I would also like to add to all the people who are saying western news is innaccurate........ CNN has pulled up information from a chinese report of some games held there last year giving He's age as 13 calling her an up and coming star. So apparently its not just us westerners.

nicki, niagara falls, canada

What has happened with this story? Did we ever find out if she is actually 16. Id have to say.. there is no way she is 16. I dont' believe the chinese for a second. I want to see DNA evidence t hat proves her age before I believe what her age is. Where is the evidence. Anyone can forge docs.

scott, boulder, usa

I'm Chinese, 25. Liukin is 19 and she looks older and maturer than me. If she's in China I think most people would think she's about 25. No one could guess out my true age from my look. Last year I met a foreigner who said to me, "You look 15." I'm a normal person not gymnast, so why isn't it possible to He Kexin? Only if there's specific evidence would I believe that she's not 16.I know why many westerners say that He Kexin is underage because they're older than Chinese at the same age. I won't judge something by hearsay but only definit evidence. Your SO-CALLED evidence is from on line. That's rediculous. In China what we confirm one's birthday depends on ID card. You all say she doesn't look 16. That's just look and speculaton!

EY, ZG, China

This is in respond to you Danielle Watkins from PA., how do we know the rules are broken? We tend to listen to one side of the story and it occurs to me that its always been that way... The American way that is! Due to the fact that nearly 90% of the media is from US. Have this debate to RIP, please!

Richard Meyer, Los Angeles, USA

In response to Richard Meyer/LA. The bitterness is not solely because USA was in second for Womens gymnastics or that Nastia got silver in that tie score for the uneven bars. This is simply because rules are made for various reasons. We followed the rules and Nastia wasn't able to compete last time.

Danielle Watkins, Philadelpha, USA

Get over it! Americans always think they are on the top. Just because we've lost to the Chinese, doesn't mean that we have to continue with this ridiculous matter. Games are over! Ppl here are hilarious, don't criticize china of making fake goods when ppl all around the world enjoys the bargain!

Richard meyer, Los Angeles, USA

It takes many years oF TRAINING for gymnastic. The whole issue of age to protect kids being abused or their mental health is a hypocracy. If some could start training athletes before 16, why a big fuss about age. Do IOC overseas altheles should start training by 16? If not,big deal?Rule should go.

henry, toronto, canada

I think it's a matter of honesty in a global matter. I would really be embarased if it was the U.S. in this position. This is the only place where all the countries in the world have a chance to come together in sportsmanship and clearly under sportsmanship there isn't a place for dishonesty.

Tim Ramos, Prescott, United States of America

It's not about the silver medals, it's about the fact that her birthday needs to be investigated because there are discrepencies out there. If there were allegations of someone cheating in another event, those would be investigated so why not this?

And are all the politics really necessary?

Brittany T, Pittsburgh, USA

Regardless of what country you are from, the rules are the rules and cheating is unacceptable. In the 2000 games Romanian gymnast Andreea Raducan was stripped of her gold medal because the team doctor had given her a cold medication. This seemed harsh but the IOC enforced it's rules. Why not now?

Morgaine, Fort Collins,

If they cheated, they cheated. If they didn't, they didn't. Let it be on their conscience and let's get on with life. The US should use this defeat as a springboard toward working all the harder to win in London.

Phillip, Memphis, United States of America

Since the age controversey dates back to Sidney regarding China's female gymnastics, the only fit punishment, if found intentional, would be to suspend their gymastics participation in the London games in 2012.

Jack, Grayling, USA

If you don't know enough about gymnastics to understand why ignoring the age rule gives both the gymnast and the team a substantial unfair advantage, why post? Isn't there some other subject you have a basic grasp of that you can post on?

wf, Wash DC,

I guess my only question is WHY I mean the Chinese gymnastics team is good and have a lot off training. So Why did they feel the need to lie and use under age girls? Were they worried or concerned that they could not win with a honest team.
I don't blame the girls. At 14 you do what you are told

kim, xenia, USA

What a sad and pathetic world we live in when we don't find cheating to be wrong. Has anyone out there ever heard of morals and values????????

Mary B, Missouri, USA

I have lived in Beijing and let me tell you, the Olympics was a big old fake on Chinas part. You can get anything made up clothes purses, and yes any government documents. So those "passports" that the Chinese Officials provided are just another "FAKE". Nice try China!

Jane, Calgary, Canada

Fake milk powder, fake dumplings, fake fireworks and fake voice, now fake age...Can we believe in the integrity of China???? We have seen the quality of "Made in China" goods, certainly we can perceive what the quality of their words can be.

Jeannie Teo, Singapore,

I believe it's down to the difference in race and genetic make-up. As an Asian living in London for years, I'm still surprised to see 14 year old school kids who looked more like 18 or even in their young 20s.
Likewise, I'm sure Ke Xin would looked extremely young to a Caucasian

William, London, GB

The investigation will not give any positive outcomes! But we all know the truth...
And regarding the 56 Han Chinese kids, well wht can u expect? Maybe they shd just introduce the diversity in Han coz we speak differently and can be reclassified into more groups. Just kidding... :-P

Dean, Sibu, Malaysia

I see this age issue as an argument for lowering the age limit for participation. Tom Daley (UK diving) is only 14. If adolescents can withstand the physical and mental stresses of competition, why not let them?

Tim D, Sheffield, UK

Haven't read all the comments and suspect someone may have already made note, but this is not like a 16 year old competing in the Little League World Series... if a 14 year old can take on athletes with more experience and, you'd assume, polish, so what if s/he is 14?

Otis, Andover, USA

“ I am 16-year-old " said He Ke Xin herself.

TS, BJ, China

Why is there such a scandel over the age of He Kexin? Last time I checked, Thomas Daley was getting all kinds of attention because he is well and truly 14 years old.

Nicholas Baker, London, U.K.

I think the US team show a lack of honour in defeat. here. They have lost the games to China who should be heralded for what they have achieved bith in terms of sporting achievement and providing the world with a wonderful games. surely the US are the last country to lecture China on cheating.

Graham, London, UK

To be quite frank, I think maybe someone's sore about losing. Buckle up and better luck next time. I also agree with Alan from Shandhai.

Felix, Pretoria, ZA

May be He looks like 14 years old,but it just the appearance.I believe the OC of China would not do that stupid thing to ruin the whole game in Beijing.

Suzy, Chengdu, China

It is not a matter who win gold, silver or bronze. Olympic is where every top & elite sportsmen and sportswomen came together and display their worth to the world, to be appreciated and to be saluted of their ability & skill which they had harness for many enduring years. US should know that!

Josephine, Melbourne, Australia

To me, I don't believe the Chinese government will cheat on this, because it is too stupid. People from the USA probably do not understand how much the Chinese government want to make the games perfect. They would not let one or two gold medal ruine all the efforts.

Alan, Shanghai, China

Its really stupid that the U.S counts the ranking of a country by total amount of medals. If gold, silver and bronze are all worth one point, then whats the point in having different medals?

Dean, New York City,

The overwhelming majority of Americans do not want our troops Iraq. We were lied to as well, and cheer the day when Bush will no longer be President. But to claim that this occupancy is "the greatest Human Rights violation of all time" is both repugnant and insidiously ignorant.

Katharine, Boston, MA, Uited Stated

IOC should also request that US Olympic committee conduct investigation into Lukin and Johnson's age. Their passports and birth certificates cannot be used as proof. Besides Chinese OC should investigate which hacher posted the so called evidence on the Chinese goverment website.

GRET, NYC,

So Audrey you consider it to be shameful not that your government is cheating, but that a foreign computer expert dared to expose the cheating?

Cal, New York, USA

Not to spark any debate; however, is the entire point of the Olympics not for the entire world to come together in friendly athletics? If this be the case then should things not be done fairly and justly? I believe that if someone wishes to break the rules to win then they do not deserve to do so.

Matt, Tennessee,

Just plain nasty of the Yanks. minimum age of 16 to protect the athlete from mental hardship. How about all this coverage?

This is a sport not a war however the politicians want to play it. Leave her and the Chinese alone, let them live with it if they have to.

chris, london,

I doubt that she will be proven to be underage officially. If you want it to happen, go ahead and protest(or get your government to). The medal count issue just shows how governments "influence" how their ppl think. In the end games are games, we strive for fairness but nothing can be perfect.

Pete, Sydney, Australia

I'm not concerned so much that the US lost the gold, but that it's OK for the Chinese to exploit these girls. FIG decided that 14 is too young to compete. Additionally, there are tricks that are easier to do when you are lighter and more flexible at a younger age - it's not to do with skill.

Nikki Strickland , Atlanta , USA

Wow, can't believe some of the comments here. To the Brits who say that the USA has sour grapes, you realise that athletes who finished 4th such has Beth Tweddle of the UK have spent their entire lives training and missed a spot on the podium because the Chinese may have cheated? Amazing.

Kelly, Chch, New Zealand

If the people whining here about how the US is just spouting off "sour grapes" would stop to think for a moment, they just might learn something. Cheating is cheating. Period. The Games are supposed to be above this, above politics, above prejudices. Get a life. Better yet, get a mind.

Wes, Providence, United States

I don't see the point in penalising an athlete because he or she is under the age limit. If she, being younger and less experienced, is already better than the seniors, doesn't she clearly deserve the medal?

tikiyong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It's not just China that sway from the truth. The USA is guilty of the biggest lie of all time.
Where is the weapons of Mass destruction they claim they have evidence of. Still looking....
The killings and death caused by their invasion has to be the greatest Human Rights violation of all time.

Claudia Smeets, Brussels, Belgium

Many people have preconceived notions about China. However, the age "evidence" was discovered by American "experts". How can this "evidence" be assumed to be accurate? A accuse B of cheating. A produces "evidence", and you are supposed to automatically believe in the "evidence"? Give me a break!

David, Salt Lake City, United States

Any competent defense attorney would raise the question that maybe the so-called evidence discovered by American experts had been planted. Reasonable doubt right there! "Evidence" thrown out and case dismissed. You know, OJ walked because LAPD was suspected of planting the evidence.

David, Salt Lake City, United States

you dont no that shes really 14 the us is just trying to blame china for beating nastia luikin on the uneven bars. the us doesnt relaly need that extra medal anyways

Becki, North Potomac, USA

You Americans use the word CHEAT as if u guys have never done it before. U are quick to cuss others but no -one from the US mentioned all your cheating that's been done. Marion Jones is prime example. Stop believing you're the best at everything & accept the FACT you LOST.

