Amen to this. Hand over the heart has become a new tradition, and that's fine. But you shouldn't get extra bonus point for doing it, and you shouldn't get demerits for not doing it.
The "old" way was to stand respectfully, quietly and still, with your hands by your side. I can't count the number of times I did just that at retreat on a military installation.
Now, I place my hand over my heart, mostly because it's the expected new tradition.
I don't think it's a big deal, but I'm in my 50's and I can assure it's NOT a new tradition. Placing your hand, or hat, over your heart during the playing was how I and others were taught as kids.
Well, for what it's worth, Gabby wasn't even really standing at attention. Standing at attention means your arms & hands are straight down by your side & you are standing up straight w/ erect posture. Gabby was not standing up straight (and, as a gymnast, it wasn't due to poor posture), & her hands were clasped in front of her.
I'm in my 40s & was always taught to stand w/ my hand over my heart during our National Anthem, so it's not a new thing.
And regarding her not being able to compete in the "all-around," fair or not, everyone knows what the rules are going in. She knew she had to have scores higher than 3 of her teammates in order to compete, & she didn't.
However, I'm not really judging Gabby. Something just seems different about her from 4 years ago.
I am judging Hope Solo though. I cannot believe she called the Swedes "cowards"! In my opinion (& I don't follow soccer so, what do I know? LOL!), she shouldn't even have been on the women's team.
And, while I get Lily King's point, I don't like how she's "engaging" w/ the Russian swimmer. Just swim & let your talent speak for itself. Stay classy.
And I actually like Michael Phelps better this Olympics than I did in London - I mean he's always been a phenomenal swimmer & exciting to watch, but he seems nicer & more personable this time around. And the whole thing w/ Le Clos was hilarious!