University of Georgia Athletics
Suzanne Answers Your Questions
August 20, 2005 | Gymnastics
Aug. 20, 2005
Q: I want to be a college gymnast! I am 11 and compete at Level 7. I won the NYS Level 5 AA & Beam title in 04 and was 3rd AA Level 6 in 05. I am from a small gym but have great coaches. I was wondering what I should do to start preparing for college. I know it is a few years from now but thought it would be good to know what I should expect to do. My coaches feel I will easily compete at Level 9, but our gym doesnt coach 10 or elite. How will this affect me. I am an excellent student as well. Thanks so much.
Laura Scott
Clifton Springs, NY
Dear Laura: Thank you for writing to me about your interest in college gymnastics. It sounds like you are off to a great start. It is fine to stay at your gym until you reach level 9. If at that time, you have a lot of success and do well, then it will be necessary to find a gym which provides level 10. The most important thing is that you continue to improve and advance. Do not be concerned with moving up too quickly. It is more important to win at each level and to perform all of the skills at each level with good execution. It will hurt you in the end if you move too quickly and sacrifice form and proper technique in order to learn a new skill. I am proud of you for having so much ambition at such a young age.
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