My View on Young Gymnasts at High Levels

You're at a level 8 competition, most of the girls are about thirteen years old. But then you see a little girl on floor. You hear people talking and you find out that she is only eight years old. Naturally, your eyes go to her because you are so amazed at the fact that she is a level eight, eight year old gymnast. And you think "Oh, she's totally going to go to the Olympics," but then you think to yourself, "Now how many times have I said that?"
Just like you I am amazed at young talent, but I always wonder what ever happens to the young talent. Where do they go? I love watching young gymnasts. But at the same time, I'm worried about them. I'm not going to name gyms, but there is one gym in particular that has a tendency to burn kids out. If you are a huge gymnastics fan, you might know which gym I'm talking about.
A gymnast's dream is often to go to the Olympics. I feel like some gyms feel like they need to push their gymnasts to the limit so they can reach their goal. They think that a yurchenko full twist vault is necessary for a nine year old. I find the average vault for a nine year old is just a handspring vault. I feel like these kids are going to get to elite level by the time they're ten, and then burn out by the time they are age eligible for the Olympics. I have to admit, I thought Jordyn Wieber was going to burn out. But her coaches were very well trained and did not push her to the limit. I feel like Rebecca Bross was burned out, in 2010 she seemed like a lock for the 2012 Olympic team, but then things crumbled.
I really hope these young girls don't burn out before they go elite, or the Olympics.