This is generic information and not to be confused with advice. Speak to a professional for all your health needs and seek their counsel. Children need to be under adult supervision at all times. We disclaim all liability for any physical harm resulting from the information on this website. For more info see our disclaimer and privacy policy

Watching the Olympics can be inspiring and you might be thinking, “What would it take for my child to become an Olympic gymnast?” or, “I want to become an Olympic gymnast — what do I do?”.

How to become an Olympic gymnast

While it’s extremely rare and difficult to become an Olympic gymnast — and I certainly can’t promise that — here are some “must-dos” for becoming a top gymnast. This same logic applies if your goal is a college gymnastics scholarship. In order to become a successful gymnast and maybe even an Olympic gymnast, you need to start young, you must train many hours a week in a gym with the right tools for you to succeed and you must master the basics.

Start Young

Olympic gymnasts are young and they start hard-core training at a young age. The minimum age that a gymnast can compete in international competitions is 16. This rule is one of the most debated rules in the sport of gymnastics. Smaller, younger girls tend to be better at the difficult skills required at high levels. However, without the minimum age rule there is some concern about the health and well-being of gymnasts. At the 2008 Olympics, there was some controversy about whether one of the gymnasts on the Chinese gymnastics team was old enough to compete. There was speculation that she was only 13, but nothing ever came of this investigation. Gymnasts peaking at a young age is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 5 girls on the 2012 US Olympic gymnastics team were 16 (the minimum age) and Aly Raisman was the oldest at 18 years of age. This simply proves that starting gymnastics at a young age is one of the most important factors in being successful at a high level. In order to be training at such a high level at 16 — girls need to start young.

gymnast trainingTrain Many Hours a Week

In the book Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, he studies the factors that lead to very high levels of success. (Side Note: This is one of the most interesting, motivating books I’ve ever read and I definitely recommend it.) He studied how the Beatles became one of the most successful bands ever and how Bill Gates was able to start one of the most innovative companies in the world. He deduces that both of these successes (plus many others he studies throughout the book) are due to the 10,000 hour rule. He concludes that you must practice a task for 10,000 hours in order to become an expert. The Beatles performed over 1,200 times in Germany between 1960 and 1964, amassing over 10,000 hours of live playing time. When they returned to England — they were “experts” and sounded better than anyone else. Gladwell credits Bill Gates’ success to the fact that he was able to get access to a computer as a kid (which was very uncommon at the time) and spent over 10,000 hours programming on it.




I also know from personal experience the value of practicing more than anyone else. My dad was a phenomenal runner in high-school, college and afterwards for a short time before he got injured. He still holds both high-school and college records that have held for more than 30 years! When he was in high-school, he ran twice a day every day of the year. He would wake up in the morning and go for a run before school, and then after school go to track practice. No one else was running that much — and he contributes his success to the fact that he was working out harder than anyone else.

Also, each of the 2012 US Olympic gymnasts trained 30+ hours a week. While I’m sure they hadn’t done that since the time they started out, that’s still a lot of hours in the gym. Let’s think this through: Imagine you start gymnastics at 4 or 5 and for those two years you are in the gym 2 hours a week for the year — that’s about 100 hours. Then ages 6-8, you work out 10 hours a week, and in those three years you amass 1,500 hours for a total of 1,600. Ages 9-13, you work out 20 hours a week getting you to a total of 6,600 hours. And 14-16, you work out 35 hours a week getting you over the 10,000 hour mark. (In my math, I gave you 2 weeks vacation.) That’s a lot of hours in the gym — but that would give you the best shot at becoming an “expert” in gymnastics. Your dedication to training is going to be one of the key factors that separates you from other gymnasts, and takes your gymnastics to the next level.

gymnastics beam

Gymnastics Equipment at Olympic Trials 2012

Train at a Gym that has the Coaches and Equipment You Need to Excel

Another factor that goes into becoming an elite gymnast is training at a gym that has the coaches and equipment you need to learn. In the beginning years, this isn’t very important, but as you advance to higher gymnastics levels this becomes essential. My sister (a level 9 gymnast when she went to college) wrote an excerpt for my Parent’s Guide to Gymnastics Ebook on this subject. Basically, she said that there was a big difference between the gym she trained at as a level 9 gymnast and the gym she practiced at on her college club team. The second gym didn’t have the safety belts and harnesses needed to learn high level skills, or things like a pit bar, or enough room to learn dismounts off the tumble tramp. She couldn’t imagine learning big skills at the second gym that she had the opportunity to learn at her previous gym. You also need to make sure you have a qualified coach to teach higher level skills. I talk more about these two factors (equipment and coaching) in tips for picking a gymnastics gym.

