What does it take to be elite??

[Geoffrey Taucer]

It sounds like all of this should be up to you; assuming the capability to go elite is already there, there's really only one person in the world who can answer the question of whether or not you should go elite, and that's you.

[ZJsMom]

If you coaches aren't worried about your being to old, I don't think it's something you should be concerned about. 16 would be late to come onto the scene in the US, but since you're trying to compete for the UK, it's probably going to be somewhat less competitve. Of course, you've got to make the decision in conjunction with your parents, but it seems to me that it may be worth a shot. Even if you don't make the UK team, I would think training with the elite group will help your gymnastics along and make you more competitive for NCAA.

[bogwoppit]

If you really want this and your parents and coaches are behind you, GO FOR IT!!!!

Your youtube vid is lovely, you have obviously trained in the UK at a very good club, as well as in the US.

I think the problem with trying to be Elite in the US is the great depth of talent here already, so many great gymnasts to choose from, if you are not under the Marta/Bela magnifying glass at 11 years old it is hard to get a look in later. The UK System may give you exactly what you need, you will also still be eligible for NCAA just like Shavahn Church. Enjoy the freedom of your passport and just see what you could be!

Best wishes for whatever you choose. To stand in front of an open door like this is such an honour, use your skills and enjoy.

[I-Heart-Beam]

I'm in the UK too and I'm ranked as a senior in my gym. To be perfectly honest I couldn't be an elite (in the FIG) and I know, I tried for a summer and it was just too much for me to cope with.

If your coaches say go for it, I would trust them. They'll have seen enough girls to know who will be able to make it.
Also, even if you try and don't succeed, you won't think for the rest of your life "what if?" But, like everyone said, it's up to you.

Good Luck!

ps are you gymnasticsbabie from youtube? I love your vids. if you are, I'm GymChicksRock.

[gymnasticsbabie]

thank you everyone for your encouragement and great awesome words of advice. i think im definitely going to go for it.

to I-Heart-beam: thank you so much!! yes i am gymnasticsbabie from youtube. im so glad you like my videos. I LOVE i mean LOVE your video "do you remember when" haha i've watched it so many times. its like my life story right there. im going to message you i have a couple of questions!

[Tuduri]

As a parent with a daughter who will attempt to reach the elite level via the Hopes program, this question is constantly on my mind. My observation of my daughter and of other gymnasts like her leads me to believe that they are motivated by some burning desire to excell, to attain perfection in whatever skill they undertake to learn or goal they seek to attain. It does not matter whether they are merely warming up or doing strenuous conditioning. Each and every exercise or drill is done with utmost excertion, pointed toes, straight knees, etc. They never cheat at conditioning or are found wanting in the degree to which they push themselves. They practice as though they are competing and compete as they have practiced. They are serious about every aspect of their practice and are conscientious about their eating habits and overall health. of anything that can affect their sport. Generally, their lives are well balanced and they even excell in academics. I don't know where this spirit comes from. It is a blessing. I do know these girls are having a lot of fun while doing gymnastics. Masochists they are not.

As a parent, I marvel at these girls' ability to focus and concentrate while training, and in leaning and performing gymnastics skills. In my daughter's case, I have no doubt that she has the will to become an elite gymnast. But, I can only hope that she possesses the physical potential that matches her strong will. One does not really know until one is there. Doing programs like Tops is a good indicator of physical ability. But you really never know until the overall goal is accomplished.

As a family, we try to support our daughter in every way we can. We make sure she eats well and gets lots of rest. I go to a portion of almost every workout and I attend every one of her meets. I read this forum and many articles on gymnastics, conditoning, and athletic psychology. to try to be a better gym parent. I communicate often with my daughter's coaches. And, most of all, I try not to bug my daughter about her practice or competition. I try to ensure she is happy but strive to not overdo things, too.

We have a teenage son who plays baseball. We try to provide the same things for him. Life is a balancing act. I am sure other families face the same obstacles in dealing with their own children.

Gymnasticsbabie, I believe you have the physical ability, desire and motivation to be an elite gymnast. Go for it. Just do it.


Tuduri

[lannamavity]

How about ask an elite/ex-elite gymnast? There are thousands of them out there...

If you really want the answer, there are probably better resources...

[gymgymgymnast08]

Quote:
Originally Posted by I-Heart-Beam I'm in the UK too and I'm ranked as a senior in my gym. To be perfectly honest I couldn't be an elite (in the FIG) and I know, I tried for a summer and it was just too much for me to cope with. If your coaches say go for it, I would trust them. They'll have seen enough girls to know who will be able to make it. Also, even if you try and don't succeed, you won't think for the rest of your life "what if?" But, like everyone said, it's up to you. Good Luck! ps are you gymnasticsbabie from youtube? I love your vids. if you are, I'm GymChicksRock.

OMG YOU HAVE THE DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN VIDEO! THAT VIDEO IS THE STORY OF MY LIVE! I have showed it to some of my teammates and some even cried! THAT IS AMAZING! I LOVE LOVE IT!

[I-Heart-Beam]

Quote:
Originally Posted by gymgymgymnast08 OMG YOU HAVE THE DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN VIDEO! THAT VIDEO IS THE STORY OF MY LIVE! I have showed it to some of my teammates and some even cried! THAT IS AMAZING! I LOVE LOVE IT!

Aw, thanks I'm so glad you liked it!

[gymnasticsbabie]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tuduri As a parent with a daughter who will attempt to reach the elite level via the Hopes program, this question is constantly on my mind. My observation of my daughter and of other gymnasts like her leads me to believe that they are motivated by some burning desire to excell, to attain perfection in whatever skill they undertake to learn or goal they seek to attain. It does not matter whether they are merely warming up or doing strenuous conditioning. Each and every exercise or drill is done with utmost excertion, pointed toes, straight knees, etc. They never cheat at conditioning or are found wanting in the degree to which they push themselves. They practice as though they are competing and compete as they have practiced. They are serious about every aspect of their practice and are conscientious about their eating habits and overall health. of anything that can affect their sport. Generally, their lives are well balanced and they even excell in academics. I don't know where this spirit comes from. It is a blessing. I do know these girls are having a lot of fun while doing gymnastics. Masochists they are not. As a parent, I marvel at these girls' ability to focus and concentrate while training, and in leaning and performing gymnastics skills. In my daughter's case, I have no doubt that she has the will to become an elite gymnast. But, I can only hope that she possesses the physical potential that matches her strong will. One does not really know until one is there. Doing programs like Tops is a good indicator of physical ability. But you really never know until the overall goal is accomplished. As a family, we try to support our daughter in every way we can. We make sure she eats well and gets lots of rest. I go to a portion of almost every workout and I attend every one of her meets. I read this forum and many articles on gymnastics, conditoning, and athletic psychology. to try to be a better gym parent. I communicate often with my daughter's coaches. And, most of all, I try not to bug my daughter about her practice or competition. I try to ensure she is happy but strive to not overdo things, too. We have a teenage son who plays baseball. We try to provide the same things for him. Life is a balancing act. I am sure other families face the same obstacles in dealing with their own children. Gymnasticsbabie, I believe you have the physical ability, desire and motivation to be an elite gymnast. Go for it. Just do it. Tuduri

Amazing... thank you for all of your advice, i really do appreciate it. i hope your daughter (and son) achieve their dreams. good luck! and thanks again