Jennifer, Vancouver, CANADA

Here in America, we are used to see 200 lbs 15 year-old-girls walking around. Are you kidding me? only 68 lbs at age 16? Of course, they ARE underage! We are proud to "speak up" and lash out when things don't go our way. It's our basic human rights! America is the greatest "nation of whiners".

lynn, Texas, U.S.

HE said she was 16, she lied, she needs to have her medals taken away. But lets not make it a personal attack on either China or America, i think we all should be ashamed of these comments.....It isn't about WHERE they are from or the color of their skin, it is the fact that she cheated... the end..

Cristy, Madison, MS, USA

I know bashing Americans is fun for most of the world but we don't sanction cheating - well, except for cloning Michael Phelps from a fish!

Eric, Newnan , Georgia USA

It's a wonder people who live in China are allowed to make comments.Pro-China comments accuse USA of sour grapes.Pro -USA comments diss. the Chines Govt. of cheating.Surprise!Propoganda rules!Personally if she can't prove uncategorically that she's proper age. Gold Medal has to be taken off her.

john , shrewsbury, uk

Have a life! What a bad loser for the american. If you are that good, you don't have to import people to play for your country! Why don't you all go and moan at your US website???

Frank, Glasgow,

If you check the facts, China cheated. Not just for the "glory" of China, but to destroy the Games. The Games presume equality and China, as yet, only has the cultural capacity to lash out at that. It predates communism. The World hates America for "presuming" this equality, but China is desperate.

Joe, L.A.,

Olympic medals are SUPPOSED to represent the epitome of sporting excellence under the watchful gaze of worldwide attention. China has again proved themselves to be unsurpassed in FAKERY.

virginia, auckland, new zealand

I understand why so many people outside the US are throwing a fit at us because our president is lousy, but cheating is cheating. And it doesnt matter whether its the Chinese gymnastics team (if they are breaking the rules), the Phillpino Little League team from a few years back, or Floyd Landis

David Hill, Conshohocken, USA

So it seems to me that China was afraid of losing to the US. If they were so certain to beat us;why would they risk 2 medals just to cheat? I thought they would have it covered;they could beat us easily right? Unseeingly so i believe...

Marilyn, Chicago, IL, USA

I think even if she is underage, what she has accomplished is remarkable; being 14 years old and winning a gold! It would be sad to see her stripped of her medals, but rules are rules. I am all for letting her keep her medals but banning China from the next Olympics.

Michelle, San Francisco, CA, USA

Cheating shouldn't be taken lightly although it is a coinidence that the US should only raise the issue to such a level after being beaten by the aleged underage gymnast...
?

Evie, Shropshire, UK

The whole world would end if they have to listen to every USA's whine. Since when US plays by the rule? US medal ranking uses total medal instead of gold. That VIOLATES IOC rules. But, Americans say "Who cares? We feel that everybody matters." Bla bla bla. US should just accept 2nd place & shut up!

Dave, Seattle, US

Odd that so many here don't care about cheating at a sporting event.

I guess cheating is just such a big part of lives all around the world that we don't believe in fair play at all anymore--playing by the rules is for suckers and losers.

Interesting. Also pathetic and tragic, but interesting

Ellen, Sacramento, USA

All this only points to one thing really.

Americans are BAD LOSERS !
Move on.

Brad, Rome, ITALY

Don't you Americans have a US website that you can moan on. You'll then be preaching to likeminded people.

The rest of the World is not interested in sour grapes.

You lost, just Accept it !

Steve Thompson, Manchester, ENGLAND

The Asian people look more young than the western people. It is also obviously. An American girl who is 16 years old looks more than 20 years old from the eyes of Asian people. It's easy to understand why Americans said Chinese covered up the true age of Kexin.

Harold Wu, San Francisco,

How old does Shawn Johnson "look"? 10? 12? 14? 9? Mrs. Karolyi could see the young girls missing their baby teeth? she's kidding, right? Now only is she a gymnastic coach, wife of an ex-gymnastic coach, she's also a dentist? Anyone can create a spreadsheet.

James Egan, Hartford, CT, USA

Some attention should be given to why the age limit was raised; to protect the ittle girls from the abuse of their trainers who would rob them of both their childhood and their health. Their is also the large weight and size diffferences that make it easier to perform.

Michael J. Trangaris, Whispering Pines, USA

We are in the same world. If a girl who is 14 beats the others who are older and have more experience, we should obviously give her gold medal.
If we truly want to prevent younger people from hard training in this game, we should set a rule for training age other than compete age. Shame on USA.

Han, San Francisco,

I con't believe my nation did such stupid thing! I don't know a computer security expert how tracked down the alleged documents .But I shame on his behavior ! If he really did it!Why did he do that? I con't understand his intention. Simply to find the alleged turth?

Audrey, shanghai, China

Britain has a 13 year old diver, and he is publicized as being 13, so even if this girl is 14, what's the problem? Why should one sport have an age limit, and another not have it. Come to think of it, didn't Britain have an 11 year old skier a while back?

Sarah, Franklin, NY, USA

perhaps you americans are just sore losers because you are losing in such a bad way in gymnastics, and you are grasping at all possible straws. it seems like it's just plain sour graping, and conveniently hiding behind the undersage issues. what sore losers you are.

macy, QC , Philippines

The issue is plain and simple. The rules were established prior to the games. The Chinese have apparently encouraged these children to lie about their age. That is a form of abuse in itself.
The IOC, a corrupt organization, has an easy time turning its blind eyes and ears. No surprise!

Michael J. Trangaris, Whispering Pines, USA

The suggestion that the medals are deserved in spite of the rule violation is ludicrous. The girl has cheated as the behest of her adult caregivers. This should be addressed and the care givers severely sanctioned. She is a child and innocent of anything except being abused.

Michael J. Trangaris, Whispering Pines, USA

Marion Jones lost her medals because she cheated-she went to jail for lying about that cheating-as it should be. Some here feel that 14 year old should compete, but the IOC felt otherwise and raised the age.

He performed brilliantly, but could be underage-THAT is the problem here.

Pat Reilly, New York, NY, USA

search online for the avg height and weight for a 16 yr old chinese girl. then go to the olympics website and look at her height and weight. yes, this is an avg but there is a BIG difference.

Liz, nacogdoches, United States

The Olympic Games is an event for talents to compete and show what they are able to achieve. If a 14-year old girl is worth the gold medal more, then I don't see why the IOC should remove it from her. Let's keep the rules to doping and not in removing well deserved recognition of someone's effort.

Konstantinos Tomais, Athens, Greece

EVEN IF she's 14 and she managed to beat Nastia?

One word: Wow.

Jonathan, Pretoria, South Africa

X-ray He's bones, you can tell a persons age that way. If she is under age, let her keep her metals but ban China from the next Games.

Steven Michael McKay, Wauwatosa, USA

Like it or not, a rule is a rule.

If He Kexin is underage, please take away her medals, and shame on our government.

leon, Beijing, China

One thing is evident here. If they gave medals for stupidity, the UK would sweep. Marion Jones? Didn't involve govt., stripped of medals, and prison sentence.Americans fat?Hmmm, not sure what that has to do with the Olympics.Logical thought process is obviously lacking in the UK.

Mary Catherine, Elmhurst, USA

It is upsetting whenever any athlete, team, or country breaks rules. It was embarrassing when Marion Jones, etc broke rules; and if He is underage, it will also be upsetting for her and China. This is not about the USA being "sore losers", but about keeping the Olympic games honest.

Alice, Los Angeles, USA

I've seen many journalists mention the fact that Nadia was 14 when she won gold in '76. I would like to suggest that these journalists take a look at the gymnastics she was doing in the 70's. VERY DIFFERENT from today. Difficulty raises, so does safety age. DUH

Laurel, West Des Moines, IA,

China deserves to get medals stripped.
You cannot fool the world by issuing a fake passport and mysteriously deleting every record of He being 14.

It is not 1984 and China is not "Big Brother".

Yang, San Francisco,

I would agree the age limit for gymansts doesn't make sense. Young athletes are basically a tradition in this sport where being very small and thin is a requirement to be able to fit on the aparatus. "They" are trying to protect these young athletes from emotional and physical damage, but isn't that the parent's job? If the athletes are good enough to make the team and their parents are okay with it, then who are the gymnastics comittees to second guess the parenting and say they can't?
That being said, I firmly believe the rules need to be applied to all athletes within a sport the same or else why have them at all? Someone mentioned Marion Jones, and damn straight she should've been stripped of her medals - her like-minded husband too (the big liars) and every other medalist that made winning more important than integrity, no matter what the sport. Speaking as a former athlete, the idea of cheating, no matter how small the edge it gives, is abhorent. I hope, on many level, He didn't cheat (whether she was coerced or not) so that she will not have to look at her medals for the rest of her life and know that she didn't really deserve them, or have to look at the faces of her parents, friends, neighbors, schoolmates knowing they all know it was all a lie.

kim, seattle, US

"You can't solve a problem? Well, get down and investigate the present facts and its past history! When you have investigated the problem thoroughly, you will know how to solve it. Conclusions invariably come after investigation, and not before." --Chairman Mao

Murray, Atlanta GA, USA

baidu is a music search engine--> not the best place to find passport records don't you think?

polina, Lausanne,

To KO- it's not about finishing second -The point is to have an even playing field. If some country is allowed 14 years olds then all should be allowed 14 year olds. The host country should not have different rules. The same rules apply for doping etc etc. - everybody should follow the same rules.

jim w, lompoc, usa

2) Saying that America can't care about cheaters because some American track stars used drugs is just silly america-bashing. Guess what: those people broke the rules also, and they also had their medals taken away. Most people here think ALL cheaters should have their medals taken away.

Jeff, Madison, USA

If He is underage-she should lose the medals. Such is the penalty for CHEATING. If He had been American, the cries for her hide would be deafening. The rules apply to all-not some and not open to interpretation.

