Japan Gymnastics Captain Miyata Exits Olympics Over Smoking
TimeJul 20
Japanese Gymnastics Captain Out of Olympics for Smoking
Above: Shoko Miyata competes in the Women's Floor Exercise on day three of the Artistic Gymnastics NHK Trophy at Takasaki Arena on May 18, 2024 in Takasaki, Japan. Image copyright: Kiyoshi Ota/Stringer/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Facts
Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of the Japan women's artistic gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the Olympics due to a code of conduct violation.
The Japanese Gymnastics Association (JGA) said Friday that Miyata arrived in Japan from Monaco on Thursday after she admitted to smoking and drinking at the National Training Center in Tokyo.
The Spin
Narrative A
While Miyata's conduct could be considered reckless, she shouldn't have been removed from the squad. It should be noted that it was Miyata's first appearance at the Summer Olympics. She must have been under extreme pressure to perform at the highest sporting event. The decision to banish her is overly harsh and must be reconsidered before it ends her promising career.
Narrative B
Miyata's actions have ruined the women's gymnastics team's hopes of winning a team medal at the Paris Games for the first time since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Miyata is the country's national champion, so she must have known and followed the rules. If she felt burdened, Miyata could have sought help. Instead, she opted to violate the code of conduct. Her expulsion should serve as a deterrent.