Master the Basics

The Olympic gymnastics scoring system rewards both excellence in execution and difficulty. Gabby Douglas’s form, height and execution of her skills is amazing and was incredible at both the Olympic Trials and the Olympics. I remember leaning over to my mom at the Olympic Trials and telling her that Gabby was the one to beat after seeing her warm-up. Her execution of skills was stunning due to her height and body position. This comes from mastering the basics and the basic “shapes” (split and handstand). The gymnasts who really stand out from the the rest of the crowd at competitions (and I say this as a gymnastics judge) are the ones who perform basic gymnastics skills exceptionally and have impeccable body form and dynamics. Here are 9 basic gymnastics skills you should master.

Gymnastics Journal

Set Goals

In order to maximize the time you have in the gym, and make your gymnastics training intentional, it’s important to set goals. If your goal is to get to the Olympics or to earn a college scholarship that will be your long-term goal. What are all the steps that need to happen in order for you to reach that goal? All of these little steps are the short-term goals you should be setting for yourself. I talk more about the types of goals you should be setting in The Mental Workout All Gymnasts Should be Doing and Other Strategies for Becoming the Best Gymnast You Can Be.

Another way to make sure that you are setting little goals for yourself is to list out the skills you want to learn during the summer when you aren’t competing, or during the next year. You can make your own skill progression charts, or check out GymnasticsHQ’s Skill Progression charts here.

Try Out for TOPS

TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program), from the USA Gymnastics Website, is a “talent search and educational program for female gymnasts age 7-10 and their coaches.” It’s a program that tries to find gymnasts with a “special” talent for gymnastics with the goal of having a strong national team. Gymnasts in the TOPS program learn skills at a faster pace than the typical JO Program (gymnastics levels 1-10).

All five members of the Fierce Five, the 2012 Gold Medal Winning US Olympic Team, competed in the TOPS program. Excelling in the TOPS program is maybe the best way to become a gymnast who has a shot at being on the Olympic team.

Master Your Mental Workout

Since there are only so many hours per week that you can be in the gym training, one way to really up your gymnastics game is to master a mental workout. By practicing some of the mental techniques I mention in the mental workout article linked above, like visualization, self-talk and watching a personal highlight reel, you will be able to “practice gymnastics” without actually being in the gym.

In the sports psychology book 10-Minute Toughness, Jason Selk references Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, in which he cites a study that says:

Every minute of visualization is worth seven minutes of physical practice.

If every minute of visualization is really worth seven minutes of practice, by mastering a mental workout you will have a huge advantage over gymnasts who don’t do this visualization practice.

While I am definitely not promising anyone an Olympic career, I do think that starting young, training many hours a week and competing in TOPS are things that members of the gymnastics Olympic team have done. They have also mastered the basics and train with great coaches in gyms with the right equipment. I’m sure they also set goals and do a mental workout.

I think if your dream is to be an Olympic gymnast, these can be your guidelines.

Related Posts:

  • No Related Posts Found
117 comments… add one
  • Gabby Douglas April 11, 2014, 7:13 am

    hi im gabby douglas !!! i want you to know that you have to get a coach and start young . i got into the olmyicas by having a coach train me on my major skills i need to work on

    Reply
    • Margaret November 12, 2014, 2:49 pm

      Hi Gabby. I heard that to be an Olympic gymnast you can’t ever make a mistake. Is that true?

      Reply
      • Emory February 5, 2018, 12:33 pm

        Every gymnast, even Olympic gymnasts, make mistakes. It is part of the learning process. Don’t worry if you make a mistake, it is a part of life. With lots of practice, you can perform your skills perfectly.

        Reply
      • Elizabeth England ❤️❤️ February 8, 2018, 1:11 am

        Hi im Elizabeth your question about you make an mistakes to be gymnast is not true no on one is perfect we all make mistakes all gymnasts do you have to mistakes all you just won’t be successful

        Reply
    • Melika January 9, 2017, 12:05 am

      Hi Gabby! I am 13 years old girl and i really want to become a gymnast. Do you think it is to late?!

      Reply
      • Olivia February 12, 2017, 10:15 pm

        It’s never to late to start beside like 14.
        I suggest being a cheerleader or something ,already to have flexibility Or a dancer. If not stretch every day and put down you phone and workout out your legs, arms, and abs. If you want to go to the Olympics or college or become an elite you have to work for it, because I am a 13 year old level 4 gymnast and I don’t give 110% in the gym that won’t happen by 2020. I’d have To wait till 2024.

        Reply
        • Ellen Clancy March 19, 2017, 8:39 pm

          you wont make the olimpics your to old.

