Gym Mom's- What you can expect from Rita Wieber's Book!

As you all well know by now, Jordyn Wieber's mom will be writing a book called "Gym Mom's" set to be released towards the end of June. We got the scoop from Rita on what you can expect from the book and what it's like being a gym mom!

Triple Twist: How do you ensure that Jordyn has a normal life outside of the gym?

Rita: "Jordyn goes to public high school so that she can still enjoy typical school activities. She has friends from her school, and goes to games and dances." 

Triple Twist: When did you realize that Jordyn had potential?

Rita: "We realized Jo had potential when she was 7 years old and had attained the Diamond Level for TOPs testing."

Triple Twist: Do you ever get nervous watching her compete?

Rita: "I do get nervous watching her compete, I just want to see her do her best!"

Triple Twist: How do you feel about all the media attention Jordyn has been getting lately?

Rita: "The media attention is a little surreal. We are getting more comfortable with the interviews, filming in our house, etc. It's a blessing to be in this situation and we are enjoying it."

Triple Twist: What made you decide to write a book and how does Jordyn feel about it?

Rita: "I have been a writer for 15 years and have always wanted to write a book. I knew that a book geared toward gym moms had not been done, so I decided to write about what I knew best. Jordyn is excited about it. She is going to write the forward. It's not really a book about her, or me... but a book about the world of artistic gymnastics and what I observed and learned over the past 12 years. It is filled with lots of stories of Jordyn and our family."

Triple Twist: Will your book be sold online or in stores?

Rita: "Both, as of right now. A lot of the marketing will depend on how things go with Jordyn. It will for sure be available online."

Triple Twist: Why did you decide to write the book before the Olympics?

Rita: "Well, the book actually has nothing to do with whether Jordyn makes the Olympic team or not. It's not about that.... so the timing is based on when gymnastics gets a surge of popularity, as with the Olympic games. If I waited to write it based on Jo making the team or not, it would not be out until well after the Olympics and I'd loose big marketing potential. I may write an epilogue for a 2nd printing that will include the rest of 2012 and what happens with Jo, regardless of which way it goes."

To learn more about the book, check out our book review! (Click here )

You can purchase the book here

Thank you Rita, and we wish Jordyn the best in 2012!

(From left to right: Lindsay, Jordyn, David, Rita, Kyra, and Ryan)

(All photos belong to the Wieber family)

A Big Thank You!

This post is to thank everyone who has supported our blog in the past few months. Our blog was created in November of 2011 and we have gained some amazing followers, supporters, and friends! We would like to personally thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and constructive criticism.

We would like to give a shout out to....


The people who always retweet us: 


GymNewstics ( https://twitter.com/#!/gymnewstics)

Gymnastics Coaching (https://twitter.com/#!/GymCoaching)

Gymnastics Fans (https://twitter.com/#!/Gymnasticsfans)

John Geddert (https://twitter.com/#!/JohnGGeddert)

2012 USA Gymnastics (https://twitter.com/#!/2012Gymnastics)


To the girl that favorites almost all of our tweets:


Kayla Grace (https://twitter.com/#!/KaaylaaGrace)


To the people who inspired us to make this blog:


GetAGrip Gym Blog (https://twitter.com/#!/GetAGripGymblog)

Spanny Tampson (https://twitter.com/#!/SpannyTampson)

The Couch Gymnast (https://twitter.com/#!/TheCouchGymnast)


To our fellow YouTube friends:


Chris Saccullo (https://twitter.com/#!/CSaccullo) YouTube Channel

Zrcsoccer5 (https://twitter.com/#!/zrcsoccer5) YouTube Channel

13shifter (https://twitter.com/#!/13shifter) YouTube Channel

GYMNAStGiRL892 (https://twitter.com/#!/GYMNAStGiRL892) YouTube Channel

Jessica Coombs (https://twitter.com/#!/JessicaCoombs) YouTube Channel


To the gymnasts who follow us: 


Rebecca Clark (https://twitter.com/#!/becca93sue)

Gael Mackie (https://twitter.com/#!/gaelmackie)

Bayle Pickel (https://twitter.com/#!/baybaypickel)

Victoria Moors (https://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaMoors)

Jessica Sanova (https://twitter.com/#!/SavonaJessica)

Haylee Roe (https://twitter.com/#!/Hay2015)

