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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One of the reasons I’ve heard given is that girl’s bodies continue to change into their early to mid twenties. Compared to a 14 year old girl, a 24 year old woman is going to have wider hips and larger breasts. This radically shifts the center of gravity.
I’m no athlete but I’ve had my center of gravity shift drastically in the last three years. I now have a difficult time walking and sometimes I fall over. And I’ve been walking for nearly six decades.
And of course, the injuries and wear and tear. I wince when I see them perform, because I know they’re going to pay for it with lifelong pain.
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