Aero, I'm curious what you now think of coaching girls to elite. It seems like such a huge risk.
I'd love to hear more about that.
I would also love to hear about this!
Oh man, I don't even know where to begin!
The lecture was titled, "The Process on How to Select the Future Elite Gymnast," and it covered:
- How to structure your program in a way that will bring potential elite athletes to the surface and make them easier to spot, while still effectively catering to the other gymnasts, too.
- What traits to look for physically and emotionally
- When you have an elite, what the process is to bring the most out of them.
- What skills to teach and look for mastery in.
- What ideas, concepts, and methods to adopt as a coach in order to coach at this level effectively.
I got there early, but the lecture room really wasn't all that packed. Eventually, Mihai Brestyan walked in. I was a little bit starstruck, and excited for the lecture; this is an Olympic coach after all, not to mention the coach of the London 2012 floor exercise champion! He sat down behind the table at the front of the room, and he didn't have a PowerPoint presentation (which all the other presenters did). He didn't even have a microphone at first, but then an official came in to give him one. He was very authoritative when he spoke, and everything he said was matter-of-fact. You could tell he was speaking through years and years of experience. Despite his Romanian accent, he spoke clearly and his English was easy to understand.
One of the very interesting things he mentioned was the traits he's noticed in his elites. He said the ones that have gone all the way were the ones who were first to practice and last to leave, who left sweating after every practice, who came in the next day sore but ready and excited to work. The ones who were always asking him to watch them, who always went the extra mile, who put their 100% effort into every try. The ones who were focused and determined, who took corrections, who were physically strong and flexible. He said when you have a potential elite athlete, you can see the desire and passion in their eyes every day.
He explained that as a coach, you must remain on your path and be consistent and persistent in your goals every day, no matter what anyone else says. The only time you change your methods are when, deep down, you know you are incorrect or could be doing things better. You must be honest with yourself and swallow your ego. Also, don't treat the kids like they are a star. They train with everyone else at the normal hours with no special treatment. If they really are elite material, they will show you they want more and are ready, and they will outwork everyone else. When you are 150% sure you have an elite, that is when you ask them to come an extra five hours in the morning. He also said that when kids and parents get off the path that you have set, you must immediately reign them back in and explain in no uncertain terms what your conditions are, and if they do so again, then they can find a new gym. He actually had a lot to say about how parents are a large reason why many potential elite kids are left by the wayside. He made a large point to be firm with parents, and that really stuck with me.
I was completely floored by his mannerisms and I instantly respected him. He wasn't even a really formal speaker, he just had an aura about him that said, "I'm a boss." Hahaha, that's seriously the best way I can explain it. I learned so much and it really changed my views on things.
@txgymfan | Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say it seems like a huge risk?