A file photo of the former Chinese star gymnast Sang Lan [baidu.com]

Sang Lan, a former Chinese star gymnast, has once again become the focus of media coverage.

Sang was left paralyzed after being injured at the New York Goodwill Games in 1998.

At the time, she accused a Romanian coach of distracting her as she was making a warm up vault.

A report from China's official Xinhua News Agency has now cast doubt on Sang's story, saying new evidence has suggested the foreign coach did not distract her. Instead, he was the first person to offer help to Sang after she lost balance and fell onto the mat.

Responding to the report, Sang Lan wrote on her Weibo account that some people had jumped to a conclusion simply based on some screenshots.

She suggested these people interview those who witnessed the incident.

Sang was only 17 when was injured, and has had to use a wheelchair ever since.

The gymnast had been hailed as a hero and a smiling angel, and for the positive outlook and stubbornness she displayed during the long process of recovery.

However, in 2011, she launched a transnational lawsuit against the organizing committee of the Goodwill Games, demanding huge compensation, prompting some to doubt her credibility.

Editor: Kate Wu(CRIENGLISH.com)