Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100256641900.htm

Sport - Sports : General

FIG clears Chinese gymnasts

LAUSANNE: China’s Olympic gold medal gymnasts at the Beijing Games were old enough to compete, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said on Wednesday. The FIG closed the case after some five weeks of investigation into the ages of the women’s team.

“Originals of official documents received from the Chinese Gymnastics Association, specifically passports, identity cards and family booklets or household registers, confirm the ages of the athletes,” the FIG said in a statement.

The FIG said it shared its conclusions with the International Olympic Committee, which requested the inquiry.

“It is considered that the case is now concluded,” the federation said.

Probe continues

However, the FIG said it continues to investigate the ages of Chinese gymnasts who competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, particularly Dong Fangxiao and Yang Yun. — AP