some of what it represents is made fun of in the movie The Ringer. This is beyond pathetic because cheating in itself is ridiculous and helps no one especially not yourself. Why do people want to cheat when winning honestly means so much more and gives you much more appreciation of all the hard work that paid off so. To cheat is to bring yourself down and make others believe that you are not good at anything or that your dumb or that you just don’t know how to be honest and why would anyone want others to think that of them. Also, not all the participants were cheating and now they have to suffer for that which others who have no respect for themselves did. This is unfair and cruel to someone who has been practicing and preparing honestly for something that means so much to them. This is an interesting blog and I agree with Mariana when she states that eliminating the activities for all those with ID’s is unfair. -anisa c
I feel this particular article is discriminating towards individuals with disabilities, since they stated that “Paralympics in their opinion is kinder and friendlier competition than the Olympics”. In my opinion I view the Olympics and Paralympics in the same manner; for the reason that both sport events are very competitive, and require extensive training in order to progress. I also feel this article was written in a very surprising manner. I feel they believe that just because individuals have disabilities they are less likely to use illegal drugs to enhance performance. Individuals competing in the Paralympics are just like other individuals and should not be seen different just because of their disability. They have the right to choose whether to enhance performance the right way or the wrong way, the choice is up to them. However, I personally agree that using illegal drugs or other methods to enhance performance is wrong and leads to various misconceptions. Another reason I feel using drugs to enhance performance is wrong is many children view individuals in the Olympics and Paralympics as heroes and want to be just like them when they grow up. However, when these children learn that some of the respected competitors used drugs they will probably feel the only way to be good is to use drugs. Therefore, this may lead to the misconception that drug use to enhance performance is required in order to be the best competitor and win the gold. Caleb B.
This article does not suprise me one bit. After all para Olympic stars are first and formost human which means are very much capable like any other non disabled athlets from cheating. The one thing that really dissapoints me as that people or coaches need to identify these issues of the use of drugs ahead of time to prevent this and possible give others who are honest a chance to compete at the para olympics. The fact that individuals were not tested or discovered earlier might have left out a better potential athlete to compete. Emede R
This cheating thing shouldn't really be surprising at all. Just like any other person, people with disabilities have ambitions and want to accomplish them. Why would people with disabilities be the exception of cheating then? Though, like Mariam G. said, I don't think it's fair that all players get penalized for the mistakes of several.
Of course I am surprised to hear that in paralympics there is cheating, and specially people infliicted the artificial disability for competeting with people with disabilities. We should still encourage the paralympics as these incedents are bad but can not dimnish the real ehteics of games. Some people who do this are not at all true to their life form them we can not stop people whoare real heros, yes the culprits shall be punished heavily. The games should go on and cheaters should be punished without stoping the events.Bad/evil things shoud not be allow to take over the real and good things.
Cheating happens everywhere and it's not a surprise that it's happening in the olympics too. People are only human and they're gonna do anything to win. I do think its great that they have a committe out there making sure they try to get to the bottom of everyone who is cheating. I disagree with the fact that they punished all the intellecual disability events and had them cancelled. First of all they faked the disability so they might now of had a disability to begin with and for they to cancel the whole event is something I find unfair. Crystal M.
I always suspected that cheating occurred in the Paralympics. The reason is things like this always occur more frequently in places you least suspect or expect. This idea of "faking it" in the paralympics is immortalized in the movie "The Ringer" where Jonny Knoxville's character pretends to have a mental disability to win against the most competitive racer in the special olympics. Though he does not get caught by the judges, the other competitors notice that he is faking the disability but they create a great friendship and in the end he admits to what he did.
I believe it is a shame that people would stoop so low just for a piece of metal on a ribbon. I really think that they should allow the return on ID events but they should have stricter requirements and more supervision on the Paralympic Committee to ensure that cheating does not occur in the future. Nohemi L.
Well it is not a surprise, as most of the people here have said, people will do whatever to get noticed, its sad they they will stoop that low to take something that has been built for pwds to have something away. But humans will be humans and their nature is sad sometimes. People who pretend to have a disability to play is the worst and i see it as them mocking pwds and demeaning them. I don't understand it then again I don't understand half the things people do in this world.
If there is one certainty in this uncertain world, it is that there is scandal and dishonesty of all sorts, in almost every crevice we can overturn and examine.This problem steps hand in hand with the task of punishing such acts, which as we can see can be just as conterversial.
