Is it too late for an 11 - year - old in level 1 to become an elite?

Answer 1

Depends on the coach and the gymnast. Nothing is impossible.

Obviously nothing is impossible but I'll be a little more straight forward with you than the last person. The difficulty in starting gymnastics later is the limited range of motion and flexibility that older children have as well as a lack of strength to body size ratio. Luckily, the strength is easy to maintain because that is right around the age that kids are able to have their muscles grow, but with added muscle bulk, comes more limits in flexibility.

That being said, it really does depend on the gym you go to and the mentality of the athlete. Gymnastics takes a lot of hard work, dedication and maturity. Some of the most talents kids just don't care as much so unfortunately limit themselves dramatically. If you're looking to go elite you need to make sure you find a coach and a gym that has the ability to take you there. You're eligible for elite at 13 so if your gyms policy is to go from level to level starting at compulsary's and working your way up you won't have enough years in your career to get to the elite level. You need to find a gym that trains stregth, flexibility and body patterns working multiple skills and transitions at a time through drills and by passing the lower level requirements for competition. There is no sense in lowering your standards just because the level you are competing lowered theirs. I've seen girls that were level 5's two years ago that are going to be level 10's in the coming season. it can be done, but the athlete, the coach and the parents all have to want it and know what they are doing and what is expected of them.