Like many of you, I’m Olympics-addicted. Maybe it’s a sense of nostalgia, or the fact that my kids are finally old enough to “get it” and cheer along beside me, but it makes me proud, in a way, to see our country’s best athletes compete in their highest contest.
Now, if you’ve been following the news, you’d see some what of a backlash against NBC and their coverage, and yes, the spoilers and previously recorded event recaps are pretty bad, even maddening at times. But, two nights ago, while spread out on my bed with my three kids and a big bowl of popcorn excitedly watching the women’s gymnastics semi-finals, something happened that I haven’t quite been able to shake.
First Olympic-favorite and current World Champion, Jordyn Wieber, didn’t make it to the finals. Gabby Douglas and Aly Raismen performed beautifully, and in my non-Olympic judge opinion, very much deserved their spots, but there is no easy way to miss out on your dream, and Wieber was visibly upset.
While I didn’t expect any sense of privacy to the matter, what happened next has stuck with me. As the team filed out of the arena, Wieber, who was crying, tried to leave and compose herself, but was refused and made to follow her team to the press pool.
Wieber stood behind the others, trying to get her emotions in check before being shoved in front of the camera, and instead of allowing her that moment, the interview with Ali Raismen was framed to include Wieber behind her, sobbing.
It was heartbreaking. Commentators later referred to Wieber as a “diva.”
The competition continued, NBC commentators giving back story about the other gymnastic powerhouses such as China, Romania and Russia. While the coverage of others countries this year has been somewhat rushed and limited, there was ample attention paid to the fact that Russian gymnasts were “divas” often crying during practice. In fact, one of the commentators even remarked she saw the girl crying during warm-ups earlier that day.
Really? This is how we want to label and describe these women (some of them still girls)? These hardworking athletes who commit so much of their lives to sport and country; divas, really NBC?
What about the men? Why was John Orozco not labeled a “crying diva” after he sat distraught after a botched vault?
This is not the social reaction I want my daughter to associate with showing emotion about something she is passionate about. I’ll take my Olympics without reality-show twists, double standards and disparaging remarks, thankyouverymuch.
And as for you, NBC, only one word comes to mind, and that’s ashamed.
image courtesy Wzzm.com
Bravo! I don’t watch the Olympics for a myriad of reasons, but it sounds to me like NBC is NOT doing right at all!
If someone is a “diva” for mourning the loss of their childhood dream- the dream they gave up their childhood FOR- then I don’t know what the world is coming to.
So totally true.
Yes. This.
Personally, I felt that Jordyn handled the situation with extreme class. She is 17 and there are plenty of people that could learn from the way she handled that situation. I for one applaud her for handling a less than comfortable situation with maturity, she is the opposite of a diva in my book.
Yeah that’s crap. A diva would have told off the reporters and her teammates. She was disappointed. Sometimes that involves tears. Tears are human, not diva-ish. GRRR.
The NBC commentators and interviewers for the Olympics this year are ridiculous. Every time they make me mad. Not as mad as the political ads. But mad.
This is upsetting. These girls give their whole lives to this moment. It’s so natural to be upset and they should be allowed to “grieve” the loss!
I’m in the minority that doesn’t watch the Olympics. However, since when is crying considered diva behavior??? Those athletes work harder for this than most of us will ever work for anything. To mourn the loss of something you worked your entire life for is not diva behavior. Seems to me the commentators need a little example of what true diva behavior is.
I was furious FURIOUS at NBC for how they handled that coverage. Not only was the camera on her non-stop while she was breaking down, but would it have been too much to ask that they move the camera angle when interviewing Ali, cutting Jordyn from the frame? Or, barring that possibility, could someone have gone over to her and gently moved her or shielded her from the camera? She’d be a diva if she made any sort of disparaging remarks about her teammates during that time. But not only did she pull herself together and do the interview as she was forced to do, she complimented and praised her teammates in the middle of her heart breaking. If being that strong and professional in a situation like that is being a diva? Count me in.
YES! I was so mad. So awkward!
My bf And sons laugh at me because I can not watch the LL world series…I hate to see the boys cry when they lose or make a mistake. It makes me sad to see their hopes And dreams squashed…I have never, once, heard them he called Divas though…hmmmmm. Seems a bit of a double standard to me.
I think Jordyn handled herself & the situation beautifully.
She’s 17. She just watched her entire life goal slip through her fingers.
When I was 17 & I blew a math test or a rumor started about me, all I wanted to do was crawl into my momma’s lap & eat chocolate chip cookie dough & cry myself to sleep. I cannot fathom losing something I worked hard for my entire life on the international stage…but I imagine that my reaction would be similar.
Momma. Ice cream. Tears.
The fact that she was able to compliment the other girls & then head back to the room she shared with Aly without hulk-smashing the beam is, in my opinion, gloriously classy & un-diva-like.
