Latest:
IOC launches investigation
A determined computer expert has delved into cached pages on the Internet to
unearth Chinese official documents showing a gymnast who took gold, edging
Britain’s Beth Tweddle into fourth place, may indeed be underage.
Controversy over whether He Kexin, gold medallist in the uneven bars, is under
the minimum age of 16 has surrounded her participation in the Beijing
Olympics. The latest challenge over the age of the tiny Olympian comes from
the discovery through a cyberspace maze of Chinese official documents
listing her date of birth.
She certainly does not look as if she has reached the minimum competing age of
16. However China says her passport, issued in February, gives her birthday
on January 1, 1992, and the International Olympic Committee has said proof
from her passport is good enough.
If incontrovertible evidence that Ms He is underage were to come to light,
Britain’s Beth Tweddle, from Cheshire, could edge up from fourth place to
bronze medal position in the uneven bars. With the end of the Games just
three days away, that now seems unlikely.
The latest unofficial investigation was carried out by 'Stryde', a computer
security expert for the New York-based Intrepidus Group, whose
site Stryde Hax revealed a detailed forensic search for Ms He’s age.
The blogger first simply tried Google, only to find that an official listing
by the Chinese sports administration that had given her age could no longer
be accessed. Next he tried the Google cache, only to find that Ms He’s name
had been removed.
So then he tried the cache of Chinese search engine Baidu. There, he found
that Baidu lists two spreadsheets in Ms He's name, both giving her date of
birth as January 1, 1994 – making her 14 years and 220 days old and too
young to compete at these Olympics.
The lists were compiled by the General Administration of Sport of China.
Even before anyone arrived in Beijing, American media investigations had
accused China of fielding three athletes below the 16-year-old minimum age
threshold. Bela Karolyi, the former US head coach, then reheated the issue
by claiming that China “are using half-people” and that their flouting of
the regulations was so obvious that “these people think we are stupid”.
Nastia Liukin of the US finished second behind He Kexin in the uneven bars
final and would be elevated to the gold medal position should the Chinese
gymnast be disqualified.
Ms He insists that she is of age. Asked by journalists about the debate, she
said: “My real age is 16. I don’t care what other people say. I want other
people to know that 16 is my real age.” Asked how she spent her 15th
birthday, she paused and then said: “I was with my team. It was an ordinary
day.”
Just nine months before the Olympics, the Chinese government’s Xinhua
news agency gave Ms He’s name as 13. Officials have since dismissed that
report saying Xinhua had never been given her age and had made a
mistake.
Stryde, who was later named by the technology news site Information Week as
Mike Walker, concludes: “Much of the coverage regarding Kexin’s age has only
mentioned ‘allegations’ of fraud, and the IOC has ignored thematter
completely. I believe that these primary documents, issued by the Chinese
state … rise to a level of evidence higher than ‘allegation’.”
It could certainly make a difference to Britain's Tweddle, who at 23 and
relatively old for a gymnast may not be able to compete in London 2012.
Articles in your country and ours have not said much about the rule that is being violated. Makes me wonder how it is that your Tom Daley could compete when he was, quite openly, not 16 years old. This is no criticism of young Mr. Daley or of your team. Different events, different age limits?
Charlie, Pennsylvania, USA
I feel bad for ALL the athletes involved. They are the ones being cheated, regardless of which country is at fault. In between all this crap lies athletes who have done their best in these games. Everyone else should be ashamed of themselves... including China.
nona, Reno, USA
It's not just the cache that proves He's age, but the fact that China has made so much effort to delete everything it can find about her age. You just don't do that if the information is in your favour. This penalises those gymnasts that did not cheat and they should be awarded their proper medals.
Robert Thornton-Kaye, Lincoln, Britain
Wow, somehow everyone seems to know for sure that China cheated. Did the government actually come to your house and tell you? Were you actually there when He Kexin was born? No, it's not obvious that she's 14, and it's not obvious China cheated, so get a life.
Nicole, Philadelphia, US
CCP dictators in their delusional arrogance didn't bother to destroy evidence until after it had been reported to the world. And they think they are smart enough to control 1.3 billion people and Taiwan too?
wf, Wash DC,
Reporters: age and zodiac are often shared by chinese youngsters. All He had to do is to think of her 16 yr friend. People who think biology can tell age, gymnastics inhibits growth. I think bone density (health) and age should determine if u can participate. It's 16 by the end of the olympic year.
Meh, NYC, USA
It will be very easy to disprove or prove her age. Just x-ray her and then you can tell by her growth plates what her age actually is
Bob, Florida, USA
I hope by the year 2052 they will have robots performing, because then we can just sit back and enjoy the Olympics without worrying whether someone has abused children, threatened someone's family, abused their own bodies, or drugged animals in the name of what...sports?
Stephen Pain, odense, denmark
As a patriot, I believe we should be enthused that countries around the world were invited to participate in the World Olympics. Despite controversy, I do not believe people should be pointing fingers at anyone. Games are games, and a great spirit to unite people.
