Seeing as it is now the Olympics, I thought I would throw it back to when I did gymnastics.
Back in 1999 I started gymnastics at The Berkhamsted Gymnastics Club.
I absolutely loved it and progressed so much.
You would always catch me doing cartwheels, handstands and the crab whenever I could.
Beam always used to be my least favourite, as balance just wasn't my thing!
I always used to remember practising my balance at home, to improve on beam by placing a scarf on the floor and attempting to do a routine on that.
You can even see in the photo above by my toes how much I'm trying to keep balance!
Counting down the days to my first competition I was excited but VERY nervous.
Being the centre of attention does not go down well with me, so the thought of 'all eyes on me' was extremely terrifying!
First Competition
Considering how nervous I was, for my first competition I did quite well.
I received two medals overall for this competition, 1 bronze and 1 silver!
Second Competition
My second competition, I was still very nervous, but I knew what to expect which calmed me down a lot.
I remember trying my absolute hardest when training, to be the best I possibly can!
Which clearly worked as I came first in Bars, Vault and Beam!
I received a silver medal for this competition overall, which I was very happy about.
I carried on going to my training and competing, getting better and better.
One of my last competitions, I remember saying to myself and family, that I was determined to come home with a trophy.
I DID IT!
The awkward smile in this photo is deceiving. I was so so proud of myself, I just hated my photo being taken.
I came first overall in this competition, resulting in me receiving a gold medal as well as the trophy.
A few months after this competition, I was approached to join the Competition Squad, meaning I would be competing a lot more in much more important competitions!
At the time this scared me a little bit, as the coaches said this could potentially get me into the Olympics!
So, I quit gymnastics altogether..
Looking back now I massively regret that decision.
About 3 years ago, I decided I was going to go back! I called my old gymnastics club, and to my surprise, they were still there.
I went back once a week, but I just didn't enjoy it like I used to, due to me being a lot less flexible than before.
I would love to know if you ever did or still are doing gymnastics and what your favourite peice is?
I'd also love to know if you are watching the Olympics and what your favourite sport is?
Speak soon,
Love Beckii
xxxx
