Beijing (CNS) -- Not even two months after the "Lijiang scandal," the Chinese short-track speed skating team has found itself in another scandal. On the evening of July 24, six athletes, including world champion Wang Meng, were involved in a serious clash with their team manager after drinking and returning later than curfew.
According to the investigative report released by the Winter Sports Administration Center of the National Sports Bureau on the evening of July 28, this incident was socially irresponsible, and has damaged the winter sports athletes' image. Serious punishment is being discussed.
Prior to this, this group of world-level athletes had disappointed the public with their scandal in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Wang Meng, together with her group members, fought with a group of local security guards on June 7. Both sides were somewhat hurt.
The administration called for the athletes to reflect on the scandal and enhance their sense of social responsibility on June 10.
Owing to the "Lijiang scandal," the short-track speed skating team set up a rule that athletes have to return to their dorms before 10pm, after the group entered an intensive training period in Qingdao.
Around 11pm on July 24, some athletes were discovered returning drunk and after curfew by their manager, Wang Chunlu. These athletes included Wang Meng, Liu Qiuhong, Liu Xianwei, Han Jialiang, Zhou Yang, and Liang Wenhao.
Wang Chunlu attempted to communicate with Wang Meng about the violation. But the conversation did not go well and turned into a quarrel.
Later, Liu Xianwei rushed into the room and hit Wang Chunlu. Wang Meng also physically attacked the manager. Wang Chunlu was slightly injured.
Wang Meng went so far as to damage the apartment's facilities. Later she carelessly cut her hands with broken glass, and was sent to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University's Medical College.
Person responsible has stepped into the incident investigation and mediation.
Li Yan, chief coach of the short-track speed skating team, told the media that the incident has severely affected the training schedule.
Li refused to talk more about the details and said: "The sports center is probing into this. I can't say much about it." She did confirm the dispute though. As the chief coach, she "knew very well the reason behind it," saying: “Someone on the team is playing a game.”
The Winter Sports Administration Center told CNS on July 28: "The incident (on July 24) was very serious and has damaged our image greatly. The center is no doubt responsible for lack of management and proper education. We are deeply sorry for what has happened, and apologize to society for its negative impact."
