My very first video interview with a gymnast, this is Cienna a pre-elite hopes gymnast. Check out her YouTube: Shardels
![The Ups and Downs of a [Retired] Gymnast](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTqG4OSiQVQ/UOHjyiwQUSI/AAAAAAAACSE/KymDVBnfhyw/s1600/blue-background.jpg)
Monday, March 4, 2013
My Autograph Collection (As of 3/4/13)
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| Laurie Hernandez |
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| Maile O'Keefe, Watch one of her videos here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grQu51vryEA |
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| Anna Li |
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| Norah Flatley, watch one of her videos here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lto0hD1n5Ao |
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| Bailie Key |
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| Elizabeth "Ebee" Price |
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| John Orozco |
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| McKayla Maroney |
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| Kyla Ross |
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| Nastia Liukin |
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| McKayla Maroney- magazine, photo, and phone case |
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| Jordyn Wieber |
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| Tour Cast |
Thursday, January 24, 2013
9 Questions With Level 10 Gymnast: Elizabeth "Lizzy" LeDuc
Lizzy trains at Metroplex gymnastics in Allen, Texas. She was formerly an elite gymnast a WOGA, then moved to Zenith to continue elite when she decided to go back to level 10 and train with Metroplex. When Lizzy was younger she was famous for her many YouTube videos which can be found on her channel: eufricon
Retired Gymnast: What do you find the most different between elite and level 10?
Lizzy: I feel like level 10 is more detailed work, but elite has a a lot of detail as well but more difficult skills.
Retired Gymnast: What made you decide to go back to level 10?
Lizzy: I wanted to focus on college and go back to public school.
Retired Gymnast: What is your main goal for the 2013 season?
Lizzy: My main goals is to place top 5 at Nationals.
Retired Gymnast: If you could trade places with any gymnast, who would you trade places with and why?
Lizzy: Any of the Olympians because they have get to travel and meet so many cool people.
Retired Gymnast: What is your favorite skill to perform?
Lizzy: My favorite skill would be... I have no idea which one.
Retired Gymnast: What was one skill that took you a long time to learn?
Lizzy: My overshoot and I still have problems with it sometimes to this very day.
Retired Gymnast: What's different about Metroplex, than the other gyms you have trained at?
Lizzy: I love the team atmosphere.
Retired Gymnast: What is something that you have learned from the sport of gymnastics?
Lizzy: There are SO many things I've learned from gymnastics, never give up. gymnastics is tough but nothing that's easy is worth as much as working for something that's tough.
Retired Gymnast: What is your training schedule?
Lizzy: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 3:30-8:00 Wednesday: 3:30-7 Friday: 3:30-6 Saturday: 8:00-12:30
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| Photo Credit: WOGA Gymnastics |
Lizzy: I feel like level 10 is more detailed work, but elite has a a lot of detail as well but more difficult skills.
Retired Gymnast: What made you decide to go back to level 10?
Lizzy: I wanted to focus on college and go back to public school.
Retired Gymnast: What is your main goal for the 2013 season?
Lizzy: My main goals is to place top 5 at Nationals.
Retired Gymnast: If you could trade places with any gymnast, who would you trade places with and why?
Lizzy: Any of the Olympians because they have get to travel and meet so many cool people.
Retired Gymnast: What is your favorite skill to perform?
Lizzy: My favorite skill would be... I have no idea which one.
Retired Gymnast: What was one skill that took you a long time to learn?
Lizzy: My overshoot and I still have problems with it sometimes to this very day.
Retired Gymnast: What's different about Metroplex, than the other gyms you have trained at?
Lizzy: I love the team atmosphere.
Retired Gymnast: What is something that you have learned from the sport of gymnastics?
Lizzy: There are SO many things I've learned from gymnastics, never give up. gymnastics is tough but nothing that's easy is worth as much as working for something that's tough.
Retired Gymnast: What is your training schedule?
Lizzy: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 3:30-8:00 Wednesday: 3:30-7 Friday: 3:30-6 Saturday: 8:00-12:30
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Interview With Glasgow World Cup Champion & 2012 Olympic Alternate: Elizabeth "Ebee" Price
Retired Gymnast: What’s your favorite event?
Elizabeth: My two favorite events are Bars and Floor.
