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.

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.

Interview with coach of Jordyn Wieber: John Geddert

Me: Do you have girls that skip levels at Twistars? If so what is the most common level for one of your gymnasts to skip?

John: Our program is based on honing the skills at the compulsory levels (levels 4-5-6). We feel the return on investment reaps big rewards later down the developmental line so we make compulsory levels a priority. Since our compulsory program is very strong and the standards for advancing are relatively high we often times find that level 7 is an easy level to bi-pass as soon as the mobility score is obtained. Every once in a while we do field a level 7 team but most years a majority of our level 6s skip directly to level 8.

Me: About what percent of your optional-elite gymnasts are home schooled?

John: I encourage our athletes to maintain contact with public schooling unless there is simply no other option (longer commutes etc). Public schooling delivers so many things (educational support, mentoring, and social ties) so we feel it is a very important part of developing well rounded children. Don't misunderstand, I do not have anything personal against homeschooling and have had some of our athletes use it very successfully over the years, it is just that if I had to choose, I would lean towards involvement with public schooling. With that being said most of our athletes that are on the elite track use a combination of home schooling/on line courses and public schooling.

Me: What level or age did you notice Jordyn had talent?

John: It was obvious fairly early that she had "talent". Jordyn was very strong and very motivated to train hard. The process that leads to the kind of success that she has attained is a gradual one, building success upon success which in turn creates a snowball effect. I have talent, I use my talent, I get better, I experience success, I like the sport, I feel good about my investment, SO I continue to train hard, progress and reap bigger and better rewards. Noticing actual elite talent probably came around when she was 9 or 10 years old.

Me: What do you think is the most common reason for gymnasts quitting the sport?

John: That is a very good question. My personal experience in dealing with attrition in the sport of gymnastics has led me to believe that the largest contributing factor is when they stop progressing. This happens at various points for different athletes as dictated by their individual physical talent, motivational skills, dedication etc. When athletes start feeling that the time they are investing is no longer producing the progress that they expect, this is when many will retire from the sport. AND this is understandable. Gymnastics is not a sport where you will continue to get better, advance your skills, improve your scores FOREVER. This is one of the reason why we feel so strongly about honing the skills at the lower levels a) it allows athletes to experience great success (stopping to smell the roses along the way) and b) it establishes a foundation of basics so that they can build a longer and more successful career... thus delaying how fast they smash into the wall of learning frustration.

  Me: Do you encourage parents to watch practice? Why or why not?

John: I am not so sure we actually encourage them to watch practice but we certainly do not discourage it. Our parents are allowed to view any practice at any time. Some parents feel it is important to show support for their childs chosen activity. Being an athlete that came from a "non support" atmosphere growing up, I certainly understand and appreciate this commitment. Now if viewing to show support crosses the line to micro-managing the staff or to provide them with an opportunity to do a little arm chair coaching of their own, we would certainly have issue with this. I do advise parents that watching for gymnastics progress on a daily basis is like watching grass grow. You are not going to see it as well as you would if you watched once a week or once per month.

Me: If one of your gymnasts falls at a meet, what do you tell them after the routine?

John: Well honestly there was a time 15 or so years ago where I might have reamed them for showing a lack of focus, commitment, mental fortitude and desire. I discovered that this really serves zero purpose. We try to handle event falls as a fluke occurrence, something that doesn't nor shouldn't happen very often. Mistakes happen. Learn from them, make the needed adjustment in training and move forward. Adding extra pressure like parents or coaches being upset about mistakes, will never serve as a long term solution. We may address the technical reason for a fall but try to avoid putting emotion into the equation.

Me:  Has having Jordyn being apart of Twistars, gotten more athletes at Twistars?

John: That is very tough to determine. We have always had a very large and competitive team program. She is obviously the gem of that treasure chest. But as far as a major influx of athletes knocking on our doors I would have to say that having a World Champion and Olympian has to have some impact, I am just not sure how much. New kids come in waves and most clubs have seen the benefit of the Olympic surges that come post Olympics. We experienced significant growth in our recreational programs this year and I am sure this is partially due to Jordyn's success and the success of the USA Olympic Team.

