“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” (Helen Keller)
Support at the Team Level:
Once on team, athletes begin attending competitions. For a gymnast, each child competes on all four events, receiving a score for their performance. By working together as one, each athlete contributes a piece to the team. By working together at competitions, gymnasts are showing support for one another thru constant encouragement. Children are learning how to handle competition jitters, bad scores, and support as a collective group. If a child is nervous at a competition and has a bad meet, their teammates are there to pick them up and give them support. For young gymnasts learning how to work together for the betterment of the team is KEY.
Here at Discover gymnastics we have a fun in house competition called the Mini Olympics. This is a great way for young children who are not quite ready to participate in competition, to experience a mock meet. They perform routines on every event just like they would at a competition. This is our way of showing children they can have fun in a competition setting, and be able to show their parents what they have learned.
A Life Changing Experience:
I was fortunate enough to experience competing collegiate gymnastics, for a Division 1 school. The never ending feeling of team comradery and the friendships that were made, was a life changing experiences I will never forget. Training together as a team every day in the gym, builds so much love and support for one another. I knew that no matter what was going on outside of the gym, I had 12 girls there pushing me and encouraging me every day to succeed. When I finished my routine in a competition, my teammates would scream in excitement waiting to congratulate me with high fives, and hugs regardless of my performance. Being there to support each other is what team work is all about.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” (Henry Ford)
To make the women’s Olympic gymnastics team, an athlete must be one of five gymnasts selected to join the team. All five athletes have worked their entire life towards the same common goal, making an Olympic team and winning an Olympic medal! Once a gymnast is selected to be on the team, they put their TRUST in each other and work together to achieve their goal. Team comradery and support towards for one another is important during the high pressure experience of the Olympics. Gymnasts show their support by simply giving encouraging words, a high five, or a hug during their competition.
Because all the members of the 2012 women’s Olympic team were on the same page, puting in the work to be successful, and had trust in each other, they were victorious in winning the Olympic Team Gold medal. Amazing things can happen when the common goal is the same for everyone.
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