Thoughts from the Chalk Bucket

In the past year, my life as a gymnast has showed me the importance of confidence. At the beginning of 2018, I was just recovering from a broken hand. When I found out about the fracture right before the start of my competitive season, I was devastated. The thing that worried me was the thought that the level 8 season I had just prepared for would not happen after all. However, I worked harder than I ever had and eventually, I earned most of my skills back. I started out competing just beam and floor, but I was soon able to compete all four events. I made it to the Regional Championships; though in my mind, my season did not meet up to my own expectations.

 After the competitive season, I vowed to try and regain all the skills I lost after my injury, along with more new skills for the the upcoming season. I felt that by achieving this goal, I would be guaranteed an outstanding season. While this may be true, the true key to an outstanding season is being confident in yourself and trusting that you are capable.

 In the end, while my summer training was successful and I am now able to compete level 9 in 2019, my prior hand injury left me with a lack of confidence. The words, “Can I really do it?” and “What if...” crept into my head more often than I wanted. I found myself questioning my every move and my abilities as a gymnast. As I conquered the battles of doubting how capable I am of doing certain skills, I have learned that this type of mentality will prevent you from reaching your full potential.

 Even though my bones have healed, my fears have not. I strive to overcome them in 2019 through positive self talk. When I walk through the doors of my gym, I want to tell myself positive phrases. Before I do a skill that I am particularly nervous about, I want to tell myself positive phrases. These phrases, like “you can do it” or “believe in yourself”, will put my mind into a optimistic and confident mindset.

 By Nadia Herrera-Set, Level 9 Gymnast, Accel Gymnastics, Burlingame, CA

Thoughts from the Chalk Bucket

In the past year, my life as a gymnast has showed me the importance of confidence. At the beginning of 2018, I was just recovering from a broken hand. When I found out about the fracture right before the start of my competitive season, I was devastated. The thing that worried me was the thought that the level 8 season I had just prepared for would not happen after all. However, I worked harder than I ever had and eventually, I earned most of my skills back. I started out competing just beam and floor, but I was soon able to compete all four events. I made it to the Regional Championships; though in my mind, my season did not meet up to my own expectations.

After the competitive season, I vowed to try and regain all the skills I lost after my injury, along with more new skills for the the upcoming season. I felt that by achieving this goal, I would be guaranteed an outstanding season. While this may be true, the true key to an outstanding season is being confident in yourself and trusting that you are capable.

In the end, while my summer training was successful and I am now able to compete level 9 in 2019, my prior hand injury left me with a lack of confidence. The words, “Can I really do it?” and “What if...” crept into my head more often than I wanted. I found myself questioning my every move and my abilities as a gymnast. As I conquered the battles of doubting how capable I am of doing certain skills, I have learned that this type of mentality will prevent you from reaching your full potential.

Even though my bones have healed, my fears have not. I strive to overcome them in 2019 through positive self talk. When I walk through the doors of my gym, I want to tell myself positive phrases. Before I do a skill that I am particularly nervous about, I want to tell myself positive phrases. These phrases, like “you can do it” or “believe in yourself”, will put my mind into a optimistic and confident mindset.

By Nadia Herrera-Set, Level 9 Gymnast, Accel Gymnastics, Burlingame, CA


From the Chalk Bucket: The Comeback is Always Stronger than the Setback

During the Summer of 2017, I noticed my left, middle finger had been causing mild pain during bars. But what I had not contemplated was that this could transition into a bigger problem in the near future. In the month of September, the swelling had increased tremendously and I finally visited the doctor. My doctor showed me my x-rays and I had a hairline fracture. I could not participate in physical activity for three weeks.

After my break, I regained most of my skills and was able to compete level 7. Yet my finger bothered me throughout season. I could barely work through a fifteen minute rotation of bars without pain. I pushed through it, competed Regionals, and took another appointment with the doctor. This time around the fracture in my finger was bigger. It took about two months for this small injury to heal and I was frustrated. Since I continued vigorous activity on the broken finger, the healing time was much longer. In retrospect, I realize that my health is more important than competing.

Once I returned to training, I decided that what was important was to regain my confidence and my skills. My coaches thought it was best for me to repeat level 7. At first, I was hesitant because I wanted to move up with my friends and thought it was embarrassing to repeat a level. But, I was persistent, trained hard, and the results showed.

Now, as I look back, I could not have asked for a better second year season. The 2018 season started out inconsistent, but with time and practice, I continued to improve. I upgraded my bar routine two times, which led to me becoming a Bars State Champion. I also achieved my goals of becoming an All-Around State and Regional Champion, and Vault Regional Champion. My setback was truly a blessing in disguise.

By Charvi Datt

Level 8 Gymnast, Pacific West Gymnastics - Union City, CA