Who’s for a Youth Olympics?

Question

+Yes, I am aware that the Youth Olympics exist. Now, to my main points…

*Instead of endlessly defending or opposing the ‘age protocols’ of the Olympic games, why not just encourage the youth (children and young teens) to do their own thing (by their own youth ‘protocol’) at the Youth Olympics - and let the adults compete, as we always do, in our own Olympics?

Wouldn’t everybody be happy then?

http://corporate.olympics.com.au/ayof07/news.cfm?ArticleID=9021

[If you saw a duplicate of this, please be kind to the error. I had to wrestle with a glitch.]

Answer 1

yes i agree! if you have a great talent, but you are under 16, thats not fair!  

Answer 2

It seems that other people are not aware of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. For the 14-18 years old.

http://www.singapore2010.sg/night/index....

Answer 3

Problem is, in some sports it's the kids who are the best at it, in some it's mature adults at the peak of their strength, and in others age and experience gives a huge advantage. Where are you going to draw the lines, when in gymnastics and diving the 12 year olds are often better than international adults, but in rifle shooting they're hopelessly outclassed by your average 60 year old club standard amateur?

I don't think children and young teens need a youth Olympics - or international competition - at all. Let them be kids and aim for the real thing when they are older.