I don't think that is the logic behind the rule because it is unique to gymnastics. I was watching synchronized diving and there was a 14 year old male and a pair of US girls aged 15. I'm really not sure why the rule exists for gymnastics.

As Bela Caroly stated as his opinion, the rule stinks and should be abolished. He believes that the Chinese girls are underage and that it was common to forge documents in his days in Romania. His argument is that if the girls are good enough at 13, 14, whatever age, to compete at the Olympic level, let them. He wants the playing field leveled.

Given that other Olympic sports allows competitors under age 16 years, why not follow his suggestion?

__________________