DJ, Bremin, UK
UK=scared -they're too poor to live up to China's $48 billion budget. Americans are just sour about losing, and Canadians they're useless American wannabes, Chinese are known for lying and cheating? fix your own govt before accusing others, you're so lost you don't even know you're being lied too!
Lynnette, Auckland, New Zealand
It appears that there is more than enough evidence to suggest that the Chinese have fielded underage Gymnasts. At this time Chinese are censoring debates over their ages and hiding documents that bring there ages to question. Because the games are in Beijing I believe the IOC wont make waves
Mike, Cromwell, CT
There is no way any of them girls but maybe 1 is of the age of 16. And the government of China is covering it up just like they have covered most things up and are still trying to remain the secret society that they have been in the past. The games are over but searching for the truth is not.
Marc, Seatle , USA
I agree with Casey from Lebanon (USA). ANY nation caught cheating in any way should have ALL relevant medals stripped and those athletes scores either marked as being from an ineligible athlete or expunged entirely! The Olympics are supposed to be about sportsmanship - let's keep the games clean!
Pixie Cinnamon McCarthy, Fairbanks, AK, USA
My mother and I get asked at the supermarket all the time for ID when she buys alcohol. Shes 42 and I"m 19!!!! So I think it is completely possible that she just looks young, especially being an gymnist.
Ava Yang , Auckland , New Zealand
She should get some type of award for her great talent, but she should eliminated from final scores. I have a feeling that this is not her fault. Her parents lied to get her in. China lied by accepting her. It's just wrong. It's a real shame for her to have to deal with all this.
Ann, Louisville, USA
I'm 32 and I am asked constantly for my id when I buy a movie that is Rated R, to buy wine, or to even buy a lottery ticket. So, yes, it is possible that this girl could be 16 and look as young as she is.
Casey, Lebanon, USA
My question is this; Why is He's age being questioned? Because she won gold? Is her teammates' age being questioned? He's teammate Deng Linlin looks very, very young. The Chinese team looks young.
If a country, ANY COUNTRY, cheated, medals should be stripped.
Casey, Lebanon, USA
I've seen evidence of He's real age, which is 14 as of now, & after Ch. officials seen this they removed the sites! And her passport that says she's 16 which was issued in FEBRUARY - months before the games - could be as falsified as anything else! China is getting away w/ this cause they're hosting
Jaclyn, Baltimore, USA
The IOC simply lacks the integrity or spine to enforce the rules. Couple that with it's arrogance I've never found their inaction surprising. The hope is as time passes people will loose interest.
Dion Sutton, New York, USA
If China really wants to, they can (and probably will) bury any trace of her age so deep that we'll never get a satisfactory resolution to this. They'll scour the internet and their own records 'til what's already been found is all that's left, and that's just not going to do it. Sad, but true.
Kevin, Concord, USA
If she is really 16 then could someone explain why there are documents stating that she is actually 14 yrs old?? I believe that it is possible to look that young at 16..but if there are other documents to believe she is younger...they should pay the price for lying!!
Erin , Kingston, Canada
It is absurd to strip people of medals for stepping on lane lines, or testing positive for drugs like cold pills and then let a country with the obvious self interest of China's here flaunt the rules by lying about the athletes' ages. Whether the rules are reasonable or not, they are the rules.
Robbie, San Ramon, CA, USA
Why would a birth certificate as proof of age be any better than a passport if a government has proven already that they are willing falsify the later?
Donald, Moscow,
I have a friend who at 16 looked 10 years of age. CHinese girls normally look young and have a smaller frame. Those girls worked very hard to get to where they are today and the media and other teams should show good sportsmenship and accept the fact that they succeeded beyond western countries.
COnstance, Las Vegas,
It's a mistake to impose an artificial age limit. Girls naturally peak in gymnastics at a younger age. In past Olympics we have seen dazzling performances by these young athletes. It's a shame to exclude them when they are at their best. Such rules naturally lead to problems as we are seeing now.
Geoffrey, Toronto, Canada
The same situation happened for China in Sydney with an underage gymnastics. In that case the Chinese government issued a similarly fraudulent passport and the gymnast was stripped of her medal when a conflicting birth certificate was found. The IOC needs to require birth certificates not passports
Lance, New York City, USA
It seems the easiest thing to do is make this a semi-political east vs west thing. Remember this is WOMEN'S gymnastics not GIRL'S. The female body hasn't fully developed at 14 and makes flipping and flying easier, not graceful. IOC should raise the age limit.
Flo, Los Angeles,
Gymnastics are done at the college level, why not raise it to 18?
Flo, Los Angeles,
I am amazed at the number of adults that have no issue with lying/cheating. This was ?tioned when someone looked at old Chinese news agency reports from more than 1 source as to the actual age of this girl. If 1 ?tions it, you are "sour grapes." Makes me wander what u teach ur kids about cheating.
Gary , Irvine, US
If the government of China has given false documents (Passport) to its athletes to allow them to by-pass the Olympic Rules, what else have they done? Can we trust anything they say? Should ALL of China's athletes be disqualified? When a government is capable of fraud, nothing can be believed.
