nevada said:
Gymnasts have to be so small to get the right power-to-weight ratio for gymnastics, that they are absolutely terrible all-around athletes.
Only large people can be great athletes by your reasoning. Sure, it helps to be small when attempting the incredible things they do, especially at world class levels. I'm sure they would not have a problem shooting a basketball, running a hundred meters, or swimming a few laps.Anyone who is not an invalid can do that.
Hell, just about everybody can shoot free throw better than many basketball stars. An old man with a little practice could hit 3's and make free throws better than Shaquille O.Neal.
As for running? Unless one is crippled, grossly overweight or in the intensive care unit, it isn't that tough to master.Most olympic sprinters could run like the wind since their childhood. Big deal. It's almost like walking, but at a quicker pace. Either your fast or your not. Better technique and training helps to a degree, but it is not that difficult to master.Nobody could do what gymnasts do without extraordinary physical ability and years of intense training.So many more factors involved, not just putting one foot in front of the other. Yes, I'm simplifying the process, but damn, who the hell can't run. You may not be able to crack 10 -11- 12 seconds, but most athletes can get close. Let's see the same people try to do ANYTHING on the rings, or pommel horse, or any other apparatus with any degree of proficiency.Now that would be interesting to see.
Decathletes are vry good athletes too, of course.