[zenta]

Have you guys seen the picture of her on the story they reference? She looks like the 10 year old gymnasts I used to see at the gyms I used to go to. Just noticeable definition, not like that Richard Darkas kid that looked like he'd been on steroids and stuff.

Not that I fully condone it…obviously depends on the circumstances etc etc

[cpbell0033944]

How do you know I didn't read the article and that I'm just making a general comment on children and any hard training.

I may have made a poor choice of terms but meant to point out many activities that are not for children.

I've been around here on this board for a while. I usually don't speak out about things unless they make me concerned about an issue.

Sorry if it came out wrong.

I'm sorry if I misrepresented you, but you did write abouit heavy weights when the mother did say that her daughter didn't lift weights.

[asianfitnessfan]

I read the article.  Also, the original one is here: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24032148-2862,00.html

Where in the article is the child called an "FBB?"  (Hint: nowhere)

Here is some important info from the original article:

"The mum of five, from Maitland in NSW, said Maughan was a fitness fanatic who runs, does push-ups and squats, but doesn't use weights. 'I think it's very irresponsible to put a child on weights,' she said.

Maughan said she wanted to be an Olympic athlete rather than a bodybuilder, and was inspired by runners such as Jana Rawlinson."

Where's the controversy here?

[nic2800]

I believe the bad angle is the skimpy swim suite and being 10 tears old on a stage showing her body.

[asianfitnessfan]

I believe the bad angle is the skimpy swim suite and being 10 tears old on a stage showing her body.

I politely disagree.

Based on that rationale, we should condemn events where spectators can observe 10-year-old females competing in gymnastics, swimming, and track and field.

This situation was made to seem exceptional and worthy of outrage and concern.  In reality, it is a 10-year-old female participating in an athletic event under parental supervision.  Yes, spectators were watching her. This happens quite often all over the world.

I don't see where all the brow-furrowing is coming from.

[fasola]

I agree with you. I haven't posted before, to take time to read all the articles and references I could. And for me it's just another sport event that involves kids, male or female.

I don't see where all the brow-furrowing is coming from.

It comes from somebody that needed a headline to sell a story. somebody wrote that story and made the headliner sound controversial, but the event itself is not controversial. People don't read articles they just browse headlines (mostly) so, if a headline is shocking or controversial, more sales and feedback for the persone who wrote it or published it. For me is another misconception based on a misleading article.

[nic2800]

This is why I said I think we should get all the facts before making judgement.

They didn't supply photos or go into detail about anything.

Like some here have said. The article seemed to be made short and sweet to grab attention.

[nic2800]

The link below has a longer artical with more info.

There is also a picture of the girl (not) in contest clothing.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24032148-661,00.html

[SnowLeopardTaur]

Honestly, I think it's cool. 🙂  They're talking about body image issues, but I think she's a positive role model… encouraging other girls to strengthen their bodies and make them healthy rather than turn to eating disorders to adhere to an unhealthy body standard pushed today.  It's refreshing.  The most reassuring part of this, for me, is that it was the little girl who became interested on her own.  A little kid wanting a strong athletic body instead of wanting to be a waify model? That's pretty damn cool.

[cpbell0033944]

I read the article.  Also, the original one is here: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24032148-2862,00.html

Where in the article is the child called an "FBB?"  (Hint: nowhere)

Here is some important info from the original article:

Where's the controversy here?

If the world of FBBing had no sexual overtones or undertow I'd be delighted.  Yes, SnowLeopard is right (as are nic and fasola) – yes, it's great that a 10 yer-old girl isn't falling into the trap of wanting to look like oneof the Olsen sisters and is strong and fit (not like the avergae American/Brit).  My point is that there is a sexualised nature to this.  Let's be honest; it's why most of us frequent this board.  Swimsuited posing of muscles when there are schmoes in the audience isn't appropriate for a 10 year-old.  Gymnastics?  Yes, it's possible that the odd paedophile may attend a cometition, but the difference is that in all the ohter examples (barring the child pagaeant one) the focus is on an ahtletic performance NOT the body of the performer.  That's where the important distinction lies.

[Author]

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