          Reply
          • Tiffniy February 3, 2021, 9:24 am

            that is not true u can be any age to be in gymnastics is does not matter why u are a young age and you why dont you not be in huh try that okay just dont be mean and thats for all of yall ok love yourself and dont care about what people say about you okay and for you “Ellen” stop being mean you prob wont make the team.Love you all and stay true to yourself.

          • Mya February 19, 2021, 7:04 pm

            your right
            do you want to be my friend plz reply
            from
            mya

        • Elizabeth England ❤️❤️ February 8, 2018, 1:12 am

          Me too

          Reply
      • Elizabeth June 12, 2017, 12:46 am

        I’m 13 and you just got to set goals. One of my goals is to master level 9 in two years, and right now I’m in level 3. I believe that I can make it to the 2020 olympics you just have to be positive and believe. Because I believe in you too!

        Reply
        • Emory September 20, 2017, 4:30 pm

          Wow, that’s a big goal! As long as you are determined and work really hard, it is definitely possible! I believe in you!

          Reply
        • Gabriella January 20, 2018, 12:38 pm

          I’m 9 years old and i am on level 3 in gymnastics!! You might have a chance of being in the Olympics??? I REALLY REALLY want to be in the OLYMPICS to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gabby Douglas do i have a chance of being in the Olympics?????? And Gabby Douglas i am your biggest fan!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for helping me follow my dreams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          Reply
        • Myer July 20, 2022, 8:08 am

          Ummmmm… that’s quite a big goal. If you’re only level 3 it might be quite hard to accomplish. On average, I’d say you move up a level each year. I’m 10 and currently in the USAG level9. it took me 7 hard years. if you don’t do well in competitions that’s a sign that gymnastics isn’t really for you

          Reply
      • Zoe Coke February 4, 2021, 3:16 pm

        I don’t think it will work with all this going on if it does work and gymnastics can go on then yes you might be able to

        Reply
    • hazel moore January 18, 2017, 9:58 am

      hi im hazel and 11 years of age is it to late to become olympic level gymnast

      Reply
      • im 11 too i started when i was 10 and still isn't that good my dream since i started was to be an Olympian sooooooo much. but even if it sounds stupid those people who say you can't prove them wrong! so isay if you want too the answer is yes! January 16, 2020, 9:36 pm

        you can!

        Reply
    • Linda April 12, 2017, 6:16 pm

      wow you are totally gabby i totally believe you lol

      Reply
    • Claire April 30, 2017, 11:14 am

      Hi Gabby! I read your book and LOVE it!! I’m almost 13 and pretty good at gymnastics. Do you think I’ll be able to make it to the 2020 Olympics?

      Reply
    • dasia english November 1, 2017, 11:43 am

      luv you

      Reply
    • Kristina January 29, 2020, 8:53 pm

      lol I’m sure this is not the real Gabby Douglas. You’re just a fake stop pretending

      Reply
      • Samantha Vargas April 12, 2023, 12:42 pm

        So not true y’all are haters Kristina and Caroline January.

        Reply
    • caroline january February 11, 2020, 2:44 pm

      if you were gabby Douglas, youed be spelling the words write

      Reply
    • Lily April 4, 2022, 1:26 am

      I’m 10 and am level 3-4. Can I become an olympic gymnast?

      pls respond

      Reply
      • Myer Sofetele July 20, 2022, 8:11 am

        I NEED SERIOUS HELP! I keep getting metal blocks while doing yurchenkos. im and 11 year old level 10 gymnast and need help

        Reply
    • Kate December 12, 2022, 7:10 pm

      Hi Gabby! I’m such a big fan. Woah I can’t believe I’m actually talking to you and might get a reply. Yes it 2022 but still. I can’t do a lot of skills. I need to know what I should be doing. Please get back to me.

      Reply
  • I'Kela Hall May 21, 2014, 8:17 am

    These are the perfect steps to become an Olympic gold medalist, just like Gabrielle Douglas. I want to be just like her when i grow up. Thank you for such wonderful and brilliant advice. i will definetly use it!! 🙂

    Reply
    • gymnasticshq May 21, 2014, 12:50 pm

      So glad you are such a motivated gymnast! Good luck! 🙂

      Reply
      • Serenity Moore July 10, 2017, 11:17 am

        My granddaughter (REALLY) want to become a gymnast please tell us where to start she’s 7 years old and she’s (VERY) passionate about this, please help us where do we start!

        Reply
  • I'Kela Hall May 21, 2014, 8:17 am

    These are the perfect steps to become an Olympic gold medalist, just like Gabrielle Douglas. I want to be just like her when i grow up. Thank you for such wonderful and brilliant advice. i will definitely use it!! 🙂

    Reply
  • Tayler June 23, 2014, 3:28 pm

    Hi Im Tayler and i started gymnastics when i was 8. Everyone says you have to start really young , so do you think i have a shot at going to the Olympics? By the way right now Im 12.

