Motionwear || Gymnastics Blog

Dedication

Posted on 10. Feb, 2009 by Bob Wilson in News and Notes

As a passionate business leader in the dance and gymnastics world, I appreciate the amount of dedication it takes to succeed. An article I reviewed recently had some statistics that me appreciate even more the caliber of these athletes we strive to please each day… the coaches & families that help dedicated gymnasts reach their goals.

On the surface, it might seem that gymnastics is nothing but fun… that a gymnast doesn’t need too much encouragement to keep up with practice and to forge ahead in pursuit of their goals. As a parent, I know the truth of the matter is, at times, kids want to skip practice. But, with a little insistence, they usually go, they enjoy it and it’s no big deal. My kids have practice once or twice a week.

But, What If…

What if you and your child have decided to reach for an international goal? Well then, as you know, what is required of you both is much, much more demanding. Not only is frequent practice time critical but so are recovery time, disciplined nutrition and social restrictions. The level of dedication needed to accomplish this goal requires something very special of a parent and a child. I am amazed & humbled by the effort that creates a Nastia Luikin or Shaun Johnson.

What It Takes In Practical Terms

Studies show that achieving an international level (or Olympic level) of expertise requires 10,000 hours of accumulated practice.

1. In a 10 year time frame, that breaks down to 3-4 hours of practice 6 days a week.
2. Since recovery is critical, a full eight hours of sleep and even a 20-30 minute nap each day are also required.
3. The nutritional needs of an elite athlete are very different of course and require tremendous forethought and discipline from both parent and child.
4. Families and athlete make significant accommodations to place the gymnast where they will succeed. Sometimes they move (one parent and athlete or entire family) to the city or state where the gym is. Other significant sacrifices are made to support the considerable costs.
5. Injuries are something gymnasts work through. Some are small, some are not. Tape, limping and ice are all part of the dedication.
6. For the athlete, one of the most challenging aspects is that practice & meets often coincide with social functions that the gymnast wants more than anything to attend.

What Keeps Them Going?

Well, another study may provide the answer. I think these ultra successful gymnasts knew from the start that practice trumps talent.

Studies show, there is no amount of talent that can overcome a lack of dedication. And what’s more, with dedication over time, someone with average talent will completely outshine even the most gifted gymnasts with average dedication.

So, to the gymnasts, parents and coaches out there with the dedication necessary to reach for success, however you define it, I genuinely admire you. I hope I can always be involved with this community and do what I can, with MotionWear, to help.

photo credit: bryangeek

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Tags: determination, praise, success