Tell that to the 12 year old gymnastics competitors I ran into once outside a venue when it was 40 degrees out. They have a very low body fat percentage.

That's a sport that should probably die off, at least in anything like its current form, along with American Football.

[–] wafflez@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Why, due to saftey concerns?

[–] frezik@midwest.social 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Broadly, yes. They're 12 year olds being pushed into unsafe diet and exercise plans, often with very high pressure coming from parents and coaches. The Olympic committee was right to raise the minimum competition age over the last few decades, but this shit still happens.

[–] emergencyfood@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

being pushed into unsafe diet and exercise plans, often with very high pressure coming from parents and coaches

That's true of any sport? I agree that sports should be more fun and less competitive, at least for children, but why single out gymnastics? At least there's no contact like in wrestling or even football.