Cheating is relatively commonplace in all sports in some form, but United States rhythmic gymnastics is currently mired in a scandal of epic proportions thanks to The New York Times.
People hoping to become judges in the 2016 Olympics, as well as the proctors administering their tests have been sucked into a sophomoric-sounding cheating ring involving test-takers copying each other's answers, and second parties changing answers on tests. According to Yahoo! Sports, this particular cheating ring hasn't affected any competitions; the deceit mostly involved Olympic hopefuls.
"This sport is very ill," said Erik Moers, a longtime judge. "It's poisoned from head to toe." Australian rhythmic gymnast Janine Murray echoed Moers sentiments, saying, "Judging issues in rhythmic gymnastics are almost as prolific as doping issues in cycling."
Here is an excerpt from The New York Times' report:
"The documents showed that in Bucharest, Romania, test takers clearly copied answers from one another's' papers, including the mistakes. In Moscow, 114 answers were changed on dozens of tests; in Alicante, Spain, 257 answers were changed."
The report goes on to mention obvious instances of copying, different handwriting on single tests with changed answers, and even warrantless bonus points.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), has been investigating the dishonesty for months, culminating in a report that spans several hundred pages. As a result of FIG's poking, Caroline Hunt, a United States official has been dismissed from her post, while six other officials from Egypt, Japan and Russia have been suspended.
Two suspended judges expressed displeasure with their fate, and denied participating in shady activity. Italian judge Daniela Delle Chiaie said, "Judges with much experience have the same mentality. There is a tradition, and maybe they give the same mark, even if it can seem impossible."
Another suspended judge, Maryia Guigova of Bulgaria said, "I have 50 years in rhythmic and I have never experienced such a situation. My heart aches."
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