Last Sunday, I strolled into the competition venue, a high school gym complex that was filled to the brim with preteens in leo's - bows, and sparkles, lots of sparkles. I"m not sure when all the sparkly makeup became vogue for gymnastics, but it definitely wasn't around when I was competing. What hadn't changed was the athlete number - permanent marker written on the hand. However, I did have a little trouble convincing the check-in lady that I was one of the athletes ......
Old school athlete-hand number lives on!
Such a rush of nostalgia when I got my athlete number. About this time as a kid, the nerves would really kick in, and I would be reaching for my bottle of Pepto . This go around, I was just excited about the experience and priveliged to have the opportunity to give it another go. After registration - it was on to open warm-ups.
Level 7 Team: Arina, Cailin, and Me
The floor during "open" warm ups...organized chaos!
After open warm-ups, we divided into our groups for our 1st event warm-up. For Ariana, Cailin and I, our first event was bars. In timed event warm-ups, every gymnast gets 1 minute to warm up their routine. The warm-up time seemed much longer when I was younger..... I was so rushed to get all my skills warm - think that's just one of the joys of age - ha! After warming up our first event- it was march ins - all the teams are introduced and officially begin the competition begins.
Athlete March-In ---Let the Fun Begin
Right after warm up - we reported to bars to compete. We must "greet the judges" before our routines. Big surprise here! - I recognized the head judge! She used to judge me when I began competing at 8 years old. She took a double take when I introduced myself--- and man, it felt great to be greeted my a big, warm familiar smile! I can't complain about my bar performance, except my "almost fall" on one of my easiest skills - a squat-on to the high bar....but I held on and almost stuck my landing.
Bar Routine - score 8.875
Kenan stood by the bars to "spot my routine" - but mainly for my mental support . Kenan and I have had a great time with this journey back to gymnastics and working with each other in the gym. I was so appreciative for the cheers from some of awesome parents in the crowd - I didn't even know them!--they were from another gym- with daughters competing. A great thrill to have the audience's support.
Our next event was beam. Ahh, beam time - my nemesis back then - my nemesis now! My mount (a press handstand) and dismount are my favorite parts. I fell on my back walkover - but stuck my full-turn....glad to move on to floor.
Our next event was beam. Ahh, beam time - my nemesis back then - my nemesis now! My mount (a press handstand) and dismount are my favorite parts. I fell on my back walkover - but stuck my full-turn....glad to move on to floor.
Beam Routine Score: 8.15 with fall
On floor, I tried a new tumbling pass to up my start value of my routine to a 10.0 - it was a front handspring front tuck.....Nothing like meet day to try a combination you haven't done in over 17 years. I was hitting it in warm-ups, but sat down during my routine. It definitely needs more practice. My dance is a work in progress. I got to work with my friend and professional dancer, Shaleigh Comerford to help with choreography (it was a real treat to have her help---will definitely get more in the future!). I am very excited about progressing with the dance -I'm only scratching the surface where I want to be artistically with my performance
Floor Routine: 8.45 - with fall
Our last event was vault. Nice, quick front handspring for me. A few steps and some body position errors but not too shabby. The mistakes I feel I can easily correct.
Vault: 9.1
I ended up with a score of 34.5 and qualification to the state meet- woo-yoo! - And a 1st place finish on bars and 5th overall. Couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable - fun time! Hubby, Ash was there cheering me on- it was his 1st gymnastics meet! Friends Melissa and Tony came to watch - as well as my parents and a group from Lumberton gymnastics. Our coaching squad consisted of Kenan, Rachel, and Chad - - they're just great! Lots of good laughs for sure.
Next up for me is State Meet- the weekend of March 22nd- 23rd! Can't wait for that adventure
Anyway, you are never to old to have a good time. Never too old to enjoy something you love....
1st place bars
My super champ teammates!
What an amazing thing to behold! You are an inspiration. {{{{applause}}}}
ReplyDeleteHey! I read your story on the dentist website and it was really an inspiration and great motivation for me. I started gymnastics when i was 16 when i got my first job so i could pay for the classes cuz my parents never supported me to do gymnastics. I'm 19 now and going to compete soon. I may not be as talented as the gymnast who started at an early age or are naturals, but I work really hard and even though it takes me longer to learn a skill compared to other kids, I always remind myself of the quote "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" I read books about gymnastics, learn the basic biomechanics of skills to find out what I did wrong, etc. I love reading your blog ,keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThat is great Christine! ---I'm sure your gymnastics means so much (and something you should be very proud of ) - with the sacrifices you had to make train. Enjoy the journey - its fantastic no matter how late you begin!
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