Wait a minute... you have to be at least 16 to compete in olympic gymnastics, right?

Question

Then why was this one female Japanese gymnast only 15? I was watching the olympics last night and on the female balance beam finals this one Japanese girl was 15 years old. I thought the age requirement was 16.

Answer 1

you have to turn 16 during 2008 to be eligible to compete. she is only 15 but she will turn 16 by the end of the year.

Answer 2

if they are turning 16 the year of the olympics then it is okay.

Answer 3

If you are turning 16 this year then it is ok

Answer 4

if you turn 16 this year you can be 15

Answer 5

Yep. Unless you're Chinese, you have to be sixteen or turning sixteen in the Olympic year to compete.