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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There gets to be a point where your joints can’t really take the beating anymore. Contortion/yoga doesn’t beat down your joints the same way that tumbling does. Older adults can and still do gymnastics, just not typically at a high level. Also gymnast start at a very young age. By 16 they’ve already put 10ish years of pressure on their growing joints.
In recent years gymnasts have been trending older. Speaking for the American team, USA Gym had a large culture of abuse and girls were typically too injured and burnt out by 18 to keep competing. This has changed for the better as 4 out of the 5 women on the Olympic team this year are returning Olympians and over the age of 20 (Simone is 27). Healthier, safer environment = women staying in the sport for longer.
Consider watching Athlete A (Netflix) or At the Heart of Gold (HBO, but also on YouTube) if you’re interested in what caused the culture shift in American gymnastics.
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