Don, Corona, USA
We all know that Marion Jones cheated. And guess what? She got her medals stripped. There had been many speculations that she had been using steriods. It got looked into and they found out the truth. She WAS cheating. So all that we're asking is that someone do the same in this case.
Jordyn, New York,
Sour grape doesn't make good wine!
Give it a rest.
Case Closed!
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080822/D92N9GC00.html
Besides if a "hacker" hack in and get a document. The "hacker can just as easy to change the date and tell the world she is underage too.
Don't trust every website you read.
Kel, San Francisco, US
There are two issues that need to be addressed and it applies to all countries, that birth certificates should be the measure of age not passports. The second being that opinion generated scoring sports are so stacked in favour of the host nation (no doubt UK will benefit in 2012) its farcial.
Alan Phillips, Newport IOW, England
Rick,
Cheating is not based on accusations but hard evidence. Until that day comes, let's accept the current verdict. She won the gold. Yes Marion Jones cheated, and it is good that you (and some of your people) remember that.
Dave, Hong Kong,
The Chinese should be embarasseed about this and "lose face"..
davis, Houston, USA
To those who are making broader political comments, stick to the topic. If a gymnast is underage then she should be disqualified--no matter what nation she is from. The IOC suspended a coach because his field hockey players were wearing the wrong colored underwear so they should look into this.
TJ, Princeton, NJ, USA
Before this so called security expert, Ms He has been accused of underage simply by reading a website, which has her age listed 14. The same so called expert use the same tactics to initiate the IOC to investigate. The US and England will try their best to get China demonized as much as possible.
Jim Y, walnut,
@Jamal...and what was the result of marion jones cheating...she was stripped of her medals!!! so if He is underage she should be stripped as well.
Jonathan, Dalian, China
Competing nations are obliged to follow the rules and there should be consequences if they don't. If He is, in fact , underage, then she is NOT deserving of the medal.If it is okay for HER to medal, then 14 year olds from all over the world should have had that same opportunity.
Kristine, Greensboro, USA
Keep her medal because she got away with it and was a better performer? Lame people. Are we sour? Wouldn't you be if someone was allowed to compete that wasn't supposed to?Lets just put men and women together on the same teams and see who is the better athlete. Restrictions have a purpose.
Karen, Houston, USA
Many Americans say the Chinese "look" underage. They accuse He Kexin of underage. They absoutely know that a 18 years old Chinese girl may "look" younger than a 15 years old American girl. Americans are envious of the Chinese gymnasts got so many golds. The English know they can't get close in 2012.
Jim Y, walnut,
Tom Daley is how old? Yeah, I know each sport has different age requirements, but that seems to be quite unfair. Like for equestrian it's 18...probably has to do with weight and nothing more. I mean the horse would perform much better with a small 13yr then a grown adult. I see the logic.
bill freeman, amsterdam, nl
Cheating is cheating however you dress it up. Whether taking banned substances or fielding under age competitiors. The rules are there for a reason and that is to protect the young girls in the sport,so young girls are not ruthlessly exploited for the image or ego of the nation - host or not.
Colleen Dale-Beeton, Peel, Isle of Man
Hardly surprising, it was only a matter of time until China left their distasteful mark on the games. It will be impossible to "prove" this allegation, because the Chinese government are fully participating in the cover-up and can falsify whatever they want to deny whatever they want.
John, Nottingham, UK
As we all know a lot of chinese people have the same exact name, so who knows it could be someone else. One who is smart would definitely not trust a report by some blogger.
John Mahcow, Singapore, Singapore
I believe He is under sixteen and there is a lot of info to back that up, but appearances can be deceiving. l am 26 and people assume I am a teenager. I still have some of my baby teeth too-no adult teeth to push them out. I agree she looks like a little girl but that is not enough to condemn her.
Christina, Chesterfield, VA, USA
I couldn't care less about the country, politics, culture or any other aspect raised above in almost all messages in this thread. Rules exist for a purpose and if they are broken then there should be a disqualification. Simple. If they are ignored or discarded then what is the point of having any?
mafou, Hong Kong, China
Some of you really need to get a grip and realise what China is capable of. As someone who has spent ALOT of time there this cheating scandal is not even the tip of the iceberg.
Some of you need to sit back in your lefty comfy chair and put your rose coloured glasses back on. Dreamers
Mark A, London, England
Why are we only learning of this now? Surely if people were so convinced the Chinese are cheating they would refuse to compete in this event until an official investigation was launched? I'd like to see some evidence, rather than unverifiable allegations from shady hackers and embittered ex-coaches
John Clough, Edinburgh,
As far as following the rules we all have to sometimes suffer. My daughter is a swimmer and because of the deadline for missing the age limit in the nine and ten year old bracket she missed going to sectionals by a day. I do not necessarily agree with setting age limits on someone.
Donna Rust, Tulsa, OKlahoma
I remember seeing Beth Tweddle at the 2004 world championship in Birmingham, allegedly she was suppose to be 19 at the time but she looked very waif and underveloped and could have swore she looked 14. At 2006 when she won the parallel bar her size and physique were very different.