Natasha Kelly (https://twitter.com/#!/TashKelley)

Amelia Hundley (https://twitter.com/#!/ahundley2016)

Mckenzie Wofford (https://twitter.com/#!/Kenzie_wofford)

Erika Fasana (https://twitter.com/#!/Erika_Fasana)

Sydney McGlone (https://twitter.com/#!/squidness3)

Lexie Priessman (https://twitter.com/#!/lpriessman2016)

Lizzy Leduc (https://twitter.com/#!/lizzyleduc)


To the people who made our day when you followed us:


Gymnastike (https://twitter.com/#!/gymnastike)

Utah Gymnastics (https://twitter.com/#!/UtahGymnastics)

Melissa Ziegler from Dance Mom's (https://twitter.com/#!/dancemom1313)

Plus all the gymnasts and John Geddert :)


Thank you to all the gymnasts that have been willing to work with us on interviews and features! And of course, a big thank you to all our followers! Our blog wouldn't be what it is without you! 

What Ever Happened To Charlotte Mackie?!

When Canadian gymnast Charlotte Mackie became an elite in 2004, she captured the attention of many fans with her artistic movements and adorable smile. Throughout the years she proved to be one of Canada's brightest stars, placing 5th All Around at the 2007 Pan American Games and 4th All Around at the 2008 Pacific Rim. She also represented Canada at both the 2009 and 2010 World Championships. Despite placing 3rd All Around at the 2010 Elite Canada meet, Charlotte injured herself on her last event and has been out ever since. We caught up with Charlotte to talk about her recovery process and her plans for the future.

(Photo credit: Jeff Sipsey)

Triple Twist: You've been MIA since 2010. Are you injured? Or just taking a break?

Charlotte: Yes, I got injured in December of 2010 at Elite Canada and the 2011 season was a complete write off because of it. I proudly came 3rd at that meet, injuring myself on vault, the last event - second vault didn’t count for all around! I was quite annoyed because I was only continuing to improve at that point. I was really focused on getting in shape and working extremely hard to make an Olympic spot. It has been a frustrating and long process for me because I had two surgeries with numerous plates and screws put in and then removed 6 months later. I was on crutches for the majority of that 6 months and as of right now, I am thankful to even be walking.

Triple Twist: When can we expect to see you competing again?

Charlotte: I really don’t know. It’s been terribly sad and frustrating coming to terms with the ultimate dream of the Olympic Games slipping away. Working my entire life towards it is tough enough, but having a possible career ending injury has made it difficult to even think about or want to come back. Although the injury is slowly recovering, I ended up with a few complications including osteopenia in my leg bones. I wasn’t allowed to run or jump on it for the past year because the bones could fracture easily. But then again, I really want to test the limits and see what I can get back without putting my foot at risk, I guess we’ll just have to see how it goes.

Triple Twist: Are the Olympics still a realistic goal for you? What are some of your other goals?

Charlotte: No, sadly that goal slipped away. A goal of mine would definitely be to get back into the sport itself and stay active. I always kept dancing in the mix and at the back of my mind, throughout my life and when I was competing. In between competitive gymnastics seasons I took dance classes, and I would really like to focus on this now and see where it leads. In gymnastics, I’ve always had a passion for dance. I was never naturally physically powerful (my coach David would agree) and to me, the real beauty in the sport is the artistry. I definitely tried quite hard to focus on that in my gymnastics and its quite tough to maintain strength and artistry, so I have admired gymnasts like Ksenia Afanasyeva and Nastia Liukin who could make gymnastics beautiful.

 Triple Twist: How do you feel about Canada qualifying to the Olympics as a team?

Charlotte: I am so happy for them and so proud! I would have loved to contribute because I know how much of a dream it is for those girls, but things happen that are out of your control and unfortunately that was the case for me.

Triple Twist: Are you interested in doing college gymnastics?

Charlotte: I was definitely interested in doing college gymnastics but I declined so that I could work hard to make the Olympic team. Fortunately, I had a back up plan and I was happy to be accepted into the University of British Columbia last year which is as close to home as it gets. I guess being stuck on crutches and unable to train gave me lots of time to study hard and getting into UBC was the silver lining in the cloud! 

Triple Twist: Are you making any upgrades for the upcoming season?

