The age controversy thing is far from new in gymnastics. In other sports there will be 13 year old competing at the Olympics. FIG decided a few years a go to put the cap on it at 16 for the Olympics.
Is it fair? Perhaps their age should be set by the Olympic committee for all sports. But, regardless of that, in a country like China where paperwork can be done and redone, these things happen and will always happen. It's not as though He Kexin is going to argue that she is younger. Just think how many Us juniors would love to be on their way to the Olympics.
Her bars is a thing of beauty and an amazing level of skill. Should the Olympics be a competition of the best gymnasts in the world, not merely the best over a certain age.
Then there is the argument that no age limit would push coaches to push girls too young, and therefore damage them during vital growth periods.
I really don't know which argument makes the most sense. But, I imagine we will see her, Nastia and Beth Tweddle battle over the bar title. Awesome!
Many of the Chinese girls look young and prepubescent, heavy training schedules and controlled diet may be an issue. Most of them attend sports school from a very young age. Though how many large Chinese people do you know? Most of the of Chinese descent friends I have are petite and svelte, that could be stereotyping, but within ethnicities certain body types do exist. We all know that China does screen very heavily for certain body types before they begin to even train for gymnastics. It just isn't like that in North America.
I think the battle between the US and China is beginning now. Both very strong teams, but with very different philosophies. Should make for a very exciting Olympics.