The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has asked the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to investigate claims that Chinese double gold medallist He Kexin (何柯欣) is younger than the eligible age to compete in the Games.
Allegations have been rife that China broke the rules by fielding three gymnasts who will not turn 16 this year, with the focus on He.
He, registered at the Beijing Olympics as 16, won team gold and a gold on the asymmetric bars. She was registered as having been born on Jan. 1, 1992. Gymnasts must turn 16 in the year of the Games to be allowed to compete.
PHOTO: AP
A US computer expert had said in e-mails to the media on Thursday he had uncovered Chinese state documents that proved He was born in 1994 and not 1992.
“Given that there have been some discrepancies regarding her age that have come to light, we have asked the FIG to look into this matter,” an IOC official said. “It is because of these discrepancies that we have asked for this investigation to start.”
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