The gymnasts who do emerge from this perilous training program - the athletes who make it onto the international stage - are met with rules that are in direct opposition to the way they were raised. Because they have been so intensely trained since such a young age, once these gymnasts reach the age of 16, the heyday of their abilities has long since passed. Thus we are met with the current scandals, where questions arise regarding the true ages of Chinese competitors. Because of their training program, China's best gymnasts will be between the ages of 12 and 14 - too young to compete. Which is the easier solution for China, altering their entire training program, or falsifying a few birth certificates and passports?

Photo album created with Web Album Generator