Some here feel that China be allowed to cheat-so much for "Olympic Spirit"

Pat Reilly, New York, NY, USA

To say that having a medals table which put the emphasis on gold medals won is somehow 'against the USA' is nonsense. This is the way every country in the world calculates the table - except the US. Have some grace and congratulate the winners.

geoff, london,

If she does turn out to be underage what action should be taken against the chinese olympic and government authorities who subsequently faked her passport?
This would indicate corruption at the highest level and begs the question where else have they lied and cheated to get success at these game

David, southport,

Why should He get to keep the medals if she is found to be illegal? The IOC has always maintained the right to revoke medals that were obtained illegally even 10 years later as was recently been done for the runner in the 1996 who admitted drug use.

Jeff, TX, USA

Don't be so mean to the young girl! Just wait and see the results from IOC. She has done nothing wrong even if she is really underage. And it is not the wise choice to post angry comments and reprimand a country before truth come out. I respect reason and facts, not doubts and speculations.

Jessica, NJ,

To all the US posters who are advocating that China be stripped of all their medals and be banned from future Olympics - GROW UP! Is it really that difficult to take being in second place ?

KO, London,

He Kexin Beat them all out she deserves it.

Dave , Braham, USA

Lost in all this controversy is what China does to win medals. Dan Wetzel of Yahoo!, in pointing out that China will soon win all the Olympic medal counts (gold, total) in a column today, shed some light into the collectivist system that forces athletes to put their government before themselves.

KPO'M, Chicago,

OK if he is 16 now, then where are the news clippings, group photos with dates and ages , medals, scrap book cuttings etc etc of her contests when she was 15 years old in 2007, 14 years in 2006, 13 years in 2006 , 12 years in 2004, 11 years in 2003 and 10 years in 2002.

That's evidence...

Alison, Christchurch, NZ

I will give it to the Americans if their 10 year olds could perform just as well.

ian cheese, london, uk

"The US is the fattest country in the world. No wonder why they thought He is underage! - Keran, UK"
Actually, per the recent survey, that 'gold' belongs to the Aussies and the US is now second. Personally, couldn't care less about gymnastics.

Mark, Chicago, USA

U.S.A is such a diverse America, it has every type of ethnic group here from immigrants coming over years and years ago. We are free, we are a democracy, we are every color, every race. If there is dishonesty on the part of the China Sports, they need to come forward and do the honorable thing.

Lynn, St. Louis, USA

I don't see what the US has to do with any of this. The US didn't launch this investigation, the IOC did. The US doesn't control the actions of the IOC.

Robert V, San Antonio, USA

I'm surprised there aren't more anti postings from the UK - the home of fair play. If He IS only 14 then it's a cheat. Nothing to do with politics, for-or-against-America sentiments or jealously. It is simply that Olympic rules would have been broken and that is unacceptable. No more to be said!

Maureen Ashfield, Eastbourne, UK

"The US is the fattest country in the world. No wonder why they thought He is underage!" Keran, UK

Glass houses, my friend. Or is it a glass podium since the UK get a bronze for prevalence of obesity?

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_obe-health-obesity

Gale, San Francisco, USA

Nastia Liukin did not compete in the 2000 Olympics because of this age requirement. She very likely could have received a gold medal if she (and her country) had merely lied about her age.

The rules are for everyone. If the US breaks them, they should be disqualified. The same for China.

John Pierce, Denver, CO

"If the 1 January 1994 date is correct, then she would be ineligible by one day, less than 24 hours in fact. "

The descrepency is that He's actual birthday according to previous Chinese Govt. Documents is 1 January 1992.

John Pierce, Denver, CO

Hey Nathan in Australia. Why do you even find it necessary to bring politics into this? The fact at hand is that if the Chinese cheated they should be reprimanded for it, the same way that any other athletes are if they are caught cheating.

Cat, Norfolk ,

"The US is the fattest country in the world. No wonder why they thought He is underage!" Keran, UK

What does that say about your country if we have double the medals in events based on physical prowess.

Stefan, Bakersfield, USA

If the 1 January 1994 date is correct, then she would be ineligible by one day, less than 24 hours in fact.

In other words, she has to be 16 by 11:59 PM on this coming December 31.

Close enough for a 'gimme' I'd think, but China should confess and apologize.

Snert Lee, Alabaster, AL, USA

Hmmm...so, a "US computer security expert" tracked down documents removed from a Chinese gov't website. Does this infer that he hacked into Chinese gov't computer systems?

What a way to prove that you were right and should have won all along!

Suesieg, Vancouver, , Canada

"We pride ourselves on transparency, and that is what separates us from authoritarian regimes"

Hey Jack from the USA. I think you need a reality check. I would suggest starting with your own President and working backwards from there.

Suesieg, Vancouver, Canada

I'm not watching the competion only seconds but I immediately saw little children. I think that it is wrong. Laws should be enforced. And as host of the Olympics - Chinese should exhibited some HONOR. How about PEEWee Olympics for 12 - 16. That would be fair .

Jayne, Atlants, USA

i'm worried about the comment: "The IOC relies on the international federations, who are...responsible for the eligibility of athletes" strikes me that if you are the governing body of the sport then responsibility for it stops at your door. kind of like saying 'we didnt see it so it didnt happen'

Russell Johns, Peterborough, uk

"Americans claim to interpret success by the total number of medals won"

Yes, we do. If you watch the American coverage of any past Olympics you will hear about the "medal count". Not the "gold medal count". Is it different from everyone else? Well yeah but that's how it is here.

Jason, Cody, USA

Can't believe that some people think she should keep her medals. Unbelievable! What about those 14 and 15 year old American gymnasts who couldn't compete because the United States were following the rules? In her own age class this Chinese girl was competing in a field of 1.

Colin, London, UK

Investigation? Try just opening your eyes!

Don, San Jose, Ca., USA

Counting medals is irrelevant. There are rules. The age limit is silly - obviously the Chinese gymnasts performed well enough to win. However, if China cheated then the medals have to be pulled and awarded to athletes that followed the rules. Then look at changing the rules.

Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Some Americans are sore losers. If the Americans would have taken all gold medals, the situation would have been different and wouldnt be so interested in the age. Us Americans will do whatever it takes to be first.

Kapone, Detroit, USA

They need to go by the RULES!!!! I don't care who they are! USA or Russia or China! If u are underage then they are out! Why do u think they have RULES? HELLOOOO But ask He what her age is and tell her she need to tell the truth!

Lanell Richardson, USA,

Wow. rules, Illegal, a young female gymnast. (possibly)

What about rules, illegal and invading a sovereign nation?

USA - we follow the rules we want and then expect others not to copy us?

Nathan, Adelaide, Australia

It's called cheating!!! The rules are set for a reason. she is also to blame if she competed knowing she was not old enough. How is that fair to our girls who could have done the same at an earlier age. What kind of an example does that set for our children.

Stephanie, Jasper,

Why is there an age difference for eligibility depending on the sport? If the reasoning that a gymnast must be 16 to "protect the physical and mental health of young athletes", then why are 14 year olds allowed in other sports? ie Malaysian diver Brian Nickson.

Vicki, Pittsboro, USA

I do not advocate cheating whatsoever, but the 'rules' are indeed just plain wrong in the first place... Anyone graced with enough talent to compete in a sport at a professional level deserves to do so regardless of Ethnicity, Sex or Age, young or old- such as Brett Favre's silly opposite age issue

Harrison, Los Angeles, United States

The US is the fattest country in the world. No wonder why they thought He is underage!

Keran, Loughborough, UK

He should be stripped off her medal when proven to be underage It's not her fault but the Governments - they should've known better I'm sick to death of USA bashing - rules are rules & just coz China hosts doesn't mean they can cheat He will win in her own right 2012 Now do the decent thing Forfeit!

LT, Warminster, UK

If the US even thought of putting someone who was not age eligible in the Olympics then there would be heel to pay in the international community. The Chinese, well that is ok because they are communists and the world is so afraid of offending them, they might retaliate against Tibet.

Franklin Capes, Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA

The rules are put in place to protect the ATHLETES. She is only 14. Just imagine what she's been through to get there. The Chinese need to be embarassed into caring about their athletes. I have heard many disgusting things about their quest to win. They cheated and should be publicly humiliated.

Erica, Ogallala, NE, USA

I feel that she should have her medals taken away if she is underage. This is another example teaching children it is ok to lie. This would be a national example at that. She herself knows that if she is underage she should not have competed. Yes ,it would be a disgrace not just to her but her team.

Slowedown, Belton, USA

I dont care about the olympics, i think its great that we all get together and stuff to see the greats, but here sure they are young and yes if we had a chance to do it ourselves we probly would, but whats the risk to them? They are kids, they shouldn't be put in this stressful position no matter.

Amber , castle rock, usa

An examination of her teeth with x-rays will reveal the truth about her age. However she and the others didn't come up with this idea, their government did. These kids aren't "doping" like others, they're just growing and doing what they're told to do...In the words of Al Davis, "Just Win Baby!"

Michael Vee, Vacaville, USA

I agree with the others who have posted. He should not have to return her medals. She was simply doing as she was told. I do think, however, that China should have an asterisk next to its medal count. Take away the glory and the medals mean little. China now has 200K children in training for this.

John, New York, USA

The point is that if the other countries could have entered their 14 & 15 year old gymnasts, then perhaps they could have won the team event or other events too. But since they played by the rules, they could not put their very best in the mix as did China. Personally, I think 15 is old enough.

Gina jones, Austin, USA

Why does media are always so picky to China and the Chinese teams?
The age rule has been passed in 2005, BUT the implementation date is starting from 2009.
Eventhough some of the chinese gymnasts are under 16, they have nothing wrong.

MAX, HongKong`, HongKong

I have seen that the girl told western reporters that she was born in 1992,and I can understand why western societies are so interested in her age,but can you report the result that if she broke the rule?when can you abandon bias?remember ,there are 1.3billion people in China,It's a big country!

xiaodeng, zhangjiagang , suzhou

Nastia agreed to the tie breaker B4 the Olympics so she had to accept it DURING them. She agreed to abide by the rules. Those of you who say that it doesn't matter if she's 14, must think that Nastia should take the Gold even if it's not hers. China AND it's athletes agreed to play by the rules!!

Debi, Wickliffe, Oh, U.S.A

The article mentions one of the Chinese gymnasts having a missing tooth. Just one? Put me on a piece of gymnastics apparatus and I'd lose all my teeth in seconds!

James, Manchester,

So far all the so-called evidence was claimed to be found on the net. If anyone (eg. Mike Walker, a computer expert) has found any real evidence after hrs of searching, why won't he/she save it? Also, the net browser caches everything you browsed. Why didn't anyone show it? I found it unbelievable.

