Just because little girls can do big skills earlier doesn’t mean that they should. The current crop of older elites shows that it is entirely possible for WAG gymnasts to be successful elites into their 20s. Pushing the age back at the top will trickle down to the lower levels and result in a safer pace of training for younger gymnasts. They can still work big skills into the pit and on trampoline but coaches will delay putting those skills on the floor to limit wear and tear on the joints to protect them for future competition.
Fundamentally, this is a child welfare question. Little girls’ bodies may mature earlier but psychologically they are still children. Older gymnasts are more mature and better able to consent to the rigors and dangers of the sport. Men’s gymnastics doesn’t have the same history of abuse because the gymnasts are older and less vulnerable. The sport will adapt to raising the minimum age and it will improve child safety.
Fundamentally, this is a child welfare question. Little girls’ bodies may mature earlier but psychologically they are still children. Older gymnasts are more mature and better able to consent to the rigors and dangers of the sport. Men’s gymnastics doesn’t have the same history of abuse because the gymnasts are older and less vulnerable. The sport will adapt to raising the minimum age and it will improve child safety.