Japan’s top female gymnast and team captain, Shoko Miyata, has been removed from the Paris Olympic team due to allegations of underage smoking in violation of the federation’s code of conduct.
Miyata, 19, was sent home from an Olympic prep camp in Monaco, according to Japan Gymnastics Association. The legal smoking age in Japan is 20.
What is this garbage? In Monaco, you are allowed to smoke at 18. So she literally did nothing illegal and who cares anyway.
It seems silly to us but it’s obviously something they consider to be extremely serious in Japan.
I don’t understand how an allegation of a violation can result in removal. You may only get one shot at the Olympics. To have it taken away for such a petty alleged offense is maddening.
The other way around is not better. Imagine risking that much just to smoke.
I take the point of view that no one should be choosing what does or doesn’t go in to someone else’s body. If she’s aware of the risks, it shouldn’t be anyone else’s business whether she smokes or not.
When you are representing a whole nation, you have quite a bit more responsibility as some random person. That extends far beyond illegal things, like general attitude etc. too. If you are an asshole, you are also going to get kicked out.
I somewhat agree, when she is representing a wider group in public, there is an enhanced level of responsibility.
What she does when she’s not in the public though, as long as it’s not illegal, shouldn’t be anyone else’s business. My understanding of this case implies she was attempting to be subtle about smoking.
Around young children who could be inspired by you? Don’t smoke.
In your own house minding your own business? Smoke like a chimney for all I care.
Japan takes these things very seriously. Those athletes represent Japan and their Olympic committee makes the call.
They’re disqualifying her for doing something that impairs her physical prowess? And it’s something that’s legal where she is? Fuckin bureaucracy, man.
