Raising Emily: May 2011

The care and training of a young gymnast

I wish I had started this blog a while back. At that time I had no clue my youngest daughter would have the drive to be a gymnast. I just knew I couldn't contain her energy and needed an outlet for it's release. Hopefully this blog will be helpful to others that have a kid interested in gymnastics.

As I am a single disabled parent, money's been tight and this sport is not cheap. The commitment of financial resources, time and energy for the parent can be as demanding as the physical demands placed on the athelete.

This blog is created for all the unsung heroes behind that future medalist, the parent.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Spring has sprung

Well, we had the grand opening at the new gym! The new gym is 18,000 square feet. To think that this gym hasn't been open an entire year yet and we've already outgrown the old space! During the grand opening this past weekend we were graced with the presence of Svetlana Boguinskaia, Rustam Sharipov and Anna Smirnova.

I sat and watched them work on Saturday. I have to say that I was so totally impressed. These three wonderful champions worked with all of the kids, in every level and not only did the kids learn new skills, but they also bonded as a team.

This was absolutely a fabulous experience for the kids and I am so appreciative for having been able to allow my child the opportunity to learn from true Olympic champions!

Svetlana Stabourova, Emily's coach from the beginning is pictured on the right of the photo with the blond hair standing next to Anna. She is the BEST EVER! Emily mastered her back walk over, and back hand spring yesterday, with encouragement from her coach. Wow, last week Emily was afraid to perform a back walk over on the low beam, this week she's performing level 6 skills without a bobble!