FIG dropped the hammer …
By NANCY ARMOUR AP National Writer:
Dong Fangxiao was 14 during the Sydney Games, according to an investigation by the International Gymnastics Federation. Gymnasts must be 16 during the Olympic year to compete.
A second gymnast on the 2000 squad, Yang Yun, also was suspected of being underage. But there was insufficient evidence her age had been falsified, and the FIG said it was giving her a warning.
The FIG has “cancelled” all of Dong’s results from Sydney and forwarded its investigation to the International Olympic Committee. Because the case involves the Olympics, it is up to the IOC to decide if China should lose any medals.
The IOC has said previously it would take “necessary measures” if any gymnasts were found to be underage. The United States was fourth at the Sydney Games.
“We can confirm that we have received the ruling from the FIG in the case concerning Dong Fangxiao and Yang Yun, and we take due note of their decision,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. “Clearly, we need to take time to consider the findings before the Executive Board can consider the matter. …
http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js
Most gymnastics experts feel the age requirement is the wrong way to protect young gymnasts around the world. But if FIG is going to make stupid rules, they should enforce them.
Next … why was Yang Yun found innocent? I saw much more convincing “evidence” that she was underage than for her teammate.
And will IOC actually strip Dong Fangxiao and the Chinese Olympic Team of their 2000 Olympic medals?
Update: commentary from Andrew Thornton
Gymnastics Coaching.com 