Andrea R Hill, Los Angeles, USA

Wow! This message board is a little crazy. The anti-American rant is toxic. Also, those self-righteous Americans and non-Americans that want to destroy an innocent young girl ,s life for something the Chinese government or coaches may or may not have done need to show a little more compassion.

Richard, Davis, USA

Hey Chris Lee, Surrey, UK does the 2008 "Rules" bother you at all?

Or only if it was America?

Darren, Powell, USA

i'm not so sure about he's age,but before we know the truth,will you be quiet and stop attacking our chinese people and our goverment! even she is really 14,i think that is only a fault and it has no need to attack china.why your people saying "shame of china" and i think there are more shame in USA

wang, GUANGZHOU, China

First, get your facts straight. Nadia Comaneci competed for Romania- not America. And the rules have changed. Gymnasts used to be allowed to compete at that age, but not anymore.

Lisa, Jersey City, NJ

Lisa Z., Jersey City, NJ

Let's suppose this: Would China benefit from winning yet another gold medal? Yes.
Would it be in He Kexin's interest if she and her country are confident she could win the gold, despite her age? Yes.
Does the Chinese government have the means to forge any and all legal documents about her age? Yes

David, Markham, Canada

Its a rule.. There in place for a reason. I don't dispute that this is a great accomplishment for this little girl. But the fact is if she is 14 then she broke a rule that was agreed upon by her country for her to be eligible. It’s not her fault but that of her coach and governing body.

Keith Hackworth, St Louis, USA

If one does wrong, the whole country is condemned. Even before anything is certain, people are up in arms. So bitter!

SH, Somerset,

A rule is a rule. Like it or not, best in the world or not. a rule is a rule....End of story...How about that poor girl who did her vault before the green light lit. She was disqualified. No second attemnt, no I'm sorry. Its the rules. If your going to compete you need to obide by them end of story

Per, Oaktown, USA

A rule is a rule. Like it or not, best in the world or not. a rule is a rule....End of story...How about that poor girl who did her vault before the green light lit. She was disqualified. No second attemnt, no I'm sorry. Its the rules. If your going to compete you need to obide by them end of story

Per, Oaktown, USA

Americans moaning about cheating........let us remain you guys because Americans don't cheat do they.....Marion Jones,
Jerome Young, Kelli White to name just a few.
How come none of you Americans mention these CHEATS ???
You Yanks are just bad losers !

Helen Lambert, Epsom, UK

The world is laughing at China and the IOC. This dog and pony show is not fooling anyone.

Aaron, Madison, USA

Rules are rules, and in the sport of gymnastics, two years can make a difference. While you may be more refined as a sixteen year old, you are also taking into account the differnce in body changes between thos two years. Wear and tear makes a difference in the sport! The whole team should loose!!

Rochelle, New York, USA

Heh, Chris Lee from Surrey gave me a good laugh. You're completely right, chief. The Americans are such sore losers for rooting out cheaters. I guess we run the IOC, which is why China is leading in golds right now, right?

Hating the U.S. is always stylish among the pseudo-intellectual set.

Fox, Waldwick, USA

Sad if the Chinese chose to break rules (cheat) to win & sad for He who is likely not at fault

But even sadder is the rampant anti-US rubbish being posted. This is about sporting rules not anything else

Anyway anyone here in the west prefer to live in China than USA? Nope didn't think so

Guy, London, UK

Everybody on the planet knows this girl is underage and that the Chinese cheated. It remains to be seen if the IOC will actually take away her & teamate's medals - who knows? Nevertheless, this little girl is a tremendous athlete. Hope she can compete in the future before the PRC throws her away.

Robert, Houston, USA

Mike M in Boston....there is no "sticky thing" in this. If she is indeed under the competitive age, she is a cheater for competing in the first place when she knows she's not old enough. This girl is obviously talented, I'm not questioning that. Bottom line - not old enough to compete, no medal!

J, Nitro,

All americans are liers!
you can fake the age ,but you can't fake the performance!!!!

cindy , hongkong, CHN

commies cheating...wow, now there is a story, ea?....

richard bonilla, berthoud, usa

I feel so sorry for her. Her government & coach did this to her . It wasn't her fault - she's just a child - but this scandal will follow her the rest of her life. But the fact remains, she was underage. Her medals should be forfeited. Maybe next time the IOC can check ages before they compete.

Shari, Baton Rouge, USA

The Yanks can't even tally the medals table honestly....take a look at CNN and have a laugh at the disgraceful frauds.
The official way to tally the medals table is by Gold then Silver then Bronze, not by total medals won, what a bunch of Losers.

Ian, Newcastle upon Tyne,

I wanna to say that even He Kexin is not old enough, at least she played a wonderful action, she matches the golden medol.

What's more, please take a look at Liukin's performance, was it good enough for her high marks?

Why did the judges rised Liukin's mark? It was also a cheat.

Shame.

Joshua, Beijing, China

If she is under age the gold medals should be stripped and given to the next participant that followed the rules. Why should the participants who followed the rules be denied that would otherwise be theirs if it wasn't for cheating. If this were the USA there would be an inquiry.

Yvonne , garden grove, usa

How ever old someone is, they won their medal by their performance not by old they are. Bela Karolyi coached Nadia Comaneci who was 14 when she won her 1st Olympic Gold in 1976. How come the Americans didn't complain then. It's a case of the Americans be bad losers again. They lost. Accept it !!!

Chris Lee, Surrey, UK

But the sticky thing is that she herself is not a cheater; she DID win on her own, (biased judging not withstanding). So I cannot condone the idea of taking away the medals from her even though I throughly agree that China should be sanctioned and her metals not included in any tally.

Mike M, Boston, MA, USA

To impose an age limit is completely ridiculous. The Olympic games is a competition amongst the best in the world, not the best in the world. If you happen to reach your peak at a young age, you should not be disadvantaged because of it. In other events, athletes as young as 14 compete...

Justine, UK ,

If she competed in the team competition, which I'm almost sure she did, then the team gold needs to be stripped, as well. They had an ineligible person compete; therefore, they should be disqualified. Rules are Rules. I really hope that truly look into this and not just do lip service.

Debi, Wickliffe, Oh, U.S.A

This isn't about medals, it isn't about hurting feelings, it's about rules. Rules create an even playing field, they ensure safety; rules are necessary for any sport, for without them there would be no sport at all. If China broke the rules, they don't deserve the win. End of story.

Heather, Washington, DC, USA

The rules of competition must be obeyed, whether they relate to drugs, age, weight or sex, otherwise there will be chaos and the Olympics become a joke..

Ron, Oxon,

Cheaters should not be rewarded. The integrity of a sport is not maintained if cheats are allowed to keep their trophies. If He is not 16 then she was never rightfully entitled to her golds and she does not deserve to keep them. Otherwise it is unfair to the competitors who actually played fair.

Greg, Atlanta, U.S.

I dont think that He should have to give up her medal she pushed her body to the limits just as much as the rest. She did what her country asked her to do, and if given the chance what 14 year old wouldnt go to the olympics. China should pay the consquences not He.

Sara, Little Falls, USA

I don; think He or her team mates should have their medals taken away. It is not their fault that the government lied about their ages. If you were 14 and were given the opportunity to compete in the Olympics on your own turf, what would you have done?

Rachel, Chatham, USA

Many of these girls on the Chinese team are obvious kids. At best 6th grade. At 16 years old, the feminine physical traits of a Chinese female is close to fully matured. And I am Chinese myself, so it's obvious. I do not support fielding under age athletes in the Olympic games.

Alan Y, Vancouver, BC

it appear that olympic is turning into such a controversy. Just remember the east german squad during the 67 olympics. all their female athletes were into steroids to such a degree that many never recovered. The truth will be revealed once revolution takes hold, it's already begun, gdbye

donald , regina, canada

Why bother having rules. Let the steroids be taken, the drugs be used and anything else they want to do that is not legal now. Why have rules if they can pick and choose which ones fit best. Get real. Sour grapes my foot. Play by the rules or don't play at all.

Chris, Philadelphia, USA

Say it ain't so...China cheat? I mean, really, are we that surprised?

Pam, Pineville, USA

Cheating is cheating. I don't understand why this isn't a bigger issue. You can imagine if it was the U.S. caught cheating they would try to send the athlete to the chair.
I'm curious though, why are USA athletes the "biggest cheater and liar in the world?"

Jana, Portland, USA

the COMMUNISTS cheated? com-on folks. communist have NO honor. its a way of life trying to keep up w/ the west.
the ioc is like the un TOO afraid to condem a COMMIE that steal, cheat, spy, intimidate, attack. these games are a joke. the west does it best.

omar, baja, mex

All this hue & cry just goes to show the continued Western bigotory attitudes . So what if she is really underage? She thumped the field and deserves to her medals. If there is anyone to be punished, let it be the sports bodies, not her. If she is blue-eyed and blonde, she would be hailed a hero.

John Smithers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"The little girl wasn't really singing, she was lip singing..."
Hey dude,
we did this on every SuperBowl opening?? How dare chinese do that?? LOL

Jim, Boston, USA

ok, listen up. If the girl really is underage, her medal shouldnt be stripped from her. The Chinese government would be ultimately responsible for producing the fake passport considering a 14 year old would have a hard time doing so. she deserves every INDIVIDUAL medal she earned. its not her fault.

Kimberly, Los Angeles, ca, USA

We may have cheats in our country (The USA) but we despise them as a people. We are ashamed of our cheats and wish them to be exposed. Marion Jones is in prison right now. The congress is investigating all of baseball. Barry Bonds, our Home Run King is widely despised and can't even get a job.

Jeff, Dallas,TEXAS, USA,

If China broke the rules and lied about the ages of their gymnasts then they cheated and should be disqualified. What in the world does that have to do with the Iraq war?

Renee, Los Angeles, USA

The point is RULES, not age. We have all seen other athletes disqualified - stepping on lines in the track finals, for one thing. Nastia missed the last Olympics because she was too young by 2 months. She followed the RULES then. China should follow the rules now.

BK, Kansas City, USA

Wow. Rather than address the very proper question at hand, so many out there in the world see this as an opportunity to pile on the U.S. It's obvious that most people aren't interested in justice for others -- the *many* athletes cheated by this scandal-- but only in their sad, petty vindictivenes

Justin, Madison, USA

Asians are smaller built in size, but that does not mean she can't be 16 years of age at the time of competition...