Me: Once Jordyn became a big name, did you have to put certain securities on things? (ex. not allowing non parents to watch practices)

John: We did have to implement a "No photos or video" rule due to some footage showing up on certain web sites and then being critiqued (positively and negatively). Beyond that we would supply Jordyn with security at special events where she was exposed to the public for prolonged periods of time.

Me: Why did you decide to be a gymnastics coach?

John: I believe I was born to coach. Even as a teenager I would coach my siblings in different sports in the front yard (including gymnastics). I progressed to teaching after school recreational programs while I was in High School and it simply progressed from there. I always found myself searching for a bigger challenge, a better way to train, a more productive way to produce results. I simply love helping athletes achieve their goals and in the process I respect the impact that sports can have on shaping a child. Believe me ... initially it was never about MONEY as I was one poor coach back in the lean years.

 Me: Do you have any other gymnasts that are training elite right now?

John: We actually have several that are on the elite path. We will progress them towards the elite program if a) their goals remain fixed on becoming an elite b) their talent and dedication indicates that this is feasible.

What to Keep In Your Gym Bag

Hey guys It's finals week for me so I haven't really been able to think of a good blog topic. But today I was organizing my gymnastics stuff and thought a good topic would be what to keep in your gym bag. These are the things I kept in my gym bag. Some of the things you might not need. I will provide a link to where you can get the stuff :) This list is for competitive gymnasts :)


1. An extra leotard and shorts, I would always keep an extra leotard and short in my bag. In case your leo rips. Most of my friends on my team would come from school to gymnastics and sometimes forget their leo. Some gyms do not allow shorts, so if that is your gym then forget about that.

 
My favorite leotard brands
GK Elite
K-Bee Leotards
Melody Leotards
Alpha Factor







2. Pants and a jacket, especially when it gets cold outside I would like to keep a jacket and pants in my bag. Or when its summer time, I would put a tshirt (and shorts if I didn't already have shorts on over my leotard. Sometimes if people don't understand that you are a gymnast, it might be a little weird to them if you are just walking around in a leotard! I suggest to NOT put your team warm ups in your bag in case something happens to it!

3. Water and a snack, I would get about a five minute break every workout. Don't put your water and your snack in your gym bag, it might spill and mess up things in your bag!

4. Money, There was a grocery store next to my gym so if I forgot a snack I could go next door and get something before workout.

5.** My grips, wristbands, and my grip bag. This only applies to you if you have grips [obviously] I had a grip bag that I put my wristbands and grips in. I liked a separate grip bag so I wouldn't get a bunch of chalk on my other stuff in my bag :)
*The pictures of the grips, wristbands, and the grip bag is the exact type I had. They were awesome and worked well!

Grips (the ones in the photo)
Grip bag (the one in the photo)
Wristbands (the ones in the photo)
Grips
**I suggest for you to ask your coach first if you are allowed to get grips, also make sure your hand gets measured properly

 6. Tape and pre-wrap, This is for if you twist an ankle or strain something and you need a little bit of support. Also, tape can also be used as "tape grips" that you can use if you have a rip. Tape and pre-wrap comes in many colors, I had a colored tape, a tan tape, and a white tape in my bag, I also had a colored pre-wrap and a white pre-wrap in my bag. I used the tan tape or white tape with the white pre-wrap for meets so it wouldn't show :)


 You can buy pre-wrap and tape either at your local drugstore or sporting goods store








7. Ballet slippers OR socks, at my gym we would take ballet twice a week to improve our artistry. I usually wore socks or ballet slippers. Unless instructed by your coach when you go out and buy slippers DO NOT buy pointe shoes, I highly doubt a gymnastics coach would want their gymnast on pointe.

I am now a dancer, and my favorite brand of ballet shoes is Bloch you can also get a HUGE variety of ballet slippers at Discount Dancewear








8. Tiger Paw Wrist Supports, I have broken both of my wrists and sprained them so many times, so I have wrist problems. I would wear the tiger paws at workout but then go bare handed at meets because I liked to feel the equipment with my bare hands. If you chose to compete with the wrist supports, I would suggest getting the tan/sand color. Because I didn't compete with them I had zebra tiger paws:)

Tiger Paw Wrist Supports

So this is what I would generally keep in my gym bag, hope this helped! :)

Hairstyles for Gymnastics Meets and Practices!

