Why are their age limits for the olympics?

Question

why does it matter how old you are?

as long as your talented enough to do it, why not?

opinions?

Answer 1

it matters because u might hurt yourself and that u dont know what to do.

Answer 2

I heard somewhere that Olympic training is a lot of wear and tear on the body, something that a child should not have to be subjected to. As for the age discrepancies for gymnast, the younger you are the more flexible the body is as well as the lower your body weight will be which allows for an advantange over older gymnast.

Answer 3

good question...i don't know either...

But if a 6 year old was VERY good at driving, would it be right for him/her to have a license?

lol..i dont know why i just said that.

Answer 4

i believe there was a long story about athletes in the past came from poor families and were sent out to earn money at a young age.....but basically they felt that too much pressure would be put on younger athletes and decided to put a limit

Answer 5

What matters is that young bodies are not ready to do the gymnastics that the Chinese have for that little 14-year old girl. The lower age limit is 16, and that's young for developing bones, joints and muscles. The upper age limit is apparently somewhere in the 40's as witness Dara Torres at the age of 41 swimming with 16 year old's and winning medals.  

Answer 6

not all sports have age limits. there is a minimum age limit, but i dont think theres a maximum. they are usually set up to protect the health of the child.