    Reply
    • Carly July 4, 2014, 8:36 pm

      Yah! I’m 11!
      Just work hard and you might have a shot!!

      Reply
  • Carly July 4, 2014, 8:35 pm

    Do you have the Middle School Gymnastics Team required skills? I need to know them to try out in 4 months! Thanks!

    Reply
    • gymnasticshq July 4, 2014, 8:46 pm

      Hi Carly,
      Every middle schools required skills would be different — there is no standard unless they use a certain gymnastics level requirements. You would have to ask your school. 🙂

      Reply
  • Katie July 11, 2014, 2:42 pm

    I love gymnastics! I am 10 and a level 7. Thanks for this! It is very helpful.

    Reply
  • Katie July 11, 2014, 2:44 pm

    Also, for level 7 can I compete on beam a backwalkover-backwalkover and a backhandspring separately? I want a 10.0 start value! Thanks.

    Reply
  • anna December 7, 2016, 9:31 pm

    hi im anna I love gymnastics and i train 24/7 litterally i cant go 24 hours without doing a cartwheel inside my house. It also helps to do gymnastics in the morning to wake yourself up

    Reply
  • Faith December 12, 2016, 7:40 am

    hi
    my name is Faith am 19 years old but I’ve been doing gymnastics over 10 till now,but I was doing it for my school and I was doing it at home,so all I wanted is to be one of gymnast players,can you please tell me where should I go

    Reply
  • Rye January 2, 2017, 5:48 pm

    Hi I just recently switched gyms I started when I was 7 and now Im 11 the last gym I was at was JOGA and the one Im at now is USAG only Im not on USAG Im on USAIGC only I want to be on USAG because thats how you get the the Olympics right Im a pretty good gymnast I work real hard any tips on how to get onto USAG or ideas or anything I would really reallly really appreciate it please please please someone respond Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rye January 8, 2017, 5:49 pm

      If I ask to do USAG, do you think they would say yes? Also, if I did USAG, what level would I be on? here are the skils I have:
      Vault: Just a front handspring over the table. It a pretty good one.

      Bars: kip, back hip circle, back hip circle underswing-or-whatever-its-called, sole circle, pull-over, long kip, long hang pullover, squat-on, and I almost have a flyaway dismount by myself working on it!

      Beam: cartwheel, back-walkover, tuck jump, wolf jump, split jump, etc, cartwheel back tuck dismount, handstand

      Floor: round-off tw0 backhandsprings, handstand forward roll stag jump, backwalkover-backwalkover, full and a half turn, dive-roll, front handspring

      Reply
      • T S K March 11, 2018, 7:24 am

        You are a Level 4/5

        Reply
      • Myer Sofetele July 20, 2022, 8:15 am

        I think you should improve your floor. Try workig skills such as round off back handspinrt back sault or back layout. bars: try giants

        Reply
    • T S K March 11, 2018, 7:22 am

      Hello I m 9 and I m a Level 6 gymnast I really wish to be in the olypics someday.Do you think I can Gabby?

      Reply
  • Margaret C January 7, 2017, 6:13 pm

    Is it okay if you started gymnastics at 16 I’m still learning and i’m part of special Olympics as an athlete and I dream of one day transferring to the USA gymnastics program. There’s very little chance i’d be a pro but a girl can dream but I don’t really talk about dreams since I prefer just to practice for gymnastics do homework community service flute etc. and do school clubs and stuff like that so I have a hectic schedule but I certainly make time for working out at the gym and gymnastics practice and competitions. So I do so much I cannot believe it but I desire to do gymnastics as well as I can eventually competitive but i’m only a level 2 i’m very talented at it I was a level 1 although i’m not talented compared to normal gymnasts since I have modifications so I hope that eventually i’ll be able to be a competive normal gymnast without mods and eventually be in USA instead of special Olympics as athlete so I basically practiced handstands early with a couch propping my core since its weak hopefully i’ll be able to end up doing better. And Gabby douglas you really inspire me although I have trouble downloading your movie i’d probably watch it during next Christmas break when its off or during the summer idk. But i’ll probably do more gymnastic practices during the summer or maybe not this summer but certainly during other summers. I just do not do tons of hours as you do but that’s because i’m only a level 2 I’m seventeen years old was a level 1 at sixteen but technically since i’m really healthy and have a lot of life to live and have basically sup sr. yr in high school, community college and university hopefully if I transfer for my future hopefully it works or just university idk. and certainly have my jr. yr right now and my sr. yr left so hopefully um I have enough time besides a lot of the possible alternates for rio for Russia including that 40 yr old started at sixteen so yeah um maybe there’s a chance. But USA in those games they started young so maybe not it i’m unsure if it really matters um because, I love gymnastics so much but I also love a ton of other stuff as well. So yeah but I would hope that this would be when I’m older but I’m afraid i’d be too old for it that 40 yr old only started at 40 due too many injuries and i’m not reckless like that I use proper form unless I have one of my typical beginners accidents which usually mom’s there watching me but when i’m older that won’t happen and that’s why she’s not doing that anymore hopefully I don’t injure myself on harder moves but I feel it’ll be worth it as long as i’m not crippled as the Russian gymnast. Yeah Good luck Gabby hopefully you become a coach for the Olympics or a judge.

