A successful gymnastics training centre has become embroiled in a sex scandal after allegations that trainers molested at least six girls- some, if not all, of whom are underage.
Closed-Door Training, Changsha, is credited with producing 15 world champions and six Olympic winners, with alumni including gold medallists Lu Li, Liu Xiao and Li Xiaopeng. According to insiders, former principal Liu Zhiqiang and deputy Zeng Rong were detained as early as last November under allegations of molesting the girls. The case only came to light today in the Oriental Morning Post, due to the hush-hush nature surrounding gymnastic practices. “Gymnastics is a local forte and authorities asked to keep it as a top secret," an insider said.
According to Shanghai Daily, "Lawyer Du Xiaoqiu said closed-door training has management loopholes. Victims often feel helpless and it is difficult to collect evidence".
The school accepts around 50 of the most talented gymnasts in Hunan province, and trains the students from ages eight to twelve. Those who do well move on to join the provincial team and enter the struggle to join the national squad. The pupils sleep in dormitories at the school.
[Image via Flickr]
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