Final answer:
Young athletes experience their fastest growth in height during the adolescent growth spurt, with boys peaking around 13.5 years and girls around 11.5 years of age.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescent Growth Spurt
Young athletes typically experience their fastest growth in height during the adolescent growth spurt (AGS), which is a period of rapid growth that occurs during puberty. For boys, this spurt in height generally starts around 11 years of age, with the peak height velocity around 13.5 years old; they can grow an average of 10.3 cm (4 inches) per year. In girls, the AGS often begins by about 9.5 years of age, with the peak height velocity around 11.5 years old; they can grow an average of 9 cm (3.5 inches) per year. Growth in height for girls tends to be completed by about 16 years old, whereas in boys it ceases around the age of 18.
During this AGS phase, changes are influenced by a variety of hormones, including growth, thyroid, and sex hormones. It's important to note that this period is faster than any other since early childhood but slower compared to the infancy stage. Sports and physical activities can be particularly enjoyable during middle childhood, as many children participate in these activities while experiencing growth.