IOC strips China of 2000 gymnastics bronze medal
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — China was stripped of a bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics today for fielding an underage gymnast, with that women's team medal now going to the United States.
The International Olympic Committee acted after investigations by the sport's governing body determined that Dong Fangxiao was only 14 at the 2000 Games. Gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible.
Dong's results from Sydney were nullified in February by the International Gymnastics Federation. Because her scores contributed to China winning the team bronze, the FIG recommended the IOC take the medal back.
As expected, the IOC executive board upheld the request and formally stripped the medal on the first day of a two-day meeting in Dubai.
The U.S. women, who had been fourth, move up to the bronze. American team member Dominique Dawes said "justice prevailed."