MG, Sg,

The Chinese clearly cheat and violate the rules everyone is supposed to live by, But Old Europe tells us we are bitter and whining..Then i hear this cheap moral exquivilance with Marion Jones.. Last i checked we took her medals away and sent her to prison.. Europe is PATHETIC.. as are the CHICOMS..

Steve, Atlanta, United States

According to the girl's passport they are 16. Guess who issues the girls passport? And can change whatever they wanted. Investigation ended...

J Joe, georgia,

I get tired of this double standard. Everyone has no problem investigating and/or stripping Americans of their medals, but let someone break the rules and we are whinning about it. The Olympics should transcend politics and differences, but not if some are held to different standards.

Justin, USA,

These games have lacked transparency. I want to see the underwater photo of Phelps' seventh. I want He vindicated or stripped. I want to know why athletes families can't be seated in half empty stands. If the Chinese government weren't so scared of their own people these games would have been better

Andrew, Newcastle, Australia

Ironical enough, if He is stripped of her medals, it's not the US who benefits the most. Instead, it's Russia (team, Semenova) and the UK (Beth Tweddle) who would actually get medals.

Andreas, Mallorca, Spain

If the age dicated by the Olympics is 16, then all competitors should be 16. For me, it's immaterial what country is impacted, either by losing or gaining metal status. I would feel just a strongly if a USA olympian should be disqualified. In the spirit of the games, all need to play by the rules

Brenda, Gibsonville, USA

The big difference between our cheaters in the USA is that they must do so alone in secret. We don't endorse it as an official policy. I don't blame He. She is just a victim of the Chinese political machine, just like the little girl who beautifully sang the anthem but hidden away shamefully.

Jeff, Dallas,TEXAS, USA,

I dont think that He should have to give up her medal she pushed her body to the limits just as much as the rest. She did what her country asked her to do, and if given the chance what 14 year old wouldnt go to the olympics. China should pay the consquences not He.

Sara, Little Falls, USA

Its not fair to blame the US. If you are going to complete in the highest sporting events around then you have to play fair. It is so obivous that she is underage. The olympic commette and the IOC should check into this. If this was doping they would have yank the medals in a heart beat.

David, VA, USA

So sorry as the Olympics moves on we are finding our "host" country aren't being very good hosts. Why would any think that it was not beyond China to alter their own documents? The altered the opening ceramonies and singer why not alter the ages. It's all about being the winner.
Joan-Miami USA

Joan, Miami, USA

This is why awarding the '08 Olympics to an oppressive totalitarian dictatorship with an appalling human rights record was not a good idea. BTW, I am positive that all of you America bashers would love to live in this, the greatest and freest nation in the history of the world.

Jane, Los Angeles,

Don't get me wrong He Kexin is an excellant gymnast, but they are showing two different birth dates. If that is the case then it proves that she is to young. She should have the medals taken from her. She sure doesn't look 16, I saw her and knew there is no way. She looks two young. They R lying

CG, Lewistown, USA

I do believe the girl is 16. I am 16 myself, most people say I look 13. Don't be envyjust because China is doing so much better winning more Gold the the US team. Does it ever occur to you that asian woman look 10 to 20 years younger than caucasian woman?

Nichole, New York, USA

I hope by reading this blog that US citizens realize how important it is not to criticize our government to the world. Russia and China are "power" hungry and jealous. GO USA!!! Let's stand united. Shame on you China!

Pam, Pineville, USA

If the U.S. or any other country had cheated. there would be a far greater likelihood that the gold medals would be stripped from the offending athletes. Are those who claim otherwise unaware of all of the medals that U.S. and other Olympic athletes have retroactively lost due to doping evidence?

Peter Rich, Los Angeles, USA

Funny how we folks in the west have our undies in a bundle over this when it comes to the Olympic competition. However, we look the other way while all the under age Chinese elves are pulling 15 hr shifts in some slum factory producing polymer trinkets just in time for Xmas. Pathetic lot we are.

Pete, Madison, AL, USA

I feel sorry for the 4th placed girl who should have been standing on the medal platform with her Bronze.

Nan, Dana Point, ca, usa

Your right " tommy " I thank they should drop the rules. They should flip a coin with every athelete in the olympic Heads gets Gold tails gets Silver and the broze should be sold to buy the Kegs For the Worlds biggest party. If we get the judges drunk maybe thay can see better.

G taylor, TEXAS, U.S.A.

I have lived in China for 3 years and worked in business here. Rules are different here than other places. Nothing is what it appears to be. Lots of smoke and mirrors. Unfortunately, I believe all the allegations. But Zeng is right- first prove it- then castigate Beijing...

Brian, Shanghai, USA

I agree that using underage gymnasts is breaking the rules, it's not "cheating."
Even though Bella and his wife all say younger gymnasts have a huge advantage, they didn't use younger girls. They could have used 15-year-olds as long as they turn 16 sometime this year.
They didn't. One girl was 20

brooks, Albuquerque, USA

This is just so wrong. Pushing these girls to their limits, and not letting them grow, making them lie about their age just to participate on a game to make their country look good. This girl you can tell far away that she is not 16 years old.
Why get angry at USA? The truth will always come out.

Kelly, tampa, usa

The athlete in question was chosen by the Chinese sports organization years ago as a potential Olympian. She was taken from her family and put into a rigorous program that deprived her of her youth. I too believe she is under the age of sixteen and has been influenced by the Govenment of China.

John, San Francisco, USA

According to the famous coach mentioned in this article-Bela- the girls are more flexible and fearless when it comes to competition. As the girls mature emotionally they realize more about what a mistake means or fear injuring themselves. Developmentally and physically they should be the same.

Cindy M, Cocoa Beach,, USA

wha i cant stop thinking about is the fact that she has won these medals why would the govnt risk her getting stripped of them. with these increasing alligations the govnt is sured to have destroyed evidence suggesting below age athletes which would shame china i dont believe china would risk that.

Ncholas, tarcy, USA

All this is coming from us here in the USA that INVENTED olympic cheating by whining so bad about russia that the IOC allowed PRO athletes into and AMATUER sporting event back in 1986. the age restriction is stupid anyway. Do you think they will be driven LESS hard by waiting a few years? NO

Joe, Illinois, USA

I feel sorry for HE and my Chinese friends who believe that media in west reports irresponsibly and Chinese government never lies.

Tara, Jeju, Korea

Americans are commenting here because FOX news is the only one currently carrying story & no discussion possible there.
Don't agree that if lie found the girls should get to keep medals. That defies the whole principal of Sportsmanship. They've already learned how to cheat, but not consequences.

JBenson, Lancaster, USA

The hardest part will be for her to understand why her coaches have to take the actual physical medal away from her although she did just as she was told. And she'll forever be the girl from China who had her medal stripped.

Nobody wins when lying and cheating is approved by the host State.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

The Chinese gymnast won the high bar gold through a tie-break procedure. Her score was identical to Nastia Liukin's. But it appeared that the Chinese girl had more "faults" than Nastia did. If true, more points should have been deducted from He's score, and Nastia might have won outright.

E Herron, Lexington, KY, USA

I keep hearing fellow Americans harp about "the rules"...these are the same Americans that want to look the other way and do nothing about 12 million illegal mexicans silently invading the United States?

Joe, Illinois, USA

Typical Liberals. "Oh, does it really matter? Can't we all sit around the camp fire singing Koom Bye Yah". Look, there are rules for a reason, and leave it to a communist nation to break the rules in order to make themselves appear superior.
And why does this article have U.S. second in medals?

George, Bellevue, WA, USA

Classic UK...Look at the medal count chart at the top of the page. The UK site skews - they put China first due to total medals won...then they put GBR (themselves) third overall based on Gold medals won...works in their favor and against the US - how sweet...

CJ, LA, USA

The IOC rules state that female gymnists must be 16 by the end of the year.The US athletes who were caught cheating, doping, were all stripped of their medals and Marion Jones is in prison.Michael Phelps tests for drugs daily.Some posters just can't hide their USA bias.

Terry, San Marcos, USA

She's made in China- for crying out loud!! Seriously though, I think the age requirement should be increased to 18. These little girls are becoming pawns of their various gov't and sports programs. They are the Olympic equivalent of a child soldier.

Karl S., Los Angeles,

I don't know what is considered to be an "appropriate" age for gymnasts, but if China wants to bend the rules then who's to say other countries won't? On the other hand, would it be such a big deal if the US had won all the medals? I'd bet any amount of money that the answer would be NO.

Kel , Miller Place, US

I'm kind of doubtful....of the man. He found the evidence on a state website that is available for all to see through a Chinese search engine? If the government is going to lie then wouldn't they be more careful about it and not just leave evidence for everybody to see on their website?

Nikki, Baltimore,

I am amused by all those emotional comments from people predominantly in America. I agree that the girl should be stripped of the two gold medals she won. That is until after she has been proven to be underage! A person is innocent until proven guilty'- how could you guys forget this rule?

Zeng, Miami, USA

14 c'mon, try 10

JoAnn GuLish, Slippery Rock,

He Kexin should just give the medal to Nastia so that the jealous people can shut up and move on. You can fake age, but you can't fake performance.

TZ, Seattle, USA

Time was when the USA used 13 and 14-year-old gymnasts. Smaller, shorter, bodies can more easily do some of those dazzling tricks. But there were stories of injuries, eating disorders, etc. So a decision was made for a minimum age for health reasons. China should abide by the rules.

E Herron, Lexington, KY, USA

I'm glad the IOC finally got the courage to investigate. If the US has to abide by the rules, then so do the Chinese-whether or not they're the host country.

Cat, Orange,

The Chinese (government) who are they fooling?
It does not take any effort to see that some of these girls compared to the other athletes are obviously pre-pubescent. These findings by the computer security expert is the linchpin to get the IOC to save face from embarassment and finally investigate

G Urbina, Dublin, USA

It's about time they do something!!!!!! Why couldn't they just launch an investitgation before the Olympics even started?!?! Now the Gymnastics sport is over and they finally decide to something?!??!

nicole, USA,

Another stupid political propaganda from typical western countries i.e. the US and UK collation force.

I am sure there are tons of dirty secrets in your 'great' nations. Such as, it's NOT about oil in Iraq AT ALL; They HAD WMD, although we could not find any.

