Hi Red Turban,
You have a very interesting point. I met the head physiologist from USSR track and field a few years back. He said the number 1 indicator for elite performance on the international stage as an adult is being physically immature in mid/ late adolescence accompanied by pretty good athletic results.
In the US we fetishize youth sports. I coach at an IKWF program. One of the better conversations I think I've had in the past few years is telling a kid who is a phenom but whom did not win state that his career is years ahead of him and no one other than parents cares about IKWF.
I believe TC Dantzler, Ellis Coleman, Kevin Jackson would agree... it's better to blossom late.