TAG Gymnastics Interview Report

Eight-year-old Lucy hesitated as she approached the pull-up bar, reluctant to proceed. Skills-tests started today; the day she would demonstrate her progress at TAG Gymnastics' summer program. Uncertain of her own skills, Lucy studied her fellow gymnasts as they prepared for their turn. The girls, self-assured and wearing perfectly-fitted leotards, were built for gymnastics: long, lean, and athletic. To pull themselves up and over the well-worn, padded bar would be easy for them. They had long-mastered the chin-up pullover, a basic but necessary skill, to transition from beginner to intermediate class, a significant achievement. Lucy was next. I watched her approach the bar, sensing her dread. I knew she could be successful, I am not certain she did. As her summer gymnastics coach, I decided I would convince her. …show more content…
Whether at gymnastics or at school, my achievements were well-earned, a result my natural determination. Many of my peers shied away from challenges. Not me. Obstacles are opportunities. My goal was to share my insight with Lucy. I wanted her to succeed, like I had. But first, she had to get over that bar. “Let’s work a few extra hours together,” I told her. Two, three, and sometimes more, hours each week, we trained. Before and after class, and, on the weekends, I walked her through the personalized conditioning plan I created. Wall pushups led to knee pushups; floor pushups led to supported pull-ups. Lucy increased her upper body strength, but needed more confidence. I demonstrated both. Each week she improved, and after each session, she thanked me for encouraging her. Be it Lucy, or anyone else, I am always grateful to support those who need