Tumblequeensmom on Chalk Bucket linked to a blog new to me: Keeping Balance
It’s written by Courtney, a 17 year old high school senior who reached level 10 at age 13, invited age-10 into Tatiana Perskia’s elite training group at Capital Gymnastics NTC.
… Then quit angry at the sport at age-16.
A Gymnast’s Tale: Part Five:
… When I reflect on the year I spent in Elite group, I automatically think of two days. The first is a hot summer afternoon, and I’m in a shiny red leotard for good luck on my very first day. I’m honored to be training in the same group as World Champions and World Class Elites. The other day I see took place in the following summer, and I’m walking towards Tatiana to inform her that I will not be returning to the sport of gymnastics.
Between those two summers, one would think that I was the happiest girl on Earth – I had amazing competitive seasons, placed in the top three at nearly every meet I went to, and was the only Capital level 9 to qualify for all four event finals at the Hill’s Classic. I was in the best shape of my life! Eight practices a week and conditioning tests every morning practice made sure of that.
But inside, a hatred for the sport consumed me.I developed an intense aversion to ANYTHING that reminded me of gymnastics. I would not touch a leotard at home.While doing laundry, I’d hold it at arms length by my fingernails, like it was poisonous. I would not say the word “gymnastics” and I would not talk about practice. If I found myself visualizing routines in my head I would shake the thoughts out and think about something else. I hated going down Clifton Rd. because it made me feel like I was going to gym. …
She’s an eloquent writer, happy now to be coaching rather than training.
Check it out for yourself – Keeping Balance
I’m still not sure why this psychological dynamic is so common in women’s Artistic gymnastics, but not in men’s nor other female acrobatic disciplines.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 