Retired Gymnast: How old were you when you started gymnastics?
Elizabeth: I was 3 when I started gymnastics.
Retired Gymnast: What did your coaches say to you after trials? (night 1)
Elizabeth: After day 1 of trials my coaches were very pleased with how I did, but didn't want me to get to excited because there was still another day of competition.
Retired Gymnast: Have you ever seen the CNN documentary on Parketts? If so, what do you think of it?
Elizabeth: I have seen the documentary, and all I can say is that I wish CNN would've focused more on the positives of Parkettes because there a lot that people haven't seen.
Retired Gymnast: How many hours a week do you train?
Elizabeth: I train about 40 hours a week.
Retired Gymnast: Which leotard is your favorite from the Olympics? (USA leotards)
Elizabeth: My favorite Olympic leo was the purple leotard with all the crystal stars on it.
Retired Gymnast: What gymnast do you look up to?
Elizabeth: When I was little I looked up to all the girls who were Olympians and World medalists. I wanted to be like them when I grew up.
Retired Gymnast: How does gymnastics impact your family and your life?
Elizabeth: Gymnastics is a big part of my family's life and I think everyone enjoys being involved in my gymnastics career. Though my schedule sometimes interferes with other plans, my family feels fortunate to be able to say they're involved in the gymnastics community. They're able to travel to places they've never been and meet very interesting and important people.
Retired Gymnast: Are you going to try for Rio 2016?
Elizabeth: I haven't really thought that much about training for Rio. The next Olympics is years away, and there are other important competitions closer than then that I'm trying to focus on.
Retired Gymnast: How tall are you?
Elizabeth: I am 5'2.75"
Elizabeth: My two favorite events are Bars and Floor.
Retired Gymnast: How old were you when you started gymnastics?
Elizabeth: I was 3 when I started gymnastics.
Retired Gymnast: What did your coaches say to you after trials? (night 1)
Elizabeth: After day 1 of trials my coaches were very pleased with how I did, but didn't want me to get to excited because there was still another day of competition.
Retired Gymnast: Have you ever seen the CNN documentary on Parketts? If so, what do you think of it?
Elizabeth: I have seen the documentary, and all I can say is that I wish CNN would've focused more on the positives of Parkettes because there a lot that people haven't seen.
Retired Gymnast: How many hours a week do you train?
Elizabeth: I train about 40 hours a week.
Retired Gymnast: Which leotard is your favorite from the Olympics? (USA leotards)
Elizabeth: My favorite Olympic leo was the purple leotard with all the crystal stars on it.
Retired Gymnast: What gymnast do you look up to?
Elizabeth: When I was little I looked up to all the girls who were Olympians and World medalists. I wanted to be like them when I grew up.
Retired Gymnast: How does gymnastics impact your family and your life?
Elizabeth: Gymnastics is a big part of my family's life and I think everyone enjoys being involved in my gymnastics career. Though my schedule sometimes interferes with other plans, my family feels fortunate to be able to say they're involved in the gymnastics community. They're able to travel to places they've never been and meet very interesting and important people.
Retired Gymnast: Are you going to try for Rio 2016?
Elizabeth: I haven't really thought that much about training for Rio. The next Olympics is years away, and there are other important competitions closer than then that I'm trying to focus on.
Retired Gymnast: How tall are you?
Elizabeth: I am 5'2.75"
Elizabeth Price at the 2012 Glasgow World Cup
Credit: Brian Freed
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Interview With Mom of Hopes Pre-Elite Gymnast: Sharon
Sharon is the mom of two beautiful daughters. One of them is Cienna, who is a Hopes Pre-elite gymnast, and another who is a dancer.
Retired Gymnast: With Cienna going pre-elite, do you have any worries? If so, what are they?
Sharon: I always worry about injuries. What parent doesn't? Now that Cienna is training for Hopes, her hours have increased so I worry even more about overuse injuries. I also worry about burn out due to the increased hours and even higher expectations and demands. Her coaches are great and want Cienna to be in it for the long haul. They have made it clear that if Cienna ever feels like it's too much, they will do whatever they can to make sure it's still fun for her. As long as Cienna loves what she's doing and is passionate about gymnastics, we will support her.
Retired Gymnast: What sacrifices have you had to make as a family for gymnastics?
