The fork in the road

Grace has made a very important decision that not many 8 year olds would understand, let alone make! She decided that she was ready to move to the next level in her gymnastics training. She will be pushed to her limits and sometimes beyond. This level, we are told, is not for the uncommitted.

Grace's coach told us that he sees the talent in Grace and thinks that she can go all the way---to the elite level. He has decided to work with her and one other young girl two times a week. That means Grace is really getting private lessons to help accelerate her training. Her coach believes that not only can he have her ready for the TOPs testing this summer but he thinks that she can be considered by the Karolyi's to attend a by-invitation only developmental camp.

The biggest barrier for Grace to achieve all of this? Her emotional level. Grace, when frustrated, breaks down and cries. Not only does she cry but she has a hard time calming down. Now, this is not unusual for an 8 year old who is a perfectionist. But, it is unacceptable for a gymnast who wants to make it to the National Team.

So, we talked with Grace and explained the expectations for her at the next level. She would have to work extremely hard and most things she would not be able to do. She would have to push hard and when she eventually learned the skills there would be even more difficult skills to learn. The coaches told her that they would support her but they would not feel sorry for her. She was told that on the floor she was not an 8 year old. They would consider her a gymnast training to be elite and for that to happen they could not and would not baby her.

Grace told them, on her own, that she wanted until the end of the week (yesterday) to consider it. Her coach told her that if she decided NOT to move on he would still be thrilled because he would have another state champion at level 5. He told her that she would be an awesome gymnast no matter what she decided. Dave and I told her that we would love her no matter what. We reminded her that she was Grace and she was not gymnastics.

During the week we talked about everything, we answered questions and Gracie thought about it. I had Grace watch an old, 5 part documentary (click here to watch) that CNN did on Elite gymnasts. We told Grace if she decided to move to the next level then we would find a sports psychologist that she could talk to.

We arrived at the fork in the road one week ago. Grace made her choice yesterday morning, She told her coach that she wanted to continue with the TOPs teams and that she would work very hard. After practice she then told me her decision. I can't say I was surprised.

At the tender age of 8 Grace grabbed the ring of this fantastic opportunity and is now on a journey that will be full of challenges and unbelievable rewards. And we believe she will be successful!!