Hairstyles for Practice

For practice, I would always wear a pony tail. Soon my hair got too long and I had to start putting it in a ballet bun, a messy bun (McKayla Maroney bun) would fall out too easily during practice! When I had short hair, I would have two pig tails. Of course this is when I was younger and it didn't look ridiculous.
So for practice I reccomend a ponytail, a bun (doesn't have to be perfect) or if you have short hair, pig tails. I really do not recomend braids. Especially if you are a high level gymnast, the braids will whip around and hit you in the face, trust me. I know.

Hairstyles for Competition
Many gyms require a hairstyle, for example: a bun for complulsory levels and a ponytail for optional levels. Some gyms do not have a rule about it, like my old gym.

The Bun
As a gym mom or a gymnast you are going to need how to do a bun. You will need: elastics, a brush, a comb, hair gel, hair spray, Bobby Pins, the team scrunchie or ribbon, and glitter (optional.)

Step One: Cover the hair in hair gel, remember it is very hard to work with hair gel, so work fast!
Step Two: Brush the hair back into a pony tail, it is hard to brush through the gel, so as mentioned before, work fast!
Step Three: Split the pony tail in as many sections you would like depending on how much hair the gymnast has.
Step Four: Braid each section and secure it with a small elastic
Step Five: Once each section is braided take each braid one at a time and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. (where the ponytail is tied off)
Step Six: Once all the braids are wrapped around, there is a choice. Some people like to tie an elastic around it and then the scrunchie. Others just like to put the scrunchie around. If you are using a ribbon, I reccomend tying two elastics around the bun. If you are doing a scrunchie, I think it's easiest just to tie the scrunchie around it. But you can tie it with an elastic too! Before the scrunchie some people like to use a hairnet that matches the gymnast's hair color.
Step Seven: Once the scrunchie or ribbon is tied around, take the bobby pins and pin the bun like there is no tomorrow! Just kidding! Use up to maybe eight pins depending on the size of the bun.
Step Eight: Spray all of the hair! Especially the bun. At this point you can put glitter on the bun if you want to and if your gym allows it!

I never had a bun for competition considering that I had long hair and a lot of hair. We tried to do a bun before, ended up doing seven braids. The bun was huge! And it gave me a head ache! A pony tail is very simple for competition and can work! My hair got too long for a ponytail so my mom curled the ponytail so it became shorter, and it was very pretty! To curl my hair, I slept in foam rollers and then in the morning my mom touched it up with a curling iron.

Here are some photos of hairstyles that could be used for competitions:
I do not own any of the photos, photos are cited below.

http://0.tqn.com/d/dance/1/0/T/C/-/-/bunfun1400.jpg
http://sportsgirlsplay.com/hairstyles-for-gymnastics-and-cheerleading/

Was It Worth It In The End?

    As many of you guys know, I started competing when I was nine. Which is pretty late. I was 4'9 which is super tall for a nine year old gymnast. I wasn't the daredevil of the gym, I was the focused one with a heart. I had so much trouble with tumbling. I went through so many injuries in gymnastics, at least one break a year and a couple sprains. And then there were those practices where I got so frustrated with myself or that my coach would yell at me so much that I would cry. If you are a gymnast, you know that your Friday nights are occupied. For me on Friday I had practice from 4-9 p.m. then gym on Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. So there is obviously no time for sleepovers or parties on Friday's. The biggest party of the night was on a Friday, it was for my friend's birthday and she always has a HUGE party. But of course I had to miss it because of gymnastics.
    Now don't get me wrong here, I still loved to train! I was probably the hardest worker in that gym. Because I had the heart, but not much of the talent. For gymnastics you need to be physically tough and also mentally tough. It's just so hard sometimes when you have been working so hard for a skill but then just can't get it. And all you can think to yourself if, "What the heck is wrong with me?! Why do I even think I could ever be like McKayla Maroney someday, I'm awful!" Yep. I have said those exact words to myself. I was so tough on myself as a gymnast. The skill I had so much trouble on is my round off back handspring. I know I know stupid right? Yeah go ahead laugh. I totally had that skill down physically, but when it's not a physical problem... It's a mental problem. Some meets I would do it... Others I wouldn't.
    When I had to quit gymnastics I left the sport feeling so unaccomplished it was crazy. I felt like I had spent all of my life training for nothing. Was the training even worth it now that I had to quit? I worked so hard for the past nine years and now it was over? What? I missed all those sleepovers, parties, and trips for nothing? C'mon. That's not reality. Unfortunately it was reality, complete reality nothing more than reality! I left the sport so upset. And I really wish I hadn't.
    Now the real question to ask myself was it truly worth it in the end?In the previous paragraph you could easily say "no, it wasn't" But I think it was worth it. I knew I would never make it to the Elite level with my fears, height, and injuries. But gymnastics taught me so much. It was worth it to be apart of the toughest sport in the world and say you compete, and to do more push ups than the boys in PE Physical Fitness Testing. All that training did have a meaning, it brought me into the world of gymnastics, which I will keep in my heart forever. I might not be a gymnast anymore physically, but like I said. The two components of gymnastics are the physical and mental state, while I might not be a gymnast anymore physically, I am mentally. Gymnastics will always be apart of me no matter what. So yes. It was worth it in the end. I might've not became that gymnast I wanted to be. But gymnastics taught me so so much.

Vlog: My Kellogg's Tour Experience

Video: Kellogg's Tour Experience

My Eating Disorder and How McKayla Maroney Got Me Through it

   December 2009 I was ten years old and, I was just finishing up the end of the first half of my level 4 season. I was really struggling with my round off back handspring, which I know sounds stupid for a gymnast. I had competed four meets that season, and three of them I fell on my head. I could do it physically, but mentally I couldn't. Then a few days before Christmas I broke my elbow, nevertheless doing a round off back handspring which really wasn't good for my confidence. I got my cast off and was able to compete three meets before the season was over. And with all those meets, I didn't do my back handspring. In fact, in one of the meets my coach came on the floor to spot me and I didn't even to it then! So what the heck does a round off back handspring have to do with an eating disorder?
    Well one night I came home from workout ready to have my favorite dinner at the time; mac n cheese. I got myself a big spoonful but didn't swallow it. "Hmm.. that's weird" I thought to myself. I took a smaller bite, I got smaller and smaller bites until I was down to one little piece of macaroni. I swallowed that, but seriously. It would take forever for me to eat a whole bowl of mac n cheese eating it piece by piece. My mom could tell something was wrong so she offered to put the mac n cheese in the blender. I agreed to that and she put it in. When it came out I thought it would be a drink so I could easily have it! But it was just ground up this time. I still refused to eat it. So I went to bed that night without dinner. My mom just thought I must've had a tough day at practice so she ignored it for that night. She stopped ignoring it when it went on for a whole week. Yes, a whole week. I did eat but not a lot, maybe equivalent to a meal and a half a day? So not a lot. My mom started taking me to doctors, they couldn't determine what was wrong. I had to go into the hospital for a test to see if there was any blockage in my throat. So they put me to sleep and took a tiny piece of my throat out. They said nothing was wrong with me. So I was still going to doctors and leaving school early about twice a week so I could go to those doctors. My school had to give me special permission to take extra time to eat lunch so I was able to eat since it would take me so long to eat.
   I went back to the hospital for a few more tests. And they never determined what was wrong, they said it was most likely stress related and that's what my parents believed too. I was pulled out of gymnastics until February 2011. Which for any gymnast, is a super long time.
    Now where does McKayla come into play? Well, in 2010 when everything started happening. I became a huge fan of McKayla. My eyes would be glued to the screen when I would watch her. I always thought that I want to be like her some day, of course after the eating disorder that would be pretty much impossible. But what I really liked about McKayla is that she didn't win every single title possible, and when she fell she didn't let her emotions show it. She taught me how to be a fighter. And when I was released back into the gymnastics world I just thought about how McKayla inspired me and to never give up on my dreams. Of course, my dreams were crushed once again when I was forced to quit due to numerous injuries. McKayla really did teach me so much especially to never give up.
    Even though I'm not a gymnast anymore, I still look up to McKayla Maroney so much. She is still my idol and whenever I'm having a bad day I just think, "What would McKayla do?" And then somehow, it's settled. She taught me that even the craziest dreams come true. Right now my crazy dream is to meet her. And I hope that someday it will come true.