Sharon: Families of competitive gymnasts have to make huge time and financial commitments. There have been missed parties and social events. Cienna missed her Uncle's wedding and couldn't be the flower girl because it was out of town and her state meet was the same weekend. We always need to check Cienna's gymnastic schedule before committing to anything else. Gymnastics is expensive and a big part of our budget so funds that may have been available for a vacation may go towards a travel meet instead. Gymnastics is definitely a priority. In order to make it a priority, other things must sometimes be sacrificed.
Retired Gymnast: Do you ever feel like you pay attention to Cienna more than your other daughter? Does Cienna generally get more attention?
Sharon: I don't feel like I pay more attention to Cienna. I think that both my daughters get equal attention. Since Cienna is at practice so much, her sister gets to spend a lot of one on one time with me. She gets my undivided attention while Cienna is at the gym. In general, I do think that Cienna gets more attention from others because of gymnastics.
Retired Gymnast: Did you ever think Cienna would get to this level?
Sharon: I really had no idea. A few years ago when Cienna was a level 5, I could never imagine her doing the skills she is doing now. I am constantly amazed by what she is learning. As far as Cienna's gymnastics, I usually just focus on the present and try not to think too far ahead into the future. For now, I just try and enjoy the ride.
Retired Gymnast: Do you ever feel like you are putting gymnastics before school? Or have you always made it clear that school comes first?
Sharon: In the past, I have always made it clear that school comes first. Now that Cienna is training for Hopes, it's more equally balanced. I wouldn't say that we put gymnastics before school but the reality is that school work can be made up a lot easier than missed gym time.
Retired Gymnast:What's the hardest part about being a "gym-mom?"
Sharon: The hardest part about being a "gym-mom" is that no one understands what being a gym-mom is like and all the worrying that comes along with it… except for other gym moms. No one else can fully understand the discipline, the focus, the time commitment, the physical and mental toughness... all the demands placed on the gymnast. I see Cienna work through soreness, pain, illness, and injury…all because she loves the sport of gymnastics and I empathize with her. As a mother, my natural instinct is to shield my child from pain but as a gym-mom, I understand that aches and pains are part of the territory.
Retired Gymnast: What's the best part about being a "gym-mom?"
Sharon: The best part about being a gym-mom is seeing the happiness that the sport brings to Cienna. I love seeing the sheer joy on Cienna's face when she comes home at night to tell me that she got a new skill.
Retired Gymnast: What is YOUR goal for Cienna in her career of gymnastics?
Sharon: My goal for Cienna is for her to always be happy doing gymnastics. I would love for her to continue gymnastics in college and earn a full-ride scholarship.
Retired Gymnast: With Cienna going pre-elite, do you have any worries? If so, what are they?
Sharon: I always worry about injuries. What parent doesn't? Now that Cienna is training for Hopes, her hours have increased so I worry even more about overuse injuries. I also worry about burn out due to the increased hours and even higher expectations and demands. Her coaches are great and want Cienna to be in it for the long haul. They have made it clear that if Cienna ever feels like it's too much, they will do whatever they can to make sure it's still fun for her. As long as Cienna loves what she's doing and is passionate about gymnastics, we will support her.
Retired Gymnast: What sacrifices have you had to make as a family for gymnastics?
Sharon: Families of competitive gymnasts have to make huge time and financial commitments. There have been missed parties and social events. Cienna missed her Uncle's wedding and couldn't be the flower girl because it was out of town and her state meet was the same weekend. We always need to check Cienna's gymnastic schedule before committing to anything else. Gymnastics is expensive and a big part of our budget so funds that may have been available for a vacation may go towards a travel meet instead. Gymnastics is definitely a priority. In order to make it a priority, other things must sometimes be sacrificed.
Retired Gymnast: Do you ever feel like you pay attention to Cienna more than your other daughter? Does Cienna generally get more attention?
Sharon: I don't feel like I pay more attention to Cienna. I think that both my daughters get equal attention. Since Cienna is at practice so much, her sister gets to spend a lot of one on one time with me. She gets my undivided attention while Cienna is at the gym. In general, I do think that Cienna gets more attention from others because of gymnastics.
Retired Gymnast: Did you ever think Cienna would get to this level?