Simon, Liverpool,
In my opinion if the Chinese goverment is found to have violated the rules and intentionally covered it up they should be punished, as I would expect any country to be (even the US). Rules exist for a reason, if any government or olympic committee disagrees with the rules then fight for a change.
William, Milwaukee, USA
To all those out there who think that He should win based on the fact that is: a. 14 years old, b. not from the USA/UK, you guys are ridiculous.
If she is 14 she has less body weight and can do more complicated routines, that gives her an advantage. Where's she's from has nothing to do with it.
Heather, Richland, USA
It's amazing that by far nothing can actually PROVE that she is underage, yet we saw lots of complaining... For some people, is it really that hard to take that someone beats you?
Sounds like US athletes never cheat. And american athletes cheat because US gov told them to do so. What a logic!
Keran, Loughborough,
Compared to so many overweight ladies in US, I have to say that most of skinny Chinese girls would be considered underage. BTW, my father-in-law living in the US got his wrong birthday date in his passport. Great US!!!
Anna , Oringe County,
The Chinese were better, just accept it.
Christopher, MPLS MN USA,
I kind of feel sorry for He. If the allogations are true her career is shot. They would have probably told her it was best for the country to say she was old enough and being an impresional kid did what the adults told her to do, for her family and her country. He will be branded as the cheat.
Dan, San Diego,
Anyone who read Chinese can easily google and retrieve deleted Chinese page and spread sheet originally posted on several official sports administration site. He's age was listed as 14 and her birthday is Jan 1, 1994. There is no secret in China that everything can be fabricated.
John, New York, USA
Working for a Chinese company, I am not surprized. Lying seems to be a way of life for the Chinese. It is getting caught that is the embarresment. I wouldn't be surprized if some offical was given the blame for the mistake and suddenly commited suicide.
They still have a long way to go.
Nikki, Mt. Clemens, USA
Why believe otherwise ... a country, China, that is notorious for counterfeiting, piracy, forgery now lies about a gymnasts age. - And a host country at that.
The real victim here is the little girl, although she (He) has no freedom or maturity to say otherwise. Sum it - a cultural thing?
Brian, Denver,
If indeed it turns out she is underage, and DQ,
USA should take the Gold in the Team Event.
Sully, La Jolla,
You know, sometimes the media is nasty. Once Mike Phepls won 8 medals, media starts searching his father and starts invading personal life.
Peter Truong, SJ,
Being younger is an advantage for female gymnasts, in that they are lighter and therefore can fly about better, and they are not developed yet (chest and hips), which can hinder movement. So, it is an advantage to be younger - in this sport.
Kathleen Ramsey, Edmonds, USA
Unfortunately "Kexin" and "He" are not uncommon names in Chinese at all. There could be tens of thousands of Chinese names spelled exactly as "Kexin He". Such evidence from searching a website seems more like a joke to me. I can make up a hundred of such "evidence" overnight if you want.
Lawrence Wells, Knoxville, USA
So many US friends are here starting to accuse China / Chinese gov based on some, well, rumours...
The so called "evidence" are yet another chinese webpage. If you don't trust Chinese pages/documents why you cite them? Find some hard evidence please!
Keran, Loughborough,
Rules are rules and therefore He should be disqualified, period.
Betty, Los Angeles,
Why is everybody ranting? Especially US residents, what US did to Iraq is not a fair play as well. Your government forged documents and evidence just to go to war. The world as of about a minute ago is "use what you have to take what you want", your government did and thousands of lives were wasted
Freddy, London, UK
I am asain and i notice that girls in UK or Australia or any other western countries looks much orlder than their real age(at least 4 years difference). Any explanation?
Di , Melbourne,
I think that an investigation she be done since this has come up seveal times and aparently she lied to jurnalists on what she did on her 15th birthday. I think if a rule is a rule, then it should be followed. Not munipulated and run around circles saying that the person is of age when she isn't.
Curtis, Sonora, USA
The IOC and it's political machine, will never allow an embarrassment like this "age exception" to reflect upon themselves, nor the "host government" of the "money making" machine that these Olympics are. The IOC will not change their mind, for that might bring more doubt to their judgement calls.
ron, cortland, United States of America
Aiyah........what's all the hype about? When a child is born, he/she is already one. Yes........age ONE on the day of birth. Anyone would agree that the baby has already spent one year in the mother's womb. This is Chinese (and Asian) calculation and has been the case for over thousands of year.
He Yi Peng, Shanghai, China
It's funny how the western nation (esp USA) cannot accept the reality of
-loosing jobs to asia
-loosing medals to asia
Tony, Auckland, New Zealand
You will have no problem if American won!
york, los angeles, us
Why is there an age limit? I have always thought that the best of the best are in Olympics. Clearly, it is just a marketing bluff. At least, the limit makes competitions more sexist. However, it also discriminates children. Now, He is a great role model for children. What is wrong with that?
Tero Nieminen, Helsinki, Finland
Look, I am a huge fan of the Olympics and unfortunately the games have been tainted in recent years with loads of cheating(doping etc). There is quite a bit of evidence here and I think its worth an investigation. The IOC owes it to the athletes that work their butts off EVERY day to compete fairly
Lu Lu , New York,
She won it, great.
