Jr at Gasparillo Meet 2008

[Chris Forbis]

Originally Posted by sarena kopciel

I think it is somewhere in our makeup to think we can always do better.

Methinks any human that doesn't feel compelled to do something better the next time around wouldn't have his genes hang in the pool for too long...

[sarena kopciel]

btw, how old is Junior? I seem to remember 7ish!

[Derek Simonds]

He turns 8 on the 24th and Laney turns 6 on the 26th. So big days coming for both of them.

[Greg Woods]

Congrations to your son, Derek. I was very impressed with his body control, especially on the ring routine. My son just turned 8 last month and has been going to gymnastics for roughly 3 months but is a bit lagging in the coordination department. It appears he's working on the same routine as Jr, but your clip is the first time I've seen it strung together. He's watched the clip several times so hopefully something clicks.

Is your daughter taking lessons too? Mine turns 5 on the 25th and is doing great in her classes.

[Derek Simonds]

Greg I am glad your son has enjoyed watching the routine. Jr and I are working on his floor elements at home a couple of times throughout the week. Floor has been his toughest event by far.

Laney is also a gymnast. She is 5 and turning 6 next week and is on pre team right now and plays soccer. After soccer season she has said she wants to start training for a meet. We will see how that goes.

You make an interesting point that I have discussed with several gym owners. Most sports that boys participate in they show up get a uniform practice a couple of days and BAM they are playing a game. Mom and Dad can invite the other relatives they can sit in the stands and watch and be proud. With competitive gymnastics it doesn't work that way. It is entirely reasonable that a 5 / 6 / 7 year old boy could practice for a year before being close to able to compete at a level 4. AAU is trying to change that with the introduction of a level 3 for the younger boys. This would provide a shorter ramp up to competition and hopefully foster more interest in mens gymnastics.

[Greg Woods]

Great observation regarding gymnastics vs typical sports. At their age there is a wide range in body awareness / coordination and that's tough to mask in gymnastics compared to soccer, baseball, etc. I try to get him to practice at home but it's tough due to space constraints. He struggles and often looses interest but he's coming along slowly. I go twice a week so hopefully that'll keep him inspired. Arden, on the other hand, will turn a somersault any chance she gets.