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.