- Dec 22, 2009
- 542
- 9
I have been thinking about this question for a few weeks. I don't even know exactly how to word it but I will give it a go. If a gymnasts goes to a gym that focuses strongly on elites and the gymnast has no elite aspirations or doesn't have the talent for it, how does this effect the gymnast as far as coaching goes? Let's say that the gymnast is a hard worker, loves gymnastics but works really hard to make level 9/10. Does this type of gymnast feel valued in this environment? Would a gymnast like this be better off in a gym that has no elites and who's focus is developing athletes up to 9/10?
What it boils down to is the fact that I want my daughter to feel good about what she is doing in the gym if she is doing her best regardless of scores or placement or level. If she is going to be spending so much time in the gym over the next few years, I want her to feel like she is a valuable part of the team even if she isn't the best or most talented. How do you know that a gym is going to make your gymnast feel valued if you are just beginning there? Do you ask a coach what their feelings are on this? Do you ask upper level parents?
I have no idea at this point where this journey will take us to but I want my daughter to enjoy the process. Am I thinking too far ahead? Right now I feel that the parents are constantly comparing gymnasts. I hope that the coaches are just teaching at this point and not placing any undue expectations on or writing any of these other gymnast off at this very young age. I hope someone gets what I am trying to get across.
What it boils down to is the fact that I want my daughter to feel good about what she is doing in the gym if she is doing her best regardless of scores or placement or level. If she is going to be spending so much time in the gym over the next few years, I want her to feel like she is a valuable part of the team even if she isn't the best or most talented. How do you know that a gym is going to make your gymnast feel valued if you are just beginning there? Do you ask a coach what their feelings are on this? Do you ask upper level parents?
I have no idea at this point where this journey will take us to but I want my daughter to enjoy the process. Am I thinking too far ahead? Right now I feel that the parents are constantly comparing gymnasts. I hope that the coaches are just teaching at this point and not placing any undue expectations on or writing any of these other gymnast off at this very young age. I hope someone gets what I am trying to get across.