Parents what makes a phenom?

[Rapunzel]

The question was "what makes a phenom". "What makes a successful gymnast" is an entirely different question with an entirely different answer.

Good point.

 

[LJL07]

Our gym is small- only about 10 kids above level 6..... Not the greatest, but our options are so very limited.....

Right there with you. It is very frustrating. Pm one of the coaches about your area. They are very helpful.

 

[JBS]

Neo (The One)...The Last Airbender...this is phenom type stuff. MENTAL CLARITY.

 

[Iwannabemargo]

new shoes for Crimble @JBS ?

 

[JBS]

new shoes for Crimble @JBS ?

Gotta have new shoes!

 

[mylittlemiss]

I've been following this thread and find it very interesting. I am a parent of one of those "7 year olds working towards optionals", mentioned by a previous poster. She was 7 and scored out of old level 6 (after doing 1 season at L4 and one at L5), did a year at the new optional level 6 as an 8 year old and now is a 9 year old level 7. I have never heard her referred to as a phenom and while as parents, we feel she is talented, we would never put that kind of pressure on her, either. Often times I feel most people assume that if a child is young and talented, they need to be pushed ahead as fast as possible. While her coaches see her potential, they have taken her at a steady pace, where she's been capable and successful. It's tough to see some younger girls, pushed so hard when they show potential (possible phenoms), they burn out at such a young age. I agree with others, it's a blend of so many things, including natural talent, drive and mental clarity.

 

[Midwestmommy]

I would add that it is also (in my opinion) about perserverance and being able to keep a relatively healthy body over the long haul (through high school and college)... And being a gymnast with stand-out amazing talent as a young woman, not just as a prepubescent child. The true phenom lasts through puberty and beyond.