[quote]The earliest champions in women's gymnastics tended to be in their 20s; most had studied ballet for years before entering the sport. Larissa Latynina, the first great Soviet gymnast, won her first Olympic all-around medal at the age of 22, her second at 26 and her third at 30; she became the 1958 World Champion while pregnant with her daughter. Czech gymnast Věra Č

Things have changed a lot but the age of international champions are increasing again. One of the greatest gymnasts in the world is Oksana from Germany (previously uzbekistan) and she is 32 years old and has a child yet is always winning at world championships. Many gymnasts are competing internationall right into their late 20's and on these days. Women actually peak in strength at the age of 30 and this should be when they peak in gymnastics too. But it is so rare because the sport wears out the kids bodies by having them train enourmous hours at a very young age. Very few are still healthy and injury free by even their late teens as they have been training 25-40 hours a week from 8, 9 or 10 years of age. Also because the sport demands so much time for training that most people can't continue after a certain age as they need to make money, or wish to start a family. But that is changing aswell due to the fact that many more professional opportunities exsist in some countries.

it was after nadia came along that things changed. she was smaller and maybe not as strong as the other older girls, but in gymnastics its relative strength that matters. young girls bodies are better suited to the sport and the smaller you are the easier and safer gymnastics is to do and learn. after all, the best gymnastics is the one that looks like childs play! gym is for girls, not women, and it is nice that way.