does body type impact on what apparatus you're best at??

[Bobby]

Obviously strength and grace (or lack thereof) make a difference ... but I'm curious as to whether body type per se makes gymnasts more/less likely to be strong on certain apparatus??

I'm sure there have been relevant comments made in other threads, but I couldn't find a thread just on this when I did a search.

I'm curious to know if coaches are able to predict what their younger gymnasts will be better/worse at as they get older??

PS: Sorry I hope Q&A is still the appropriate place to post this? (or should it be in CB?) I'm very curious as to how coaches respond, but it's really a 'question for all' in that I'm interested whether parents' responses fit with what coaches say.

 

[Coach.Simon]

I've seen short and stocky/tank-built girls do great on all events, and I've seen wiry/lithe girls do just as well.

I think its more psychological than anything - drive, willpower, persistence and work ethic dictate how well an individual athlete will do on a given apparatus.

So my answer in a nutshell? No.

 

[gymgurl]

This could be entirely wrong but im just going to suggest something.
When you are smaller your centre of gravity is closer to the ground, I have heard (i may be wrong) that this will increase balance - mind you this could be like the gymnastics makes you short idea. So if the above is true would a short person be more advantaged on the beam?

 

[Tumblequeensmom]

Very similar discussion with 40+ replies:

Link Removed

Yes it talks about body type for "elite training," but it would be just as applicable to any gymnast...