Both you and the IOC have a point

The IOC has a point, over-training can have short-term benefits and long-term medical consequences. I wouldn't be surprised if this is true in swimming as well, particularly diving.

You have a point also: If it weren't for the "creep factor" the IOC would find it a lot easier to ignore the medical issue in favor of ratings.

Maybe NBC should start airing Junior Gymanstics World Championships, where you have to be under 16 to compete. To satisfy the doctors, only routines which are relatively low stress on the body would be permitted in competition.

They could bill it as "See the Olympic Champions of tomorrow - today." I think the audience would be huge for something like this.

What? There is no such thing as the Junior Gymanstics World Championships? Well, there should be.