"If there is one certainty in this uncertain world, it is that there is scandal and dishonesty of all sorts, in almost every crevice we can overturn and examine.This problem steps hand in hand with the task of punishing such acts, which as we can see can be just as conterversial."
42 comments:
Wow! I guess that cheating has no limits. But, then once again what do they get out out of it, if they are caught. If it's done in the paralympics, what doesn't happen in the Olympics?
Alma D.
I never thought that in the Paralympics cheating occured. However, what impresses me the most is that individuals will fake a disability only to compete for a medal. I believe that the Intellectual Paralympic Committee should let ID events return because it is not fair for all to pay for the errors of some.
Mariam G.
I'm not surprised that athletes participating in the Paralympics are cheating. However, I disagree with the IPC ban on ID events. I agree with Mariam. It seems a bit extreme to punish all athletes with intellectual disabilities for the misdeeds of a few.
Rosie G
It is very astonishing to me that allegations and scandals of performing-enhancing drug use exist in the Paralympics, and the fact that certain individuals would fake a learning disability in order to be allowed to play is completely disrespectful and absurd. As a result of this, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has removed all intellectual disability events and now those individuals with actual intellectual disabilities must cope with not being able to compete. It deeply saddens me to imagine that in order to gain the athletic edge in the Paralympic games, individuals would resort to such shameful tactics.
I was also very stunned to learn that some athletes in the Paralympics resort to a different type of cheating that is referred to as “boosting.” I would have never fathomed that those individuals who compete in the Paralympics would resort to such acts despite that fact that “boosting” has long-term health costs. Matthew V.
I was not so much suprise about athletes using drugs since we hear it in the news all the time. But is so sad for all of the followers that admire athletes to here that they fake a disability only to say that they are winners, when they didn't even play fair. Rocio D.
I am really not surprised by the drug use in Paralympics. Just like in the Olympics and other competitions there is a drive and a need to win. That competitive drive has driven athletes to use certain drugs or do stuff to their body that could end up being hazardous in the long run. So why be so surprised by the drug use and the physical strain they place their bodies under to win in the Paralympics? I do have to say though, the idea of the boosting surprises me to a certain extent. I am amazed at what extremes athletes will go to go to have the edge on the competition regardless if you have a disability or not. For the ban on sports for people with ID is an unjust move. It seems to me to be a form of discrimination because of what some medal greedy sub athletes.
Cameron L.
Ok. Initially, some of us were shocked to hear about the tragic "cheating scandal." But honestly, who says PWDs never lie or cheat? Wouldn't that be considered labeling? Should we be so surprised to find out different? Unfortunately, there is and always will be dishonesty surrounding competive sporting events. It's everywhere. What about ethics, morals, and values you ask? It seems they have been thrown out the window. But let's not give up entirely my friends. Not everyone cheats! Maybe we should look to those who display honesty and morality more often. Let us not allow those forbidden scandals to force us to give up on the integrity and pride of those who abide by the rules.
As for the IPC, it seems a more thorough evaluation/assessment needs to be used to enter into the ID events. Maybe it won't be "cheater proof," but the honest athletes with ID deserve a chance to show their talents and skills just like everybody else.
Crissy V.
Never would i have thought that there would be cheating in a Paralympic sport. Even though the drug use to enhance performance is some what common among sport atheletes, i had never heard of people actually faking a disability to join a team or messing up their spinal cord for a slight advantage which might later result in a greater injury. I guess people will do anything to win even if it means harm to them.
Omar O.
well the faking part is sad because it just shows that the people who did that have never won anything in thier lifes. they have to fake having a disability in order to have something or win something. i dont know how someone can have pride in winning something in a level they are completely superior. and the cheating part between disabled people it just shows how normal they are. they just want to win like a completely healthy person. even though it is wrong.
Miguel S.
That is very selfish of the athletes using performance enhancing drugs to win a medal. I cant believe they actually thought that they were going to get away with cheating. And to hear that anyone would fake an intellectual disability, that is low. The Paralympic Committee did well in cancelling the ID events. There has to be soome disipline. It will also give the Paralymic Committee time to initial new standards on participation.
CarmenG
It's good to have a winning desire within; but to have to resort to cheating in order to win, this is uncalled for, this is not winning, it's just plain disgusting.
This is how I feel about cheating, no matter what the competition may be, but to cheat at the paralympics...come on. I couldn't agree more with Mariam and Rosie, let the ID events return and punish those whom so justly deserve to be punished.
Teresa E.
