Controversy and excitement just won't stop brewing in Beijing, where questions were raised this weekend about the eligibility of two of China's top female gymnasts, just two days after the country named its largest Olympic team in history 11 days before the Olympic opening ceremonies.
A Sunday report in the New York Times mirrored stories that have appeared in the Chinese media over the last several months that cast doubt on the ages of Chinese gymnasts He Kexin and Jiang Yuyuan.
Under a rule instituted in 1997, gymnasts must turn 16 during the 2008 calendar year to be eligible for the 2008 Olympics.
Officials with the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) said doubts about gymnast He's age had been raised by Chinese news media reports, USA Gymnastics and fans. But Chinese authorities claim to have passport information demonstrating that He is indeed 16.