Interview with "Gym Mom" of a Level 9 Gymnast: Jenni

Jenni is the mother of a level 9 gymnast Sage

 

Me: Why did you decide to put Sage in gymnastics?
Jenni: At school, every Thursday, Sage had a 30 minute tumbling class and loved it, she begged me to put her in "real gymnastics" so I granted her wish.

Me: What did you think when Sage's coaches told you that she was so good and that she would be moved up right to level 4?
Jenni: I was happy for Sage, but wasn't surprised because I had always known how strong, flexible and determined she was and knew that she'd learn what she needed to learn quickly.

Me: Do you ever think that the coaches are pushing her to far and rushing her through levels?
Jenni: I don't think they are pushing her too hard, sometimes she complains that she wants to learn harder skills, she is very impatient. However, I do think that not competing each level has it's downsides. I think gymnasts need the experience competing lower levels to gain confidence and experience. That is something she missed out on.

Me: When you found out that Sage had a fractured vertebrate, what were you most concerned about?
Jenni: The xray showed a fracture( the doctor thought) but the MRI actually showed more of a pre-fracture. She still had to take a lot of time off because there was lots of fluid, swelling and inflammation in her lower back due to being overly flexible in that area, causing constant pressure on her lower back. I was worried that it would become a chronic problem so I made sure she was completely healed before starting back up full force.

Me: Do you get nervous before watching Sage compete?
Jenni: Yes, I get so nervous that I start sweating, lol.

Me: How has gymnastics had an impact on your whole family?
Jenni: It is a sacrifice for us as parents; financially and the time commitment, but we are willing to support her as long as she continues to love it. Her brothers do not like the fact that she is stronger than them pound for pound and can do more pull ups than they can! It makes them try harder in their sports.

Me: Do you ever feel like the three boys get left out because of how much time gymnastics takes up?
Jenni: Her oldest brother is a nationally ranked wrestler and travels even more than she does. He practices daily also. Her two brothers that she is a triplet with play competitive soccer year round. Their only complaint is that she and Kade get to go on airplanes and they don't. I am taking them on a two day get away to California in a few weeks to make up for it, they want to go on an airplane in a bad way

Me: Do you watch Sage at practice? Or do you drop her off then leave?
Jenni: I very rarely watch her. I have other kids to take care of so that is my top priority. I don't want to neglect them by staying and watching her all of the time.
 
Me: Do you ever give Sage pointers? (ex. you need to point your toes more, that split has to be bigger)
Jenni: No, not unless she specifically asks me. I leave that to her coaches, I'm sure she gets enough of that! Ha

Me: Have you ever had to step in as the parent?
Jenni: I am a softy, so if I feel she is being criticized too much or in a way that is hurtful, I will talk to the coaches and ask them to please consider that she is a sensitive 9 year old girl. They are always great to work with.

Me: In two years, where do you see Sage?
Jenni: If things go as planned, she will have qualified for Hopes (pre-elite) within two years, that is what she is working towards.

Me: What event is the scariest for you to watch?
Jenni: Always beam- without question! By that time my heart rate is above 100 and my palms are sweaty! It's her best and favorite event, but it's always so nerve-wracking.

Interview With Level 9 Gymnast: Sage- age 9

 Interview With Level 9 Gymnast Sage

Me: What is it like being the youngest on the team? Is it sometimes hard?
Sage: I like being the youngest because everyone else is really nice to me.

Me: What is your main goal for the 2013 season?
Sage: I want to get my level 9 bar routine really good and be able to score above 9.5

Me: How many hours a week do you train?
Sage: Around 22 hours

Me: If you were to win a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics, what do you think it would be for?
Sage: Beam because it is my favorite and I have a lot of my elite skills on beam.

Me: What is your favorite memory from gymnastics?
Sage: The first time I stuck my front aerial flic lay on high beam.

Me: What gymnast do you look up to and why?
Sage: Gabby Douglas because she is awesome and nice and has tight form and I like having tight form.

