Older athletes (older like in the mid-late 20s or even 30s) will be stronger, faster, more disciplined, more experienced, than their 14-16 year equivalents. Is it just flexibility? There are circus contortionists and yoga enthusiasts that are incredibly flexible into their 30s or later.
I can’t think of any trait unique to gymnastics that other sports don’t also require to explain why gymnasts are so dang young, particularly the women’s. Men’s gymnastics seems to have a much older average age.
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It’s body size, being smaller means better strength to weight ratio, which is an advantage.
Back in 2008 the Chinese Women’s team of all “15 and up” looked like this.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/scandal-of-the-ages-docum_b_118842
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