Do you think the Olympic gymnasts discourage teenagers?

Question

I mean, do you think teenagers who want to do gymnastics are discouraged by watching the Olympics because they feel they are "too late". I think it is never too late, but what do you think?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

This really is the problem with gymnastics, it's such a grueling sport, as far as wear and tear on the body. Honestly, there are not a lot of people who can hold up under the immense strain of practicing and performing at such high standards. Gymnasts are given a very limited window for their "peak" time, which I could see as being discouraging to teenage girls, they have a rapidly closing window to get things done right.

However, I think there is a great deal of inspiration in the gymnast from Germany. She is 33 years old, has a son, and just won a silver medal for the vault, which is considered one of the hardest events to master. Few people actually excel in that event.  

Answer 3

No, they don't.

What about Oksana Chusovitina who is representing Germany? She has a son and is in her 30s!

Answer 4

I think you should start early though to be competitive in higher level, 4-7 years old...unless you're super-super gifted....coz your oponents in the olympics train since very young. As of the Russian-German momma, she was already a gymnast as a kid...its not like she's starting from a scratch.

Answer 5

I hope they aren't discouraged, because it's never too late to do gymnastics!  True, it may be too late to become an Olympic gymnast, but there are a lot more reasons to do gymnastics than just going to the Olympics.  Competing at any level is a great experience, whether it's at a club or on a middle school or high school team.  And even if you never compete, there are so many benefits from the sport.  It keeps you in great shape, and the strength, flexibility and coordination you develop will help you in any other sport. You gain poise and grace, and learn to feel confident and comfortable with your body. You learn to work hard, set goals and overcome obstacles.  And you learn to do a lot of cool tricks that most of your friends can't do, which is always fun at parties!  Just because it may be too late to reach the highest levels, there's no reason not to do gymnastics if it's something you enjoy!

Answer 6

I think it depends.  If the teenagers are wanting to start gymnastics with the goal of making the Olympics, then I'd say it may be too late - it's not impossible, but it would be very very difficult and unlikely.  It takes years of practice and the body adapts to the gymnastics training, and so for a teenager to begin that late, it would be harder for their body to adapt to be able to do all the moves.  But, if the teenagers want to go into gymnastics with the realization they will not be Olympic level, they can still do it and achieve a respectable level (state or national).  But hey, this is just my opinion.  If there's a teenager that could start late and make it to the Olympics and prove me wrong - that would be great.  Like the swimmer Dara Torres said "Don't put an age limit on your dreams."

Answer 7

They shouldn't after watching that 33-year-old German woman on the Vault - which I think she deserved gold.

However, I do get where you are coming from.  Nastia, 18, is considered "old" yet during the last Olympics, she was too YOUNG.  Though Shawn and Nastia said 2012 would be based on how their bodies hold up so I think it really does get a little tougher as you get older.

Answer 8

No. If anything it should inspire them to want to try harder to get to the Olympics.

I know after watching the Olympic gymnastics, I feel like going outside and jumping and tumbling on the trampoline.

Answer 9

No, I don't think so. It's one of those "shoot for your dreams" type situations. If you've got talent and ambition, you may just be able to compete at any age.

Answer 10

Oksana Aleksandrovna Chusovitina is 31 years old and she just won a silver medal in gymnastics. Granted she has been doing it for a while but I think that shows it's never too late.