The Ugly Side of Rhythmic Gymnastics

Recently, while I was searching videos on YouTube, I came across some videos of Rhythmic Gymnastics. I thought it was a beautiful sport. These girls were really strong, flexible, and talented. I followed some links on the side to other videos. Eventually I came across videos entitled "The Pain of Rhythmic Gymnastics" and "Little Chinese Gymnasts" or something of the sort. These were a little depressing to watch. Tiny, tiny children were being put through excruciatingly painful streches and being yelled at and slapped by their coaches. They were forced to do routines over and over again until they got them perfect. Some of the children's muscle strength was better than mine, but they were holding on for dear life, scared and afraid of what would happen if they didn't. I thought to myself, this isn't a beautiful sport anymore, it's child abuse. Of course I know that not all coaches are like this, there are many supportive and talented tutors out there. Little kids shouldn't have to be put throught this torture, just so that they can eventually go in the Olympics and earn a metal. I doubt that by the age of 34 they can walk! I never new that there was such an ugly side to such a beautiful sport.