Charlotte: No, In fact I’m not even training in gymnastics currently. The long recovery time for my injury was very frustrating for me (doing nothing but conditioning in the gym) and for my coach, who wanted to push on and increase my training hours. He felt it would be better to take time out of the gym until it was good enough to train more intensely.  I’m hoping that, with time, I will be able to get back into it. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the dance!

Triple Twist: What has been your greatest memory from gymnastics?

Charlotte: There are so many but looking back it would be going to those big meets when I was quite young like Massillia Cup in 2005 and Pan Am games in 2007. It was nerve-wracking at the time for sure but it was fun performing in front of the huge crowds of people. At that point I was young and didn't expect too much from myself so it was mostly fun.

Triple Twist: What advice would you give to young athletes who are dealing with injury's?

Charlotte: Look after your injury's and do not ignore them! Don't give up or let them discourage you and always strive to be the best you can be.
   

 

(Photo Credit: L. Smith)

Watch 10 year old Charlotte on floor at the 2004 Elite Canada

Check out this impressive beam routine from the 2006 Junior Pan Ams

Here's Charlotte on floor at the 2010 World Championships

We want to wish Charlotte a speedy recovery and the best of luck with whatever comes next!

Elite Gymnastics vs. College

When a gymnast retires from elite gymnastics, the next step in her career is college gymnastics. Elite and college gymnastics are two totally different worlds and the transition differs from gymnast to gymnast. We asked some former elite gymnasts who went on to compete in college: What are the similarites and differences between college and elite? And which experience do you prefer? 

Corrie Lothrop

(Photo Credit:  Leslie Foster and Gymnastike)

Elite for 4 years-2008 Olympic Team Alternate
Sophomore at Utah- 2 Time All American as a Freshman

"Some similarities are that there is always pressure and you have to be very consistent. Some differences are that big skills are rewarded in elite, but in college, everyone starts from a 10.0 so if you throw big skills that are sloppy compared to a clean basic routine, it's more likely that the easy routine will score higher."


"I love the team feel of college gymnastics. For the most part, you are always by yourself in elite until you get to international competitions. College gymnastics is such a fun experience and it is definitely worth it for former elite gymnasts to go to after their elite career because it is such a different feel. I love the fan support. Also, by the time you're at college level, you do gymnastics because you love it and everything counts for the team."

Cassie Whitcomb

(Photo Credit: Lynn Moore and Cassie Whitcomb)

Elite for 5 years- 2nd on bars at the 2010 Visa Championships
Freshman at UCLA

"The elite world and college world are very different but there are some similarities. One for example is knowing that your team is counting on you. Although the elite scene may seem very individualized, when you get to the international competition zone, it is very much a team competition. The main difference would be the difference in the level of pressure you feel. When your at a college competition the atmosphere is much more relaxed with a feeling of fun and excitement. The energizing sound of your teammates cheering you on gives you that little adrenaline rush and helps you perform that much better."


"It is hard to choose my favorite experience so far since there have been so many memories made with both elite and college. In college I would have to say Pre-season was one of my favorites. Our normal team bonding trip to Woodward was cut short due to some wild fires. We all adapted well and had an amazing "Woodward in Westwood" that made the team bond better than ever. Another favorite moment of mine is the team traveling. So many different experiences and memories made in one trip. Those memories are ones that I will cherish forever."

Gael Mackie

(Photo Credit: Leslie Foster and Heather Maynez)

Elite for 6 years- 2004 Canadian Olympic Team Member
Graduated from the University of Utah in 2010

"Both Elite and College are intense and competitive. But in NCAA there is more of an emphasis on competing as a team, performing and having fun."

"It's hard to say which experience I liked better because they are both so different, but I think I liked college better! I feel like I was a different gymnast in elite than I was in NCAA. Part of what made college gymnastics fun was that I was a little bit older and more mature. With that being said, I think the experience of competitng elite contributed to my enjoyment of competing in the NCAA."

Hollie Vise

(Photo Credit: Donald Miralle and Inside Gymnastics)

Elite for 6 years-2003 World Team & Uneven Bar Gold Medalist
Graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2010- 2nd on bars and floor at the 2010 NCAA's

"College and Elite are two totally different worlds. College focus's more on the team aspect and it's not as intense. With elite, everybody dreams of the Olympics and Worlds. But the Olympics aren't everything. The atmosphere in college is way more relaxed and fun. I felt alot more self pride and like I could enjoy myself. But I have great memories from both."