    Reply
  • Margaret C January 7, 2017, 6:15 pm

    BTW i’m not injured yet but I may on harder levels i’m just worried since I almost did when doing a pullover and my mom said she won’t catch me again since I need to be on my own and luckily I’ve not and am doing okay at pullovers

    Reply
  • sharon February 11, 2017, 4:49 pm

    so i am to old to compete in tops but i want to make it to 2020 olympics i train hard i do my best i have become used to pain and sweat but i need to know do you think i can make it

    Reply
    • Vanessa May 21, 2017, 1:27 am

      Yes! If you follow these tips it is possible to make it, nobody can guarantee you an Olympic career but you can do it with hard work and dedication.

      Reply
  • Hannah February 18, 2017, 11:22 am

    Hi Gabby! I read your book and love it!

    Reply
  • makayla March 10, 2017, 2:04 pm

    hi gabby i love your gymnastic skills i watch you all the time on a gymnastics website

    Reply
  • Jazzy April 18, 2017, 4:39 pm

    am I too old to go to the Olympics? I’m 13 and I’m in level 4

    Reply
    • Vanessa May 21, 2017, 1:31 am

      No, oldest female Olympic gymnast is 41 years old! With hard work, dedication, and these tips you can do it too!

      Reply
  • Lily May 9, 2017, 8:47 pm

    I want to get in gymnastics again.I am only 9.I want to get back in gymnastics because it looks fun and the meets give you medals.My parents not right now.That made me upset.

    Reply
    • Grace July 30, 2020, 11:36 am

      Lily, I hope your parents finally said yes to you starting gymnastics again. The exact same thing happened to me. I started gymnastics at age 6 and by age 7 or 8 I was a level 5. My family then moved and I wasn’t in gymnastics for 2 years. I am 12 now and almost in level 6. I just wanted to let you know that you got this.

      Reply
    • Vivi May 5, 2021, 12:44 pm

      Gymnastics is not about fun its not about not medals its about hard work the way you do it flexibility it’s pretty hard its about fun or medals.

      Reply
  • maddison kocian May 16, 2017, 11:21 pm

    hey guys its maddie i just want to let every one know that is never to late to start <3

    Reply
    • Abby June 7, 2018, 6:44 pm

      Hi, it’s so good to hear, I only started when I was 7 and now I’m 10 in xcel gold. Hope of to keep moving up fast! Thanks for encouraging words!

      Reply
    • Person January 29, 2020, 8:57 pm

      You’re not actually madison kocian you’re just a fake

      Reply
  • Cheyenne Heinicke June 12, 2017, 12:36 pm

    Hi Gabby! I’m 11 years old, almost 12, and I’m a level 7 gymnast. Do you think I could make the 2020 olympics or do you think I am to young for that?

    Reply
    • Cheyenne Heinicke June 12, 2017, 12:37 pm

      I’m working on level 8-10 skills over the summer

      Reply
    • Hailey July 20, 2017, 10:06 am

      Same I’m 12 and level 7 too

      Reply
  • jill July 20, 2017, 8:06 pm

    Forgot to mention having the right genetics, as this is more important than your training. Natural talent is required for gymnastics, just as with any other pursuit.

    Reply
  • ken August 7, 2017, 4:34 am

    I hope I’m not to late to realize I get passion for gymnastics…. I’m just 17

    Reply
  • molly September 8, 2017, 12:25 pm

    hi gabby i want to go to the olympics when i am older am i too young to start

    Reply
  • Star October 4, 2017, 3:01 pm

    Hi,
    I live in Iowa. My 9 year old daughter is in her 4th year in gymnastics. She was just bumped to the highest class available here, because of her passion and how quickly she learns. She wants More and More. But here she is limited. What can I do to help her achieve her dreams! Thank you!

