This weekend was all about one little boy, who stepped out of his comfort zone to perform in his first gymnastics competition.
Before having children you can’t imagine the fear of watching your child compete or perform in a show or competition. Watching Z step out with the other gymnasts, looking so small and scared brought tears to my eyes, seeing him look around lost wondering how to warm up by himself made me want to whisk him away from it all. I am hugely grateful to the lovely coach who took him to one side, guided him, encouraged him and gave him the confidence to carry on.
He was last up, everyone was watching. I could see his little legs wobbling, he slipped a little doing his arabesque, but carried on regardless to finish with a little tear in his eye. We cheered and clapped so very, very proud of our very brave little boy.
Z is a perfectionist, a boy who piles pressure on himself. No matter how many times we tell him, he only needs to do his best and we are so very proud of him whatever he does, he cannot see past the gold medal.
Luckily there were only 3 boys in his group, both older and more experienced than Z, so he got the bronze. We watched the presentation, knowing from the look on his face that he didn’t think it was good enough, that he wasn’t fooled by the medals, he’s smart enough to know he came third. The girls however cheered wildly, super proud of their big brother, in complete awe of THREE medals!!
Eventually we talked him round, told him how brilliant he was, that he’s only been in the squad for 9 months, and he ended the day happy. He even hid the medals in a ‘special box’ overnight and asked to take them into school today.
Aw bless him for being so determined and well done too for such a fantastic achievement so early on in his gym career! I am sure with that attitude he will continue to achieve great things. I hope he enjoyed his moment in the spotlight at school!
I think he did 🙂
Oh you must be so proud of him. Really puts me to shame staying inside my own comfort zone, of which I need to step out of more.
oh yes, me too!
Really brilliant story – and how wonderful (as well as scary) to see him performing as a parent! So glad he finished the day happy – can’t wait to see how he progresses 🙂
Thanks Anya . xxx
Well done Z! You sound a lot like my youngest. It’s not easy being a perfectionist!
It’s definitely not. I really feel for him sometimes. xx
Awh, what a brave boy, that really is a fantastic achievement. She looks so proud of him too in the photo 🙂
She really was. Thanks Amanda. x
Wow, that’s fantastic! Love little sister looking on proudly too! 🙂
Thank you Emma x
Awww well done on the medal haul!! Definitely something to be proud of and I expect all his friends at school were envious of his medals 🙂 Well done little dude!!x
Thanks, he is very pleased with himself now.
Well done that’s amazing! They both look so proud 🙂 #livingarrows
Thanks Michelle
He totally deserves his medals and look how proud his sister is of him. Congratulations.x.
A huge well done to your boy. I hope he feels rightly proud of his achievement now and isn’t beating himself up for not winning – third is brilliant. Must have been so nerve wracking for him. Lovely picture! :o)
Thanks Anya 🙂
Awww, such a cute picture. She looks so proud of her big brother, almost ready to burst. Well done to him, a medal is a medal and gymnastics is so very difficult, to just get out there on the floor you deserve a medal 🙂 #livingarrows
I totally agree, thanks. xx
Oh that’s wonderful. I think it’s a good learning experience for children to do competitions – especially when they aren’t under too much pressure. It’ll make next time a bit easier too.
I hope so. 🙂
Oh bless. How nice to see him thrive! Our children our treasures!
Thanks Otilia. x
Really well done to your little man! What a wonderful boost to his confidence that must have been. It’s great to see them blossom and radiate pride when they achieve things like this isn’t it?
It really is 🙂
Awww well done Z, such a fantastic achievement and what a proud moment for mummy! xxx #livingarrows
Thanks lovely. x
Oh wow, how brave to do that in front of all those people. I can see the pride in his little sister’s face too!
Lovely post x
Thanks Liz. x
oh well done, he looks so incredibly happy. his sister look very proud too as must you be too x
I am 🙂
Aww, well done to him! I’m sure the next competition he’ll be a bit more confident (and so will you!)
I hope so 🙂
Yay for him – AND you! Just the toughest to watch them overcoming their fears. I remember watching my daughter doing ballet for the first time and at the end of their class they were allowed to “freestyle” – one at a time. My heart was in my mouth as Kaya awaited her turn since she’s a shy child. I openly sobbed as I watched her pirouette and skip her way, solo, the length of that hall. Even typing it has made me tear up! xx
Thanks Katy. xx
Ahh, this post gave me butterflies. Good for your boy, and good of you giving him all that encouragement and support. Brave wee guy 🙂 xx
Awww, thanks Ruth. x
Proud sister and a proud Z! I love how you said that the coach gave him support too. This story is so lovely and inspiring. I lobe how us parents gives way to other people to lead our child =) I dont know if im making any sense but i am feeling somethings that good after reading your post =) #livingarrows
That’s amazing, you must be so proud of him Emma! x