Simone Biles Is the Shortest Gymnast on Team USA—Here’s How She Compares to Her Teammates

Gymnasts are some of the most well-known Olympic athletes, known for their incredible strength and body control. They also happen to be among the shortest athletes and the heights of the Team USA gymnastics collective are no exception.

There are a few reasons why gymnasts are shorter, compared to a lot of other competitive sports where height is considered an advantage. First of all, a shorter stature lowers the center of gravity, providing better balance and stability. This is crucial for performing complex routines that require precise control.

Shorter gymnasts generally have a better strength-to-weight ratio, making it easier to lift and propel their bodies during routines, especially on apparatus like uneven bars or rings. Lastly, a few studies have shown that shorter limbs can reduce the risk of certain injuries, as there is less torque and stress on joints during high-impact moves.

According to an article published by Slate in 2016, female gymnasts in particular are getting shorter, too. Over the last 30 years, the average elite female gymnast has shrunk from about 5″3′ on average to about 4″9′.

So how tall—or short—are Team USA’s gymnastics team members?