Olympic gymnastics champ Chen Yibing suffers knee injury

Chen Yibing in this April 8, 2012 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - Chinese gymnastics Olympic champion Chen Yibing suffered an injury to his knee on Saturday while training with the Chinese men's team in Northern Ireland.

The 27-year-old Chen, who won gold medals in the team and rings events during Beijing Olympics, sustained the injury while trying a jump during the vaulting training. He was later sent to a local hospital and team doctor believed it was meniscus damage.

"The injury in his knee is not very serious with no swelling. He was sent to the hospital and went through MRI scan. The result will come out on Monday," said Ye Zhennan, team leader of the Chinese gymnastic squad on Sunday.

"It was just a small accident," said Chen who remains optimistic after the injury. "With two weeks left before the competitions, I believe I can recover in time."