Share

Gymnast not upset by age row

Hong Kong - The Chinese gold medal-winning gymnast at the centre of an Olympic age dispute said on Friday that she wasn't upset by the controversy.

He Kexin - who won two golds in Beijing - and four other members of China's women's gymnastics team were subject to persistent questioning about their ages, prompting an ongoing investigation at the urging of the International Olympic Committee.

Some media reports and online documents suggested He could be 14, but she and Chinese officials insisted she's 16. Gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible to compete.

Asked about the controversy during a news conference on Friday in Hong Kong, He said, "I don't get upset because I have answered this question many times, there's no need to explain anymore."

He beat American Nastia Liukin to win the uneven bars title in Beijing, and also was part of China's gold-winning women's team.

China's deputy sports minister Cui Dalin insisted on Friday that He was born on Jan. 1, 1992, and that all China's gymnasts conformed to the requirements for participation in the games.

Chinese gold medallists arrived in Hong Kong on Friday for a three-day visit during which they will show off their sports techniques, attend a variety show and visit the Hong Kong Disneyland.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Ulster 38
Benetton 27
loading... Live
Scarlets 20
Sharks 27
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 941 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 458 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE