Is there a reason for the rush to get to higher levels?

[Muddlethru]

My DD is a 9 yo L7. She has a teammate that is a 9 yo L5. They both started L4 together. Next year, they will both be up a level. So, my DD will be a 10 yo L8 and her teammate will be a 10 yo L6. Both are doing very well at meets. The mother of my DD's teammate said something to me that I found might have some merit. She told me, upon hearing my DD was moving up again, that "why the rush? And that it truly makes no difference in the long run because both our DD's will end up at the same place?"

Now, I know the mother of my DD's teammate has Olympic aspirations. She has enough photos of her DD with the Olympic 3 rings in the background and enough posting in Facebook to imply her DD will be going to the Olympics. Yes, as a mother I do dream of big things for my daughter. But I've read enough about the sport to realize that this is not for everyone, not even the extremely talented ones and so I try not to think too far ahead. But JUST FOR ARGUMENTS SAKE, if both girls want to realize an olympic dream, they will not be eligible until they are 19 yo. That is another 10 years! So, maybe getting to a higher level too quickly is not beneficial, or is it?

What are the advantages of getting to higher levels so quickly? Is there some kind of biological necessity to get them to higher levels quicker? Is it good to be an L10 or elite for a long time? On the other hand, I realize just as I am writing this post that maybe it is not even a matter of the coaches getting my DD to higher levels quickly but it has only become a bi-product to keep her progressing with really no forethought on how far she may go. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Tumblequeensmom]

I honestly don't know the "right" answer here. I could understand the big rush if the girls are older, on the other hand, some say it's i mportant to get the big skills before the girls are old enough to understand that "hey, I could really get hurt on some of these skills." On the other hand, 8 or 9 years to keep working on L10 skills?? I can see how some would say "what's left for me?" On the other hand . . . well, it just keeps going on!

The only thing I DO know for sure, is that there are plenty of things that can get in the way of that "Olympic Dream," and it's best just to take one season at a time!!! Girls develop fears (no matter what age they are); mental blocks come and go, injuries happen regardless of how careful, how regimented a conditioning program; other activities may at times seem more appealing, boys, etc.....

 

[Muddlethru]

I realized the mention of the big "O"l ympics or "E" lite sets a lot of people into a tailspin. And no matter what the post is about, it seems people tend to focus on the mention of Olympics or Elite and the immediate reaction is to bring the poster down to earth. Just for the record, I am nowhere in or near the Olympic or Elite bubble. My post is about rushing kids to higher levels. What are the reasons, benefits, etc. I thank the previous poster for her response. But I just wanted to avoid the focus of this thread to getting me realize how difficult it is to be in the Olympics. My DD is only 9 and a Level 7 and I worry about how much time she already spends in the gym. I want her to have a normal life, with friends and parties. It is my DD's teammates mom who has the Olympic dream.

 

[Bella's Mom]

I realized the mention of the big "O"l ympics or "E" lite sets a lot of people into a tailspin. And no matter what the post is about, it seems people tend to focus on the mention of Olympics or Elite and the immediate reaction is to bring the poster down to earth.

bwahahahaha!!! That is so true!!! I remember one poor lady here got chewed up and spit out because her user name had something about her daughter being a future elite. It was BRUTAL!!!! I am so afraid to mention either the O or the E word around here!

 

[NGL780309]

You said that your DD wouldn't be eligible for the Olympics until she's 19. If your DD did really have Elite dreams, it's not all about the Olympics. There are many other competitions and experiences before that so it makes sense to progress at a reasonable rate to have time for those experiences. For example, it would seem more difficult to try to enter the ranks as a Senior elite (16+). The qualifying score is more, the pressure is more. It would make more sense to have a few years in the junior ranks, so say 13 or 14 years old begin competing junior elite.

Let's say a girl would be turning 16 in the Olympic year. It would make more sense to get that child to the elite level quicker than someone who wouldn't be eligible until they were 19. Because they would only become senior eligible during the Olympic year, maybe they would want to have a few more years in the junior ranks to make a name for themselves and hopefully get some international assignments and competition experience. I don't know if the rules have changed, it seems like I read they did change, but the rule used to be that a girl could compete at the World Championships that qualified teams to the Olympics even if she wasn't senior age yet, as long as she would be old enough for the Olympics. So a girl would be age eligible for Worlds if she were only turning 15 that year, instead of the 16 that was normally required. Again, I'm pretty sure that has changed or it was discussed. That's a case where it would be an advantage to reach elite at a younger age. It would be unlikely that you reach your first year of elite and make the world team, so if a coach were looking ahead they might want their gymnast to have a few years of elite experience under their belt.

