The Olympics are cool.  It's been so inspiring to see the athletes giving their all in such a global setting.  There have been a few highlights that have really moved me.  For example, Gary Hall Jr's win in the 50m freestyle, Michael Phelps giving Ian Crocker a chance to redeem himself in the relay, the Japanese men's team winning the team gold for gymnastics after many years of hibernation.

Another moment where I was moved was when Paul Hamm came from behind to win the gold medal in the individual all-round in gymnastic.  He had a terrific comeback and did what he had to do to win.  I think that his parents and his twin brother and everyone who supported him throughout his career must have been so proud of him.

But then I found out about the controversy over the scoring, and the mistake made by the judges.  Apparently, had the judges scored correctly the silver medalist from South Korea would actually have won.

That's really too bad.  It's not difficult to imagine how heartbreaking it must be for the South Korean, and how awkward it must be for Paul Hamm to be in his position.  Maybe that's why Hamm was angered by the controversy over his gold medal.

The fact of the matter is that athletes go the the Games to win by being their best, and in this case, Hamm won.  The records have been written into the books.

But I think the anger part was over the top.  This would have been a fantastic opportunity for Hamm to display some humanity.  What if the situation were reversed?  Also, I wonder what message he sends to kids who look up to him about sportsmanship?

I don't think Hamm's accomplishment that night has been diminished by the controversy, but in my mind his championship has.  Whereas a few days ago I thought of him as a champion, now I think of him as someone who won a gold medal, which, in the end, is fitting because I guess that's what he wanted.