Am I Too Old?

[Aussie_coach]

There are a lot of people in your position. When it gets to high level gymnastics there are only a limited number of gymnasts at that level in each club so the ages are going to be very split. Having an adult training with kids as young as 7 or 8 does happen. It is usually just because the adult was a bit of a late starter and the 7-8 year olds are very, very good for their age. Don't worry it definatly does happen, and many adults do compete. Of course there are hundreds of kids to each adult, but dont let that stop you.
You are only 2 years older than the oldest member of your group, thats nothing at all.

I take it the adult competition that you are training for in 2009 is the masters games. There are a few problems with that. You must be at least 20 years old to compete in the gymnastics section, will you be 20 by next february? The real problem though is with other competitions. If you are under 30 you cant compete in the masters games if you have competed in another gymnastics competitions (other than a verterans or masters comp) in the past two years. If you compete in regular gymnastics meets you wont be able to compete at masters.

[Takiah]

One of my coaches is Elijah Evans who is the organiser for the masters games from this end as it is held down here in geelong next year which is where i live/train.

I know all of the rules (I turn 20 on December 30) and I wont be competing in anything this year at all If I do compete as gymstar levels it wont be until after the masters next year =)

Will you be competing in the Masters?

[Metgrrl]

I'm 26, and actually thinking about competing again! I would want to work out with the younger team kids, as the "adults" in my class just goof off, and flirt with our teacher. I just found out from the head of the Virginia Committee that I'm age eligible, I just need to start saving money and relearning skills! The kids will probably look up to you more than anything.

[Takiah]

Thats awesome you should do it!!

I dont think they would look up to me as such I guess i just feel silly because some of them are as young as 12 and I feel a bit...weird because im learning the things they are learning and they are so much younger - if that makes sense ;p but im not going to let that stop me!

There are so many adults that would love to compete//have a second chance that I wish I could find someone to approach about having Adult Gymnastics Levels..so just like the young ones are doing but have to be say 17+ to be able to compete and can only compete with your age group//level and such

[MadKate]

The class I signed up for is advertised as teen/adult, seems like they're throwing everything recreational that's 13 and older together...don't know what sort of mix it's going to be. I hope that sort of thing works ok!

[Laura]

I am 22 and I still train at a local club (the same one I have always been at). I train in a group with girls ranging from 10 or 11 years up to my age (the second oldest is 17).

I also still compete, and there are a many older teens and young 20-somethings competing along side me or in lower levels. There is even a woman competing in state level 10 who is 34!! she has 2 kids who come and watch her at competitions!

Don't let age differences bother you..... both you and the younger kids will get used to it. If you want to do gym, then go for it!!

(btw... I'm in Australia too - Melbourne )

[Gymmonkeymomma]

We had a gymnast on our team who competed last year at age 23.

[Aussie_coach]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Takiah One of my coaches is Elijah Evans who is the organiser for the masters games from this end as it is held down here in geelong next year which is where i live/train. I know all of the rules (I turn 20 on December 30) and I wont be competing in anything this year at all If I do compete as gymstar levels it wont be until after the masters next year =) Will you be competing in the Masters?

Hi, sorry, I hope my post didnt sound like I was implying that you didnt know the rules, I was just making sure. Good luck with the masters games, it sounds like a fantastic idea. Anything that keeps adults active in our sport is a fantastic idea. It would be great if the idea would catch on and these sorts of competitions could be helpd more regularly. I won't be competing myself as I am not eligable.