Zaiqian, Jinan, China

The IOC will do nothing about this. They knew before the Olympics started that the Chinese may have underage girls and they ignored it. The Gymnastics Federation won't do anything either. Look what they do when two girls are tied for Gold...What a crock!

Kathy, Houston, TX,

The rules say 16. If this girl isn't 16, then she should be stripped of all her medals, and any team event she participated in should also be stripped of their medals. This isn't opinion - it's how it's been handled in all other matters of cheating in the Olympics. Go USA.

Mark Orsted, Champaign IL, USA

What is with these comments about how the US is whining? If we had even thought about attempting such a scandal, we'd be tarred and feather. This isn't just to the advantage of the US. The sport as a whole suffers if everyone doubts the integrity of the ruling body of gymnastics and the Olympics.

Shay Reynolds, College Station, United States

How can anyone believe them after the opening ceremony? The little girl wasn't really singing, she was lip singing... what makes you think its not happening again? I am sorry but they did this to themselves and why is the Olympic Committee just now deciding to launch an investigation?

Renee, El Segundo, USA

The world's true colors come out when reading the responses from other countries. The article is about an IOC investigation into possible cheating by the Chinese government. Interesting how most comments outside the USA are anti-USA and say little about the allegations of cheating by the Chinese.

K Martin, Chester, VA, USA

OK, someone got beat by a 14-year old for gold. Get over it and quit crying. I'm sure it's a lot of pressure for a 14-year old to compete at that level but I'm sure whoever complained is more concerned about their own benefits than her well-being. Hypocrites!!

John, Los Angeles , USA

Are we surprised that a Chinese passport can read 16. In the country that copies everything making a fake passport must be easy, especially if it is government sanctioned.

Mr Rogers, Cebu, Philippines

"sour grapes" as Australia to team GB 's success

Joe , Durham, UK

It's about time the IOC wakes up and do what they should have done 2 weeks ago. The evidence was overwhelming, even without the discoveries made by Mike Walker (great detective work there). It's hard to believe how stupid the chinese government is- they seem to have no knowledge of the internet.

H Lee, San Jose, USA

How dare any of you condone the actions of the Chinese if they are found to have forged these documents, regardless of what country is making the accusations. Shame on China, the Olymipc host country, if they forged documents and robbed these young, innocent athletes of the medals they deserved.

Jill, dalton, USA

China's actions are outrageous but not unexpected. They are teaching their youth to cheat and lie! Even if they are stripped of their medals, they have robbed the American Gymnasts of standing on the podium, collecting their gold and hearing their national anthem played.

lvitullo, trabuco Canyon, usa

A US computer expert ? An expert is someone who can use chinese search engine to find some webpage?　To take webpage as evidence ? That's really funny. Anyone who use search engine can be a computer expert . How cheap a expert is

Brian, Brussels, Belgium

Why would anyone be shocked that many (NOT ALL) of the posts are from the US. We are the primary ones being cheated in this debacle.
Were the shoe on the other foot what do think would happen? Who do you think would be posting the most?
Always two standards when it involves the USA .
BRH Tx. USA!

Bobby Ray Hawthorne, Texas, USA

I bet if the situation were reversed and the Americans had underage athletes everyone would be investigating and calling for a dismissal of medals. What makes China so special?

Lillie, Tucson, AZ,

The IOC should be ashamed and called out on this! This story has been out there for weeks and they choose to willfully ignore with a wink and a smile. They should be embarrassed that a blogger has gone out, investigated it and properly reported it.

Paulie, Alexandria, VA, USA

"Such sore sports, that they feel they need rouge sleuths to bring about justice." Please understand that the USA is biased towards justice, I'm sorry for your country. The USA merely wishes to prove the Chinese athletes greatness. Yet, you call this "rogue" sleuthing?

Bier, NYC, USA

NO,she is 16,we have a children born on the same day as her,if She were really 14,the olympic games will give us a best result.

CHARLENE, NINGBO,

Michael from Chicago,

Its good to know that you do not know anything about a womans body or the sport of gymnastics. Or anything about the respective pool of athletes to choose from had all countries followed the same "who care about age" idea.

Jeff, Vegas, USA

He is an awesome gymnast. But if she is under 16 she should have her medal stripped. You have to play by all of the rules, not just the ones you like. If any US athletes were caught doping I'd expect their medals to be taken away. Why should disregard for other rules be treated any differently?

Luke, Chicago IL, USA

I think it would be advantageous for the US athletes to keep quiet. This would now mean they got it handed to them by an underdeveloped 14 year old as apposed to underdeveloped 16 year old. Keep your honor intact and keep your mouths shut.

Michael, Chicago, USA

I would be surprised if she was the only Chinese acrobat under 16. Some of those girls look like they are about 11.

Mr. Lucas Brice, Surrey, UK

To little to late! What difference does it make now? Communist countries have always cheated!!! East Germans, USSR, China. etc.... The rules only apply to western countires. I mean we couldn't scold the host country after all?! Pathetic!!!
Had they Americans done this there would have been riots!!!

Chris, st.louis, usa

QUOTE
Isn't there a boy of 14 on "Team GB"?
SisterKaff, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK
UNQUOTE


Each sport has its own age requirements.

Tim, Omaha, USA

This has to be stopped before womens gymnastics is turned into childrens gymnastics. That was why the minimum age restriction (16 years) was put in place in 1997.

Shame on China - can they not earn enough gold medals fairly ??

It just shows how obsessive the Chinese govt are....

Alison, Christchurch, NZ

I love all the slams against the US in here. We are truly the nation you love to hate. Perhaps it is you who are too caught up in politics?? This isn't about politics, it's about competition. If it were YOUR nation who felt cheated by China, or worse, the US, you'd be equally disgusted.

Pam Ross, Florida, USA

Americans... how rude of them to ask that rules be followed. It's not as if other countries have asked that of Americans...

Russell, Houston, USA

Cheating, lies, propaganda, corrupt government, I'm confused are we talking about the USA or China.

Jamie, Cardiff UK,

"If China should be banned from gymnastics I imagine expelling the US from racing would be appropriate as well after the Marion Jones scandal,right?"

The major difference (aka lack of logic in your argument) would be the US government didn't forge Jones documents or force feed her the drugs.

Delaney Taylor, Chesapeake, USA

The IOC has allowed this issue to ferment, by not investigating a LONG time ago. I hope the investigation is done openly and quickly. I also sincerely hope it's found that the many records, which were deliberately erazed, were in error and "He" is found to be the age her passport reflects.

Ian, Madison, USA

As stupid as can be. Mike Walker, a computer security expert trusts documents from a communist government?!

What if the person Mike found is another person with the same name? After all, Mike does not even know Chinese the language.

Steven Rose, madison, USA

Wrong, Marion Jones and this situation are apples and oranges, unless you have proof that the US government sponsored Jones drug use

Kyle, Las Vegas,

It is a shame the Chinese cheated. No one that I talk with believes she (and some other on their team) are of age. It really sets a bad example with the international community if the Chinese get away with this. It's even more amazing that the Chinese thought they could pull it off.

Aaron, California, USA

Not only are these allegations untrue, the Russians are not invading Georgia...

"Contrariwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."

"Through The Looking-Glass: And What Alice Found There"
Lewis Carroll

Dan, Los Osos, USA

This is what the communist olympics has become for the host nation. They like to present a false front for the world to enjoy, when in actuality thousands of chinese were kicked out of Beijing of the world can enjoy the communist Olympics. I for one am not watching any of it and you not either.

Naleen Lal, Northern California,

I enjoyed the performances of all the gymnasts, but surely everyone must have thought the Chinese team were younger than 16 years old (apart from the team leader). I feel very sad for He Kexin but have no respect for the Chinese authorities who are behind the apparent cheating or the IOC ineptitude.

Trevor Greenwood, Vancouver, Canada

Ok, first of all, Chinese girls are often much smaller than American or Western girls
Second- I would not put it pas people to enter younger girls in, but does 2 years make that much of a difference? Wouldn't it depend on how long and how hard they have been training? I wish everyone to stop fightin

Alice S., Auburn,

By simply looking at radiographs of long bones, you can determine exactly how old these children are, especially at this age. Long bones go through an exact cycle of fusion, and not even the trauma of gymnastics disrupts this cycle. Just take some x-rays of the bones and teeth and they'll know.

Casey, Austin, TX, USA

Typical comments from those that cannot define a single word: ILLEGAL.
Rules exist to provide framework. Don't agree with the rules? Don't like the rules? Don't play until the rules are changed.
Do not lie, do not steal, do not deceive one another.

Jubal, Los Alamos, NM, USA

There is a decided advantage when you are smaller than your competitors. Our bigger girls had problems staying in-bounds on floor routines, and the tiny Chinese athletes were easily in bounds. Your center of gravity is also lower.

Lisa Horne, Orange County, Cali, USA

Throughout this I am proud of the USA women gymnasts. They have handled this with grace and good sportsmanship, even though they are the ones with the most legitimate gripe. I hope this turns out to be nothing and doesn't stain people's memory of these Olympics.

Matthew McLaurin, New Orleans, USA

14? Well finally someone came out and did something about it. I wouldn't of given here a day over 10. Some people say whats the difference, if she is good enough to compete who cares about age? Well for one, the younger you are when you start the longer you can compete. Comply by the rules set.

Marc, Houston, Tx, USA

I just feel sorry for He, herself. It's not her fault she's the best and underage. She'll be devastated by this and no doubt that despicable, totalitarian, corrupt, communist government will end up punishing her.

XLC, Buffalo, USA

The Chinese athletes in question are clearly not 16 years of age. But they are clearly pawns of the state and have no choice in the situation. Bela Karolyi also suggested that the age minimum be entirely removed, so that the athletes could compete openly. Others have under-16's available too.

Robert, San Diego, USA

" limitations such as age, height, and weight is pointless. The girl earned it, ." -Tommy

You're right Tommy. Who needs rules and regulations anyway. The ends justify the means right?

I think I'll teach my 3 yr old to drive. Age, height, and weight are pointless after all, right?

