Probe ordered into Chinese gymnast8217;s age

There have been persistent media allegations that He had competed in earlier tournaments under a later birthdate, and on Thursday an American computer expert said he had uncovered Chinese state documents that proved she was 14 and not 16.

An IOC official said the International Gymnastics Federation had been asked to investigate because of 8220;discrepancies8221; over He8217;s age. Gymnasts must turn 16 in the year of the Games to take part.

China has invested billions in selecting and training its athletes from a young age, an effort rewarded by top spot in the medals table, with 46 golds. This has been seen as a sign China has the sporting prowess to match its rising superpower status.

There has been criticism of the system even from within China, though, with one former Olympic medallist saying many children who fail to make the grade are left without sufficient education or social skills.