My gymnastics path has been one of the hardest but also most rewarding experiences of my life. I started gymnastics when I was 5, and at first it was just something fun to do after school. As I got older, the practices got harder and the expectations grew. There were so many times when I wanted to quit because it felt like too much pressure.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to deal with fear. Learning that skills weren’t just about strength, they were about trusting myself. I also learned that gymnastics wasn’t just physical but mental work. Gymnastics taught me that failing doesn’t mean I’m not good enough, it means I’m learning.
Competing was another part of my experience. At first I was terrified of judges and crowds, but eventually I realized it wasn’t about being perfect, it was about showing how much work I had put in. Even when I didn’t place as high as I hoped, I still walked away very proud, and happy I got a metal.
Gymnastics has shaped me as a person in ways I didn’t expect. It’s taught me discipline, patience, and how to push through when things get tough. Looking back, I see that gymnastics isn’t just about flips and routines, it’s about growing into a stronger, braver version of myself.