Ages of olympic athletes?

Question

There has been a lot of speculation that the chinese gymnasts are not 16 years old, which is the age limit to compete in the olympics. However, one of the chinese divers is 15 and will not turn 16 until December. How come she is able to compete when she is not of age yet? It just doesn't seem to make sense.

Answer 1

if you turn 16 the year of the olympics that you are in, then you are qualified. those chinese gymnasts are 14 and younger.

Answer 2

If the athlete turns 16 the same year as the olympics then they're able to compete. Since she'll be 16 in December, she's able to participate.  

Answer 3

It's different for diving. The minimum age for diving is 14.  The gymnastics age is one must turn 16 by olympic year.  There's actually a 14 year old British diver Thomas Daley competing this year.