This is increible! How people can play with serious things. Or playing with faking having a disability. This is unacceptable! there's no reason to be doing that. I think sometimes in life people dont have limits to do any crazy thing just for money and power.
Claudia P.
This makes me think of shows like South Park, an animated show where, a show character Jimmy “Some form of MD, and a speech impediment” was in the special Olympics, and cheated to win by taking drugs, in a rivalry with another show character named Timmy, “Some form of CP possibly, MR, and utilizes a wheelchair with electronic directional assessment”. Another core character Cartman fakes MR, to be in the Special Olympics thinking he could dominate and win the prize money because he is a normal able bodied person, who soon learns he is not able to compete with the other Olympians who have trained and worked to be where they are, where as Cartman is an obese kid. The show while funny in it’s own regareds touches on how some people cheat to win, or prove they are better and in the end hurt not only them selves, but the people around them. This topic of people cheating in an Olympic sport “Special Olympics” was also touched on in the film, “The Ringer” with Johnny Knoxville, which I found to be both funny, enjoyable, and interesting. Here’s a link to see the above mentioned show of South Park dealing with the Special Olympics, you may also enjoy it as well, (Show is rated for people 18 or older for mature content and language) http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/154424
Christopher W.
3/12
So the article starts by stating that some people expect the Paralympics to be “A kinder, friendlier competition.” I expect that most these people will also gasp at the headlines. My first reaction was “what just because their disabled they don’t want to win.” Most cheating occurs when individuals feel like they are not prepared or feel they need an extra boost to their game. It is human nature to want to come out victoriously. Of course there will be cheating in the Paralympics, no matter who’s participating it boils down to the Paralympics being a competition. As long as there is a winner and loser there will always be those individuals trying to boost their chances of winning.
~Marlene H.
I really don't understand how some people have the audacity to pull such scandals as these. Thats horrible to cheat, especially in something that is so carefully reviewed, come on its the paralympics. The drugs also throws me for a loop, do they think that they too will easily get away with something that is taken so seriously. Both of these actions are wrong and i hope they continue to enforce rules and stay strict on all the athletes. Holly M.
Often we forget that sometimes people who have disabilities may have been athletes prior to it and already have that competitive personality so losing is not an option and will do anything at all cost. It's sad because like in many sports it places a bad stigma on the sport or team they be representing.
Often we forget that sometimes people who have disabilities may have been athletes prior to it and already have that competitive personality so losing is not an option and will do anything at all cost. It's sad because like in many sports it places a bad stigma on the sport or team they be representing.
Jessica M.
WOW! I never thought that people would go as far as faking a disability just for a medal! It's outrageous. Although i dont agree that the ID events should have been banned. I agree with mariam, all the athletes should not have to pay for what some of the other athletes decided to do. I guess cheating has no limits.
Alma R.
People with disabilities are just like everybody else, so there is no reason to think they aren't capable of cheating. People don't seem to expect it coming out of the Paralympics by giving it a stereotype.
- Carlo G.
The Olympics were set up to allow the best in the world to compete against each other to see who wins. The paralympics are a choice for people who have disabilities which prevent them for competing in the olympics.
I agree with other bloggers that it is shocking and pathetic to cheat in the paralympics (as well in any competition)Those who have disabilities and use performance enhancers should be ashamed of themselves for trying for an unfair advantage against other competitors who are similarly situated with them in terms of disability.
Those who are not disabled and pretend to have a disability because they have a better chance of winning against persons with disabilities should be condemned and mocked. It is like a professional competing in a high school game. A victory would have no value for them. It defeats the purpose for having paralympics and takes away from somebody who has actually earned honors from a victory.
DavidW
While I was reading this i remembered a movie that came out a long time ago and it was called the ringer about a guy who pretends to have an intellectual disability in order to compete in the special olympics. I watched this movie and didnt like it because it was in my opinion offensive. Just like the guys who pretended in the paralympics they have also offended and now even kept them from being able to compete. I think it was unfair to stop the other competition only because of their mistakes and disregard. I also think that more media coverage should be given to these events just like the olympics.
Diana m.b.
I had never heard about the Paralympics that only once I had heard about was the Special Olympics. I read different articles to find a little more on this subject and I was amazed of the things I found. I found out the some athletes with physical disabilities tie a wire around their genital area. The movie the ringer was kind of what these athletes do. Faking an intellectual disability to play or to win the medal not only does it make fun of people with intellectual disabilities but it makes the sport look like a joke. Angie K.
