Since I was three years old gymnastics has been a prominent part of my life. This life of gymnastics was chosen for me as a child. In the beginning, I started this sport because I had too much energy. I was too hyper for my parents to handle. As I progressed through each level, I moved up very quickly. I was ready to compete as a level four at the age of five. I had to wait an entire year until I was old enough to compete. The years flew by and as of now nearly forty hours a week of my life is dedicated to gymnastics. My goal since I began this sport competitively was to compete on a collegiate level.
Gymnastics has taught me more life lessons than most would understand who are not familiar with this sport. An important lesson I have learned is to have a strong work ethic. We, as gymnasts, have to become accustomed to dedicating all of our time and lives around our practice schedule and our competitions. Not because we have to, but because we want to. Once we are in the eighth or ninth grade we realize that giving up what small social life outside of the gym we have, becomes an important factor. Our life becomes all about will and sacrifice. We have to get used to saying the word 'no.' I have lost many of my friends because they thought I was ditching them for gym, or it was more important than going to the movies or a party with them. This sport, that I am so serious and passionate about, has taught me many things. I have a pride and sense of integrity that has helped me with keeping my head up at hard times and accepting criticism as being constructive. Gymnastics has always been a stable factor in my life. It helps with making good decisions for life in the long run.
Two more important factors are independence and trust. Gymnastics has taught me independence because I am able to learn routines and new skills on my own. When I get to the point on a skill where my coach refuses to spot me because I am perfectly capable of doing it on my own, I have to trust myself and be determined. The same speech has been given to me by all of my coaches. "I wouldn't tell you to do the skill if I didn't believe you could." Once I hear this, a little weight lifts off my shoulders. I not only believe my coach but I believe in myself as well. I must commit to the skill and give it my all no matter what. Being fearful of certain skills is naturally going to happen, but there is no replacement for how satisfied and proud I am after biting the bullet and going for it. This sport has strengthened my mentality to a degree that beats all other sports out there, no matter what anyone says!
Leading a structured life is critical for this sport. Every day, I am on the same routine of gym, school, gym. If a day comes when I am not at practice, sometimes I don't know what to do with my time! Some people may call me obsessed, but I call it dedicated. I am devoted and unwavering in my goals to make my dreams come true. As a gymnast, I am more organized than others because I have something I truly and strongly love and am willing to dedicate all of my time to. All of the hard work and hours I have put in have led to many accomplishments. In my opinion, gymnastics is the hardest sport of all mankind. It is the sport everybody wishes they can do, but few can. The sport that is entirely too often referred to as “the sport where they do all the flips and go to the Olympics.” Truthfully, gymnastics is so much more than that. In my opinion, I wish gymnasts were better recognized for everything we put into this sport and not just brought up around the time of the Olympics. Through all the blood, sweat, and tears of the last fourteen years, I would not take it back for anything. Gymnastics has made me a better person. It has given me more strength and optimism than I could ever ask for. I am thankful beyond belief that my parents put me on the path that has lead me this far..
