DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (BNO NEWS) – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided Wednesday to strip China from their 2000 Sydney Olympic medal, the IOC said.

Dong Fangxiao was revealed to be only 14 at the 2000 Games, after the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) conducted an inquiry. She was an important factor for China to win the Bronze medal, placing sixth in the women’s individual floor exercises, and placing seventh in the women’s individual vault.

The FIG qualification rules require gymnasts to be at least 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible participants, and as a result, the FIG disqualified Fangxiao from all events she participated in Sydney.

Consequently, the U.S. women’s team will be awarded with the bronze medal.

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