Would she still have won if the other countries had entered their outstanding 14-year old gymnasts?
Some say it doesn't matter, but for many of the atheletes that competed, it's their livelihoods. Is it ok for a colleague who was hired on questionable grounds be promoted above u?
Maryse, London,
There is no way this girl is turning 17 in 4 months. Yes she is a very good gymnast, but the point is they cheated and lied to get that gold medal. The scores on some of the gymnastic routines were unfair and biased. The Chinese were def. given higher scores, even when they made a lot of mistakes.
Lea, LA, USA
There is no way she is 16!! Her body shape is still like a child's. The first time I saw her, I thought she was around 12! I think the truth needs to come out......if, in fact, she is underaged, she should be stripped of all medals. I think the IOC needs to conduct a thorough investigation!
Kathy, kansas, usa
Cmon guys, surely people have better things to do than argue about the olympics, it's going to be over in a week or so.
But i also agree, it doesn't matter how stupid or pointless the rule is, it's still a rule that needs to be followed. I'm sure that they thought about the rule when they made it.
James, Santa Clara, USA
Voting favoritism? People go from the age complaint to actually accusing the judges of favoritism. Of course this only ever happens if an American doesn't finish first. Don't be so ethnocentric, the world doesn't revolve around the US and not everyone is out to get us.
Aj, Eugene, US
As a teacher of middle level students (ages 11-13), when I saw this young lady, I thought she could not be more than 10! However, students come in all shapes and sizes...even my tiny ones like He are not older than 13! It's wrong. USA I am proud of you!
Lisa A Draper, Macungie, USA
I would have to agree with Mark. Get over it people! Has it ever occurred to anyone that Asians have multiple names too... It could very well be another person & everyone is pointing fingers already. Let's have some "Hard evidence"! Thumbs up to her if she won the Gold.
Bobby, Sacramento, US
I have no problem seeing my countrymen lose, as long as it is on a fair playing ground. To complain about other countries complaining is hypocritical. Furthermore, with the mounting evidence it would be redacting common sense not to investigate. Yes, some judged He on opinion and rumor, who doesn't?
Michael, Washington, D.C., USA
It's about time someone looked into this. the rules are the rules and I think most of the team should be investigated and gold medals taken away. the judges should also be observed for voting favoritism.
Sharon, Modesto , USA
I think all countries should include anyone of any age. Therefore there would be no controversy and no advantage to the Chinese. Sort of like bodybuilding, where no one takes steroids, right? If the websites are all removed, that is evidence in itself that China has something to hide.
Sam, London, England
I'll call it "demographic doping."
Gavin, Rancho Cucamonga, USA
Yes she was indeed great. But would she have stood out so much had other countries sent their 14 year olds? Her performance is not "gold standard" if she has a physical advantage over the others by virtue of her age. This is no different than doping. You won but not fairly.
Evan, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
Sorry but if the rule says they have to be 16 then it applies to the Chinese too.
Kaslin, Clarksville, USA
I think the Chinese Government's removal of all websites, news reports, and official documents online pertaining to He is proof enough that something is amiss.
Ian, Washington, D.C., USA
How ironic that it was the host nation that had the underage gymnist that won the gold. She could have fallen down twice got up and screamed I'm only 12 and the judges would still have given her the gold. Not only is your host "nation" corrupt but so are the "judges" She wasn't even that good.
Tim, Omaha, USA
Cudos to Miss Kexin, she has proven that age has nothing to do with tallent. As for China ruining the games this is rediculous. Looking back it seems that many others have had a hand in it. Marion Jones, Ben Johnson, Judges just to name a few. China may not diserve the Gold but she certainly does.
Mark, Graham , USA
Joe,
Have you been living in China? What rights do you have to accuse the Chinese government??
Liane, London, UK
Obviously Joe is not living in China. He can actually make that accusation
Johnny, Elk Horn , USA
Aren't rules in place to follow them?
michelle, we are trying to prove that there is no place in this sport for cheaters. I blame both her and her gvnt for dishonoring the sport. Being a gymanst u also should feel the sting. If it were my country, and i knew the truth, i would feel dishonored. IMO.
pat , Boston, USA
Jacinta, being young is not an impediment when competing in gymnastics. Younger gymnasts have smaller and lighter bodies and are less likely to have suffered a major injury yet. (Many serious injuries occur when gymnasts undergo a growth spurt and have not adjusted to their new physiques yet.)
Ellen , Columbus, USA
I had to post again, there was some guy on here named "Ed" that said, "Age or even steroid use - a winner is a winner" and I'd just like to point out how extremely stupid that statement is.
All the other gymnasts can work their tails off for years, only to be beaten by someone who's drugged? Crazy.
Tod, Miami,
This demonstrates that the totalitarian communist Chinese, like Adolf Hitler in 1936, are convinced that the number of medals that they win is a measure of the superiority of their race and form of government. That is a dangerous and corrupt concept.
Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA
Here is the point-USA girls& British girls(or any other cntry)could have LIED & competed in '04 Olympics when they were 12/13 (& were likely BETTER),but they followed the rules and waited till they were 16+in 2008.Not sour USA grapes.I feel just as bad for Brit/USSR/etc who played fair & lost to PRC
Hank , Dallas, TX, USA
I also think that it is cheating at the highest because they obviously know being a bit younger has its big advantages, so they knew they can challenge the rule or get it changed to 13 but they clearly cheated anyway (even if they tried to change it) knowing no other country would have 14 yr olds
Melissa, ct, USA
lets see . . .the opening ceremony light show on tv was computer generated . . . the singer was lip syncing . . and surprised they'd lie about the gymnasts ages. seriously.
Lori, edinburgh,
I have been to China many times. My wife is a Chinese national. She has a false date on her passport because her parents wanted her to start school a year earlier and had her birth certificate changed. Rules in gymnastics apply to EVERYONE, and the Chinese cheated on the rules. Period.
Tim, Atlanta, USA
The Chinese cheated and it is a shame that IOC will not investigate further. Tweedle deserves the bronze. The other athletes who subscribed to the rules need to be
honored by stripping the medal(s) away from those who violated the rules. Rules are rules.
juanito, NYC, USA
WHY in the world is HE being allowed to break the rules?? Why can't other countries then enter underage gymnasts?! What a farce! The Olympic Committee needs to investigate this type of thing or it will continue to occur. NOT FAIR to honest gymnasts/countries following the rules.
reeny, milwaukee, usa
Why are you people so jealous? I am a gymnast myself, and my flexibility has not changed one bit! The many gymnasts I know are sometimes just as small as He, even smaller and they are at the age of 17/18! She won, leave her be and don't blame the Chinese government.What are u really trying to prove?
Michelle, Cape Town, South Africa
Further more... for all you believers in Peoples Repub of Cheaters,why all the efforts from the highest levels of China's govmt to control PAST websites/cached files & all internet info on their gymnasts in question?I am sure u will make an excuse for that too,forsaking all those who competed fairly
Hank , Dallas, TX, USA
If this was turned around and happened to us or the Aussies, or better yet, the Americans, the whole world would have a fit. The olympic committee would have been investigated and probably stripped the medals already. And those who disagree with stripping China would be the ones screaming the most
Steve, Ripon, UK
She did a great job there is no doubt.
It is a big deal when you have to cheat to win...For anyone to have to cheat/lie...in ANY country.
I don't understand why more aren't upset about it.
If you can't follow the rules/regulations than you shouldn't be able to play.COMMON SENSE.
Jenny, St. Paul, USA
Looks like a lot of folks are having sour grapes today. I'd feel the same if I exported all of my country's jobs to China and imported way too much of their junk... getting into national debts in the process. The gold medal thing is just more salt for some gaping sensitized wounds.
Kenneth, Bangkok, Thailand
You know the worst part? Nobody wants to "win" based on the disqualification of someone else. The eligible girls are suffering either way. SOME people think it's fair the girls are underage and think the "losers" are whining. Who's pathetic? Rules are rules and it's low to defend cheaters.
melissa, CT, USA
If she had come 4th I wonder would anyone have bothered about her age,
ernie t, doncaster, south yorkshire
What a bunch of idiots! Marion Jones cheated, got caught, and went to jail in addition to loosing her medals. Anyone who says the rules don't matter is stupid. The medals should be taken away from the Chinese and the country should be banned from Olympic competition next year.
Rick, KC, USA
She did not cure cancer. She did not end world hunger. She did not give aid to the victims of the Chinese earthquake. In the grand cosmos she di nothing that is of any real importance. Sports is the opiate of the masses and the world takes it much too seriously.
Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
Lam,
It does matter and that was why the word "rules" was created. It clearly states that you have to be 16 to compete. If they did not like the rule, they should have challenged it a long time ago.
Jennifer, Augusta, USA
"Evidence and proof are two entirely different things."
Sounds like a new Chinese proverb.
Mary Catherine, Elmhurst, USA
If she is truly only 14 then that makes her gold medal-winning performance all the more outstanding and well-deserved.
Jacinta, London , UK
The olympics are supposed to be about who is the best in the world. We saw that a 14 year old is the best in the world. However, she wasn't competing against other 14 year olds. If all the countries could have had younger gymnasts, then it would have been a level playing field.
Andy, Cheating, China
Cheating is not a problem in China - it is a basic part of their culture. Both in sports and business.
It is only a western concept - this concept of fairness.
You decide.
Fred, Cape Town, SA
Well, I'm a dentist from the UK and the premolar and canine teeth are both usually fully erupted at the age of 12!
john, manchester, uk
I am a dentist in China and based on her smile, she is definitely 13-14.
erin, miami, usa
As a parent of o former gymnast who competed against Nastia in her younger days and whose daughter spent 14 plus years as a gymnast, I am disgusted that China would have to cheat in order to proove a supremacy in international gymnastics. I hope USAG & IOC get the cheaters disqualified .
robert, phoenix, USA
Evidence and proof are two entirely different things.
She won it. Leave her be.
