GymSport Waikato

I was nervous the whole way there. But as we pulled into the driveway, the nerves really kicked in, like a punch to the stomach. Just four days ago, I had been told that I qualified to compete in the Waikato Regional GymSport Competition for the years 7-8. For the past few days, I had practised and practised relentlessly. I practised until I felt I had my routine the best it could be.

We walked in, and we could see that the people here were way more professional than us. They were all wearing makeup, their hair was immaculate, and the leotards they were wearing were beautiful. We stood there, dressed in our school uniforms and tights, looking very different to most of the people around us. However, although we weren’t as professional as everybody else in the room, we weren’t terrible. We could do the routines to high standards, and that was what got us where we were.

We were all called down to do a warmup. We did our own stretches, and then we all did an aerobics routine. Everyone around us was doing all these fancy stretches, so we just sort of copied them to look even a little bit professional.

My first apparatus was the vault. We got two practices, and then it was the real things. The butterflies in my stomach had decided to start exercising - I was so nervous. My practices were alright, but I could have done better. Next was my real thing. I think I did the best I could possibly do. My legs were straight and I pointed my toes, and I didn’t wobble.

My second was the beam. I was super nervous about the beam because it was really really high! I practised and practised my beam over and over until it was finally my turn to perform. I bounced on the springboard. I mounted, but then I fell off. I think I made it look like I didn’t fall, but I’m not sure. I hopped back on, and I did my beam the best I could. I wobbled a bit, but I think I did a good job.

Next was floor. I practised my routine non-stop for a solid half hour before it was my turn to perform. I think I nailed it. However, I might have gone a little too fast. But otherwise, I think I did really well.

I didn’t expect to place. I only really came for the experience, which was an amazing one. I especially loved seeing all the amazing things people could do, and I sure hope that I can do something like that some day! If I could, I would definitely do it again!