Question for All? Too old to compete?

[Pogo]

Look at who just un-retired at 21:

Sacramone on Comeback Path

Seriously, if you're having fun, why not? Also, as you may have already noticed, most younger gymnasts love having older girls around, although you might not appreciate the pressure of being a role model.

[gymgirl_60]

go for it! i dont think USAG has an age limit....good luck and do your best!!!!

[NotAMom]

We had a driving age young "adult" on our L4 team this past season. Very good kid. She is just as happy as ever and loves to be around the little much younger peers in practices and in competitions.

Yes, you're a late comer to this competitive sport. But, there isn't anything you can do about it now. Feeling too old to compete is only in your own mind -- assuming your gym welcomes anyone to start at any age. For the love of the sport, just go for it. Best of luck to you.

[cheryl1960]

You should go for it! There are many gymnasts that still compete into their 20's and 30's even at the olympic level. It seem to me that some of these gymnasts that start very young often get burned out or suffer from injuries. At 16, you are more able to understand and focus on what is required, and you probably have more drive and detemination to succeed. Don't worry about being with younger kids at the same level. Just work on your skills-compete against yourself and don't let others influence your dreams.

[gymnast16]

well, u are not too old, but what level r u going into?

[gymnafreak]

Theres this girl that i competed against last year who's 23. If you have the determination and your body keeps up, you'll be fine!

[Reecee]

You should go for it! You can never be to old to compete. (well 99 would be to old but you know what I mean)

[LittleLady]

I retired from gymnastics at age 16. After I was married and had my son, when he was two years old I decided to do gymnastics again to get back into shape. I was 22 then. At age 34 I became State Champion on balance beam, vault and floor exercise, won third place on bars and won Silver All-Around missing Gold by .05! I competed at Level 8 in the USAG Junior Olympic Program in the 16 years old and up Division.
If you have the passion, the desire to be the best you can be, age is no limit. The Senior Olympics does not even have gymnastics in it! I wish it did. You must be 50 years old to compete in the Senior Olympics. I'm now 49 and desire to compete once again but this sport makes it very difficult, unfortunately, for adult gymnasts to succeed and follow their dreams. It's not just a little girl's sport!
My advice is, if you love gymnastics, don't let anyone stop you from doing it. I wish the best for every gymnast that has a dream and is willing to go for it, no matter what!