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.