    Reply
  • Zbk October 12, 2017, 5:33 pm

    I’m 12 and I really want to make it as a pro but I don’t know if it’s too late

    Reply
    • alyssa rice October 25, 2017, 1:27 pm

      I’m 11 and im a really good gymnastic

      Reply
  • destiny lawrence November 1, 2017, 1:06 pm

    true

    Reply
  • Caroline Lees December 9, 2017, 3:36 pm

    Hi I’m a boy gymnast and I want to do womens gymnastics how will I be able to do womens gymnastics it’s my dream

    Reply
  • Caroline Lees December 9, 2017, 3:38 pm

    Mens gymnastics is stupid

    Reply
  • Brianna December 31, 2017, 3:47 pm

    I want to do gymnastics but I’m starting at 10 years old

    Reply
  • Ava deneen January 4, 2018, 2:27 am

    Hi I’m Ava Deneen I really want to be a gymnast and more than ever be a Olympian and I already know most of the skills to start me off at least at level four. I am eleven do you think it’s possible

    Reply
  • oliver hoole February 21, 2018, 4:23 am

    im only level 3 and I think I should move up to level 4 but my coach is strict his name is jay

    Reply
  • kirsty dean April 21, 2018, 4:51 am

    hi gabby I’m quite a big fan and my dream is to become a gymnast and go to the olympics what age do you need to start gymnastics to become an olympic gymnast i am a level eight gymnast I’m sophie by the way and I’m nine

    Reply
    • Abigail June 7, 2018, 5:15 pm

      Hi, I’m 10 and just moved to xcel gold. I really want to be an elite gymnast or at least get a college scholarship for gymnastics. Do you think I have a chance? By the way Gabby your are my idol and I want to be just like you!!!

      Reply
  • Imani Watson X3 June 8, 2018, 12:18 pm

    i wanna be a gymnast
    X3

    Reply
  • Emily December 9, 2018, 10:26 pm

    I am 12 and a silver in xeal I want to go to the Olympics but is it too late

    Reply
  • Clair February 21, 2019, 10:37 am

    I am 10 and a good gymnast,I think. I don’t compete but the olympics is just a dream. Gabby Douglas inspired me and I love you!

    Reply
  • Smiles April 2, 2019, 9:24 pm

    I am 13 and I am a level 6 gymnast I always see like 6 year old doing the things that I do so that lowers the confidence that I have in going to college gymnastics so my question is… can I make it there is 5 years?

    Reply
  • niky April 5, 2019, 1:21 pm

    Hi,
    My daughter is 10 and she won the first place at our local gymnastic club,but I’m not satisfied with her level of gymnastics,as I know many other girls are much higher at this age,so I’m interested to find a good gymnastic club for her,where they provide good teachers and equipment,where children train to become champions.
    We live in South East London and we’d like you to recommend us a good gym for our daughter.
    Thank you

    Reply
  • Elaina April 9, 2019, 12:45 pm

    Hi I’m elaina and I’m 10 years old and when I’m on my local gymnastics team and on my third meet on beam I fell of during my back walk over and when I was done I got a 9.00 but I was still disappointed in myself do you have any tips to feel better after a gymnastics mistake?

    Reply
    • Faith Driessen June 25, 2019, 1:07 am

      Just know you tried your best and your havingMineral point fun doing what you do and you have many more meets to come.

      Reply
  • Faith Driessen June 25, 2019, 1:05 am

    Hey I’m 15 and im excel bronze I dont have a lot of mastered skills but my coach says I’m very productive and have a lot of potential does anyone think I could be a good professional?

    Reply
  • Faith Driessen June 25, 2019, 1:06 am

    Just know you tried your best and your having fun doing what you do and you have many more meets to come.

    Reply
  • Jennifer October 3, 2019, 1:09 am

    My daughter has trained since she was 6yrs old and is now a silver at 12, finally after all the talks at all the different gyms , the new gym we are with now flat out told me my daughter would never see the Olympics because she is to old?? Never once did anyone else say this ?? I feel lied to , ripped off, my child’s dream squashed. Devistated why would you build a child’s dream , steal a homeless families money??? Why would you not keep it real from day one entering at 6yrs old? Money hungry gyms hurting children

    Reply
    • Kristina January 29, 2020, 8:56 pm

      You said “steal a homeless families money”. If ur homeless how can u have money to pay for gymnastics, its an expensive sport.
      Also, i agree ur daughter is probably too old, its not being “lied to” or “ripped off”, they are just being honest.

      Reply
  • im 11 too i started when i was 10 and still isn't that good my dream since i started was to be an Olympian sooooooo much. but even if it sounds stupid those people who say you can't prove them wrong! so isay if you want too the answer is yes! January 16, 2020, 9:36 pm

    yay

    Reply
  • im 11 too i started when i was 10 and still isn't that good my dream since i started was to be an Olympian sooooooo much. but even if it sounds stupid those people who say you can't prove them wrong! so isay if you want too the answer is yes! January 16, 2020, 9:38 pm

    dream big!

