I love... gymnastics

Last week my gymnastics club held their annual gymnastics competition. For some gymnasts entering it was their first competition, for others in was not, but no matter how many competitions a gymnast has taken part in the same feelings come rushing back the second they step into the competition hall.

Being an ex-gymnast myself I knew exactly how all the gymnasts were feeling. Some words to describe their emotions would go along the lines of; nervous, scared, worried, but also; happy, excited and determined. Being entered into a competition is definitely something for a gymnast to be proud of as well (although this is probably the last emotion they are thinking about) because it shows your couch thinks you have the ability to compete in a gymnastics competition, not simply learn gymnastics skills.

Now being a coach, similar emotions still run through my head. I get nervous for the gymnasts. I know they are all capable (or else they would not have been entered into the competition), but can they pull off their best routines in front of a eagerly watching audience? The thought of "of course they can" helps to ease my nervousness slightly, though. And what eases the feeling even more is that they prove me right every single time.

From personal experience, yes having the pressure of a eagle-eyed audience watching you makes you nervous, but somehow it also makes your more determined to get it right, and more often than not you perform better than you ever have before. I think it's because deep down everyone likes to show off, even if it's just a little bit.

So moving away from the emotion of nervousness, I will move on the the feeling of being excited and proud. I am extremely proud of every single gymnasts. Yes they misbehave at training, don't listen to what I say, but all in all they do work hard and a competition is an excellent opportunity to show off what they have been learning and hopefully be rewarded for it. Well done to all the gymnasts!

Beth Tweddle

Do any of you enjoy gymnastics? Or any sport for that matter. I used to be very active and sporty when I was younger but I just don't seem to have the time to fit it into my schedule these day, which is a shame.