My job as a mom is not to raise a child, but to raise an adult. The whole process is overwhelming and seemingly impossible. I mean seriously, I can’t even train my dog to come when called. How in the world am I going to raise daughters who are independent, honest, self-assured women of their word who also show compassion, selflessness and unconditional love to their fellow human beings?
When DW and I put our kids in sports it was for a handful of teachable moments: leadership, teamwork, mental and physical strength, how to be competitive. …
Hard to believe that's my kid!
… I would say that two of her coaches have surpassed any of my expectations and been more like mentors than coaches. …
The Chronicle of Higher Education is the major news service in the United States academic world. 68,000 (subscribers); 245,000 (total readership)
Rumour:
Rhode Island Collegeannounced that women’s golf and women’s swimming will be added as varsity sports for the 2011-12 season. The sport of women’s gymnastics eliminated.
But I’ve heard that the team is fighting for survival. And might yet survive. Leave a comment if you know more.
… I want to share a story of triumph and the ability to beat all odds. One with medals and moments of happiness, and one of heartbreak and helplessness. Its a story of a gymnast who has had to embrace set backs as part of her life to her journey of making it to the collegiate experience.
Chayla Nelson is a level 9 gymnast who trains at KAATS Gymnastics and is coached by her mother Kathy Nelson. Born and raised in Matorville, Minnesota, she lives only 30 minutes from Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester where she was born, and would spend much of her time in growing up. …
Mas Watanabe reports that of 13 healthy Level 10 gymnasts at the beginning of season, only 2 are “healthy enough right now to train hard without taping or icing and some type of rehabilitation”.
… There are only days left before J.O. Championships.
… The most areas of injuries were from 2 main areas: legs (ankles & knees) and the lower back.
Also, many of the injuries were chronic type injuries, so they could train, but working with some aches and pains. Some injuries require the support of athletic tape or supporter during the training and constant rehabilitation work. …
photo via Gymnastics Alberta
Gymnasts being injured (or not nearly 100%) for their peak meet seems to be more common today, than in the past. Frustrating for both the coach and athlete.
Some kids find themselves in this situation year after year.
Solutions?
Firstly, we should study gyms that don’t have this problem. Two clubs that jump to mind are Geddert’s Twistars and Oakville. Both have a lot of Level 10 and higher gymnasts who actually show up at every meet, and both clubs keep their older kids training. What are they doing right?
Next we should look at the last 5 weeks before the peak meet. The main goal should be to avoid injury. And stay healthy.
Obviously, a taper in volume will help. Decreasing difficulty, if possible, will help. Modifying landings. Safety spotting, especially at team training camps.
It’s as important to be healthy for the Peak meet, as ready.
… Leave a comment if you’ve any other recommendations.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who worked so hard to save Men’s Gymnastics at Cal State Berkeley.
… Monday’s announcement delighted coach Tim McNeill and his athletes – who recently finished fourth in the NCAA championships. It also excited a small army of parents, ex-gymnasts and fans who raised $2.6 million to keep the program alive. …
The fundraisers came up short of the $4 million officials said was needed to sustain the program for the next seven to 10 years. As a result, there will be no athletic scholarships to incoming gymnasts until fundraising allows such aid.
This year, the Cal men’s program split 4.7 scholarships among nine gymnasts; the NCAA allows up to 6.3.
At the current funding level, the 2011-12 team – in the program’s 100th season – would have three scholarships to split, because this year’s seniors account for 1.7. The fundraisers, however, are confident they can quickly push the program back to its current scholarship level. …
… philanthropist Doug Goldman recently offered to pledge $160,000 if four other donors pledge an equal amount. “We’re already gotten two of them,” Popovic said. …
