Gymnastics Team Competition

2ND All-Around

"Don't worry about the competition. Do your best. Try to beat your previous score."

I must admit that I was against Laura joining team competition, but the decision is hers, not mine. I was concerned that the commitment is too much for a nine year old. Gymnastics is year-round. Practice times and days have increased. She left team basketball. One-sport specialization is not healthy to the body and mind. I fear it will lead to injury, lack of social circles, and early burn-out.

So far, I fully support Laura's decision. After two events, she is enjoying practice and doing quite well in competition.

In the first meet, Laura received 1st place on vault. A complete shock to me. I had watched her countless times in the basement and living room performing a floor routine. I had assumed floor would be her best event.

At meet #2, she was nervous about everything. Mom and I had reminded her that it's about fine-tuning your skills and improving your score - not to focus on other scores. Yes, I am happy that she got second place in the all-around but what I am most proud of is that she increased her scores in all four events.

I am now waiting for failure, disappointment, and adversity. These are all good life skills to learn how to persevere. I will be there to get her through it.

Go Laura!