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Chinese gymnast He Kexin may not be old enough for Olympics

GYMNASTICS

He Kexin's birth date had been reported by Jan. 1, 1994, by some Chinese media, but her passport this year states the date as Jan. 1, 1992.

July 28, 2008

According to Chinese news reports, He Kexin came to the attention of the national gymnastics coaches after her uneven bars routine was the best at the 2007 Chinese City Games. She was not, however, on the national team that finished second to the U.S. at the 2007 world championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

He made her international debut at the 2008 World Cup meet in Doha where she scored a 16.550. She reportedly scored a 17.300 at an event in Tianjin in May. Last year, according to at least five Chinese-language news stories and also a popular Chinese-language Internet message board, He was born Jan. 1, 1994, which would make her age-ineligible for the 2008 Olympics. Yet, according to the passport submitted last February to international gymnastics' governing body, FIG, He was born Jan. 1, 1992. To be eligible for the Olympics, gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year.


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He's signature uneven bars release move is named after another Chinese gymnast, Li Ya, whose birth date also reportedly was changed to make her eligible for the 2003 world championships in Anaheim.

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Diane Pucin

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