Olympics 2008

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

But the question is, do you think it is wrong for any child to train as hard as the elite level athletes do?

When that elite training will have lifelong repercussions for their physical well being, comfort, education, and general health. Yes, I'd say so.

When being allowed to train for a goal where you'll then be told that the expectations and hopes of national glory ride on your shoulders? Yes, I'd say so.

Yes, there is a risk of serious injury in pretty much any athletic endeavor. But in women's gymnastics (more than male where the emphasis is more on upper body strength that doesn't fully develop into adulthood) it is endemic for them to essentially be walking stress fractures, engaging in a level of physical activity that delays maturation (stunting growth), and generally being removed from anything resembling a normal life. Sure, it may not be as overt as the factory system of the Chinese but it is nearly just as bad here.

All so that every four years millions can look on and say "ooh, pretty." Yes, it is pretty. It is also, in my opinion, wrong.