Her First Gymnastics Competition

Reagan's first gymnastics competition was the last weekend of January, and she absolutely ROCKED IT!  She was so excited for the event to finally arrive, and I must say that I was a basket full of nerves for her.  It didn't hit me really until we walked into the gym, but all of the memories from back in the day came flooding back for me!

Way back when I was competing in the mid to late 80's and early 90's, this level of gymnastics was called "The Profile System" and it was created by Gary Goodson.   I actually had the opportunity to train under the direction of Coach Gary Goodson on several occasions myself!!!  USA Gymnastics now calls this training level TOPs... Talent Opportunity Program.  In British Columbia, Canada, it is called GYMSTART.  Regardless of what you call it, the basic principles are all the same!

"The program is designed to put the young gymnast on a solid path toward competitive gymnastics by focusing on drills and basic skills with greater emphasis on physical preparation than the traditional competition. The gymnasts are tested on very basic skills or stages of skills and are challenged to work hard toward good physical preparation that will ultimately determine their long-term success.  The program provides a method of testing and measuring improvements in two main components: Skills and Physical Abilities.   It also provides clear goals for coaches and athletes to work toward with measurable and achievable targets.  The philosophy includes an award system that encourages hard work, recognizes quality and rewards all efforts."

Reagan's meet was a 2-day competition... Friday evening and Saturday morning.   She competed in Physical Abilities first, which was a testing of rope climbs, leg lifts, chin ups, bar hangs, bar swings, bar casts, long jump, sprinting, splits, etc.  She was as pleased as punch to come home that evening with a BRONZE MEDAL!  Her Daddy and I were pretty proud as well.  Day 2 was designed to resemble a more traditional gymnastics competition in that she performed combined Skills on each of the 4 apparatuses of women's gymnastics... 

Vault...

Bars...

Beam...

and Floor...

We were more than impressed that afternoon with the final results... Bronze on Bars, and SILVER on Vault, Beam AND Floor!

The entire weekend was an amazing experience for Reagan and all of the girls on her team.  The best part of the event was seeing all of the girls having so much fun and enjoying each other as they performed in a sport that they all truly love!

Her next competition is coming up in a few weeks, and she's ready!  She can't wait to strut her stuff once again!