The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) revealed it has opened a case against Iowa-based company AAI in relation to the incident.

In its statement, the FIG said the mats sold by AAI were different to those tested in March 2012 and were therefore not FIG-accredited.

"The 20 centimetre landing mat supplied by the American manufacturer in Nanjing, which covered a total surface of 740 metres squared, differed from those tested for market in March 2012," a statement read.

"As a result, they were not FIG certified."

Due to the issue the mats had to be replaced with equipment obtained at the last minute from a gymnastic centre in Tianjin, China ©Getty Images



The issue was picked up by an on-site representative from the FIG-accredited testing laboratory in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, who, under FIG procedure, "systematically verifies equipment used in competition".

Following the inspection, all mats were recalled and replaced with equipment obtained at the last minute from a gymnastic centre in Tianjin, China.

The case has consequently been passed to the FIG Disciplinary Commission, where conclusions will be "rendered shortly".

The gymnastics competition took place at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium during the Youth Olympic Games and saw athletes compete across five disciplines throughout the two-week Games period.

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