Richard Crow , Warsaw, Poland
Even if she was 14, does it matter? Her performance was a Gold and then you have to ask were the others up to the challenge? Nope...
Simply put she earned her gold and beat the others, less sour grapes and more kudos.
Lam, Wolves, UK
You don't have to be an amateur gymnast to compete in the Olympics. Most of the Americans accept money for appearances meaning they are not able to compete NCAA (college level sport) but are still elligable for the games. Besides,, gymnastics is not rich, powerful or glamorous, it's just hard work!
Katie, Liverpool, UK
It is appalling how many people here have stated that "rules don't matter." Yes, the Chinese gymnast turned in a beautiful performance, but she is not qualified to participate in the Olympics or any other FIG-sanctioned event. By the rules, she should be stripped of her gold medal.
John, Seneca, USA
It is significant that Chinese officials are saying that He was sixteen on January 1, 2008. It appears they are using the old lunar calendar under which a baby was one year old on the day he was born and two years old on January 1 of the following year, even if the baby was born the day before.
Bill, Westminster, USA
I'm a dentist in the US and based on He Kexin's smile showing the position of her canine and premolar teeth I believe she is 16 years of age.
gary, Fleming Island, US
The rules are there because younger gymnasts are more flexible and carry less body weight - therefore, greater power to weight ratio (advantage), but it's also to protect their young bodies from excessive training that may damage them or cause deformation in the long term. Totally fair and necessary
Gemma, Notts,
Well, is it more of an advantage to be under 16 in gymnastics?
If so, why restrict the age limit to 16 & over. Why not start at 12?
ian cheese, london, uk
Jamal:
Marion Jones was stripped of her medals and the US did nothing to cover this up. If this girl is underage the Chinese government, as well as her, are in on the cover up. I realize that this is a matter of national pride, but the integrity of the games is more important.
Geoff, Dublin, Ireland
Diving is different because divers do not have to support their own body weight at any point - they fall due to gravity so it does not matter how heavy they are - they just need to be flexible & strong enough to do the moves. In gymnastics, strength to weight ratio is key - especially the bars!!
Gemma, Notts,
Surely it would be more impressive that an underage competitor won gold, not that I support the accusation.
Daniel, Woodstock, England
Isn't it high time that we acknowledged that all sport effectively has no rules/regulations whenever it suits the rich/powerful/glamorous? I for one abhore all professional 'sport' (including almost all olympic events : How is being 'sponsored' to train 7 days a week 'amateur'?)
Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales
She did look very young while competeing
Laura , Edinburgh, Scotland
Looks like the Aussies and Yanks have something in common.
Move on!
Howard, Manchester,
The attitude of Londoners is suprising. I am from New York, where we must follow the rules or be disqualified. If it doesn't matter, then don't have rules. Criticizing English media borders on the preposterous, as the alternative is to not report such matters to the public at all.
Rick Morgan, New York, USA
Saint Augustine doubted whether even God could make 2 plus 2 equal 5. The Chinese government can make 13 plus 1 equal 16. It thinks it is more powerful than God.
Frank Upton, Solihull,
Can't wait until 2012... When she hits puberty!
Tonya, Charlotte, US
Commentator Mike, Bristol - Ancient Greece only gave us the word, not actual democracy. They had a slave economy.
As for the article - someone has cheated at the Olympics, how boring.
KR, Stockport,
Age should not really count, it's the skills that should count. Well done to the Chinese girl.
jayil, london, uk
Brilliant idea Ross - why don't the Olympic Games just stay in one place such as Athens. That would avoid all our money being poured down the drain for a 2 week event! Moving the venue around like this is just pointless - a waste of money and no significant long term regeneration!
Richard Williams, Manchester, UK
This is by far the bitterest Olympic I have ever seen. Please stand down from the moral "we are so much more righteous than you " high ground. It's beginning to sound desperate.
Steve, London,
OMG.
1. Why would the Chineese govn. do this??
2. The UK (try to be conveyed as English team) is only kicking a fuss about this because they could get a bronze medal.
3. I guarantee this isn't true and that the terribly 'simple' English public and press are making a big deal out of nothing
Mark, Dublin, Ireland
Thanks Steve, Ken & Bobbi but I don't think any of you have answered my question. Yes the body is more flexible at 14, yes I understand the physics but diving requires flexibility & strength too. Can a female dive at 14? Can a male gymnast compete at 14 or is there an age limit for the boys too?
Stuart, Sutton Coldfield, UK
pathtic! my and my friend were watching this event He Kexin was in. i've never heard of her before, but you could just tell a mile off she was around the age of 14-15.
this isn't news at all and how nobody elsed noticed is just laughable.
well done He Kexin, what a talent.
richard, gibralter,
By Chinese calendar, she is 1 year older !
D. Benoit, London,
sour grapes
Matt, Houston, USA
Joe,
Have you been living in China? What rights do you have to accuse the Chinese government??
Liane, London, UK
Check http://www.releaseinternational.org/
and http://sb.od.org/
Might be an eye-opener!!