Richard, Houston, USA

I am Chinese. She is under 16. Also I laughed when she was ask "How old are you?" and she said "my real age is 16" excuse me- but what person says that . We all just say I am 16. Also this controversy started before the Olympics- the IOC ignored it. I am also a gymnast so I know the advantage

C Lee, Canberra, Australia

Laura,
Other young gymnasts were excluded from competing because they were too young. An underage female gymnast can, in certain exercises, have an advantage over older, though more experienced, competitors.
This isn't a USA vs China issue. It's ensuring competitors are truly eligible.

Ian, Madison, USA

The IOC and FIG are finally taking steps to ensure that they look more respectable when it comes to the Olympics. If they do a proper job, either the luster will be restored to the Chinese medals or they will be stripped. Other issues relating to judging compentency and tiebreaking can wait.

R Becker, Lenoir City, TN, USA

So?? A 14 year old little girl won!! Is USA ashamed of a little girl who beat them?????

Ale Guerra, DF, Mexico

Rules are rules and must be obeyed. Sprinters who step on lane lines are immediately disqualified regardless of how they finished. What if it was found that the little Chinese gymnast girls were actually little boys? I'll bet all you apologists wouldn't be so quick to defend their cheating then.

Christopher Wright, Las Vegas, US

Fake Fireworks, Fake Singing, Fake Spectators, Fake Athletes, Fake Press Freedom, Fake Products, Fake Prescription Drugs, Fake Toys, Fake Religious Freedom -

WELCOME TO CHINA!

And they worry about Taiwan.

David, USA,

We're not debating the rule; we're debating whether these gymnasts followed the rules. If they didn't (and it appears they didn't), they should lose their medals. If it appears to be as systemic team-wide problem, the whole Chinese team should be disqualified.

George, Lititz, USA

But to be "best" there must be some standards---best 16 year old athlete?

If several years put a couple of dozen extra pounds on a female frame.....there has to be some limit.

I'm sure the US could field Kelly Ripa or Mary Kate Oleson if it wanted an older bird-thin person to compete....

DJ Zawacki, Columbus, OH, USA

One doesn't need to be an American to object to the bias and selective blindness the judges had for the women's gymnastics at Beijing. I'm South African and if the Chinese could swirtch the face of a young singer with the voice of another, then they can do the same with the ages of their gymnasts!

Tenisha Oosthuizen, Jacksonville, USA

If the IOC is going to take the gold medal away because a gymnastics star is 14, then please do take the medals won in Atlanta by Team USA. Wasn't Moceanu 14 when our team won?

Christopher, MPLS MN USA,

They put an underaged girl in the event because they know the younger you are the more agile. The US could've found a 14 year old girl that was just as good as her to compete against if those were the rules.

N, Fort Washington, Prince George

If other countries were allowed to put in 14 year olds. Would it have made a difference. I think so. If they broke the rules then give back to the piper.

Paul, Portland, USA

Possibly the reason for the large amount of American posters in comparison to Chinese posters is that, no doubt, commenting on this subject on the internet is banned in China.
And for those who don't know, it is the unfair strength to weight ratio of -16s that has led to the age restrictions.

James, London, UK

Communists usually cooperate, yeah right.

Athletes mature, learn and perform at different levels depending on talent, age and coaching. A 14 yr phenom may be a bust at 15, a 20 yr old may peak at 30. That is why there are rules.

Laura and Tommy obviously don't think the rule of law/rule matter.

Bob, Austin, USA

Who cares if China is offended? I hope the IOC and other ruling bodies do not let China get away with this. In Texas, 16 year-olds are driving. At 68 lbs, how could "He" and the other "She's" reach a pedal to drive? China makes fake handbags, clothing, movies, and now passports!

Steve, Dallas, USA

just because she beat us does not mean it is ok that her govt lied. what if the us has underage gymnasts that could have beat the underage chinese ones? theres a reason for the rules: to keep it fair for everyone.

Brian Strode, St. Charles, USA

Um sure thats the case tommy (from OC).. but dont you think the americans could have had amazing atheletes who were 14 and 15 years old? your logical is totally flawed. if they were underage.. they should be stripped of medals. Cheating is cheating, period.

Jon, Los Angeles,

Every country seems like it is at fault for something these days and it says a lot about the integrity of people and the lengths they will go to to win. If China did change her age then they should be punished, but please don't forget that many athletes have done wrong and the IOC has a lot to fix.

Tay, Indy,

In my opinion the IOC has disgraced themselves enough. First, Iraq was in, then out, then back in. Second, scoring of the woman's gymnastics tie was a horrific moment for them as if nobody on the IOC can add.Thirdly, doing away with woman's softball? Lastly, if they can DRUG TEST,but NOT AGE TEST!

J, Norwood,

appearances dont mean anything. heck i could say bela karolyi looks like he's 100 with all his white hair but obviously im completely wrong. and wait didnt marion jones cheat too? and that tour de france guy? and what about lance armstrong- yes he was cleared of the allegations but still...

Samantha, Buffalo Grove, USA

Chinese leadership has shown itself to be without integrity. This is just one more example. Cheating in the Olympics shows how sorry they are.

ken, Florida, USA

To answer a few of the questions...Gymnasts age must be older because of the intense physical training and mental anguish these kids go thru...Not to say other sports arent as gruelling BUT all the sports have age limits and Gymnastics is higher because it is on of the most physically exerting sport

Stacy, Lakewood, WA, US

I really have no strong opinion on the gymnastics part, but "a computer security expert"? Ummm... that is what is known as a hacker. Media bias anyone?

Jason, New York, NY, USA

"It the only way the Chinese can compete with the US is to lie and cheat.
Why do you have to cheat China? Can't compete honestly?"
David, Ilinois US


Hmmm.... If they lied, they've broken the rules - yes.
But at the end of the day, she's the best gymnast. Better than the Americans...

Laura Roberts, London, UK

If you're good enough to compete against the best and become the best, limitations such as age, height, and weight is pointless. The girl earned it, and there's no reason why anyone should take it away from her.

tommy, orange county, USA

IOC president Jacques Rogge claimed it was not his organisation’s role to check the age of competitors.

Now the IOC is passing the buck..

SHAME on the IOC.

Les Copeland, Los Angeles, USA

I have a very petite daughter who is 13 55 inches tall and weighs 67 lbs. As we were watching the Olympics my daughter said, she looks my age or less...how can SHE be 16? It is so sad because if the truth does come out the girls will be the ones most hurt forever. Their government pressured them

M Aldrich, Little Rock, AR, USA

A pediatric orthopedic doctor or pediatric radiologist should be able to exam xrays (all gymnasts have had xrays taken at some point in life) to check what is known as the bone growth plate. It has a correlation with chronological age.

Elizabeth, Coronado, USA

If China should be banned from gymnastics I imagine expelling the US from racing would be appropriate as well after the Marion Jones scandal,right?

Brandon , Utah, usa

I'm actually surprised that the IOC is investigating this but I'm sure that it will come to nothing. There's unlikely to be a 'smoking gun' as communist countries are very good at eliminating evidence. Looking at those girls it is CLEAR that some of them are not even close to being 16.

Andy W, Woodstock, GA, USA

I would go a step farther. Since the Chinese government is obviously involved with this fraud, strip all of China's medals.

MD, KC,

I think most of the team is under 16. Come on China, who do you think you're fooling?

Rob Stein, New York, USA

How are they going to prove this? She is a old as the Chinese government says she is. Will they subject the little girl to invasive tests? Will they just compare historical docs with "official" current docs? She is clearly not 16 years of age but now she is the age the government has set for her

david, Phoenix , USA

sounds like sour grapes

Annie, Cambridge, UK

It's absurd that this issue was neglected for so long. This time there is evidence. Next time China will be more careful what it publishes. How can the age rule ever be enforced? Height and BMI limitations would be more enforceable. Not for each individual, but average minimums for each team.

Agatha, Norfolk, US

I hope these allegations turn out to be untrue. If I were on the US Team, I would be embarrassed to learn that I lost to a bunch of little kids.

Steve, Whittier, USA

I remember watching a documentary on the assassination of Anastasia and her family. Forensic scientists were able to identify her from her older sisters by her undescended wisdom teeth, immature collarbones & nonfused pelvic bones. Why not have all these Chinese gymnasts get x-rayed for proof?

DGJ, Georgia, USA

Poor kid.
Leave her alone.
Be more careful next time.

Lori, Toronto, Canada

Never trust a Communist or Democrat--same thing. Strip the underaged athletes of their medals and pass them down to the next highest placers. Fair to all. Laughing at China....and the NBC network for rebroadcasting all that sickening, untrue Communist Chinese propoganda!

father_moray, Pape'ette, Tahiti

Violating age requirements creates a truly unfair advantage, by increasing the pool of talent from which the country can draw.

Andrew, ELIZABETH, nj

I wouldn't call it "disturbing" that most of the comments on here are from the US. It's a competition and everyone should play by the same rules. If China is cheating, take their medals away. If the US is cheating, same thing. And so what, I guess more people from the US are posting.

Chris , Los Angeles, USA

Why do the gymnasts have to be 16 but it is ok for the athletes in other sports to be younger? i.e. Divers only 14 years old. This is an unfair rule - all athletes should be at least 16 years old not just the gymnasts.

louise, houston, usa

If these women are ineligible, China has dishonored itself and the Olympics. Looking at the young face of one of the Chinese gymnasts, I find it very hard to believe that I am looking into the eyes of a 16 year-old woman. But let's see what the investigation produces.

Patrick C., Irvine, USA

The girl should loose her medal,
the rules are the rules... that's it, that's all!!!
Think about the girl who won 4th place who could have gotten a medal... how would U feel??
The lil girl will have her chance one day!

and shame on her for saying she is 16!!
Really hope the truth comes out!!!!

Eve, MOntreal, Canada

I watched the diving on TV last night and the Chinese female diver info stated she was 16, and she looked it. Developed, thin but taller than the gymnast in question. Another diver was 15 and she was also developed, tall - there really is no way that the gymnasts are of age. Cheating is cheating.

Jane C, Brookfield, USA

Not only should the Chinese women be stripped of their medals, (including the entire team for the team gold medal), but China should be banned from any further participation in the 2008 games or the 2010 winter games.

Lou, florida, United States

This is a sham and a travesty. The IOC didn't look into this because they were worried about offending China? What hypocrits. China has used these games for political reasons inorder to prove the superiority of their fascist regime. That is what I find offesive.