"I wouldn't say I enjoyed one experience more or less than the other. College was more of an accomplishment, more of a proud feeling for me, because I did have to come back and challenge myself to get back into shape. In college I was more mature and I was able to realize how special all those moments were. With elite I had a diffrent outlook on things and I was just going to the gym everyday and doing what I had to do. I will always remember winning worlds in 2003 because I accomplished one of my major goals and I felt so proud to come out on top agaisnt the rest of the world. It was unnreal. In college I will always remember being in the Super Six. To be able to make history with my team was just an unbelieveable feeling. I didn't want it to end!"


Kayla Hoffman

(Photo Credit: Erica Machel and Flickr)

Elite for 3 years- 2nd all around and 1st on floor at the 2006 Moscow Cup
Graduated from the University of Alabama in 2011- 5 Time All American

"They are similar because in each you are striving for excellence and constantly pushing the envelope and trying to keep up with where the sport is going in both elite and college. I think a big difference is the scoring system and what it represents as a competitive philosophy. The elite system thrives on a scoring system with no ceiling. The college system still uses the 'perfect 10' system and the thought of reaching perfection. Also, I think college gymnastics is much more team oriented and it feels more like a relay that a single routine. Another difference is that in college you compete every weekend with the same teammates and develop strong bonds with those teammates."

"I definitely enjoyed college the most and enjoyed being a part of a team that worked together and got to compete together every weekend."


Oliva Courtney

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics and Bill Weymouth)

Elite for 5 years-2009 Covergirl Classic Champion
Freshman at UCLA- PAC 10 Freshman of the Year

"I would say that a similarity between competing in college and elite is striving for the consistency and perfection. The first thing that comes to my mind is a cast handstand on bars. I was taught in elite that one of the most important parts in a bar routine is your cast handstand. Its the part that the judges can take the most deductions. It's the same in college. If your not "perfect" the judges will take deductions! The difference between the two is that elite is mainly focused as an individual. Even in team competitions your main focus is on yourself and hitting your routine. In college, I've realized it's all about the team. And to become successful in the college world of gymnastics you need to build a bond with each individual on your team like you would with your family."

"I would say all my favorite experience's have come from my college career! I like being able to travel to different places to compete. I love it because it always feels like a mini vacation that I get to take with my teammates. We play games, hang out with each other, and get to explore the town we are staying in."

Read our other question posts:

What are you thinking during your routine?

How do you balance elite gymnastics, school, and have fun?

What's the hardest skill in gymnastics?

What's in your gym bag?

What goes into making a floor routine?


Have a question that you'd like to see answered in our next segment? Shoot us an email through our contact page!

Romanian Gymnast Irina Paun- A Career Short Lived

Every young gymnast dreams of someday making it to the Olympics and winning gold. But for 13 year old Irina Paun of Romania, this dream was not to be. In the 3 short years that she competed as an elite (2009-2011) she proved to be a star. Irina is the 2010 Junior All Around National Champion as well as the 2010 Elite Massilia Beam Champion. In 2011 Irina placed 7th All Around at the Nadia Comaneci Invitational and 3rd on Balance Beam at the Bumbo Cup (right behind Katelyn Ohashi and Mckenzie Wofford). In late 2011 Irina was forced to retire from the sport due to a non-gymnastics related injury. We caught up with Irina to talk about training in Romania, her retirement, and how she thinks Romania will do without their star Ana Porgras.

(Photo Credit: Stefan Wurzer)

Triple Twist: How did you get started in gymnastics?

Irina: I started gymnastics at 4 years old. I started because I visited a gym called Steaua in Bucharest and I liked the activity of gymnastics.

Triple Twist: You retired from gymnastics in 2011, why?

Irina: I have some problems in my spine. I've had this problem since birth and I didn't know of it until last year. It wasn't possible for me to do gymnastics anymore.

Triple Twist: Do you miss gymnastics?

Irina: Yes!

Triple Twist: How do you plan on staying involved with the sport?

Irina: I still go to all of the Romanian National Championships and read news about International competitions. I speak every week with my coaches and gym friends. I'd like to coach someday.

Triple Twist: Speaking of retirement, how do you feel about Ana Porgras calling it quits?