Very well put. I remember coming home and crying several times in high school, and over things of far less consequence than this. Poor girl. She’s not a diva at all. She’s a teenage athlete performing in a sport in which retirement comes at what, 20? This could be her only shot, and she deserved better than what NBC gave her.
Wow. They said that? I’m glad I missed it. The NBC coverage has been an embarrassment. But calling her a diva? WTF?
I guess I’m a diva because I have cried while I’ve watched these men and women either win or, like Jordyn, have their dreams crushed. Not sobbing but tears of joy or just kindred emotion at watching their dreams run away. I got emotional during the Opening Ceremonies as athletes from tiny countries waved their flags and proudly walked in to represent their country. I watched today as a Travis Stevens, an American JUDO champion, became emotional after a devastating loss. I guess NBC would classify this man as a “diva” as well. All of these athletes deserve our respect, not our criticism.
NBC made me sick that night. I had to turn it off when they were interviewing Aly Raismen (sp) because I felt like they were (gah, can’t think of the word I want) abusing Jordyn Wieber. These girls are teenagers. They are full of hormones and stress and excitement and they have worked so, so hard. What does NBC expect them to be? Robots. I’m just sickened by their coverage. And they are not only doing it to the gymnasts. Have you seen any of the interviews with the swimmers? Just atrocious.
I agree the swimming lady is the worst. When she asked Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte how it felt to not medal I wanted to scream! How do you think it feels lady? And let them catch their breath.
Jordan Weiber is a very classy girl and she should be proud of herself. NBC did her a disservice by not allowing her some privacy. And on another note, the fact that she had I think the 4th highest qualifying score and still didn’t make the all around finals is ridiculous!
I’ve been so digusted by the coverage of the Olympics thus far. I was so disheartened by the treatment of poor Jordyn Weiber who literally watched her dream disappear, only to be forced to compose herself in front of the entire world. I was also slightly outraged at how the commentators and interviewer treated Gabby Douglas in regards to her qualification to the all-around. From the commentary, they made it seem as though Gabby stole the rightful position from Jordyn as opposed to performing well and earning it. Additionally the interviewer basically asked her how it felt to not choke, and focused on how it felt to beat Jordyn her friend and teammate as opposed to the way she asked Aly Raisman how excited she was to make it through to the all around. I thought it was really bad form and another example of how women are always pitted against one another. NBC should definitely be ashamed of itself.
NBC should definately be ashamed of the way they misttreated both Jordyn and Gabby. As if any one of them have had a lifetime of hopes dashed in front of millions and then question Gabby as if she came out of nowhere to the place she rightfully earned.
What Beth Anne said.
It so easy to fling around judgement from behind the commentary podium with the justification that the commentators have “been there before” but that doesn’t make it right at all.
Seeing Jordyn’s face broke every part of my heart, I know that feeling of defeat and it was just high school cheerleading, not the Olympics.
Kind of goes against everything we’re trying to teach our kids about how it’s okay to feel things.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqWo-GswzJY
Bravo, sister.
More than NBC’s absurd commentary and penchant for stalking crying people with cameras, I was outraged over the event people not letting Jordryn step outside to compose herself. Maybe they thought she was leaving (and really can you blame her?), but I thought that was handled very poorly. I’m sure it happens all the time, but I was sort of glad it got caught on camera so that everyone could feel some sympathy for a child who not only had her dreams crushed but was forced to talk about it on international television moments after it happened.
Someone (a coach, teammate, a mom) should have helped her step aside and compose herself for a few minutes. I would have told that event staffer what was what. I mean really, let the girl cry for a minute.
I think Jordan is amazing. Sigh. NBC just sucks.
She’s a 17 year old kid. This was her dream and it didn’t happen how she wanted. She’s given up probably her entire childhood for it. It’s okay to cry. Holy crap man. Crying and trying to get out of the way makes her a poised, brave girl, not a diva.
That comment made me sooooooo angry. I think she handled herself wonderfully. Also later when they did talk to her, she was totally gracious.
My girls look up to her. I’m really glad they have such powerful brave women to look up too.
I second all the bravos. I totally agree. Crying is a natural (though often unwanted reaction by the crier) to stress, overwhelm and disappointment. Not to mention frustration.
I am finally able to accept that I am a crier—no apologies and no more shame. It’s simply how my body reacts, no matter how hard I try to subvert it, ignore it or cover it up. In fact, trying to do any of those things often makes it that much more difficult to stop.
I’m finally at a place in my life that I will take a moment when needed to release the stress and just cry (preferably in private). Then I’m able to come back refreshed and ready to move on.
I’m so sorry to hear Jordyn wasn’t given that opportunity. Sounds like she handled herself gracefully under the circumstances.
Really insightful commentary. Nicely said. I just got angrier and angrier as I saw the camera linger on this poor KID. And she IS a kid. Shameful. Seemingly a byproduct of the “reality show” ethos that pervades the airways. What WAS impressive was the gracious interview she gave after she was able to compose herself. THAT made me proud!
