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.