China

China's top 10 sports scandals: Gymnast stripped of bronze for age trick

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-12-28 10:59

Dong Fangxiao, file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Respecting the minimum age of our gymnasts remains a priority and I am committed to safeguarding the health of our athletes."

??????????- The International Gymnastics Federation president Bruno Brandi

Sports fans reacted with anger to news that Olympic gymnast Dong Fangxiao was stripped of her bronze medal from the Sydney Olympics. The decade-old scandal was resolved by the IOC who revoked China's bronze medal for fielding a gymnast under 16. Fans felt indignant and believed the sporting system was to blame, not Dong.

Related readings:   China's 2000 bronze stripped for underage gymnast ? China respects IOC decision of taking back Olympics medal

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China's women's?gymnastics team members for 2000 Sydney Olympic Games (from left) Liu Xuan, Kui Yuanyuan, Ling Jie, Huang Mandan, Yuang Yun and Dong Fangxiao. [File photo]