I've seen girls rushed through the levels that were very successful and some they weren't. I think it's hard to tell what the outcome will be. I don't think there's anything wrong with a kid moving a level a year or even skipping levels as long as they can do it successfully. I think it's not a good idea to push someone to get the skills for the next level before they are ready and then compete unprepared.

 

[NGL780309]

bwahahahaha!!! That is so true!!! I remember one poor lady here got chewed up and spit out because her user name had something about her daughter being a future elite. It was BRUTAL!!!! I am so afraid to mention either the O or the E word around here!

I know. It seems people are so focused on letting everyone know their child won't make it. I mean, someone has to make it. Let people dream a little. Personally I don't have that dream for my kid because it just seems like it's too difficult. I hope she sticks with gymnastics and does well and progresses, but I'd just be thrilled if she made it to Level 10 and did well at that level. Even that seems too far away to even think about.

 

[Bella's Mom]

I know. It seems people are so focused on letting everyone know their child won't make it. I mean, someone has to make it. Let people dream a little. Personally I don't have that dream for my kid because it just seems like it's too difficult. I hope she sticks with gymnastics and does well and progresses, but I'd just be thrilled if she made it to Level 10 and did well at that level. Even that seems too far away to even think about.

My mom always tells Bella that someone always makes the Olympic team and there's no reason she can't be one of the six. I can think of a few (MONEY)! But I agree...let them dream big. Bella talks about going to the Olympics because she is ALL about the hardware, baby. She has already cleared off a spot in her room for all of her medals and trophies. Did I mention she just made team about two weeks ago? She has already asked me three times when she gets to go to her first competition. Her enthusiasm is darling.

I don't KNOW if she'll make the Olympics or not. I'm not exactly saving up for wherever they would be in 2020 but hey, life is full of surprises and my little girl can turn stubborn fast if you tell her she can't do something. So I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy wherever this gymnastics thing takes us. I'll learn as fast as I can and do everything I can do to help her go as far as she wants. The rest is up to her and a LOT of good fortune.

 

[NGL780309]

My mom always tells Bella that someone always makes the Olympic team and there's no reason she can't be one of the six. I can think of a few (MONEY)! But I agree...let them dream big. Bella talks about going to the Olympics because she is ALL about the hardware, baby. She has already cleared off a spot in her room for all of her medals and trophies. Did I mention she just made team about two weeks ago? She has already asked me three times when she gets to go to her first competition. Her enthusiasm is darling.

I don't KNOW if she'll make the Olympics or not. I'm not exactly saving up for wherever they would be in 2020 but hey, life is full of surprises and my little girl can turn stubborn fast if you tell her she can't do something. So I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy wherever this gymnastics thing takes us. I'll learn as fast as I can and do everything I can do to help her go as far as she wants. The rest is up to her and a LOT of good fortune.

Not to make it seem even harder, but now it will only be 5 on the Olympic team!

 

[Tumblequeensmom]

I don't think I ever mentioned in my response that the Olympics is an impossible dream.... Most of my post was directed specifically toward your question which was about rushing to the higher levels, right?? And even there, I absolutely stated I don't know which is better. In addition, nowhere in my post did I state that no one should be aiming for "elite" or Olympic status, just that there are definite, and REAL obstacles that lie ahead for any gymnast, whether the goal is to reach optionals, level 10, or elite status.

I HAVE seen too many moms who believe that the Olympics should be the ultimate goal of their daughter's sport. There are so many things a child can learn from being on team without having to deal with the big "O." Discipline, a great work ethic, learning that hard work pays off, these are all valuable lessons to carry into adulthood. I remember a thread on CB from several years back where the OP posted that the Olympics should be the goal for anyone in gymnastics. I wonder what it is about this sport that most people on the street would think if your daughter is doing gymnastics, she must be going to the Olympics. You don't see that so much with any other sport... well, maybe ice skating?? But I digress. . .

My DD has been in this sport for many years, I have seen the injuries, the fears, mental blocks, and pressures that can take the joy out of this sport for the girls. I have seen many girls quit, talk about quitting, come back, start over, and go as far as they want. After years, you do become more complacent about scores, competitions, training, etc. You realize how time consuming, not to mention how darn expensive gymnastics becomes as the girls move up in levels. Many people choose not to pursue elite training based on those two factors alone. Those decisions are neither right nor wrong, it's a personal decision for each family to make.

As always, I was writing based on my own personal experiences/observations. As long as my DD is happy, does well and is progressing, I am thrilled. I think that's what we ALL wish for... everyone has their own path...

 

[NGL780309]

TQM I don't think Bella's mom was talking about your post and I certainly wasn't. I was talking about the knee jerk reaction around here that a lot of people seem to have if anyone even asks a question regarding elite or says they hope their kid will make it to the Olympics. There seems to be a need to remind that parent that just because their child is doing well now, it means nothing for the future. That is the case for most kids, but someone does have to make it. Some talented little kid will turn into a talented elite gymnast someday. I know people are just trying to give others a reality check, but sometimes it's better to just let them enjoy the moment. They'll figure out what a struggle the sport is.

