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China Wins Gold in Beijing

November 25, 2020 | 1 minute, 4 seconds read

Olympics On This Day

On this day, in 2008 China wins gold in Beijing

 

  August 15, 2008

Sport: Olympics

 

The Chinese women’s gymnastics team won its first Olympic gold medal on Aug. 15, 2008, after taking first place in the team all-around competition, but the finish was not without controversy. Márta Károlyi, the U.S. team coordinator, questioned the age of some of China’s athletes, while the media reported online records showing two of the Chinese gymnasts were younger than the 16-year-old age requirement necessary to compete.

The Chinese gymnasts had an average height of 4 feet, 9 inches and weighed an average of 77 pounds, while the American gymnasts, who met the age eligibility, were an average of more than 3 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier. 

“It’s unreasonable for people to think I’m too young,” Chinese gymnast Yang Yilin said. 

The International Gymnastics Federation reviewed the information and determined the ages on the athletes’ passports were correct.