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Chinese Paralympian's Gold Deprived after Classification Review
The joy for Chinese Paralympian Li Dongmei was short-lived as her gold had been deprived after the review of classification.
The disqualification decision came shortly after Li won the gold in the women's discus throw F54 competition on Saturday in the Sydney Paralympics Games where she made debut.
As the rule goes, the classification process must be completed at least two days prior to the start of the competition and the classification are subject to review during training and competition.
Jia Yong, a senior official with the Chinese delegation, said that Li, who competed in the F54 category according to the pre-games classification, had been reclassified into F55 after Saturday's final.
"The difference between F54 and F55 is mainly the function of the waist. The medical official judged by how her waist functioned in competition and made the decision,"he said.
"It is final, and we are not allowed to make protest,"said Jia.
"But such things are normal in the competition involving the athletes with a disability,"he added.
After being reclassified into F55, Li's hope for winning gold again is slimmed.
"Li felt very disappointed. But we have to accept this non-appeal decision," said Jia.
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