    Reply
  • im 11 too i started when i was 10 and still isn't that good my dream since i started was to be an Olympian sooooooo much. but even if it sounds stupid those people who say you can't prove them wrong! so isay if you want too the answer is yes! January 16, 2020, 9:38 pm

    odcbihbihbdfibdsi

    Reply
  • google scraping proxy February 6, 2020, 1:04 am

    This is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Simple but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

    Reply
  • caroline january February 10, 2020, 3:09 pm

    gabby how good of friends are you w/ Simon biles?

    Reply
    • caroline january February 11, 2020, 2:38 pm

      B.T.W I’m 12 & in the 6th grade

      Reply
  • Gymnastics-crazzy February 26, 2020, 6:48 am

    I’m 11 and I’ve been training 10 hours a week at the gym not counting my hours at home since I was two do u think I have a chance of making the Olympics ?

    Reply
  • Joel February 27, 2020, 10:29 am

    My daughter is 9 gets 1st place on everything and all around and and judges awards and made too 100 in the. Nation can she make it

    Reply
  • Mickey19 March 15, 2020, 7:48 pm

    So can I become an Olympian if I taught myself to do gymnastics

    Reply
    • sdjfkg April 22, 2020, 11:43 am

      how old r u

      Reply
  • Claire May 13, 2020, 3:21 pm

    I’m 11 and only almost level 2…
    But I was wondering if it was possible to still be an Olympic gymnast from Xcel since I would rather do that.

    Reply
  • arden November 17, 2020, 5:19 pm

    hi!! i’m a level 3 gymnast at age 12 and i was wondering if i still could make it to the olympics it’s been my dream literally sense forever and everyone has always doubted me so i really wanna prove them wrong. any coaches or someone who knows if i could make it pls reply/let me know. thank you!!

    Reply
  • alzain November 30, 2020, 5:46 am

    guy i’m 8 years and i do gym nastic but not perfect

    Reply
  • Grace December 4, 2020, 3:11 pm

    Hi! My name is Grace and my dream since I was seven has been to become an Olympic Gymnast. I am !0 years old. Can you give me the steps in order of how to become one.

    Reply
  • Zoe February 4, 2021, 3:31 pm

    Hi, I’m Zoe and I am 11 years old. I am almost on level 4cI really need help on how to land a backflip and aerial . I have tried many ways and have looked online but nothing that they say worked. Please reply to this if you have any tips. Thank you

    Reply
    • Emily July 1, 2021, 8:41 pm

      Hi Zoe , I’m Emily. I’m 11 years old too! I’m a level 1 gymnast, which may sound like I don’t have heaps of knowledge, but please listen: I follow a girl on YouTube called Anna Mcnulty. That’s all you have to do. Go to YouTube, and search for, Anna Mcnulty Aerial. She has an awesome tutorial on how to do an aerial. I hope this helped you heaps! Just remember, if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. That’s Anna Mcnulty’s favourite quote.
      Believe in yourself, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

      Reply
  • Mya February 19, 2021, 7:01 pm

    Hi I’m Mya and I’m 11 years olds . I’m only a beginner and I’ve won one bronze medal nut im thinking of making some gymnastics merch

    Reply
  • jenni April 25, 2021, 12:19 am

    hey there
    i am a young girl who wants to create a future of gymnastics.
    i want to know that do I have to start participating at the district level before going to state and national
    please help

    Reply
  • Jenni Wisehart July 22, 2021, 9:50 pm

    My 5 year old granddaughter is an advanced gymnast but cant get into private lessons or advanced classes due to covid waitlist times.. she needs a trainer/coach. Not her current class where its basically play time. She is dedicated, has uneven bars at my house and her parents house. She always wants me to score her on what she does, and she reconizes sub par performance and says what went south. She needs a trainer.. thank you

    Reply
  • Steph August 9, 2021, 6:28 am

    hey, i’m 14 and i want to be an olympic gymnast but because of COVID i haven’t been back to gym in nearly two years. Can i be an olympic gymnast if i haven’t completed my grades?? Being in the olympics has been my dream since i was 3 and i started gymnastics when i was 6

    Reply
  • Steph August 9, 2021, 6:29 am

    Also to train enough will i have to be homeschooled?

