Hi,
We have a dilemma on our hands. To keep a long story short, DD competed Prep Opt Novice her first year this year. She consistently scored well, winning her age group (9, but she just turned 10), and sometimes even having some of the best scores for all age groups.
In addition to that, she has swam competitively the last two years - both sports are year-round. She has made a ton of improvement this year in swimming and is very close to qualifying for states in a couple of events (season ends at the beginning of August). We have been able to manage being at practice for both sports, but obviously can only attend the minimum number of days the coaches are looking for.
We feel that we are at a cross-roads - she probably needs to focus on one sport so she can practice at the level that will allow her to meet her full potential. It is a hard decision for a number of reasons, but DD has always been clear that she "likes" swimming, but she "loves" gymnastics.
So, I am trying to accept that it does not matter how well she finishes the swimming season because we are going to give it up for gymnastics. Here is my question: if an athlete wants to focus on gymnastics as "her thing" should she aim to be in the JO program? Prep Opt has obviously been good for her - she has learned excellent form, RO-BHS, tight, lengthy handstand on beam. But I feel like if we are going to make the commitment to gymnastics she should do JO. What do you guys think?
The next challenge will be to talk to the coaches at the gym and ask if she can move into JO. They do have a policy that allows that, as I have seen at least one other girl do it (she was a Prep Opt Intermediate). However, I think she basically mastered the requirements of a level 4 and so I would like her to go into level 5. If they want her in level 4, does it matter if she has those skills already? I think the level 5 skills is what she needs to work on next and I would really hate for a year of level 4 to be time wasted.
Thoughts?? Thanks!!
We have a dilemma on our hands. To keep a long story short, DD competed Prep Opt Novice her first year this year. She consistently scored well, winning her age group (9, but she just turned 10), and sometimes even having some of the best scores for all age groups.
In addition to that, she has swam competitively the last two years - both sports are year-round. She has made a ton of improvement this year in swimming and is very close to qualifying for states in a couple of events (season ends at the beginning of August). We have been able to manage being at practice for both sports, but obviously can only attend the minimum number of days the coaches are looking for.
We feel that we are at a cross-roads - she probably needs to focus on one sport so she can practice at the level that will allow her to meet her full potential. It is a hard decision for a number of reasons, but DD has always been clear that she "likes" swimming, but she "loves" gymnastics.
So, I am trying to accept that it does not matter how well she finishes the swimming season because we are going to give it up for gymnastics. Here is my question: if an athlete wants to focus on gymnastics as "her thing" should she aim to be in the JO program? Prep Opt has obviously been good for her - she has learned excellent form, RO-BHS, tight, lengthy handstand on beam. But I feel like if we are going to make the commitment to gymnastics she should do JO. What do you guys think?
The next challenge will be to talk to the coaches at the gym and ask if she can move into JO. They do have a policy that allows that, as I have seen at least one other girl do it (she was a Prep Opt Intermediate). However, I think she basically mastered the requirements of a level 4 and so I would like her to go into level 5. If they want her in level 4, does it matter if she has those skills already? I think the level 5 skills is what she needs to work on next and I would really hate for a year of level 4 to be time wasted.
Thoughts?? Thanks!!