 

[CamSeawind]

For older girls, like myself, it is important to progress quickly as the time they have is limited while younger gymnasts have all the time in the world. Really, there is no rush to get to the higher levels, the only thing that can get a gymnast there is her own aspiration and goals, so if your daughter dreams of reaching her goals of reaching level 10 or elite, then she will reach them at her own pace.

 

[lilgymmie7]

I certainly do not have the answer about the need to rush through the levels. I do think however that a coach's careful thought and consideration of the gymnast's ability, on a personal level, is the key. My DD is very young, and I love just watching her have a lot of fun. If her coach believed that she would benefit from repeating levels to gain the needed 'polish' of her every routine, I would definitely be all for it. If her coach thought, " She needs to learn the skill before she realizes she can get hurt", and as long as they took a personal approach and not 'she is my ticket' approach, then I would again be all for it.
What I am trying to say is that coaches should get to know what makes their gymnasts 'tick'. And due to that factor know what is best for each gymnast, individually. Some gymnasts need to repeat levels I believe for confidence factors. While others are motivated by the 'move up' challenge. Good coaches, I'm sure, know how to keep a gymnast motivated and inspired at whatever level the gymnast may be. At least, I'm counting on that truth!

And for the record, I don't really shoot for the big "O" with DD. But if it was her goal for herself, I would certainly do all I can to help her make it happen. I would love a scholarship, but I am fully aware that if I started now and put away her monthly tuition every month, I'd more than pay her full ride to college- Kid is only 7! BUT like I said earlier, I love watching her have fun! Her determination and hard work while learning to laugh at herself when she makes mistakes during practice and at a meet is enough of a reason to keep forking over that hefty check!!

 

[mariposa]

I realized the mention of the big "O"l ympics or "E" lite sets a lot of people into a tailspin. And no matter what the post is about, it seems people tend to focus on the mention of Olympics or Elite and the immediate reaction is to bring the poster down to earth. Just for the record, I am nowhere in or near the Olympic or Elite bubble. My post is about rushing kids to higher levels. What are the reasons, benefits, etc. I thank the previous poster for her response. But I just wanted to avoid the focus of this thread to getting me realize how difficult it is to be in the Olympics. My DD is only 9 and a Level 7 and I worry about how much time she already spends in the gym. I want her to have a normal life, with friends and parties. It is my DD's teammates mom who has the Olympic dream.

I honestly think that if you had not mentioned the Olympics, no one else would have either! And it seems you already knew that it was a "hot topic" here, so not sure why you are surprised about it. If you wanted to discuss just the topic of rushing or moving quickly through the levels vs. not doing so, you could have left out the middle paragraph and I think that would have been plenty of information to get people discussing the pros and cons of moving through the levels quickly.

That said, I started a thread about this many years ago after a discussion with a friend about our different gyms' philosophies, etc. Got some great answers.

http://www.chalkbucket.com/forums/p...e-fast-through-levels-if-not-going-elite.html

 

[Muddlethru]

To tumblequeenmom, you did try to address my question. My second post on this thread was not really directed at your post. I was just trying to nip a potential problem in the bud before it blew up because I just realized the repercussions of mentioning the O or E word.

To Bella's mom and NGL, I am with both of you as I don't understand why there is such a need to take people down with the sheer mention of Olympics and Elite. I hear so many parents talking about their child going to the Olympics. This does not bother me. Like NGL posted, they'll find out sooner or later how difficult this dream can be. And there is also a nice way of giving them some insight on achieving the Olympic dream. But I don't find it my job to harshly burst their bubble. What can be frustrating and I completely agree with tumblequeenmom who pointed out that whenever anybody hears that your child is doing gymnastics, they automatically assume Olympics is in the future. And if you don't end there, your DD must not be good.

I honestly think that if you had not mentioned the Olympics, no one else would have either! And it seems you already knew that it was a "hot topic" here, so not sure why you are surprised about it. If you wanted to discuss just the topic of rushing or moving quickly through the levels vs. not doing so, you could have left out the middle paragraph and I think that would have been plenty of information to get people discussing the pros and cons of moving through the levels quickly.

