Hi Everyone,
I don't post all that often, but really wanted to post our meet report from my DD's 1st level 5 meet. Unfortunately, my mother whose has had some health issues following a fall in October suffered a 3rd heart attack and very bad stroke on the Tuesday following the meet. She died peacefully the following Saturday December 12th... Kayla (my level 5'er has been such a comfort to me throughout the whole ordeal with my Mom despite her own sadness and grief).
On to happier times and a little background. Kayla was at a gym for her developmental year that had very poor coaching. She arrived at our current gym in May 2008. Her skill set was... bridge kickover, cartwheel (ugly one), walk on beam, forward roll and occasinal backward roll. One of her coaches was so mean to the girls screaming constantly when they vaulted that Kayla was afraid to even jump onto the springboard.
So... When she got there in May she started learning skills like crazy. The original plan was to have her do developmental for another year, but she learned so many skills so quickly that she was invited to the level 4 team which is what she did. Unfortunately, she wasn't really ready and came in last or almost last at every meet. The only event that she ever medalled in was at the last meet on balance beam. She was thrilled!
So... Onto level 5 (I still feel like she is about 6 months behind where she should be, but the gap is closing)...
First event: Vault - her nemesis. Her coach told her he would only spot her first vault but spotted both (which probably was the right call). 5.5 Her vault has improved GREATLY since then with some privates with a different coach -- long story.
Uneven Bars: She had her kip, no connections, no long hang kip, 7.3. She was very happy with her performance.
Beam: She is very good at beam but has had some mental issues with it this past fall due to splitting the beam. She has come a looooonnnnngggg way though. She had not been going up all the way in her handstands in practice (did I mention Kayla LOVES to compete?) well she levered, went all the way up, levered back down, but wasn't square and her foot went off and down she went. Hopped right back up and finished everything else perfectly with the exception of her split jump and leap (which still need to be higher, greater angle, etc.) She got a time penalty and the fall and still got an 8.3.
Floor: Bent legs on her front hand spring (sometimes that skill is better than others). But the rest of her floor was A MAAAAA ZING!!! She really loves to dance and really expresses herself.
We gave her favorite coach a ride home after the meet which was a real treat for Kayla. I unfortunately, dropped her and DH off at home and than drove down to my Mom's to stay over night with her Monday and Tuesday. I left her Tuesday morning feeling well, and going out with her friend to get blood work and TED stockings. That was the last time I saw her.
Kayla's first few practices since my Mom's death, she understandably was just not herself, but her teamates hugged her frequently and supported her. This week she is back to her old self and better than ever. I know her Grandma is watching her from above and is soooo proud of her.
On a good note, I got to show my Mom the video on Monday night of Kayla's first level 5 meet. She was sooooo proud of her. Kayla also had a great day decorating my Mom's apartment for Christmas. She was discharged on the day before her meet. We had the best day.
O.k. sorry I got all emotional.... can't help it right now. Anyway, there's the lennnngggthy report. I promise my next one will be shorter!
Sue Z.
I don't post all that often, but really wanted to post our meet report from my DD's 1st level 5 meet. Unfortunately, my mother whose has had some health issues following a fall in October suffered a 3rd heart attack and very bad stroke on the Tuesday following the meet. She died peacefully the following Saturday December 12th... Kayla (my level 5'er has been such a comfort to me throughout the whole ordeal with my Mom despite her own sadness and grief).
On to happier times and a little background. Kayla was at a gym for her developmental year that had very poor coaching. She arrived at our current gym in May 2008. Her skill set was... bridge kickover, cartwheel (ugly one), walk on beam, forward roll and occasinal backward roll. One of her coaches was so mean to the girls screaming constantly when they vaulted that Kayla was afraid to even jump onto the springboard.
So... When she got there in May she started learning skills like crazy. The original plan was to have her do developmental for another year, but she learned so many skills so quickly that she was invited to the level 4 team which is what she did. Unfortunately, she wasn't really ready and came in last or almost last at every meet. The only event that she ever medalled in was at the last meet on balance beam. She was thrilled!
So... Onto level 5 (I still feel like she is about 6 months behind where she should be, but the gap is closing)...
First event: Vault - her nemesis. Her coach told her he would only spot her first vault but spotted both (which probably was the right call). 5.5 Her vault has improved GREATLY since then with some privates with a different coach -- long story.
Uneven Bars: She had her kip, no connections, no long hang kip, 7.3. She was very happy with her performance.
Beam: She is very good at beam but has had some mental issues with it this past fall due to splitting the beam. She has come a looooonnnnngggg way though. She had not been going up all the way in her handstands in practice (did I mention Kayla LOVES to compete?) well she levered, went all the way up, levered back down, but wasn't square and her foot went off and down she went. Hopped right back up and finished everything else perfectly with the exception of her split jump and leap (which still need to be higher, greater angle, etc.) She got a time penalty and the fall and still got an 8.3.
Floor: Bent legs on her front hand spring (sometimes that skill is better than others). But the rest of her floor was A MAAAAA ZING!!! She really loves to dance and really expresses herself.
We gave her favorite coach a ride home after the meet which was a real treat for Kayla. I unfortunately, dropped her and DH off at home and than drove down to my Mom's to stay over night with her Monday and Tuesday. I left her Tuesday morning feeling well, and going out with her friend to get blood work and TED stockings. That was the last time I saw her.
Kayla's first few practices since my Mom's death, she understandably was just not herself, but her teamates hugged her frequently and supported her. This week she is back to her old self and better than ever. I know her Grandma is watching her from above and is soooo proud of her.
On a good note, I got to show my Mom the video on Monday night of Kayla's first level 5 meet. She was sooooo proud of her. Kayla also had a great day decorating my Mom's apartment for Christmas. She was discharged on the day before her meet. We had the best day.
O.k. sorry I got all emotional.... can't help it right now. Anyway, there's the lennnngggthy report. I promise my next one will be shorter!
Sue Z.
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