Why would Chinese use underaged gymnasts?

Question

You'd think a 16 year old can do better then a 13 year old.

Answer 1

The nine year olds they're using are much lighter than teenagers, so they are able to fly really high up in the air and do extra flips and twists before coming down. Plus, they're shorter so it takes a longer time for their legs to reach the ground allowing them even more time to do flips and twists.  

Answer 2

The younger one could be a little nimbler and with less wear and tear on the body. Anyways she could just be more natural and hence a better gymnast than an older girl.

Answer 3

Weight and pre-puberty body build has a lot to do with it. They're lighter, so some of it's easier to do (parallel bars, where they have to swing and control their body around it with their arms) and their center of gravity is lower, making it easier for them to keep their balance. Also, they've been training since they were around 3 years old with a body that, aside from height and weight gain, hasn't changed much, the sudden change in weight distribution could throw them off.

The last reason I've heard mentioned is that the younger they are, the more fearless they tend to be, but I'm not sure how much I believe that.

Answer 4

I don't think they did. I am Chinese, SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD, but I'm ONLY 4 ft 9. And Asians tend to be skinny and small. I can pass for a 12 year old, and no one can tell I'm 17. Just so you know.  

Answer 5

when puberty comes, they have to adjust to a lot of changes, and their balance goes off

*** and they get heavier in some areas which makes it harder for them to do some stuff