Personal Essay On Gymnastics

Finding Courage

Ever since I joined gymnastics, I’ve been asked by relatives and friends when they would be seeing me compete in the Olympics. Of course, being the little shy girl I am, I quietly respond with a small chuckle, “Thanks, but I’m not sure that will ever happen.” I’ve never set my goals high in fear of failure and lack of self-confidence. Anyone in a sport can relate to having that one teammate that can always be counted on to motivate a teammate or keep our heads held up high. For me, during the most recent gymnastics season, I can proudly call that special person my team captain. When I was on the club level team, I would go watch the state gymnastics competition. I got to cheer on the people I most looked up to. I would watch them train every day in the gym, keeping a positive attitude no matter what challenges they faced. Through tears of joy and sadness, they always stuck together as a team. I couldn’t wait until the year I was old enough to compete on a team with them. I loved watching the gymnasts compete at state, but I never thought that I would actually have a chance to be out there one day. I didn’t set my goals that high because

Practice was almost over that day, but after her talk with me, I already regained two skills that I had lost. I knew that if I put in the effort, I could actually have a chance at making it to state. There were practically tears in my eyes adding up after each word she said to me. They were tears of happiness due to the courage she gave me and fear of what was to come. After that talk, I was determined to make it to state, not only for me, but also for my coaches and teammates that encouraged me all year. That day, I finally realized that I had what it takes to fulfill my dream. I told myself that I would do whatever it takes to make it to state. I didn’t want to disappoint myself, my coaches, or my leaders and people I look up to the