Report presented at the International Gymnastics Federation Scientific Symposium, Oct. 22-23, 1997 in Berlin In the light of recent, extensive work and research on the physiology, psychology and pathologies of sport in general and gymnastics in particular, and in response to certain controversies, many of them sparked by media sensationalism and totally devoid of any scientific basis, we shall try to take a rational look at the effects of intensive training on young gymnasts. We will cover not just the positive and beneficial aspects, but also the dangers, and so identify the limits and reservations—in short, define the conditions, and they are strict ones, which apply in this area. Respect for childhood and children themselves, for their mental and physical health and their future must be our only concern; psychological and medical experience are obviously important, but reason and ethics must also guide, direct, restrict and even, if necessary, lead to a ban on this kind of sporting activity, which is actually limited to a very small group of exceptional young people who sometimes defy the physiological and psychological norms and whose very special talents will be amply demonstrated and constantly scrutinized. Although general criteria can be used to identify the limits of these talents, individual and specific factors must also be taken into consideration.
© Copyright 1998 Technique. USA Gymnastics. All rights reserved.