Anon Level 10 to elite

[Anonymous (c223)]

Just wanted to say that the gatekeeping around elite training on this thread is kind of ridiculous and I say that coming from a gym with a lot of elites. There are plenty of HS-aged athletes who have qualified elite over the years. The idea that elite isn’t worth trying or training for if you never made HOPES or Junior elite is silly. The person who started this thread isn’t saying they want their kid to make the national team or the Olympics. They’re also not saying their kid is a 15 year old level 6. From the information given it is perfectly realistic that they could qualify elite with a slightly more focused approach to training.

You don’t have be in televised meets to be an elite. Plenty of elites exist who qualify and never do anything beyond their elite qualifier and an elite session or two at a big but local meet, and that’s still elite.

 

[Anonymous (c223)]

I also say have her give it a try. First, so that she doesn't have regrets about not giving it a go, and second, because (this may be debatable but it's my POV) trying elite is a great way to get on college coaches' radars. Sure, performing well as a L10 is what everyone says is important, but a lot of gymnasts perform well as L10s and may or may not get noticed, but seems like pretty much everyone who tries elite gets some attention, and often more than their (similarly skilled) L10 counterparts.

100%. This is well-said. Someone is going to argue that it’s not the intent of elite, it’s not fair to level 10s, whatever, but it’s the truth. It is a really great way to get noticed in the recruiting process.

 

[Ty’s Dad]

Just wanted to say that the gatekeeping around elite training on this thread is kind of ridiculous and I say that coming from a gym with a lot of elites. There are plenty of HS-aged athletes who have qualified elite over the years. The idea that elite isn’t worth trying or training for if you never made HOPES or Junior elite is silly. The person who started this thread isn’t saying they want their kid to make the national team or the Olympics. They’re also not saying their kid is a 15 year old level 6. From the information given it is perfectly realistic that they could qualify elite with a slightly more focused approach to training.

You don’t have be in televised meets to be an elite. Plenty of elites exist who qualify and never do anything beyond their elite qualifier and an elite session or two at a big but local meet, and that’s still elite.

I believe everyone told her good luck and give it a try. The poster was asking about the skills her daughter currently has, and also thinking she had one more year of Jr. Elite. Nobody said anything negative or it’s impossible for her to qualify

 

[Anonymous (0505)]

Just wanted to say that the gatekeeping around elite training on this thread is kind of ridiculous and I say that coming from a gym with a lot of elites. There are plenty of HS-aged athletes who have qualified elite over the years. The idea that elite isn’t worth trying or training for if you never made HOPES or Junior elite is silly. The person who started this thread isn’t saying they want their kid to make the national team or the Olympics. They’re also not saying their kid is a 15 year old level 6. From the information given it is perfectly realistic that they could qualify elite with a slightly more focused approach to training.

You don’t have be in televised meets to be an elite. Plenty of elites exist who qualify and never do anything beyond their elite qualifier and an elite session or two at a big but local meet, and that’s still elite.

What? I read as well as commented on this thread and Nobody sounds like anyone is "gatekeeping" around elite training. What i read as her reason for training elite was to do college gymnastics. While yes actual elite gymnast are in the spotlight of college recruits, training elite is HARD on their bodies. So giving advice to the poster that hey you can get to college by being and amazing level 10 is really good advice. Others saying go for it why not.. is also sound... But I might counter that by saying ok..you got to all the qualifiers and don't even make it close to the qual score.. then you've essentially waisted a good portion of your time. I am guessing that she is probably a soph so this next summer shes recruitable. Obviously there are lots of different scenarios. But i didn't see anything but sound great advice from everyone!

 

[Anonymous (0599)]

I also say have her give it a try. First, so that she doesn't have regrets about not giving it a go, and second, because (this may be debatable but it's my POV) trying elite is a great way to get on college coaches' radars. Sure, performing well as a L10 is what everyone says is important, but a lot of gymnasts perform well as L10s and may or may not get noticed, but seems like pretty much everyone who tries elite gets some attention, and often more than their (similarly skilled) L10 counterparts.

The reason for her trying would definitely be for her to have no regrets. The 2nd reason is her belief that if she wants it enough, and is willing to work for it, it can be attainable - if not this year, then next... I wouldn't want her to give up on that belief.

Regarding the financial aspect, she has been baby sitting on weekends to pay for the added expense. There isnt a way fot me to get in her way of trying from my perspective. The coach is willing to support her on the decision as well.

Regarding vacations, my other 2 girls are competitive gymnasts as well, so we have given up on that already a while back

Thanks for the amazing comments and feedback.

 

[Anonymous (ae43)]

My 15 year old level 10 gymnast wants to go elite. She recently made this decision after thinking she wanted to do college gymnastics.

She has all bar ans vault skills on Fig andnis basically missing one additional release on bars and is working on her tsuk full. She has a great tsuk layout currently. On bars she has a Jaeger, bail and is working on her maloney. If she works really hard does she have a decent chance.?

Her coach thknks she can do it if she really focuses on the goal.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Parent of a Sr Elite, National Team member here. It’s very expensive to fly to different qualifiers. (Parent + child), hotel stays and the extra massage and PT sessions which you’ll need once your daughter starts doing the elite level skills. I agree with another parent: if her main goal is college gymnastics, focusing on being an outstanding L10 would be wiser use of your resources. Our gym had a five-star recruit who chose not to go the elite route, and another L10 who tried elite so that she could get more visibility for college and the extra intensity in training caused her to have two surgeries in a row - she was left with no result to show when she finished her junior year and hardly any college interest. Even she feels she would have been better off had she not tried elite.