Competition Gymnastics

Justin's first and only gymnastics competition for this season was in Bozeman, Montana. The event was called the Bozeman Blizzard and after we made it through ice covered, snow packed, slick roads (going around the roads that were closed) we realized it was appropriately named.

Justin's coaches had a hard time determining what level to put him in.  On the floor (multiple years of just doing tumbling), rings, and high bar (major upper body strength) he is more at a level 7-8 which would allow him to come up with his own routines.  However, he struggles with the pommel horse (get those legs straight) and the parallel bars (hard to get used to) so they chose to put him in level 6 so that his first year competing would be a positive experience.  His best and favorite events are the high bar and rings.  Though he has done tumbling for many years, it was actually hard for him to back off and stick to only the elements and the step by step routine required of a level 6 gymnast.

He did great in his personal and overall scoring.  He took 5th on rings, 4th on vault, 4th on high bar and 3rd overall for his level and age range, competing against 15 other boys.

After this competition he was totally ready for the season which would include meets in Helena, Las Vegas, Coeur d'Alene, Rexburg and Boise.  Unfortunately, his wrist was not so excited and this was his only competition for the 2012 season.

During the week after the Bozeman meet his wrist started to hurt more than usual.  It has had discomfort since he broke it in three places a couple of years ago but it was always something he could ice away and deal with.  This time he couldn't pick up his shoes without his wrist giving out.  We started with a sports therapist, then x-rays, then an MRI and a meeting with an orthopedic surgeon.  They all gave the same answer.  Just wait.  He is growing, it is a weak spot and hopefully it will eventually clear.  Justin has now spent 3 months without gym and has yet to figure out what to do with his extra 15 hours a week.  He contemplated other sports but doesn't want to do something else that would prevent his wrist from healing completely because he is determined to go back to gym in the summer and make it for the competition season next year.