I agree that it is not late for teenagers but these athletes are used to training in the morning / afternoon on a very set schedule (this also applies to most gymnasts at any level) and I am sure most would prefer to compete within the confines of a normal day.
Fortunately... the Juniors will...
AGE AT FIRST YEAR OF ELITE
Highest Possible Age: 11 years old
Alyssa Baumann - 12 (2010, from L9)
Simone Biles - 14 (2011, from L10)
Nia Dennis - 12 (2011, from L10/Hopes)
Gabby Douglas - 12 (2008, from L10)
Brenna Dowell - 13 (2009, from L10)
Bailie Key - 11 (2010, from L10)
Madison Kocian...
I agree!! Interestingly, I believe they did lower the scores for elite qualification for 2022. Only time will tell if this helps bring more US gymnasts to the international stage and supports the situation we seem to be experiencing.
Our story is definitely a positive one for our DD. The gym we started her at was mainly a rec gym with a small JO program and we absolutely loved the coaches. They encouraged us many years ago at the early compulsory levels to find a gym that would be more competitive and would allow her to...
I believe it is partly due to the fact that some of the common skills being used by the elites (particularly Jr's and Hopes) were downgraded in D value for 2022. Hopes qualifying scores were significantly reduced as well.
I was very frustrated with flo yesterday for the Juniors comp... wish USAG had picked a company that could present these meets better. I have seen some of their presentations on other sports that were definitely higher quality.
I agree with LJL07, with skills like that, she will be on track for Jr. Elite soon. I have seen 9-10 year old's doing that triple series on beam but why would they have her doing that dismount on bars at level 9? If she turns 11 anytime this year she would be eligible for Hopes.
WOGA typically won't have many kids on their team prior to 6 years old. There are a few standout exceptions, but it is probably rare. They certainly won't let talented kids go unnoticed and they are known for picking their athletes out of the internal pool of young gymnasts. Speaking from...
Our gym brings in a sports psychologist on a periodic basis. I think it is very effective for most of the athletes. My daughter trained / competed level 7 at 8 turning 9 years old and I think I needed a psychologist worse than she did. My DD was not the youngest one on team at that level by...
I agree with Kiwi. Ballet is part of my DD training within the gym program. I have a young DD training level 9 and it has helped tremendously with poise, form, flexibility and shapes in her routines.
Flexibility acquired at a young age through whatever means, coupled with strength makes for a...