Olympics: Ban lifted on China’s top Olympian

BEIJING: China’s most decorated winter Olympian is to return to competition after she was dropped from the national team following a drunken brawl with its manager. Speed skater Wang Meng, who won four gold medals, was banned 13 months ago after fighting with her team manager when she was admonished for returning late to a training camp following a night out drinking. The lifting of the ban means the 27-year-old will be able to compete at the next Winter Games in Russia in 2014, in a bid to add to her tally of six Olympic medals Wang, who is known for her outspoken character, said she had turned a corner following the suspension. “If I can train hard, I am sure I can make all those who supported me proud,” said Wang.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2012.