Pre Team

The Thome Ohio gymnasium housed all equipment utilized for both male and female gymnastic events as well as two full size trampolines and a large foam pit, used for dismount practice from the vault. 

My strongest events, as well as the ones I most enjoyed, in progression from most to least favorite were: the parallel bars, the rings, the pommel horse, and the floor. The vault was second to last and the high bar was my least strongest as well as my least favorite event.

I was recommended by my gymnastic instructors to be considered for the pre gymnastics team. WIth such a honor came extreme commitment which required that I practice six days a week. My parents were hesitant to allow me to commit to such a schedule considering my young age. I too was hesitant as my interest in music was surfacing on a parallel. It was not until later when the consistent ripping of the palms of my hands, from friction while training on the high bar, that forced me to make the much pondered decision to proceed with commitment to begin pre team training  or not. It was decided shortly after that such hand injuries could potentially jeopardize a career in music which was beginning to swiftly take priority. Such an injury dampened my ability to practice piano or even compose. I eventually came to the conclusion that music was the more important of the two and that it would be necessary to notify my instructors of my intention to decline their pre team offer. 

There are times when I wonder what would have become of my gymnastic career had I continued with training, however, I am certain that music was the superior choice and do not regret making a decision in its favor.