SPORTS
BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS Gymnastics can be a challenge to even most dedicated athlete by Amber Jones
I’
ll never understand why, but when people find out you’re in gymnastics, their typical response is “Are you going to the Olympics?”
That is such an awkward question! There are millions of gymnasts in the United States and six girls go to the Olympics every four years. It’s like asking someone if they’re going to the World Series if they play baseball. I was a gymnast for eight years and then a coach for a little over a year, so I have firsthand knowledge of how grueling gymnastics can be. Don’t let the pretty legs and hairdos fool you, gymnastics is a hard, hard sport. I gave my blood, sweat and tears to the sport for a good portion of my life. Starting out, you train for an hour or so every week, so it’s not a very big commitment. But as you progress into the higher levels of competitive gymnastics, you’re practicing three to four hours a day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year. The commitment required is much like having a job. Spending that much time in the gym with your
APRIL/MAY 2013 ion Oklahoma 73