Sharon: I really had no idea. A few years ago when Cienna was a level 5, I could never imagine her doing the skills she is doing now. I am constantly amazed by what she is learning. As far as Cienna's gymnastics, I usually just focus on the present and try not to think too far ahead into the future. For now, I just try and enjoy the ride.
Retired Gymnast: Do you ever feel like you are putting gymnastics before school? Or have you always made it clear that school comes first?
Sharon: In the past, I have always made it clear that school comes first. Now that Cienna is training for Hopes, it's more equally balanced. I wouldn't say that we put gymnastics before school but the reality is that school work can be made up a lot easier than missed gym time.
Retired Gymnast:What's the hardest part about being a "gym-mom?"
Sharon: The hardest part about being a "gym-mom" is that no one understands what being a gym-mom is like and all the worrying that comes along with it… except for other gym moms. No one else can fully understand the discipline, the focus, the time commitment, the physical and mental toughness... all the demands placed on the gymnast. I see Cienna work through soreness, pain, illness, and injury…all because she loves the sport of gymnastics and I empathize with her. As a mother, my natural instinct is to shield my child from pain but as a gym-mom, I understand that aches and pains are part of the territory.
Retired Gymnast: What's the best part about being a "gym-mom?"
Sharon: The best part about being a gym-mom is seeing the happiness that the sport brings to Cienna. I love seeing the sheer joy on Cienna's face when she comes home at night to tell me that she got a new skill.
Retired Gymnast: What is YOUR goal for Cienna in her career of gymnastics?
Sharon: My goal for Cienna is for her to always be happy doing gymnastics. I would love for her to continue gymnastics in college and earn a full-ride scholarship.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
The "Rough" Days
Every gymnast is going to have bad days. Whether it's in the gym, or at a meet. I've never heard of a gymnast that has never had a bad day in the world of gymnastics. It's impossible. There's different type of "rough days" it can be something that's going on outside of the gym, mental blocks, a big meet coming up, or you somehow just can't hit those skills.
As a previous gymnast I had some days where there would be something going on out of gym, such as grades, or a party I couldn't go to. Those things could lead to a bad day at the gym. But honestly, those are the things that shouldn't affect your gymnastics. The gym to me was like a different world, a place where I didn't worry about my hair, or what was going on with my friends. It seemed like a magical place. So the fact that I wasn't performing to my standards because of something that happened out of the gym? No excuses, none. I don't remember having those days that much, maybe I had a couple. But definitely not that many. So if you're ever in that situation, just take a deep breath and try to forget about everything (well, of course not your gymnastics) I'm sure it will still be there after practice.
Mental blocks were the most frequent thing for me. There were days where I would start crying because I was too scared to do a skill I knew how to do. I didn't cry because I was scared (okay, maybe a little) but I cried more so because I was frustrated. I didn't understand why I couldn't do the skill. Mental blocks are hard to deal with, they could last a practice, or even a year. My coach always just told me to close my eyes, take a deep breath, and picture myself doing the skill perfectly. That worked most of the time. And don't be afraid to ask for a spot, I'm sure your coach will understand. Remember, you're a gymnast. This sport is supposed to be fun, so don't be afraid to talk to your coach.
When I was younger, I never got that nervous for a meet. At practice I was usually very energized, ready to compete. But then once I got home to go to bed, I didn't fall asleep until usually about 11:30. The next morning I wasn't tired at all, the adrenaline must have kicked in. It wouldn't be until I was standing next to the apparatus, waiting for the judge to salute me that I could feel my heart beating a mile a minute. If you are having a bad practice the week before a meet, it might be the meet nerves and you might not even know it!
Of course, everyone is going to have the just plain old "bad days" where they feel weak, or they're not hitting all of their skills. That's normal. Gymnastics is a hard sport on the body and there are going to be days where our bodies just need a rest. That doesn't mean you shouldn't work just as hard if not harder to maintain your skills. But just acknowledge that this is a hard sport, and try not to get frustrated with yourself!
Remember, there are always going to be bad days. And don't be afraid to realize that you are having a bad day. Hey, it happens. Just keep your chin up and believe that you can do it.