Me: Has there ever been a day that you just want to quit?
Sage: No!!!!!!!! But it was hard when my back was hurt watching everyone get new skills and I had to only do conditioning and stretching.

Me: After you're done with gymnastics, do you think you will be a runner like your mom?
Sage: I haven't decided but maybe I will swim, bike and run.

Me: What is your favorite skill?
Sage: Front aerial flic lay on high beam

Me: What was your favorite leotard the Fierce 5 wore during the Olympics?
Sage: The white sparkly one
 











Me: How tall are you?
Sage: 50.5 inches 4 ft. 2.5 inches

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

Hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving, be sure to watch the Fierce 5 in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at 9:00 AM!
I just want to say I'm thankful for all of my friends and family that are there for me during the good the bad and the very bad. I can always lean on you guys for anything and I appriciate that so much. I am so thankful for being able to go to the Kelloggs Tour along with the meet and greet and get to meet Jordyn Wieber's mom, Rita Wieber, outside after the performance.
Today isn't just a day to pig out on our favorite foods, even though that is what I'm really looking forward to, but it's a day to be thankful for everything and everybody. Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a goodnight!
Wait... That's Christmas....

Interview with Junior Elite Gymnast: Simone Biles

Me: What’s your favorite event?
Simone: My favorite events are vault and floor!
 
Me: What would you say is your weakest event?
Simone: bars

Me: How did you get started in gymnastics?
Simone I got started in gymnastics by a daycare field trip!

Me: How tall are you?
Simone: I am 4"8" i think!
 
Me: Has there ever been a day that you just wanted to quit?
Simone: Yes there have been days that i wanted to quit but every gymnast has one of those days!
 
Me: What is your favorite memory from gymnastics?
Simone: Traveling, competing, and bonding with the team!
 
Me: How many hours a week do you train?
Simone: About 32 hours a week!
 
Me: Is there a gymnast you look up to? If so, who?
Simone: Yes i look up to Aly Raisman!
 
Me: What is your main goal for the 2013 season?
Simone: Make the Worlds team!
 
Me: What is the most special thing about your coaches?
Simone: They're nice, and encouraging!
 
Me: How has gymnastics had an impact on your family?
Simone: uhm I'm not really sure!
 
Me: If you were to get one gold medal in Rio 2016, what event would you like the gold medal to be on? (Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor, A.A., Team)
Simone: Vault, or Team!

Interview With McKayla Maroney's Brother: Kav Maroney

Me: Do you ever feel like people are just talking to you so they can meet McKayla?
Kav: Well sometimes

Me: What is one question you get asked all the time?
Kav: Do you do gymnastics?

Me: What was your favorite part about being in London?
Kav: Everything was amazing

Me: How did McKayla's gymnastics career impact your life?
Kav: I don't know

Me: Do you go to most of McKayla's competitions?
Kav: Yes, if not all

Me: Which sibling are you closer with, Tarynn or McKayla?
Kav: McKayla

Me: Do you ever wish you had a brother?
Kav: Well not really

Me: How crazy has your life been since the Olympics?
Kav: It's been weird never being able to see McKayla and stuff

Me: If you could be on one TV show, what TV show would it be?
Kav: Walking Dead

Interview with Francis: Level 10 gymnast Age 12

Me: What's your favorite event and why?
Francis: My favorite event is vault and I like it because it's the one event that I get to use my speed.

Me: What's your strongest event?
Francis: My strongest event is also vault because people say I'm fast so it's easier to get really high off the table.

Me: What's your weakest event?
Francis: My weakest event is probably bars.

Me: How did you get involved with gymnastics?
Francis: I got involved in gymnastics because I would always climb on things.

Me: At what age did you start gymnastics?
Francis: I started gymnastics when I was two years old.

Me: What's it like being the youngest on the team? Is it difficult sometimes?
Francis: Yes, it's difficult sometimes, but they are so nice and supportive teammates and it makes me feel really comfortable around them.

Me: What goes through your mind before a competition?
Francis: I always think to stay positive and just do the routines normally how I practive everyday. Because all I'm doing is the same routines I do everyday so there's no need to worry.

Me: What's your main goal for the 2013 season?
Francis: My main goal is to make it to the JO National Championships.

