Why are gymnasts short?

Question

Why are gymnasts short?

Answer 1

because the sport requires very small girls and by the elite level all/most of the tall girls have dropped out because they are just too tall. every once in a while you will see a girl who is 5'5" or so and she just cannot compete at the same level flipping through the air because of her height. gymnastics doesn't stunt the growth that much

Answer 2

Because, if you are tall and have long legs imagine how hard it will be to run and do the uneven bars with their legs all over the place.

I think it makes sense that they are short.

Answer 3

Gymnastics actually stunts your growth for a start and many tall gymnasts never get to compete to that level and they simply aren't as good.

Answer 4

Lower center of gravity helps in gymnastics.

Answer 5

I assume it is much easier to flip around your frame when you are 5-foot-2 than when you are 6-foot-2

Answer 6

It's easier to do flips and maneuvers. Taller gymnasts generally look more graceful, but being small/short makes things easier. Not all gymnasts are short (nastia liukin) but many of the famous ones are. Being taller in gymnastics mean you need to work harder, like stretch more.  

Answer 7

so they can do flips and stuff

Answer 8

ask the Chinese, they know why :P

Answer 9

Gymnastics in general, women's in particular, is easier for smaller bodies. So naturally, the shorter ones tend to be a larger percentage of elite gymnasts.  

Another factor is that it is believed that if one starts serious regimented strength training, such as lifting weights,  too early it can stunt a persons growth. Many elite gymnasts have been training since a very early age.