Despite Several Triple Axels, 15-Year-Old Mao Asada Barred From the 2006 Olympics

Within hours of posting on the age eligibility "summit" held a couple of weeks ago (see below), I came across another germane news story that broke yesterday. Japanese figure skater Mao Asada has been barred from competing in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy because of her young age. The International Skating Union, the relevant governing body, requires that all Olympic and World Championships competitors be at least 15 years old by the previous July 1 to be eligible.

A good summary of Ms. Asada's on-ice exploits is on SI's website. The quotes in the SI article attributed to Ms. Asada indicate that she does not intend to fight the age rule in Japan or elsewhere, despite here status as one of the best figure skaters in the world. Similarly, Japan's skating federation probably won't further her cause in connection with the '06 Olympics given that it voted for the 1996 amendment to the ISU age rules. Surprisingly, Ms. Asada's strongest supporter may be Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister of Japan. When I researched this issue years ago, I focused my research on USA antitrust laws. A survey of antitrust laws (or whatever they are called outside the USA) on an international basis would shed light on whether an aggrieved party could forum shop or race to a (favorable) courthouse. Hmmm...did I just come up with an idea for my next law review article?

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