Me: What gymnast do you look up to and why?
Francis: I look up to Shawn Johnson because she is really strong and powerful and she reminds me that if I train really hard I can be like her.

Me: What's your favorite skill?
Francis: My favorite skill is probably my 1 1/2 yurchenko on vault.
 
Me: Is there anything you would change about your coaches? If so, what? 
Francis: I would like it if my coaches can understand more if something's hurt and I need to stop.

Me: How many hours a week do you train?
Francis: I train about 38 hours a week.

Me: When you fall at a competition, what's the first thing you think?
Francis: I think to breathe, and just to get back up and finish strong and to just forget about it and move on.

Me: Do people ever get jealous of you because you are very good for your age and you win a lot?
Francis: Yes, a lot of people do, but I have learned that I just have to be kind to the people who are jealous of me and soon that person wouldn't have a problem with me.

Me: What's your favorite memory of gymnastics?
Francis: My favorite memory is when I got my first back handspring on the beam by myself. I was really excited!

Interview with Caroline Goodfriend: Level 5 Gymnast: Age 13

Me: What’s your favorite event?
Caroline: my favorite event would probably have to be beam. it is also my best.

Me: What’s Your worst Event?
Caroline: My worst would be bars. no matter how hard or how long I work on bars I only raise my score by about 3 tenths.

Me: How did you get started in gymnastics?
Caroline: I first got started in gymnastics at a very young age. my mom knew I would be good at it with the super abnormal biceps I had at 3 years old. I've always had those "man arms" but with my mom being a single mom it became too expensive. once my mom got married again we were more than able to afford it so i started again when I was 10. 

Me: Do you ever look at the younger gymnasts at meets and wish that you were that young and could do what they could?
Caroline: Whenever i see a younger gymnast at meets being able to do stuff  Better than I can, it stinks. I think that all of this hard work that I put into the gym is fading away. But i think about how young they started, and how they deserve the hard work and the tears they put into gymnastics. 

Me: How do you feel when you don’t place at meets?
Caroline: When i don't place at meets, it is usually because I just got in that level. So usually it's my first season that I don't do so hot. When i don't place I just take it that I either had a bad meet, or I need to give my work outs 110%. 

Me: How do you feel when you fall at a competition?
Caroline: When i fall at a competition it's super disappointing. I feel like kicking a chair I get so mad. This is my chance to show what I got and I fall because I'm nervous? No, that's not okay. But I never cry. I never show that I'm weak at a competition.

Me: If you could change one thing about your coach, what would it be?
Caroline: If I could change one thing about my coach it would be that he always think hes right. Its very annoying so latley I've been talking back. I know it's super bad to do to a coach but he needs it. He hasn't gotten that in a long time, since everyone is scared of him. But ever since I first talked back, hes a little more layed back. 

Me: Do you get jealous when you see girls having flawless performances, then them placing 1st on everything?
Caroline: No i don't get jealous at all, I know that they work their butts off at the gym.

Why I Want to be a Gym Mom

I always tell my friends that I want a daughter when I'm older so I can put her in gymnastics. Now, I don't want to live through my child. But when she's younger I would put her in the little toddler classes to take out some energy! I have to admit, it will be hard to not live through my daughter. But my mom didn't live through me, in fact she wasn't tough on me at all with gymnastics. I hope she would've been a little tougher, but hey! That's just who she is!
After reading Rita Wieber's book, Gym Mom. It made me realize that being an active gym mom was a lot of work. The booster clubs, being at the gym, driving to meets, the hair, the out of state competitions, but most importantly the cost.
If my daughter were to really like gymnastics, and go far in the sport. Like Rita Wieber says, location of the gym is not the most important. Some moms and dads drive up to three hours to get to gym! My parents hated driving far. So I went to a gym about five minutes away from my house. I wish I had gone to a better gym, but it's always the parents final decision. I would be willing to drive up to an hour, two hours each way. I have heard stories of people moving states, or even across country for their gymnast! Which seems like it would be a big sacrafice on the family.
Now let's get to why I want to be a gym mom. Since I was eight I have been obsessed with gymnastics. And when I mean obsessed, I MEAN obsessed. You can ask any one of my friends, family, or even teachers! Whenever there's a chance for me to go to one of my friend's gymnastics meets, I'm there! It's such a beautiful and exciting sport to watch and it's very competitive! I have to admit. I get pretty competitive with the sport. Of course, not to the point where I'm mean, but to the point where I'm nearly closing my eyes, and looking a little bit like Aly Raisman's mom: Lynn Raisman at the Olympics! The whole side of my dad's family is very competitive, so I guess that's where I got it from!
Another thing I love is leotards, now leotards can get pretty pricey! Up to $90 for just a workout leotard and up to even $600 for a competition leotard! And as a former gymnast, I know gymnasts LOVE to stock up on leotards. Maybe up to 30 of them! And if the gym allows the gymnast to wear shorts, we can't forget about those! Shorts can get up to about $30 which I find crazy for just a pair of athletic shorts! But I find all of GK Elite Sportswear's attire is durable and very comfortable!
Lastly, I love doing hair! I can do just about the perfect bun and perfect curled pony tail. (and pig tails) A pony tail and a bun are usually the most common hairstyles for gymnastics practices and gymnastics meets. I have seen some gymnasts with braids. I find braids work for gymnasts with short hair. But when the hair gets long, it might whip around in the gymnasts face!
I would love to be a gym mom! But whatever my kids decide, is fine with me!

