I’ve spent most of the last week saying “nothing on the score sheets matters as much as how much you enjoy the experience!” As they are all currently sat here tutting at the film “Nadia” (borrowed by them from a friend!) i think my “this is not the be all and end all” stance is bearing fruit.

Fran sat reading the programme at the worlds and went on and on about Beth Tweddle’s academic successes and took on board that she said she found it harder to concentrate the year she only did gym. Luckily, i don’t think we’ve got any worlds v work to worry about (!!!!!) but she does know that going to gym is a privilege and will only carry on if she keeps working hard at all the other stuff in her life too. And that seems to help her take everything else more seriously too.

Looked at Wikipedia to see just how inspiring Tweddle was and is. She has a degree in Sports Science for one, and has won several gold medals in the Uneven Bars. That must be her strength.

Let’s also hope for no more broken bones.

Gym talk can indeed be passionate. Everyone seems to be keen on the numbers and sparkles and exercises. And the coaches get a say as well, especially the volunteers.

Also have been doing some reading about King and Wing (great names, and great that Marissa King is a local – which is to say Cambridgeshire/Huntingdon local). And what has been happening in the championship.

I’ve gone from being an entirely recreational mummy about it, to being really keen for them to do well (if they want to, we don’t push Maddy at all as she seems happy to be tootling along and socialising there while keeping fit!) Fran and Amelie talk about gym constantly and i spend my day tripping over people doing the splits! it has been easy to be infected by their enthusiasm.

I dare say ballet has been good for them both in terms of F catching up and A having a head start. In fact, it does feel (please, please no more broken bones!) to all be coming together nicely for them

I hope Fran is able and wants to compete in Level 6: she and Amelie must have been really inspired! And there is such good stuff!

The ballet may very well be helping the gymnastics, and it’s good to be strong and fit as well as graceful.