    Reply
  • Journeyfoye August 28, 2021, 4:24 pm

    I love you too

    Reply
  • Annabelle May 22, 2022, 7:47 pm

    I’m 9 and I will be in levle 2 soon

    Reply
  • Annabelle May 22, 2022, 7:50 pm

    I can ony be at the gym for 1 hour how can i stay longer

    Reply
  • Simone Biles July 20, 2022, 8:23 am

    Hi everybody this is Simone! As you all know I love gymnastics and I’m sure most of you do too. I’ve gymnastics my whole life, but when I was young my life wasn’t so easy. My sister and I were adopted by our grandparents since my mother couldn’t take care of me. I still wonder what life might have been like if we had her close. I was constantly inspired by the older girls at my gym. I would watch relentlessly and copy their moves. I think this is what made me such a good gymnast. I was constantly flipping and doing cartwheels around the house. I believe in all of you! When you set a goal you have to crush it! Put your mind to things and accomplish them! The key to being successful is PRACTICE! Whenever you can, not only in the gym. I used to always sit in splits while I was watching tv and doing strength and conditioning as well. My advice to younger gymnasts is to never give up, even when it seems impossible. Remember, the impossible is possible. For me, the Tokyo Olympics was not a ‘fail’ or whatever. I feel that it was a learning curve for me. Learning to overcome my mental issues. I will be sticking around so feel free to ask me any questions you might have.

    Reply
    • Mariana August 9, 2023, 12:07 pm

      Hi Simone! I am 10 years old and i really look up to u. How can I stick my ariel? I have tried so mcuh but i still wont get it. Same with my backhandsprings. i always punch my coach every time i try. I dont know what level I am in, but when i go to the tests that tells u, its says im level 10 and thet i know everything, but i totaly doubt that. what is your advice to me? Where should I look? I can do front tucks roundoffs cartwheels and lots of other stuff. What are some exercises that I can do while relexing r something so i can get my splits? its stressing me out sooo much. All my friends can do it, and i cant. Im really close though. My goal is to become as good as a gymnast as you. When i watch your videos you encourge me so much. I wanna be an olympic gymnast. Is there special advice that i can havefrom the BST gymnast in the world? I have an idea for you. Because u r such a good gymnast, why dont u make a YT channel on how to do tricks in Gymnastics, for kids. Thx so much and pls answer me!!!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Joanna August 9, 2023, 1:14 pm

        Hi, Simone! I am on level 2-3. I am ALWAYS getting stressed out that all my friends can do flexible things way better than me. It just hurts my brain. Especially that some of them even BRAG that they can do stuff way better then me. It makes me SUPER frustrated. I go to Gymnastic Class and I improve, but not on the things that I want to improve on. For example, I am trying to learn the middle splits and I an do the front splits, just not the middle splits. I used to go to GymnasticsHQ, and then I went to Milton Springers, and now I go to Woodstock Gymnastics Club. I hope you know how I can improve and take my skills to another level. I hope you could make a YouTube Channel just like Mariana said. Thank you! Have a wonderful Day! I hope you could flip in and answer me!

        Reply
      • Joanna August 9, 2023, 1:14 pm

        Hi, Simone! I am on level 2-3. I am ALWAYS getting stressed out that all my friends can do flexible things way better than me. It just hurts my brain. Especially that some of them even BRAG that they are way better than me. It makes me SUPER frustrated. I go to Gymnastic Class and I improve, but not on the things that I want to improve on. For example, I am trying to learn the middle splits and I an do the front splits, just not the middle splits. I used to go to GymnasticsHQ, and then I went to Milton Springers, and now I go to Woodstock Gymnastics Club. I hope you know how I can improve and take my skills to another level. I hope you could make a YouTube Channel just like Mariana said. Thank you! Have a wonderful Day! I hope you could flip in and answer me!

        Reply
  • K March 8, 2023, 10:19 pm

    I am a level 9 gymnastic. When COVID lockdowns hit, I was aiming for level 10. I was 12 at the time. After lockdowns (in CA) , upon returning to the gym, I came back with a fervor. But, I ended up dislocating and breaking my elbow requiring surgery. The doctor told my mom I’d probably never compete at that level again. She didn’t tell me. Instead she encouraged me and took me to physical therapy; and while recovering I still practiced with my team daily. This year, I am once again competing level 9, an almost impossible miracle and my doctor was so impressed by my devotion and tenancity to not give up! However; I am now 14 and , I just broke my other elbow. I won’t need surgery or anything as major as before; but it is fractured in 2 places. I’m bummed. Just before state. . I still have dreams to make the Olympics. But I need advice. What can I do to avoid injury so much? This break will now set me back yet another year, and I can’t help but think my window of opportunity is closing. Gabby or Simone; what do you suggest?

    Reply
  • makayla June 6, 2023, 8:12 am

    Hi I feel like even though m in the gym for 3 hours 3 times a week I never get better and I practice all the time at home do you have any advice for me? Im on excel gold and I really want to my best ever in comps next season.

    Reply

Leave a Comment