Because it's ever so rewarding. Much like running a marathon, it seems crazy to everyone else, but it feels great when you do it. I have trouble walking because of my knees after years of soccer, but would I go back and not play? No. In fact, I'd tell my former self not to quit so soon and to keep playing. To be able to spend that much time on something I loved that much was great. Now, my time's fractured all over the place, and I'll never have that kind of thing again until I retire.^^^ but WHY do they put themselves through it? That's part of a gymnast's psyche I will never understand. (That was supposed to point to lizzielacs post...oops)