FIG introduces licence to combat underage claims

Athletes will have to carry a passport-type identification at major championships to ensure they are eligible to compete, the governing body of gymnastics (FIG) announced yesterday.

"By signing, an athlete attests to his or her identity and age and consents to a formal athlete profile," the FIG said in a statement.

At last year's Beijing Olympics the age of gymnasts was under the spotlight after media reports suggested the gold medal-winning Chinese women's team included three underaged competitors.

FIG, whose rules state athletes must be at least 16 during an Olympic year to compete at the Games, investigated the matter and were satisfied with documentary evidence provided by the Chinese authorities.

Under new regulations all gymnasts taking part in any FIG event will have to apply for the licence and the governing body hopes this will deter competitors from trying to fake their ages in the future.

Registration will begin next week and the FIG's 129 member federations will have until June 30 to sign up the athletes for free.