Why do you have to be 16 for olympic gymnastics?

Question

Just wondering

Answer 1

I think some are atleast 15, but most of them are under. But whatever they got away with it, and they got their Gold, congrats to them!

Answer 2

I believe the rule was in an effort to limit certain countries from beginning such rigorous olympic style training of girls at such young ages.  (Video example of extreme training at very young ages in link below.)  These types of hard training at young ages can be injurious to the athlete.  In the USA such olympic style training does not begin until the athlete is 10 years old.

It appears though that this rule does not prevent all countries from doing so, therefore I think the age limit should be removed and if the girls qualify, regardless of age, should be allowed to participate.  Had that rule not been in place, Shawn Johnson would have been able to participate 2 years ago because she was good enough to qualify.

Answer 3

Because of the rigorous training involved in shaping an Olympian. It's unhealthy to have a 12-13 year old girl working out 7-8 hours a day. It hinders growth processes as well as social and mental development, and not to mention the exploitation of the young girls. It's more to protect the athlete then anything else. What most people hate about this rule is that a lot of gymnasts peak at that age (12-13ish), therefore, to force them to wait until they're 16, is unfair to them and their talents. Because of the amount of potential injuries it's very rare for a gymnast to stay at that level for several amount of years waiting to be old enough to make it to the olympics.

Answer 4

Not sure....but the Chinese are under 16....

Dominique Moceanu (USA) was 14.

Answer 5

Because gymnastics has accumulated numerous athlete abuses on most young children.