The most common misconception about ageing is that it has an exclusively negative impact on performance. It is generally only after the age of 30 that the degenerative effects of ageing cause a decline in physical capability. Up until this point, the process of physical maturation leads to continual improvements in fitness and ultimately performance. It is also important to note that the point of maturation and peak performance occurs at different ages according to the activity.
Female gymnasts often peak in their mid-tolate teens. British Olympic bronze medallist Beth Tweddle was considered old when she competed at London 2012 at the age of 27, when Gabby Douglas won individual all-round and team golds at the age of 16.
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