My Top 10 Favorite Leotards

Okay, I have to admit. I'm a sucker for leotards. All of my leotards are the mystique material and most of them have rhinestones! I'm going to show you my top 10 favorite leotards! If I were still in gymnastics I would so buy these! These are all tank (workout) leotards! I am not going to include the Olympic replica leotards in here because I love all of them!

#10: GK Elite Style E2182                           #9: GK Elite Style 3700

#8: Gk Elite Style E2055                            #7: GK Elite Style 3696         

       

#6: GK Elite Style E2409                                              #5: GK Elite Style E2067

#4: GK Elite Style 3695                                                     #3: GK Elite Style 3658

 

                      

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                           

                                                                 #2: GK Elite Style 3685

                                                                                   

                                                                                        

       

 And My Favorite Leotard is.... 

#1 GK Elite Style 3646

Rita Wieber- The Best Gym Mom EVER

When I was at the Kelloggs Tour going into the meet & greet, I swear I saw Rita Wieber. But all I was thinking was, "Why the heck would she be here?!" So I just doubted it. My friend kept telling me it is, and I finally believed her. The meet and greet was great! Even though I couldn't talk because I was so excited!
I was walking out of the arena with a big smile on my face when I saw Mrs. Wieber, with her cousin! I asked her for a picture and she said sure! We talked for a bit and she even complimented my mom on how she looks like a model! She is super nice and funny! Here's a couple of conversations I remember having with her:

My mom: "Yeah, my daughter looks up to Jordyn so so much!"
Mrs. Wieber: "Wait... That's YOUR daughter?! You look to young for her to be your daughter!"
*My mom laughs*
Mrs. Wieber: "You must be using Olay! Hey! Just trying to support P&G here!"
My mom didn't get it haha! But I did so I just laughed. Here's one more conversation:

My mom: You just must be so so proud of Jordyn!
Mrs. Wieber: Yes... Yes I am... and VERY tired!

Rita Wieber was so kind and nice! I loved talking to her, and I have been emailing with her about my [previous] eating disorder and she has been so nice about it! Thank you Mrs. Wieber for making time to talk to people!

Here's me, my friend and, Rita Wieber!

How I Got Started in Gymnastics

I never really asked my parents how I got involved... Well, yes I have but I still don't really understand it. When I was about three my preschool started having gymnastics classes after school. My mom put me in because I had a lot of energy and thought it would be good exercise. I was also doing dance at the time which I absolutely despised, but I had to finish the season of dancing. I did gymnastics in preschool all the way through, then started at an after school gymnastics program kindergarten through first grade. I don't remember much about my start at gymnastics, except that I thought that a back hip circle would be impossible even though I was always asking to do cast to handstands... I've always been a crazy kid I guess. I also remember having a hernia surgery in preschool and then wanting to go back to gymnastics the next day. My parents wouldn't let me and I had to go back a week later! I'm so happy my parents put me in gymnastics, I will love it forever and it will always be a part of me.