What is

[californiaaaa017]

Kids are talented whether they do TOPS or not. It helps probably, and coaches sometimes use the workouts at their gym, but it's more for experience and to get noticed. It probably makes them feel special and is just fun.

[lannamavity]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoffrey Taucer What the heck is "TOPS?"

It's the quickest way to make over-protective, over-involved parents into raving lunatics.

[iluvgym]

Lannamavity that was a good one, and unfortunately there is a little bit of truth to that! TOPS can be a great program and a great additional training tool. It's important for parents to understand that it is ONE way to the elite path, but not the only way. AND more importantly, it doesn't guarantee that a girl WILL be an elite gymnast.

And to Californiaaaa017, yes, kids are talented whether they do tops or not but it's what a coach/gymnast DOES with that talent that will make a good gymnast. Tops helps you use your talent and challenges you much more than the regular JO program will, you certainly can't be lazy and excel at it!

It's true that only a small percentage of tops members that become intl elites, but if you look at the percentage of girls from the entire JO program who go on to be intl elites, the percentage is even smaller! Because it's tough stuff, both physically and mentally!

[gymnomore]

Quote:
Originally Posted by lannamavity It's the quickest way to make over-protective, over-involved parents into raving lunatics.

That's hilarious!!!
I always thought TOPS was a way for gymnasts to take a strength test, and if she passes, she gets her name in the USAG magazine!