Gymnastics veteran: Career hangs on new rules
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-10-12 09:30

Russian veteran Alexi Nemov will decide whether to end his gymnastics career after the sport's new judging rules come out.

Russian gymnastics veteran Alexi Nemov is seen in this undated file photo. [newsphoto]

The 28-year-old told Xinhua on Monday through an interpreter that he would discuss with his coach after studying the new code of points, which should have been developed but delayed as gymnastics officials proposed to redraft it.

"I haven't decided yet although retirement is on horizon," he said.

"We have to have a look at the new rule first to see if I was still able to adapt myself to the changes. If I could, then I continue; if not, I might quit."

The code of points, which lays down judging standards to give points, would be modified every four years after the Olympic Games. It was delayed this year as the FIG is planning "drastic and fundamental changes" in judging methods in a bid to restore the sport's image marred by controversies at the Athens' Games.

The FIG commission proposed that a new code of points, due to take effect in January, would be scrapped. A redrafted code would be developed in early 2005.

Nemov refused to comment on the judging issue.

"My job is very simple," he said, "I'm a gymnast and what I do is to concentrate on competition. For such complicated things, I could do nothing."

Although he believed the existing judging system needs change and justice, he had no idea whether the change of judging methods could have effect.

"I don't know. Maybe it will be better. I hope so," he said.

"I also hope judges could be more objective and honest. Gymnasts should have justified treatment."

In one of the biggest controversies at the Games, FIG announced that American Paul Hamm had been given the all-round gold medal only because of a judging error. It said South Korean Yang Tae- young should have won had he received a correct starting value 10. 0 for his parallel bars routine.

The spectators' boos, at the low mark awarded to Nemov for a spectacular routine at the Olympic high bar final, further dented the credibility of the judges.

Nemov is invited to attend an international friendly in the city of Xiantao, located in Chinese Hubei province. The competition also features a throng of Olympians from Russia, Romania and Bulgaria, including retired Russian diva Svetlana Khorkina and Romanian Marian Dragulescu.

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