Irina: I have not asked Ana about this. Probably alot of injuries are the cause of her retirement. She was a great gymnast.

Triple Twist: How do you think this will affect the Romanian team at the Olympics?

Irina: I don't know! I'm not Mariana Bitang ;)  We have Larissa Iordache, Sandra Izbasa, Catalina Ponar, Diana Bulmar, and Diana Chelaru. We are ok!

Triple Twist: Who are your role models?

Irina: My role models are Nadia Comaneci, Sandra Izbasa, and my coaches.

Triple Twist: Who are your coaches? 

Irina: All of my coaches were gymnasts. At Steaua I trained with Elena Ceampelea who was famous before Nadia Comaneci! Eliza Stoica, Angela Cacovean, Gheorghe Neagu, and Mariana Ristea who was a ballerina and is now the Olympic team choreographer. At the National Junior Team in Deva I trained with Lacramioara Filip (now Moldovan), Cristian Moldovan who is a three time aerobic world champion, Adela Popa, Ramona Micu, Alexandru Militaru, Gheorghe Orban and my choreographer Corina Dorean. I have had lots of coaches!

Triple Twist: What was training like and how did you stay motivated when times got tough? 

Irina: I wanted to be the best and for me, training was never difficult or boring. Gymnastics has always been my life and it still is.

Triple Twist: How many hour's did you train a day?

Irina: During my first 2 years of  training I only went 2 days a week for 4 hours. After another 2 years, I trained everyday for 4 hours. Up until my retirement I trained for 6 hours a day 6 days a week. 

Triple Twist: What was a typical day like for you?

Irina: I would wake up at 6:30 and have breackfast at 7:00.
 From 8:00 -11:00 we train and then have lunch at 12:00. We get to rest from 12:30-1:30 and then we have our second training from 2:00-5:00. At 5:00-7:00 I do my school work and have some dinner at 7:30! After all that is done I go back to the room to shower, relax , and watch TV! My favorite show is Make It Or Break It and the Voice!

Triple Twist: While training, did you live at home with your parents? 

Irina: Once I made the National Team, I lived in Deva with my teammates and coaches, Lacramioara  Moldovan and Christian Moldovan. When I was at my club Steaua, I stayed with my parents in Bucharest. 

Triple Twist: Who are some of your close friends and what did you guy's do when you weren't in the gym?  

Irina: When I got on the Junior National Team, many of the girls that are now in the Olympic group became my friends, like Diana Bulimar and Larissa Iordache. We liked to do puzzles and lots of other things. We loved to dance at the gym before training, it was great! On the weekends we like to go in the city (Deva) to go shopping. 

Triple Twist: As a national team member, did you have a strict diet to follow?

Irina: I can not say it was a strict diet, but we were not allowed to even eat anything we wanted! Only when we went into town, we could eat what we wanted to eat, but in moderation!

Triple Twist: Out of all the country's you have traveled to, which one is your favorite? 

Irina: I was in America last year. In America, everything is bigger and there is a lot of distance between the cities. But I like Romania because I stay with my family and I have friends here. 

Triple Twist: Where do you think Romanian gymnastics stands against other country's from around the world?

Irina: You can't really compare Romanian gymnastics to other country's because we have far less kids coming into the gym. It's not as popular of a sport. But we are good.

Triple Twist: Have you ever had an embarrassing moment during competition? 

Irina: When I presented to the judges in Massilia, I hit Aurelie Malaussena from France in the face with my arm. 

Triple Twist: Do you have any good luck charms?

Irina: No, I don't really have any special good luck charms. But I liked to put a cross on my jacket since I am  Christian and Iisus. 

Triple Twist: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment to be? 

Irina: My biggest accomplishment  is 1st place on beam at the 2010 Elite Gym Massilia. Also 1st place all around at the 2010 Romanian Nationals. 

Triple Twist: What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Irina: I don't know because all of the advice is good! All of it makes me feel great. If I had a problem with something I knew I could count on Lacramioara and Moldovan. I usually talked to them when I needed advice.

Triple Twist: How has your life changed without gymnastics?

