Short duration of athletic careers

Name(s): 
Young age of top athletes
Child athletes
Incidence 
In 1976 the average age of gymnasts at the world championships was 17 and a half years; in 1992 it was 16, while almost none were over 18. These girls would have begun intensive training at the age of 6 or 7; within 10 years their career as competitors is over.
Aggravates 
Type 
(E) Emanations of other problems