Sierra Blogging Post Archives

We had our suspicions back in August of 2008 about the age of the Chinese gymnasts competing in the Beijing Summer Olympic Games.

Those suspicions ended up to be true for at least one of their predecessors.

During an investigation of the 2008 Beijing Olympic gymnasts, questions arose about the ages of athletes from the 2000 Sydney Games. Turns out, Chinese Olympic bronze medalist Dong Fangxiao was only 14 at the time of the Sydney Games - two years too young to compete. Her teammate Yang Yun is also thought to have been underage, but officials have so far been unable to prove it.


International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has canceled Fangxiao's 2000 results and have forwarded their findings on to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who will decide whether or not to reclaim the bronze medal.

“Young gymnasts cannot be manipulated,” FIG president Bruno Grandi said. “Athletes must be protected.”

Speaking from Vancouver yesterday, Zhang Haifeng, a Chinese representative, called the investigation "old news" and said, “That was in 2000. Now is 2010,” he said. “This was 10 years ago.”

It may be 10 years ago, but rules are rules. China seems to think they can break them. I hope the IOC calls them out and takes back the bronze. I don't think it should be swept under the rug.

What do you think?