C.B.Ross, Motherwell, Scotland
if she is 16 i am 482, its rediculous that the chinese gov think they can get away with this, especially after they talked so much about combating drug use,they will bring shame on themselves and be laughed at for thinking we are so stupid.
nick bacon, london,
Shawn Johnson of USA doesnt look a day over 13 even though she is 16. Should people make a stink about that? USA lost to better athletes and their own mistakes (that one US gymnist falling off the balance beam in the team event).
Jamal, Great Falls, USA
Its funny how we here in USA talk ucheating when one of our greatest olympians, Marion Jones, admittied to cheating.
Jamal, Great Falls, USA
If team GB could produce an athete of 14 15 with the talent this girl obviously has then i guess we wouldn;t be GB - we'd be china.. We've done alright though The Cycling & sailing were top stuff. The USA cried foul when the Jamaicans beat them in the 100m womens. Take your ball home USA?
Karl, Leeds, England
Who Issues the passport with the false age on?
Is this corruption at governmental level?
They should be banned from competing in the 2012 in that category!
The lengths the Chinese will go to, to be the best is silly and immature... like the girl who won gold!
Andrew, Furham, England
To Stuart and Aaron,
In gymnastics being under 16 presents an unfair advantage, as younger girls are more flexible.
Thus Tom Daleys age is irrelevant to his diving, and a 14 year old girl is only 'good enough' compared to others, not IOC permitted 16+ girls.
Rich, Cambridge,
You don't understand that having an underage gymnast in female gymnastics is an advantage over other teams. Younger female gymnasts are more flexible and lighter giving them an unfair advantage over thier older counterparts. The rule is there for a reason.
Alex, London, UK
Cheating is cheating. This is no less than using chemicals to enhance performance. She should be stripped of the medal and enrolled in the Barry Bonds school of chemical enhancement.
Rick Lattimer, Swifton, USA
Note well how the Western media hastens to expose Chinese deception, yet cooperates full-heartedly with the deceptions of their own governments. Wait for the Chinese to return the complement. The US and UK governments have skeletons aplenty just waiting to fall out of the cupboard.
Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan
I agree with aaron.....
The rules don't matter.
She won that's what counts.
Age or even Steroid use - the winner is the winner.
We all know about these communist and former communist countries anyway. No surprises.
Ed, Atlanta, US
The age rule is silly, but it is the rule. China is corrupt. That has to be dealt with. Why isn't the international gymnastics federation investigating?! The IOC never should have given China the '08 games. It's still repressing its people, squashing journalists, and breaking the rules.
Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The Chinese government have made it clear to everyone...this is their Games & what they say & do goes ! It was the crime of the century when the IOC award the Games to this regime !
John, Melbourne, Australia
Joe,
Have you been living in China? What rights do you have to accuse the Chinese government??
Liane, London, UK
The rules for gymnastics are different because the body is far more flexible before the age of 16 naturally. Several countries were sending younger and younger competitors into the competition and exploiting them. They are also judged on flexibility-
Bobbi, Sydney, Australia
Stuart (Sutton Colfield): It's basic physics. The smaller you are the greater your strength to weight ratio, and the easier it is to overcome inertia and generate speed without momentum. This gives a massive advantage in gymnastics. Hence the lower age ban. As for diving - it's a moot point.
Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.
Gymnastics is a bigger world event than diving and in its history has had alligations of abuse regaurds its female participants. Diving however has less national pressure on it and a more supportive coach history. Therefore Daley is not subject to age rules.
Steve, newport,
16,14 or 50 she won the gold medal. That is what counts. I am sure Tweddle would take no satisfaction from winning a medal on a technicality. If you are good enough, you are old enough – the Chinese have just sidestepped a silly rule.
aaron, london,
If the Chinese have conspired to evade IOC rules, then surely they have committed a breach as serious as condoning drug taking, and so should lose not only this medal, but perhaps all gymnastic ones?
Giles Falconer, Sleaford, UK
In China you are however old the government says you are! A generation back we had Soviet fermale athletes who looked surprisingly male. The government in those days also decided your sex!
Joe, Baltimore, USA
Why are the rules in gymnastics different to diving?
We are celebrating the fact that Tom Daley is only 14 yet Kexin is having to deny the rumour that she too is only 14.
Seems odd to me that a 14 year old boy is ok to compete but a 14 year old girl isn't especially as girls tend to mature earlier
Stuart, Sutton Coldfield, UK
I'm starting to lose any faith in the games as a whole. Why can't it just stay in Athens - it would eliminate all this ridiculous and expensive posturing from the host nations, and allow us to spend money where it's really needed.
Ross Liversidge, Ripon, UK
somebody or one nation just can't accept other beat them
Andy, Medan, Indonesia
I don’t know why, but this is the last straw for me. The Chinese have disgraced the Olympics. Without Usian Bolt to take away the headlines they would now be in a complete mess of their own making. They should never have been allowed the Games, an event which began in the country that gave us democracy. IOC greed and Chinese ego have ruined the Olympics.
Mike, Bristol, UK,
Chinese government decide Kexin's age in her passport. Of course she is obviously under 16, but Chinese goverment has the absolute right to decide her age. This is the real game.
Ming, London, UK