Do you think there should be an age limit in sport, Olympics?

Question

Having watched the gymnasts, i am beginning to think there should be an age limit in the sports, looking at most of the women gymnasts, they don't look old enough, and can't help wondering how much of a life they have had going on the fact of how many years it takes to compete at this level. The Chinese girls look so little and many far too young. In any other walk of life we would condemn pushing children so very hard. How do they manage any kind of life, school particularly whilst competing at this age. I know to be the best you have to start young, but somehow we seem to be pushing children into positions they really aren't ready for.

Answer 1

There is an age limit in gymnast already.

USA blamed on this just because they are not perfect as China team did.  

Answer 2

Do you mean have a minimum age limit or max age limit?  I do not think there should be a max age limit.  Look at Dara Torres of the US.  She is over 40 and is competing in swimming where a 25 year old is considered old and she is out there winning silver medals!  Go Dara!  As for a minimum age limit I think certain sports such as gymnastics should have one.  Other sports no.  Look at the youngest person competing at these Olympics.  He is only 14 and can hold his own in the sport of diving.

Answer 3

no. if your best why should your age stop you. you still better thann the 20 year old etc...

Answer 4

I say 5 to 99 !

Answer 5

I like things the way they are. I love to see young athletes being brilliant in the sport that they've trained so hard at. I remember seeing Olga Korbut many years ago at about 16 I think, and thought she was truly amazing. She would have started training very hard much younger, and of course she did have problems. And who can forget Nadia? Truly amazing and a joy for the world to see. I think the training that they went through was very tough, but I'm glad that we saw the skills and talent that they had so much of.

Truth is, we're too soft today wrapping people up in cotton wool. The Olympics should be hard, and the very best should compete no matter how old they are, even at 11 or 12!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yOOmFgBAdI... Okay, Olga was 17 in the '72 Olympics, but just take a look at this.

Answer 6

I agree that there should be an age limit in sports if for safety purposes.  

Age shouldn't be based on observation.  In my opinion, many asian people tend to look younger than their age.  

Not all children the same!  For those living in poverty, sport is a skill, a way out, and hopefully a new life.  

Parents want to see their kid, but too often can distract their practices.  Beside, not everyone can afford a travel ticket.  

Answer 7

Gymnasts need to be 16 in the year of the Olympics to compete. Probably due to the very reasons you bring up. There is some debate as to whether the Chinese gymnasts meet the age requirements, but they have produced valid identification, so they are allowed to compete.

Answer 8

There IS an age limit for gymnastics. You have to be 16 to compete in gymnastics. Although, it's clear that the Chinese have girls as young as 10 or 11 involved.

In general experience and maturity is needed, as well as raw talent and fitness. Therefore, gymn is one of the only sports where the younger, the better.

This issue was highlighted by the British diver, Tom Daley. He is just 14 years old and along side those huge men, he did look out of place. The problem with putting young athletes in is that they are worked up and up. I know, as I'm British, that he was considered a hopeful. Clearly, the whole thing was too much, as he under performed. I think this highlights the maturity needed to be successful at the games.

To conclude, yes, I do think there should be a limit. I firmly believe 16, or turning 16 in the months running up to the games, is a good age. It allows that much more maturity and at 16 your really starting to turn into an adult. Not a zit-faced teenager anymore. I think the talent speaks for itself, no matter what age. Wait those few years doesn't harm anybody. It only helps the athletes, and that's got to be a good thing.

:)

Answer 9

Well I understand your point to a point, but you've also got to realize that the young women you saw in the Olympics are all probably really glad that they did start so early and did dedicate their early lives to their sport, since they currently get to compete in the Olympics which is something most people never get to do. I bet they are happy, not sad about what they are doing.

Answer 10

i think that if you are able to compete in the olympic then it shouldnt matter how old you are. i also think after reading you question that you need to look up the meaning of limit

Answer 11

There's a age limit for taking in Olympics. It's 16 years of age and older to eligible to take part.

As far as I know, kids start as early from age of 3 and in training for the day to appear in Olympics.

Yes, I do feel it's pushing kids very hard in a way but parents have to be a supporting role if there kids do show interest as well.

Answer 12

Although it may be sensible to have age boundaries it's not really that necessary. Olympics is about being THE BEST mortally possible. If someone wins gold because someone better (be them older or younger) is barred from competing would that not make the gold medal meaningless?