I think the decision to award Hamm is not the right one.Michael deserved that one a lot more, besides I think the following statement is entirely pathetic:"Hamm also withstood a challenge by South Korea claiming that the gold medal should be awarded to Yang Tae-Young after it was discovered he was incorrectly scored during the all-around final."So now he is being awarded for holding on to the medal that someone else should have won due to the outrageous mistake.He acted like a little boy who sneaked someone else's candy and was reluctant to give it away even when caught.I think he should have given the medal to the sout korean.
And then it is Michael PHelps: not only did he haul a miriad of medals and set a world record, but also showed the spirit of sportsmanship by letting his team mate(Ian Crocker) have a chance at the medal on the relay team...
Anyways, here's the link:
swiminfo.com/.../9345.asp
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I have to politely disagree with both of you. I think Hamm deserved it. He did with stand the tourment of having his medal reviewed, a medal that he worked just as hard at earning. It wasn't his fault, it was the judges, and then the South Koreans for not appealing within the alloted time. Wasn't he also the first male ever in American history to win the all-around comp.? Coming from 12th to win the gold is no easy task, and then to have it challenged at the last possible minute. I think he handled the whole situation very professionally. He may have been reclutant to give his medal up, but wouldn't you be too if you knew that you had rightfully won it?
Don't get me wrong I love Michael and it's amazing what he did! He was certainly a very strong candidate. He also accomplished an amazing feat in doing what he did. And not to play down what he did by any means, but someone has done it before him..Mark Spitz. Hamm was the first ever. Michael certainly had an amazing year and had tons of good actions to his credit, but I think being the first ever to take a competition somewhat outweighs trying to repeat previous success.
I have to politely disagree with both of you. I think Hamm deserved it. He did with stand the tourment of having his medal reviewed, a medal that he worked just as hard at earning. It wasn't his fault, it was the judges, and then the South Koreans for not appealing within the alloted time. Wasn't he also the first male ever in American history to win the all-around comp.? Coming from 12th to win the gold is no easy task, and then to have it challenged at the last possible minute. I think he handled the whole situation very professionally. He may have been reclutant to give his medal up, but wouldn't you be too if you knew that you had rightfully won it?
Don't get me wrong I love Michael and it's amazing what he did! He was certainly a very strong candidate. He also accomplished an amazing feat in doing what he did. And not to play down what he did by any means, but someone has done it before him..Mark Spitz. Hamm was the first ever. Michael certainly had an amazing year and had tons of good actions to his credit, but I think being the first ever to take a competition somewhat outweighs trying to repeat previous success.
