Gymnasts last minute switch to xcel diamond

[gymnast.ky]

hey! i am currently a sophmore in high school training level 8. i had an okay season as a level 7 last year, getting mostly high 8s and low 9s, expect for bars where i consistently scored low 8s. my level 8 season starts in 6 weeks and i don’t feel ready at all. i can flip my vault with minor spot onto 2 mats in pit, im nowhere close to giants at all, my pirouettes are inconsistent and ugly, and i just got my backhandspring on beam a month ago, terrified to connect to second one. i am heavily contemplating switching to xcel diamond. the season before level 7, i was xcel platinum and very successful. i placed top 3 on everything at states including all around and won vault at regionals. i miss the feeling of being a winner and accomplished and gymnastics is starting to become stressful because i am very nervous for level 8 and feel like im gonna have a terrible season. im starting to dread practice more and more, even though i love this sport. i really think i should make the switch, but im not sure if its too late or it’s the right decision. any help is aprriecated!

 

[Coach Kate]

Have you talked to your coaches about how you're feeling?

Could you repeat level 7 while continuing to train level 8 and possibly move up during season if you're prepared?

Otherwise I do think Xcel diamond could be a good move.