For many people in the country of China this year’s Olympics proved to come short of their expectations, placing 2nd in the overall medal count and winning 38 gold medals. Since hosting the games in 2008 and placing 1st in gold overall that year, the Chinese have striven to become victorious once again. Looking at the competition that China has given the U.S. over the last decade creates a tension that made these Olympics especially interesting. For the third Olympics in a row, China has been runner up to the United States. They have dominated in sports like Gymnastics, Diving, and Badminton before and are continuing to maintain it today.
Two top Chinese badminton stars were disqualified for attempting to throw away a game in order to match up against a more favorable opponent later on. This marked the first ever ejected athletes from this country in the Olympics. Badminton coach, Li Yongbo conveyed his feelings about the actions saying: “Chinese players failed to demonstrate the fine tradition and fighting spirit of the national team. It’s me to blame.” This was an act that made the citizens of China indifferent about their team.
When the question came up concerning who made the U.S. uniforms it was revealed that they were made in China. This alone is pretty odd since you would expect each country to represent them in every way possible. Even former American athletes had something to say about the controversy. American Olympic swimmer, Dara Torres stated: “Wearing the U.S. uniform, going out there to represent the United States, it would be nice if it was actually made in the United States.” Ralph Lauren sponsored the U.S. team but had no part in manufacturing the uniforms and because of this; they have been bombarded by the media. China would continue to make the uniforms for the U.S. but in the end did not make a difference in the standings of the 2012 Olympics.