Irina: I realize that the time has gone so fast. All I had wanted was shattered, and I'm sorry that I did not know to appreciate those last moments. I'd give anything to do gymnastics longer, but living with the pain is not worth it. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

(Photo belongs to Irina Paun)

Watch Irina in action on beam at the 2010 Elite Massilia

Irina on floor at the 2011 Nadia Comaneci Invitational (this was her last International meet as an elite gymnast)

Quick Chat with the 2011 JO National Champion Bayle Pickel

15 year old Bayle Pickel is one to watch out for in the upcoming year. She is a level 10 gymnast who trains at Gedderts Twistars in Dimondale, Michigan. She is the current JO National Champion (Junior B) and has higher hopes for this season. We caught up with Bayle to talk about her experience at Nationals, training, and her hopes for turning elite this season! 

(Photo Credit: Gedderts Twistars)

Triple Twist: How did you get started in gymnastics?

Bayle: I started gymnastics when I was four years old in a mommy and me class with my mom as my coach.  My mom was a gymnast herself who went to Ohio State University. Having done gymnastics before, she probably thought that it would be fun to put me in a little baby class.  

Triple Twist: How did you feel when you found out that you were the  JO National Champion?

Bayle: I was kind of surprised at first. I didn't think that I was going to place in the top 3, so when they called my name I was shocked. When I took a second to realize what was happening, it was so exciting. Knowing that all the hard work at the gym has paid off is one of the greatest feelings. 

Triple Twist: What is it like training along side Jordyn Wieber?

Bayle: Training along side Jordyn is such a cool thing. She's a great gymnast with a positive mind set inside and outside of the gym. Training with her keeps you positive and makes you want to work even harder. It's not like Jordyn only competes well, she practices well also. She comes into the gym knowing what she needs to accomplish each and every day. She is very willing and determined to learn new things. 

Triple Twist: What is John Geddert like as a coach?

Bayle: John is a great coach with high standards. He knows how to help you when something is wrong and he knows how to push you to your full potential. He always makes an effort to push us to our best. He knows so much about gymnastics and has achieved many big life goals in his over 30 years of coaching. A few things he has accomplished as a coach are; having a world champion, being inducted into the hall of fame, elite coach of the year award, many region 5 awards, and many great elites! His wife Kathryn is also my beam and floor coach. She is like our mom in the gym. 

Triple Twist: Have you ever considered going elite? Do you plan on it?

Bayle: I am planning on going elite this year. I have wanted to try and do elite since I was a level 8. I am very excited to finally know that I am going to be able to be out there with the big girls. It is very exciting. 

Triple Twist: Are you training any new skills for this season? 

Bayle: I have added at least one new skill on every event. This year for vault I am upgrading to a yurchenko full. I am also working on a yurchenko half-on front pike with a half twist and a yurchenko 1 1/2 is another goal. Last year I competed a layout half. On bars, I have added a toe shoot tkachev. I am hoping to get my laidout full-in dismount into my bar routine closer to the end of the year. On beam, I have added a switch side half, a side ariel, a switch ring, a switch leap half. a front tuck, and a full turn with my leg up. Although, I have not competed them yet. On floor I am opening up with a double front tuck into a split jump! I have also added a 2 1/2 twist to a punch front. 

Triple Twist: What are your goals for this season?

Bayle: I am training to test elite soon. My goals are to make it to Classics and the Visa Championships. 

Triple Twist: Are you interested in doing college gymnastics?

Bayle: I am interested in several colleges, I have narrowed it down to about six. I am excited for when I will be able to compete for a college. 

Triple Twist: What do you like to do in your free time?

Bayle: In my spare time I like to hang out with my school friends. I am home schooled now, so I don't get to see them very much. We like to go to movies, dinner, or hang out at the mall. I love shopping and spending time with my family and pets. My family is always so supportive of my gymnastics. I have two little cousins that mean the world to me. I like hanging out with them on my day off. 

Triple Twist: What is the best advice you have ever been given? What advice would you give to a young gymnast?

Bayle: Some advice I have been given is to follow your dreams and do what you know is right. Believe in yourself, even in the hardest of times. Some advice I would give to young gymnasts is to train hard, strive to work harder then everyone else, and don't cheat on any of your assignments, because in the long run it will make you a better gymnast. If your going through a hard time remember that your coach is there for you and will not let you do something if they didn't believe you could do it. Have faith in what you do and always believe in yourself! 

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

Follow Bayle on Twitter

You can watch some of Bayle's competitions here on Gymnastike

*Bayle passed her elite compulsory with a score of 37.325 on February 16th, 2012*