Chinese Gymnasts Heard

Those of us involved in gymnastics will remember the age controversy surrounding Chinese gymnasts Yang Yun and Dong Fangxiao at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. FIG has posted an update on the situation in the news section of their website.

In the context of the disciplinary proceedings involving Chinese gymnasts Yang Yun and Dong Fangxiao, suspected of having violated minimum age requirements for participation in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the FIG Disciplinary Commission invited the two athletes to appear with representatives from the Chinese Gymnastic Association at a hearing held at FIG headquarters, December 19 – 20, 2009. 

Note that a legal statement issued by the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) confirmed the FIG as the authority competent to conduct a full investigation; it fell to the Federation to examine the case and draw its own conclusions as to whether or not the age limit was violated and which subsequent sanctions will be issued.

After an extensive interview with the two parties and witnesses present, the Disciplinary Commission, composed of Mr Rached Gharbi (TUN), President, Ms Margarida Dias Ferreira (POR) and Marc Schoenmaekers (BEL), will submit its recommendations to the FIG Authorities. A decision will be brought at the next Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for February 26, 2010 in Lausanne (SUI).