… The New York Times raised questions about the athletes’ ages in a story Saturday. And Chinese officials provided the newspaper with copies of passports indicating both gymnasts are 16.
But in a speech on Nov. 3, 2007, in the central city of Wuhan, Liu Peng, director of general administration of sport for China, said: “The 13-year-old uneven-bar gymnast He Kexin, who defeated national team athlete Yang Yilin – she just won the bronze medal in the world championships – has demonstrated her ability.”
To be eligible for the Cities Games where Liu made his remarks, Chinese documents show athletes must be over 13, but under 15. …
Are Chinese gymnasts too young for Olympics? – USA Today
It doesn’t seem possible that ALL these references are simply “mistakes” made at the time.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 