Expert: Kevin Dixon-Jackson - 8/29/2009

Question
hey. this may be a lot of questions, and i apoligize ahead of time. but, i am 13 yrs old and have done gymnastics for 1 yr. am i too old? also, i reallly take gymnastics seriosuly, but i'm in recreational. I'm a begginer but have almost alll the advanced beginner skills. i want to compete, but my parents dont like the time commitement. any advice to convice them? i sometimes even act like a competitor. Also, if i train 2-3 hours a week, will i be able to do college gymnastics? i want the truth. how far can i proceed? Lastly, how can i move up a level? classes r becoming boring. pleaseeee right basck asap!!

Answer
Hi Carlie

It is hard for me to tell from a distance how well you can do. Coming to the sport at your age makes getting to a very high position very difficult. However the best advice is to take small achievable steps and see how far you can go. Talk to your current coach and find what he/she considers best then negotiate with your parents it will not be a big time commitment at first.
Promise to do school work in advance of training.

Best wishes

Kevin