Why is their an age limit in the Olympics?

Question

I mean, if there is like a thirteen year old swimmer who can beat cullen jones or brendan hansen (I'm not saying there is one), why can't they compete if they want to. In my opinion, if they do best at trials, they should go to the olympics.

Answer 1

I'm not sure about lower age limit for all sports... GB had a 14 year old diver.

Answer 2

There is no age limit for swimming. If there was a 13 year old who got one of the top 2 spots, they could compete in the olympics.

Answer 3

I don't think there is an age limit in swimming.

It's gymnastics that has the age limits, and as we have all seen, lets just do away with the age limits so each country can pick their best gymnasts without forging passports.