I am a little surprise about the cheating in the paralympics, however people do those kind of things with or with out disabilities. Sometimes competition may trigger vulnerable points of people and push people to the extremes in order to win. Using drugs to enhance performance sounds familiar but on the other side, faking and intellectual disability sounds a bit extreme. Just like Angie said, it reminds me of the move the Ringer. I believe that this kind of situations made the paralympics look unimportant and maybe almost as a funny story. I honestly think that eliminating all competitions for those with intellectual disabilities is not fair.
Mariana G.G.
As I read the article, I recall watching a movie called “The Ringer” the movie is supposed to be a comedy about how the main character in the movie can’t win in his division and his coach persuades him to “fix” the Special Olympics by faking that he has mental retardation. I have heard about the Special Olympics, however, I haven’t heard about the Paralympics until this year.
While looking for commentaries on this movie, I found that people did not find it “funny” enough. Like if having a disability or impairment was some sort of joke that needed to be laughed at. I find it hard to believe how in events like these, people don’t think that they will get caught and not think about the consequences.
I agree with some of my class mates in the sense that how can people “fake” a disability to gain advantage. It, in my opinion, is not morally correct. Hopefully, this case makes people understand that a disability or impairment is not to be made fun of or faked. Those who experience it in real life can vouch for that.
janneth a.
I guess cheating goes for everyone, to fake that your disabled or even take drugs, is sad to hear. Some people just go beyond extreme and ruin it for everyone one else. Like for this case of the paralympics, there must been some competetors who actually worked day and night to get where they are, to represent there country, so that a couple of fakers, and cheaters can ruin it for them. That is sad and dissappointing.
Raquel M
I have to agree with Alma cheating has no limits.
Mariam G.
I am shocked to here that cheating has been occurring in the Paralympics. I do not find it as a surprise to hear about people pretending to have a disability to participate in the Paralympics, which is something we see in everyday life. A lot of people pretend to have a disability for its ‘benefits’. I just do not understand why someone with a spinal cord injury would hurt themselves more to be in the spotlight of getting a metal. Well, I think I would do that if winning a medal was all I dreamt about but it was not I would do everything to help my condition better or at least alleviate it. I only hope that drug test could be done before any events, it does not matter if it a ‘normal’ person or a person with a disability.
Crystal S.
There are still things in life that surprise me, and I must say this is certainly one of those times. How a person can have no sense of dignity or morals is just wrong! I totally agree with all of you in that the Paralympic Committee needs to restructure the method of "qualifying" for the paralypics and let the events continue. Why should qualifying individuals be kept from participating in a lifetime event. I don't see them stopping the events in the Olypics, the World Series or Superbowl and we all know there have been many "cheaters" there!
Norfy G.
This is a surprise to me. I did not think that people would fake a disability in order to perform at the paralympics. But i do agree with everyone else people will do whatever it takes in order to get a medal.
Alex S.
I was really shocked by what the blog was about. In my mind I think most people who have a disablity are fair and kind people, but in reality they are just the same as any other person. It has never crossed my mind that during a game they would cheat as in having other people pretend to have a disability in order to play and win the game. Everyone is competitive no matter with a disability or not and everyone likes to win. Almost all teams cheat or are not fair when playing a game, but now I have come to understand simply because someone has a disability doesn't mean they are the nicest person or a trustworthy person.
Tracy S.
I cannot believe that cheating happens in the Paralympics Games. I guess I am being bias when I say this. Who doesn’t want to win when they are competing for a gold medal? I know that people cheat all the time to get ahead or to get what they want, but I honestly thought that the competition at the Paralympics was kinder and friendlier. Reality check for me! I suppose anyone, including persons with disabilities, will do whatever they need to in order to win. What got to me most about this article were the 10 members if the Spanish team who actually faked having an intellectual disability in order to play. They are taking the chance away from people who do have an intellectual disability and what are they gaining? A medal? Yeah, against other people with intellectual disabilities, how sad is that?
Nancy C.
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Wow! Cheating is done by all I see that now. I had not heard of the Paralympics before so I looked up a little more on it and I was amazed to see that some of what it represents is made fun of in the movie The Ringer. This is beyond pathetic because cheating in itself is ridiculous and helps no one especially not yourself. Why do people want to cheat when winning honestly means so much more and gives you much more appreciation of all the hard work that paid off so. To cheat is to bring yourself down and make others believe that you are not good at anything or that your dumb or that you just don’t know how to be honest and why would anyone want others to think that of them. Also, not all the participants were cheating and now they have to suffer for that which others who have no respect for themselves did. This is unfair and cruel to someone who has been practicing and preparing honestly for something that means so much to them. This is an interesting blog and I agree with Mariana when she states that eliminating the activities for all those with ID’s is unfair.
