Full Twist » age controversy

IOC Strips China of 2000 Olympics Bronze Team Medal

Admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:05:06 +0000

As we have all heard by now, the IOC today stripped the Womens Chinese Team of their bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Many blogs and websites have been writing their thoughts and opinions on the matter. I’m delighted that the IOC have come to this decision. See below for some of the many websites discussing the case.

China have been been stripped of the Olympic bronze medal won by the women’s gymnastic team at the 2000 Games in Sydney for using an underage gymnast.

The International Olympic Committee acted after investigations determined that gymnast Dong Fangxiao was only 14 years old at the 2000 Games.

FIG: FIG salutes IOC decision

BBC Sport: Underage gymnast costs China Sydney Olympics bronze

Amy’s Gymnastics Blog: IOC Strips China of 2000 Olympic Bronze Medal

USA Gymnastics: USA Gymnastics statement regarding the IOC’s decision to award 2000 Olympic bronze medal to USA

Gymnastics Coaching: Punish China, not gymnast Dong Fangxiao and Olympic Bronze Medal for American Gymnasts

Gymnastics Examiner: China officially stripped of 2000 Olympic team bronze medal; USA to be awarded team bronze and Blythe discusses whether the IOC should correct older age scandals.

Chinese Officials defend Dong Fangxiao

Admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:29:53 +0000

On Friday, FIG made the decision to strip Sydney 2000 Olympian Dong Fangxiao of her bronze medal as a result of an age scandal. Instead of being honest and admitting to an age cover up, the Chinese have said that they feel strong regret to FIG’s decision and “will further find out the relating information of this matter and reserve the right for explanation or appeal”. At this stage, I feel it would have been best for them to come clean. An appeal? It took so long to reach this decision, how long would an appeal take!

You can read the statement here. Blythe also has a great write up about the matter over on Gymnastics Examiner.

Decision expected regarding Chinese age controversy

Admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:53:51 +0000

In December, FIG released a statement regarding the two Chinese gymnasts who were suspected of having violated minimum age requirements for participation in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Today, February 26th is the date that FIG had set for a decision to be brought at the next Executive Committee meeting, in Lausanne. Hopefully we’ll hear something soon.

Blythe has written an extensive post, full of information if you wish to refresh your memory or are unaware of the controversy.