Say this about American sportswriters: They're doing their part in not letting this issue be swept under the rug.

Sadly, based on the U.S. women's gymnastics team's silver medal performance in the team competition, the media outcry could come across as sour grapes to outsiders. Which will then overshadow the truth that might hide beneath.

For those living under a rock, there is legitimate controversy about the women's (we'll use that term loosely) gymnastics team of China, which won team gold this week with a superior performance nobody can dispute.

The question is: Are they old enough?

Rules state that Olympic gymnasts must have turned 16 by the end of this year to be eligible for Olympic competition. A passport is required to verify age, which the Chinese provided for all of its gymnasts.

But these "women" don't pass the eye test, and published reports by Chinese newspapers in the past have documented them as much younger than they're now claiming to be (China claims the media were wrong, the first time I've ever heard the media blamed for anything).

The IOC has taken the stance that the passports say they're 16, and there's not much more to do. But several prominent American journalists, from Dan Wetzel to Selena Roberts have called for further investigation in the matter, but nobody expects the IOC to do anything about it.

With the great lengths the IOC takes to prevent dopingwhich they absolutely should doit troubles me if they decide not to dig deep to get to the bottom of the age scandal. It has nothing to do with the U.S., either. The Americans clearly did not deserve to win after sloppy performances in the beam and floor exercises.

So, what's up? Are we just whining because we didn't get our way, or is it important to make sure rules are strictly enforced in the world's most prestigious sporting event?