-anisa c
I feel this particular article is discriminating towards individuals with disabilities, since they stated that “Paralympics in their opinion is kinder and friendlier competition than the Olympics”. In my opinion I view the Olympics and Paralympics in the same manner; for the reason that both sport events are very competitive, and require extensive training in order to progress. I also feel this article was written in a very surprising manner. I feel they believe that just because individuals have disabilities they are less likely to use illegal drugs to enhance performance. Individuals competing in the Paralympics are just like other individuals and should not be seen different just because of their disability. They have the right to choose whether to enhance performance the right way or the wrong way, the choice is up to them. However, I personally agree that using illegal drugs or other methods to enhance performance is wrong and leads to various misconceptions. Another reason I feel using drugs to enhance performance is wrong is many children view individuals in the Olympics and Paralympics as heroes and want to be just like them when they grow up. However, when these children learn that some of the respected competitors used drugs they will probably feel the only way to be good is to use drugs. Therefore, this may lead to the misconception that drug use to enhance performance is required in order to be the best competitor and win the gold.
Caleb B.
This article does not suprise me one bit. After all para Olympic stars are first and formost human which means are very much capable like any other non disabled athlets from cheating. The one thing that really dissapoints me as that people or coaches need to identify these issues of the use of drugs ahead of time to prevent this and possible give others who are honest a chance to compete at the para olympics. The fact that individuals were not tested or discovered earlier might have left out a better potential athlete to compete.
Emede R
this is true cheating does happen like Alma D. noted , if this happen in paralympic what happen in the olympics/
monica m.
This cheating thing shouldn't really be surprising at all. Just like any other person, people with disabilities have ambitions and want to accomplish them. Why would people with disabilities be the exception of cheating then? Though, like Mariam G. said, I don't think it's fair that all players get penalized for the mistakes of several.
Karen L.
Of course I am surprised to hear that in paralympics there is cheating, and specially people infliicted the artificial disability for competeting with people with disabilities. We should still encourage the paralympics as these incedents are bad but can not dimnish the real ehteics of games. Some people who do this are not at all true to their life form them we can not stop people whoare real heros, yes the culprits shall be punished heavily. The games should go on and cheaters should be punished without stoping the events.Bad/evil things shoud not be allow to take over the real and good things.
Vinod P
Cheating happens everywhere and it's not a surprise that it's happening in the olympics too. People are only human and they're gonna do anything to win. I do think its great that they have a committe out there making sure they try to get to the bottom of everyone who is cheating. I disagree with the fact that they punished all the intellecual disability events and had them cancelled. First of all they faked the disability so they might now of had a disability to begin with and for they to cancel the whole event is something I find unfair.
Crystal M.
I always suspected that cheating occurred in the Paralympics. The reason is things like this always occur more frequently in places you least suspect or expect. This idea of "faking it" in the paralympics is immortalized in the movie "The Ringer" where Jonny Knoxville's character pretends to have a mental disability to win against the most competitive racer in the special olympics. Though he does not get caught by the judges, the other competitors notice that he is faking the disability but they create a great friendship and in the end he admits to what he did.
I believe it is a shame that people would stoop so low just for a piece of metal on a ribbon. I really think that they should allow the return on ID events but they should have stricter requirements and more supervision on the Paralympic Committee to ensure that cheating does not occur in the future.
Nohemi L.
Well it is not a surprise, as most of the people here have said, people will do whatever to get noticed, its sad they they will stoop that low to take something that has been built for pwds to have something away. But humans will be humans and their nature is sad sometimes. People who pretend to have a disability to play is the worst and i see it as them mocking pwds and demeaning them. I don't understand it then again I don't understand half the things people do in this world.
Crystal O.
If there is one certainty in this uncertain world, it is that there is scandal and dishonesty of all sorts, in almost every crevice we can overturn and examine.This problem steps hand in hand with the task of punishing such acts, which as we can see can be just as conterversial.
previous comment by Joshua P.
"If there is one certainty in this uncertain world, it is that there is scandal and dishonesty of all sorts, in almost every crevice we can overturn and examine.This problem steps hand in hand with the task of punishing such acts, which as we can see can be just as conterversial."
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