Women Retiring from gymnastics

[Gymnast28]

i need some advice on how I’m feeling and if it’s normal. To give some background info in gr 12 I planned on being done but ended up staying a year after I graduated high school because I switched groups to an awesome coach. I told myself that would be my final year. Then my coach suggested another year and I said yes. I promised myself this would be my last year. I probably had the best season I’ve ever had and it seemed like the perfect way to end my gymnastics journey.

I decided to train one month into this summer just so I could have a bit of fun and play. I know have 2 weeks left of gymnastics before I’m done and I feel so upset. I feel disconnected from the world. I cry I’m angry and I just don’t feel like me. I love gymnastics I love my teammates and I love my coach.
Knowing that in just 2 weeks all go from seeing them everyday to seeing them once a week when I coach my rec group kills me. Especially because I’ve built such a special bond with my coach these last two years and now I’m just going to become a memory. I’ve watched it happen to so many kids that have quit, the practices keep moving and eventually your forgotten. I’m so sad that I’m going to lose this special bond I have with my gym family.

Every time I think about retiring I start thinking about how I can come back. And how I could totally do another year. I feel like the only reason I’m retiring is because my parents no longer want to pay for it and I am a full time nursing student. But the thing is I know I could make the school thing work as I did it all through my first year. Is it normal to feel like you want to come back like this. Does this mean I’m not ready to be done? How do I deal with something like this.

I’m also really worried I’m going to become depressed. I want to stay and shape and go to the gym but every time I go to the gym it just makes me sad because it’s not gymnastics. I’m also worried about my school because this year was my first year of nursing school and it was incredibly stressful but gymnastics always gave me something to look forward to. Idk I guess I’m just looking for some insight and opinions.

 

[raenndrops]

It doesn't sound like you're ready to retire.
You need to find a way to pay for training if your parents aren't going to pay for it.
If you can do that, then you should definitely continue. Nursing school is stressful. You need a release. It seems like, for you, gymnastics is that!

Good luck.

 

[#BGymnast]

I 100% think that you should definitely not stop! Gym is your thing, and your happy place. I know how close I am to my teammates and coaches, they are all my gym sisters, and I'm sure it is the same for you. It sounds like the only reason you are stopping is because your parents don't want to pay for it. Talk to them about how you are feeling, I am sure they will understand. Also have a chat to your coaches.

If you do have to stop, you will be ok. Life will go on and you will find new passions. Make sure you talk to people about how you feel.

You are obviously not ready to give up gymnastics yet. You may be able to organise to pay half and half with your parents if possible. You can never be to old for gymnastics, despite what people may tell you.

I hope all goes well for you. Never give up, and remember that you are an amazing human being. I hope I was able to help you.