My Daughter Tried ALL The Olympic Gymnastics Disciplines: Here’s What She Thought!

By Louise and Harper Saab

We all want our children to be confident, resilient and feel the freedom to be themselves. So, after my four children participated in the KinderGym program, I was thrilled when my 10-year-old daughter Harper decided to pursue gymnastics. The joy, friendships and discipline she gained were immeasurable.

My Daughter Tried ALL The Olympic Gymnastics Disciplines: Here’s What She Thought!

Now, the Paris Olympics has incited fervour like no other and Harper decided to give ALL the Olympic gymnastics disciplines a try.

Here’s her take on it all, and where she ended up (hint: it’s not what you think!).

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

This is what most people see on TV during the Olympics. It has the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. My favourite is the floor routine because you get to dance and tumble to music. It’s like being a dancer and a gymnast at the same time.

Although my least favourite was the uneven bars at first, once I got the hang of it, it felt like I was flying. Gaining skills takes dedication, but it’s been worth it for me. When I’m at the park or with friends, I love cartwheeling and throwing splits whenever I feel like it. I feel special and excited I can express myself through movement.

I had an amazing time training in this discipline for six years at the Sydney Academy of Gymnastics in Seven Hills. When the Olympics came around, I was excited to try something new.

Trampoline Gymnastics

Next, I tried trampoline gymnastics at the Sydney Gymnastics Centre in Rooty Hill. It was so exciting! My coach taught me how to do tricks like flips and twists in the air. The best part was towards the end of the class because I was putting my knowledge together and felt like I was a superhero flying through the air. You do get quite high, but I felt safe with the coach who was always close by to throw in a mat if I needed it. It’s definitely a sport that develops power, which you need to get up so high to perform the twists and flips.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

I’ve always admired the grace and skill of rhythmic gymnasts. Although the Olympians make it look easy, I knew it would be a challenge. When I stepped into Le Ray Gymnastics at Croydon, I was greeted by a friendly group of gymnasts and coaches who were ready to teach me how to leap and twirl. We did a lot of stretches including some new ones I hadn’t tried before. The whole experience was fascinating, and it showed me how different gymnastics can be depending on the gymsport.
 

Acrobatic Gymnastics

These days, I have been spending a lot of time in the gym doing acro. A lot of people don’t realise this is actually an official gymnastics discipline. I train three days a week at Sydney Hills Gymnastics and I absolutely love it.

In acrobatic gymnastics, there is a top and a base (or two bases if it’s a trio). I am the top part of a pair, meaning I get thrown around and get to do lots of cool twists and tumbles in the air. It takes a lot of trust in my partner, but we have worked together for many hours and my coaches are trained to help us get the skills we need in a safe way.

Acrobatic gymnastics is my favourite discipline because you get to create some amazing routines. There’s the creative side, fun music, extra sparkly leotards and cool lifts and balances. Even though it’s not an Olympic sport, one day I hope it will be.

The truth is each type of gymnastics is special in its own way. There are so many programs available, and I hope to continue trying new things.

Whether your child loves to jump, leap, climb or roll, unleash their potential and discover the freedom at gymnastics!

Find your local affiliated club and get started today.

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