‘You need to be tough’: Child athletes make history, but at what cost? | Olympics

Mazel Paris Alegado, a nine-year-old skateboarder from the Philippines, made history at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, earlier this year – becoming the competition’s youngest-ever participant.

The prodigy made it all the way to the women’s Skateboarding Park Final on September 25.

Raising both her fists into the air jubilantly, Alegado smiled from ear to ear as she finished seventh.

Alegado’s aim now is to turn pro, and she has inspired many around the world with her exceptional skills in a nascent sporting career.

But her achievements have also reignited debates around age…