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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Same reason an adult thinks twice about jumping off a med height step. You used to never think about it, till that time you twisted your ankle… gymnasts fall… a lot. They also fall after reaching a level of very difficult and dangerous tricks… fear creeps in. I’m a skiier since I was 4. I don’t fall often, but when I do… it’s epic! And now it probably means injury… so I’m more careful.
It’s a combination of physical and mental… and mental is huge in gymnastics.
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