Joe Cooter, Syracuse, NY, United States

This must be a source of embarrassment for Chinese citizens. They are not stupid, like the rest of us they can look at these kids and know that they are underage. Has there been any stories about this controversy in China, or would that get someone sent to a re-eduication camp?

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

Isn't there a boy of 14 on "Team GB"?

SisterKaff, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK

I'm sure the Chinese gov't can produce whatever documents are required with a passport being about the easiest to fake.

The odds this investigation will get anywhere in communist china ... is kind of slim.

William Wallace, Apex, North Carolina

The Olympic Committee chose to ignore these alegations because, and only because, the games are being held in China. It makes me wonder what's in it for the Olympic Committee.

ylem, New York, USA

What would the US do to find itself at the top of gold medals...Maybe the Chinese should test Phelps for doping themselves. That might give us a shocker of results.

Andreas Andreou, Cyprus,

We expect ALL nations to play by the established rules. If the charges are substantiated, how is this situation any different than doping?

Secondly, who in their right mind cares about "offending" a nation if that nation is breaking the rules?! I don't. Heaven help us if we "offend" China..

Dave, Phoenix, AZ, USA

At the time of posting this comment all those displayed are by Americans, and exactly half cloud the issue with politics. That says a lot about what's really going on here. Is doping more 'democratic', I wonder?

Barry N, London, UK

It'a al abour fair play and keeping women's gymnastics a WOMANS event and not a CHILDS event. If China get away with this, what is to stop other less scrupulous countries doing the same. Young teenage females have an advantage of power/weight ratio compared to a 'developed' older woman.

Alison, Edinburgh, UK

*Lip singing 9 yr olds
*CGI fire works
*Not pollution - "Mist!"
*56 Paraded children proudly representing their individual ethniticies when the truth is all 56 are Han Chinese

Is this story really a shocker? The Chinese have proven they will lie, steal & bribe thier way for top metal position.

B.T., Draper, USA

The IOC, like the U.N., is at it's heart, a bunch of simpering cowards who will do almost anything to avoid controversy and allow the corrupt to have their way. As long as the established hierarchy at the IOC have their cushy, lifetime appointments, there will be no investigation of substance.

Lorenzo, Philadelphia, USA

Let her keep it? Why not let the athletes use steroids too?

Rules are established to protect the athletes. So, if you break them and win a medal, you lose the medal.

Look at the men's 200m race. Two runners (one American) were DQed because they stepped on the line...and they won medals.

CG, Chicago, USA

China has proven their inability to play by the rules. Let's verify that they cheated and punish China accordingly. HOWEVER, that little girl was removed from her family at age 3 by the government and forced to work towards this goal for her whole life. She earned the medal and should keep it.

B, Tulsa, OK

Look, it's all the more impressive that ones so young can compete against older more experienced girls! If Shawn or Nastia were here and kicking butt that young we'd all be crying,

"They're prodigies, let'em keep'em!"

Of course, maybe such dimnutive sizes afford some unfair advantage?

Mitch, Fremont, USA

I am deeply disturbed to note that all - ALL- the published comments here so far are from the United States.

Arundel, South Coast , UK

While there are no definitive tests for age, the girls should have their growth plates x-rayed and their teeth x-rayed. Pretty simple solution. A conclusive finding would be unlikely, but it could make inferenecs much easier to draw than the eye-ball method (which the atheletes fail).

Josephus, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Do you really think anything is going to come from an investigation? They claim they are going to investigate - this will die down and you'll never heat about it again. While they should get to the bottom of it, I have a hard time believing the IOC wants to embarras China at its own games.

Bob , New Jersey,

surely if it were the american's doing this, there would be a full investigation until this matter was solved. i can't believe they're worried about offending a nation that has had a history of humanitarian violations for so long. not saying that america hasn't had their problems, but please...

Jeff, USA,

Can't a dentist verify the age with an examination of her teeth.

Laura James, El Paso, USA

I hope they do more than just a show investigation. It's bad enough when atheletes and coaches cheat. But, for a government to purpotrate a fraud thereby conding cheating. Well they should be called out, stripped of their medals and penalties put in place to try and ensure it doesn't happen again.

Chris, Santa Rosa,

Whew! Wonder how many heads will (literally) roll over this.

Carol, TX, USA

It isn't her fault, but China should be punished and her medals striped. Can you imagine the worldwide scorn if we had done the same?
Becky S., Snowflake, Arizona, USA

Becky S., snowflake, Arizona, USA

what about Tom Daley?

ndanji, paris, France

I like to see the USA win metals. I don't think we are as hung up as the rest of the world to have the most metals. When I see the others competing I want to see everyone do the best that they can, but play by the rules including age limits.

hcallaway, Richmond, VA, USA

How tragic for the little girls of China. One was secretly replaced for not being cute enough, this one was lied about in public and found to not be old enough. Let the little girl keep her medal and ban China from Olympic competition.

BB, Manassas Park,

She, He, appears to have an estimated birth date, which is common in China. They do not have the same rigid government controls on everyone's life that the USA does. We number everyone and require photo ID's to travel, then accuse the Chinese of being over-controlling. More research is necessary.

John Q. Dallas, Dallas TX, USA

Is Hillary Clinton handling the record keeping for the Chinese? Probably using the same filing method she used for all those White House documents that continually went 'missing'.

DJ, Dallas, USA

Nice of the IOC to investigate now after she wins a couple golds. Just let the 14 (13, 12) year old or whatever keep the golds. The poor kid is just a pawn for the Chinese government anyway. Hopefully when she gets past puberty she'll look at them and feel a little guilty for cheating.

George, Pennsylvania, USA

Rogge is the Blatter of the Olympics Sports. Rogge, like, Blatter is predisposed to making stupid comments about the sport. Blatter had his "Cristiano Ronaldo is a slave", and Rogge has his "Usain Bolt is ungentlemanly" moment. Both comments utterly unjustified.

Forxa Barca, Costa Mesa, CA, USA

Why not probe into how Norway Hammerseng Gro got her point after the final bell? When Korean Women's team got robbed of their chance of gold. The leagal arbitration story is silent on all main media. But here story about Chinese gymnast after several days are live and well. Is this fair?

Bruce , Seattle , USA

Call me naive, but I feel bad for the kid. She's just a pawn but if this is true, she becomes the living emblem of her nation's shame... That's a heavy weight for a teenager...

Joseph, Oakland, NJ, USA

It the only way the Chinese can compete with the US is to lie and cheat. The Russians were/are the same way. Thier gymnasts were so pumped up on steroids and testerone that some of them had to shave.

Why do you have to cheat China? Can't compete honestly?

The world is laughing at you.

David, Illinois, US

If she is found to be underage then China should also lose their team medals. Her performance was the key to them winning the gold so how can you let that team gold stand if you strip hers?

AG, MA, US

Deja vu??? Chinese officials have admitted deceiving the public over another highlight of the Olympic opening ceremony: the picture-perfect schoolgirl who sang as the Chinese flag entered the stadium was performing to another girl's voice.

Dennis, Cincinnati, USA

Not surprising. Seems to me the Chinese will do almost anything to save face or succeed. Steal intellectual property, exploit workers throughout the world, lie in the Olympics. Nonsense.

J, Chicago, USA

She didn't "edged out the US gymnast Nastia Liukin for the gold medal in the uneven bars on Monday", she won because of a tie-breaker. That is a little misleading.

Alison, Dallas, USA

Any proof they come up with will more than likely add to the number of lies they've told already. I don't think she should keep it and at this point, the ages of all Chinese Olympians should be investigated. This Olympics proves the Chinese have no problem with lying to look good.

Maureen, Chicago, IL, USA

From the country of forgeries, piracy and massive corruption, it's more surprising that the world took China at its word. Example -you can get a passport for most any country in China for $100. This will end up being Bush's fault I'm sure.

Ken, Duvall, US

If China is, indeed, sending athletes that are younger than the age limit, I hope their medals are stripped. Oh, and what an irony it would be for a citizen-journalist from the West to find the official Chinese documents and blow the lid off this case. So much for controlling the internet in China!!

brian, San Diego, CA,

I'm tired of westerner's such as ourselves worrying about 'offending China.' Here in the United States (like every other Western nation), we put our controveries on the front page of every major newspaper. We pride ourselves on transparency, and that is what separates us from authoritarian regimes

Jack, Seattle, USA

Cheating is accepted means by them to keep the best face to the outside world. It is prevalent and accepted in their universities. Why should it not be in their athletics? I am surprised that we have not seen any buildings collapse during the 2008 Olympics since one cannot cheat structural stresses.

Sammy Moyer, Philadelphia, USA

I believe she is underage and China has been caught cheating. I am sure the cover-up will get extensive as this will humiliate the communist country. Since she/China cheated they should lose all their gymnastic medals. Shame on China!

Rick, Anaheim, USA

One of the Chinese "16" year olds was 68 pounds!

That girl needs to be in a hospital!

Or is the weight also a "clerical error"--just like the Chinese claimed the age was?

John Beadle, Port of Spain,

This issue came up way before the Games, please get the facts straight.

cv, whittier,

It's about time.

Glenn, Orange County, CA

Americans "claim" to interpret success by total medals? American newspapers have been ranking the medals tables (notice how they are not called "gold tables" ) in order of total medals for decades, even when the Soviets had most total medals. If you want to do otherwise, call it a "golds table."

Chip Sviokla, New York, USA

let her keep it.

chris long, fayetteville, USA

What are the obstacles for a government-run olympic gymnastics training center to get a faked passport for one of their underage prodigies, so that she can enjoy her talent on the World Stage, and win Gold and Honor for China?

The only obstacle would be finding a stamp for the application.

bill mogus, brooklyn, USA

The IOC should tell the Chinese: give us the truth now, and we'll only strip the medals. Otherwise if the ICO launches a full investigation and finds something, the China should be banned from the next Winter and Summer games.

Tony, Maryland, USA

The Chinese Communists truly overestimate their ability to lie to those outside their country. Sure, they can get away with anything in China— the people have no choice but to believe them. And this fosters the arrogant attitude that we see here. Sorry, China— nobody trusts you outside your borders.

Gregory Scott, Houston, Texas

A communist country cheating?
It can't be.

JP, NC, USA

I'm shocked! SHOCKED, to find lying and deception in China!

Frank L, Largo, FL, USA

Sounds like the documents at the Ministry of Truth went into the Memory Hole.

S kelly, Gahanna, OH, USA