Australian media are reporting today that doubts have been raised about the ages of Chinese medal - winning athletes as long ago as the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 . Age - falsification has become a burning issue since the Beijing Games last month , where it was alleged that Chinese gymnast He Kexin , who won two gold medals , was underage and therefore should have been ineligible to compete in the event . Rules introduced in 1997 to prevent the exploitation of under - aged gymnasts stipulate that competitors are required to be at least 16-years - old in the year the Olympics are held .

Based on the preceding passage, answer the following question Why would there be a rule in place to prevent am under sixteen old from competing ?
To avoid the person from being abused .