How young to Chinese gymnasts start to train?

Question

Are they forced to train to be a gymnast?

Answer 1

Their parents willingly allow it. Mainly because if their child becomes an Olympic athlete, they feel that their lives may improve. They typically start around age 3.

Answer 2

About two, and they are taken away from their families.

Answer 3

Some as early as the age of 3.  Check out the video of Chinese gymnastics training in the link provided below.  They are worked way hard at such an early age.  In one shot in the video, a little girls hands are blistered and bleeding.

Edit:  Yes the gymnasts are chosen and removed from the home to live at the training center, but it is with parental permission.  Most will permit it because there is the possibility of improvement in their lives.

Answer 4

2 or 3 years old and they are forced.

Answer 5

About 2 years old.

Answer 6

Age three. Taken from their families after officials observe their height and ect. They go to training farms and see their parents once a year. Usually the parents let it happen because they believe the kids will have a better life. This isn't just for gymnasts. It goes for all sports. I remember reading article about a woman weightlifter and how she said officials came to her house and measured her and claimed she was good size for a weightlifter thus now she is a weightlifter. Also one of their divers was initially placed in gymnastics program but because she wanted to stay at a certain weight she changed to diving. And when she did her dive... There was barely a splash.

@ Semicharmed: wow that video.... so messed up... humans arent meant to stretch that much either...

Answer 7

My friend, I believe they start training at the age of three.

Good luck