The AP is reporting that there are questions surrounding the ages of several figure skaters after discrepancies were found. Apparent age reports indicate that many skaters violated age limits and minimums. AP reports that ages found on the Chinese skating federation's website do not match those listed at the International Skating Union's biographies.
Among the skaters: Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang, who won the silver medal at the 2006 Olympics. Reportedly, Dan Zhang was only 14 then at their first Olympics in Salt Lake city in 2002 and ineligible to compete.
Also listed are upstart pair Wenjing Sui and Cong Han. Sui is reported only 13, and too young to compete on the senior Grand Prix circuit, which the pair medaled on this season. She was also too young to compete at last year's world junior championships, which she won. She would also be too young to compete at worlds for a few years, rather in just a year. Her age was being reported as 15. She looks 10.
According to the article:
The ISU is aware of the discrepancies and has asked the Chinese federation for more information, ISU spokeswoman Selina Vanier said Monday.
"At the moment, we have no comment because we're trying to find out where those lists are, who created them, etc.," Vanier said. "Once we have that information, then we'll have more information."
The Chinese Skating Association and the General Administration of Sport of China did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
IOC president Jacques Rogge said he was not aware of the discrepancies, but planned to ask his staff about them.
"Definitely, if there is a discrepancy it must be solved," Rogge said Monday in Prague. "We had the situation with gymnastics where sanctions were taken when the truth emerged. I can say that in this case, which I don't know in detail, definitely, we would urge both parties to come up with the truth and then decisions will be taken. As I said I will check with my sports department."
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