That said, I started a thread about this many years ago after a discussion with a friend about our different gyms' philosophies, etc. Got some great answers.

http://www.chalkbucket.com/forums/p...e-fast-through-levels-if-not-going-elite.html

I am not at all surprised at the focus on my mentioning Olympics or Elite. In fact, I expected it and that is why I put in another post trying to clarify and remove too much focus on those two words. However, for the record, my original post did have something to do with the Olympics. Hence, my mentioning it. It seems clear to me that if the goal is NOT to hit elite or go to the Olympics, then there really should be no rush for kids my DD's age to accelerate through the levels. If she decides to stick it out and all other things considered, she'll reach L10 or whatever level she wants to reach at a decent age. Maybe my original post was not clear. I was wondering if coaches when moving up kids think that far ahead into the future. I just don't know the benefit of my DD being moved up so quickly. Because if the goal is L10, if all constants stay the same, she'll get there at least by age 13. IF, AND AGAIN FOR ARGUMENTS SAKE, the coaches feel she has a shot at going elite or going to the Olympics, she will not be eligible until she is 19. Either way, that seems like a long time to be in gymnastics and stay in gymnastics and be good in gymnastics and support gymnastics, and the list goes on. I also brought up my DD's teammate whose goals include the Olympics because I felt that MAYBE as 10 yo L6, she may be in a better position taking it slow. My DD's teammate's mom did tell me that her DD and my DD will probably end up in the same place and that my DD being accelerated really made no difference. I found this statement with some merit or does it not? That is why I posted my question. My DD and her teammate could end up in the same place. So what is the benefit, or what are the other reasons coaches decide to accelerate a gymnast? What are they trying to achieve?

 

[Muddlethru]

to mariposa. I am currently reading the thread you started which Geoffrey Taucer transferred to the coaches' forum. A lot of information there. Thanks for pointing me to that thread.

 

[lhmom]

I think it's all about the gym and their set-up. The gym that my daughter is in does not have an elite program. Therefore, they do not rush to get any of the girls up to level 10 even if they are considered to be gifted (they will uptrain to keep the girls engaged, but there is no pressure to jump ahead). They are very clear that DD's gym will never be an elite gym and if that is what parents are looking for, they need to go elsewhere. That suits us just fine, to be honest.

 

[Muddlethru]

The following thread provides some great information and insight from coaches. It answers many of my questions.

http://www.chalkbucket.com/forums/c...elite-mirrored-parents-section.html#post19123

 

[Billy]

The child's goals beyond level 10 seem to determine the timing of progression in gymnastics (aside from the obvious factors of training, ability, etc.). For example, if the child hopes to do college gymnastics, it is said that she should be a L10 by her freshman year in high school. This will allow her a couple of years to perfect her L10 skills, hopefully qualify to Easterns/Westerns and then to Nationals. As college coaches are watching girls throughout their high school careers and often know who they want by their junior year, the girl needs to be ready early.

On the other hand, a girl who hopes to become an elite (with or without Olympic aspirations) and hopes to compete on some international stage should train toward becoming an elite by around age 13 or 14. As someone already posted, this would give her two or three years at the Jr. Elite level (lots of experience but a bit less pressure) before moving into the Sr. Elite ranks and potentially onto the world stage.

Also, some of the top college teams will only take elites and the absolute best L10s so a gymnast could be trying to go elite while still having college gymnastics as her ultimate goal.

All that said, the timing does need careful consideration because that is a tremendous amount of pounding for a young body to take year after year. A good, qualified coach should be able to time the gymnast's progression such that she advances appropriately to suit her goals.

 

[bogwoppit]

I actually laughed out loud when I saw the "O and E" comment. Really the only reason some members ever comment on this is because another member brings it up. Spend years around this sport and on this board and you will see many kids pushed too hard by parents and coaches and they end up broken or quitting. You also see kids who loved doing gym when they were little just stopping in their early teens as they want a life or they are ready to try new things in High school. For sure someone has to "make it" but they do not necessarily have to be the ones you see plastered all over youtube. When you check results online you see many girls doing very well who you have never heard of. So yes someone has to make it. but out of the bajillion incredibly talented little ones in the USA only 5 will make it to the next Olympics. Put it in perspective.

You ask a question and you will get many, many differing opinions. That's what boards are about, feel free to agree or disagree.

As to the OP's question, glad you found your answers in the older threads, there is a wealth of information on the CB, though I do think the search function is not the best right now. We used to have google search on here and it was amazing, but slowed the site down too much.

Shawn is correct when it comes to timing, if O's are a concern as a kid who will be 19 in the O year, do you want her peaking at 16?

 

[AlexsGymmyMom]

Honestly my DD's only goal is to have her own routines!!! I think it is a good thing to get the girls to the optionals quicker but I see no need to rush a 9 year old to levels 8, 9, 10 or elite when she would have to do those skills for so many years. IDK, I have seen many girls rushed and when they are not scoring so well they are the ones that really beat themselves up! They have been told by so many people and pushed so fast that they expect to do well and feel very defeated when they don't. Plus, eventually the others do catch up with these girls that are rushed through the levels.