Beijing (CNS) -- The former Olympic gold medalist and national team captain Wang Meng has been expelled from the short-track speed skating team, according to the Winter Sports Administration Center under the General Administration of Sport of China August 4.
The brilliant history of Chinese short-track speed skating started at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics when Wang Meng led the team to a glorious record of all four gold medals. Her team was awarded the best sport team of the year, over the traditionally spotlighted table tennis and badminton teams.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Wang's the violent confrontation in Qingdao has led to serious consequences. Most of the athletes involved were urged to apologize and reflect on their behavior, including Wang Meng, Liu Xianwei, Liang Wenhao, Han Jialiang, Liu Qiuhong and Zhou Yang. However, Wang Meng and Liu Xianwei, the two main offenders, were sent back to their local teams, ordered to pay for the damages, and deprived of access to international and domestic contests.
The official reason for the punishment was attributed to the athletes' violation of the regulations and rude reactions to the managers.
It also claimed that their behaviors have left a very negative influence on the team's management, moral standards, sport spirits, as well as the general public. Their serious offences did not deserve the shining titles.
however, the administration did not fully close the doors to Wang and Liu. The statement allows their return under effective education. On account of their great contributions to speed skating in China, the authorities anticipate lessons will be learned by the athletes and the whole sport system, with a better future for Chinese sports.
For her part, Wang Meng posted a microblog, "I am extremely sorry to all people that like me or care for me for what has occurred in Qingdao and its aftermath."
Moreover, she has been insisting that there is a hidden truth and claims to be holding a press conference soon. "I am just an ordinary person. If any single media outlet dares to report the truth, please come to my conference. Besides, I want to express sincere regret on the incident," Wang told CNS in a video interview.
