Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It definitely is easier for the girls...sorry but true. Once they hit 15-16 it evens out to a level playing field again

It’s really not. Boys and girls have different challenges as it relates to puberty that can’t be compared one-to-one. For a lot of the girls it’s the 11-12 age group where they struggle, whether it’s because puberty changed their body or because they are still pre-pubescent and not as tall and strong as some of the girls that have gone through puberty. By 13-14, most girls have started puberty, gotten used to the changes to their body and things start to even out. Boys go through puberty later and it impacts their bodies differently, which is why 13-14 seems to be the toughest age group for male swimmers.

Who hits the genetic mother load wins most of the time. Girls who are super fast but small struggle later. Girls who grow up early hit a stride in late elementary but may stop growing and be short. Girls who become full-figured struggle. (Ugh, boobs.) On the other hand, boys who grow up late may not stick it out those 4-5 years when there are men racing next to them. Boys who are small and fast may stay small and get less fast. None of this is hugely different than any other sport. Boobs suck for girls in most sports and dance/gymnastics. Boys generally do better when bigger unless they are a jockey or a gymnast. It’s just the way things roll. No need for a gender fight! 😊

Anonymous wrote:It definitely is easier for the girls...sorry but true. Once they hit 15-16 it evens out to a level playing field again

It’s really not. Boys and girls have different challenges as it relates to puberty that can’t be compared one-to-one. For a lot of the girls it’s the 11-12 age group where they struggle, whether it’s because puberty changed their body or because they are still pre-pubescent and not as tall and strong as some of the girls that have gone through puberty. By 13-14, most girls have started puberty, gotten used to the changes to their body and things start to even out. Boys go through puberty later and it impacts their bodies differently, which is why 13-14 seems to be the toughest age group for male swimmers.