Yes, and that very much deserves mention. The interview Jordyn gave, despite the circumstances, was composed, poised, thoughtful, and kind.
Now that’s a role model!
I hope Jordyn sees comments like the ones here. I hope she knows that we are standing up for her in cyberspace, and any one of us would have had her back if we’d been there.
I had twitter fingers of fury that night! I definitely had the Wieber Fever and had made sure to NOT know what happened so I could be excited to watch her dominate. And she totally did, but she didn’t make the cut.
As a high school teacher I see 17-year olds succeed and fall short every day. Jordyn handled it so well, but also very appropriately for her age.
Losing SUCKS. Crying about it? IS NORMAL.
NBC is really RESALLY dropping the ball on this entire thing. So sad.
Yes. So much this. I was actually watching her and thinking she was handling it all much better than I would. I saw when she tried to break free to compose herself and was SO mad when they stopped her. These girls are expected to be machines so much that I guess they aren’t allowed emotions, either.
I sent an email to NBC about it at nbcolympicsfeedback@nbcuni.com. Maybe if enough people make a fuss they will issue an apology.
This is perfect. I couldn’t agree more. When she tried to break away and someone stepped in front of her to stop her I was pissed. Can’t you give the girl, because she is still a girl, 5 minutes to have her back to the cameras and grieve the loss of a dream? The fact is someone was going to lose that night, and that in itself is heartbreaking enough. But the fact that the media felt the need to let us see this intimate moment of her life…it wasn’t fair. And I felt wrong watching it. I still cry when something big in my life doesn’t go the way I want, and I have years of life experience on her. She has worked hard, sacrificed greatly and a passion for a skill I could only wish to understand. Nothing about her reaction was that of a diva, it was of a heartbroken girl.
I was horrified that the cameraman kept Jordyn sobbing in the background in the frame – he/she could’ve moved in on the interviewer and the gymnasts. It was in poor taste and even poor taste to make comments like that NBC (I had the volume turned down – really disgusted at how they are handling the Olympics)
Children doing things that most of us won’t come within a football field of, and criticized for breaking down over a crushing blow. The atrociousness of it all breaks my heart.
For god’s sake, I cry when I can’t find a parking space.
sexism…pure and simple
When baseball/football/basketball players show emotion during a failure, they’re praised for their “heart” and “love of the game”.
My teenage daughter is a high school gymnast/cheerleader. I played football and baseball for many years through college. what my daughter endures on a daily basis smoke my athletic career.
Look at the heat Hope Solo takes for speaking her mind, showing emotion, and being honest. Meanwhile Ryan Lochte acts like a white trash idiot and people fall all over themselves for him.
sexism…there’s your answer
good post…found you through the twitter. Hi
I was SHOCKED that they kept her in the camera frame during that interview. And horrified. And mortified.
I have been horrified by NBC’s coverage in many ways. Poor Jordyn Weiber should have been given a chance to grieve the loss of her dream. Also, keeping her in the shot the entire time Aly Raismen was interviewed as not only unfair to Jordyn, but Aly as well. Let Jordyn take the evening to feel her disappointment and let Aly enjoy this moment. She busted her butt to earn it!
Overall, I am just very sad to see the ‘anything but gold makes you a loser’ mentality. I saw a teaser for an interview with Michael Phelps’ sister where she defended her brother coming in 4th in the 400IM. Seriously? We need to defend being the 4th best in the world. For the record, I am not 4th best in the world at anything. Then the men took silver in the 4×100 Free relay and based on the interview afterward, a person would have thought they came in last place by 10 minutes! Can’t we celebrate a silver?!?
These kids have worked their whole lives for this. Can’t we cheer their victories and let them mourn their losses in private?
As a past Olympic hopeful, NO ONE other than someone who love the life can comment on being a Diva! This story brought tears to my eyes.
I explained to my husband, that waking everyday at 4 am to run 6 miles, before you hop in a pool to swim a few miles, before you are off to school, where kids make fun of you because you smell like a pool, just to go back to the pool for a few hours before you hit the weights, and go home for some homework. Your dream is not just shattering before you eyes, your life style choice is falling apart for all to watch.
I cried for 6 months after my accident, I was able to morn alone, I can not imagine having to do that in front of the world.
If you are not able to live the lifestyle do not call them names!
but
“Diva” – a distinguished woman singer, especially one who sings in operas – tell me where gymnastics is mentioned in this definition of a diva.
Apparently, there is no crying in (women’s) gymnastics. I missed the events and interview mentioned in this article, but I was watching gymnastics last night. And last night the commentators seemed to be making a big point of noting one of the American female gymnasts (Kyla?) who is NOT a crier. How she is so poised and stoic — and how wonderful is that? That she doesn’t cry.
WTF?
Bravo, Brittany.
Thank you for writing on this subject. I was so angry with the commentators and reporter when this happened. Shame on NBC and their staff.
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