Less wrong than usual, but wrong:
… this is a sport that idolizes prepubescent and underweight girls. …
There is something to what you say, Jennifer. Thin and young gymnasts are sometimes overscored by judges.
But myself and many gymnastics experts idolize this gymnast:
(via Live Breath Love Gymnastics)
Is she “prepubescent and underweight”?
Or is she the ultimate in female fitness for a 20yr-old woman?
Jennifer, you quote the Women’s Technical Chair for F.I.G. in your article in Salon:
Nellie Kim, a five-time Olympic gold medalist for the former Soviet Union, says it’s because they’re lighter and more fearless, which allows them to perform more difficult maneuvers. Kim was 23 when she competed in her final Olympics in 1980, where she won two golds. …
Nellie Kim is correct.
Young gymnasts have some advantages. They have some real weaknesses too. I predict that experience will win the day over young and fearless in the showdown between the USA and China in Team Finals.
Any coach in the world would choose the BEST gymnast for the Olympic Team, regardless of age and body type. Start score is more important than percentage body fat in 2008.
related post: is ex-gymnast author Jennifer Sey a liar?
Gymnastics Coaching.com 