As a previous gymnast I had some days where there would be something going on out of gym, such as grades, or a party I couldn't go to. Those things could lead to a bad day at the gym. But honestly, those are the things that shouldn't affect your gymnastics. The gym to me was like a different world, a place where I didn't worry about my hair, or what was going on with my friends. It seemed like a magical place. So the fact that I wasn't performing to my standards because of something that happened out of the gym? No excuses, none. I don't remember having those days that much, maybe I had a couple. But definitely not that many. So if you're ever in that situation, just take a deep breath and try to forget about everything (well, of course not your gymnastics) I'm sure it will still be there after practice.
Mental blocks were the most frequent thing for me. There were days where I would start crying because I was too scared to do a skill I knew how to do. I didn't cry because I was scared (okay, maybe a little) but I cried more so because I was frustrated. I didn't understand why I couldn't do the skill. Mental blocks are hard to deal with, they could last a practice, or even a year. My coach always just told me to close my eyes, take a deep breath, and picture myself doing the skill perfectly. That worked most of the time. And don't be afraid to ask for a spot, I'm sure your coach will understand. Remember, you're a gymnast. This sport is supposed to be fun, so don't be afraid to talk to your coach.
When I was younger, I never got that nervous for a meet. At practice I was usually very energized, ready to compete. But then once I got home to go to bed, I didn't fall asleep until usually about 11:30. The next morning I wasn't tired at all, the adrenaline must have kicked in. It wouldn't be until I was standing next to the apparatus, waiting for the judge to salute me that I could feel my heart beating a mile a minute. If you are having a bad practice the week before a meet, it might be the meet nerves and you might not even know it!
Of course, everyone is going to have the just plain old "bad days" where they feel weak, or they're not hitting all of their skills. That's normal. Gymnastics is a hard sport on the body and there are going to be days where our bodies just need a rest. That doesn't mean you shouldn't work just as hard if not harder to maintain your skills. But just acknowledge that this is a hard sport, and try not to get frustrated with yourself!
Remember, there are always going to be bad days. And don't be afraid to realize that you are having a bad day. Hey, it happens. Just keep your chin up and believe that you can do it.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
My View on Young Gymnasts at High Levels
You're at a level 8 competition, most of the girls are about thirteen years old. But then you see a little girl on floor. You hear people talking and you find out that she is only eight years old. Naturally, your eyes go to her because you are so amazed at the fact that she is a level eight, eight year old gymnast. And you think "Oh, she's totally going to go to the Olympics," but then you think to yourself, "Now how many times have I said that?"
Just like you I am amazed at young talent, but I always wonder what ever happens to the young talent. Where do they go? I love watching young gymnasts. But at the same time, I'm worried about them. I'm not going to name gyms, but there is one gym in particular that has a tendency to burn kids out. If you are a huge gymnastics fan, you might know which gym I'm talking about.
A gymnast's dream is often to go to the Olympics. I feel like some gyms feel like they need to push their gymnasts to the limit so they can reach their goal. They think that a yurchenko full twist vault is necessary for a nine year old. I find the average vault for a nine year old is just a handspring vault. I feel like these kids are going to get to elite level by the time they're ten, and then burn out by the time they are age eligible for the Olympics. I have to admit, I thought Jordyn Wieber was going to burn out. But her coaches were very well trained and did not push her to the limit. I feel like Rebecca Bross was burned out, in 2010 she seemed like a lock for the 2012 Olympic team, but then things crumbled.
I really hope these young girls don't burn out before they go elite, or the Olympics.
Just like you I am amazed at young talent, but I always wonder what ever happens to the young talent. Where do they go? I love watching young gymnasts. But at the same time, I'm worried about them. I'm not going to name gyms, but there is one gym in particular that has a tendency to burn kids out. If you are a huge gymnastics fan, you might know which gym I'm talking about.
A gymnast's dream is often to go to the Olympics. I feel like some gyms feel like they need to push their gymnasts to the limit so they can reach their goal. They think that a yurchenko full twist vault is necessary for a nine year old. I find the average vault for a nine year old is just a handspring vault. I feel like these kids are going to get to elite level by the time they're ten, and then burn out by the time they are age eligible for the Olympics. I have to admit, I thought Jordyn Wieber was going to burn out. But her coaches were very well trained and did not push her to the limit. I feel like Rebecca Bross was burned out, in 2010 she seemed like a lock for the 2012 Olympic team, but then things crumbled.
I really hope these young girls don't burn out before they go elite, or the Olympics.
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