AUBURN, Wash. — When Mimi and I started our Olympic Hopeless Series back in 2018 with the Pyeongchang games, we knew our future may be full of highs and lows. Perhaps no other event has tested that theory more than Artistic Gymnastics.
The Olympians make this difficult sport, look so easy!
We headed to Ascend Gymnastics in Auburn, where coach Toby Scott offered to give us some instruction on the beam, bars, vault and floor routine. This is the same gym where world 6-time medalist Shilese Jones still trains.
"I have also trained some new adult gymnasts," Scott encouraged. "If you add hard work and perseverance, anything is possible."
His encouragement was much needed!
Vault
First up, Coach Scott showed us how to work the vault.
"Vault is raw power," he said. "It's about how fast you can run down that runway, and how tight you can be on that table."
Straight arms is a big deal on the vault too. When you run to the springboard and launch up to the tabletop, those straight arms help you flip over correctly. Thankfully, Coach was there to help us rotate.
It's immediately clear, that the mat is critical for me and Mimi. It's impressive how brave these gymnasts are in this event!
Bars
In Paris, female gymnasts compete in the Uneven Bars. For the men, it's a single bar. Either way, it appears to be the most deceiving event of all! When watching the games, it looks like the bar is slick and easy to slide your hands around as you rotate. Not so much.
The grip is sticky and you need chalk and special hand grips, which we did not use. (I'll have to remember that next time.)
"Bars is very hard. You have to be good at swinging and shaping your body," said Coach Toby Scott. "Timing is incredibly important."
It only took one attempt at a flip, and I had enough. Pressure from the bar on my torso was too much to try a second time. The upper body strength needed in this event is incredible! Mimi had a successful spin on the bar, so we called it a win.
Beam
Mimi and I felt most confident in this event! She's a dancer, so the ballet-like moves came easier for her. But we both nailed the relevé. It's a move where you raise your body up on the balls of your feet while balancing on the beam. The beam itself is four feet high. So it's easier said than done to balance that high above the ground.
A few times, we felt brave enough to try a leap or two. But I can't imagine the bravery and training it takes to complete flips and twists while still landing on that narrow four-inch beam.
The most fun I had during our time at Ascend Gymnastics was the dismount. I have to say, jumping off the beam and practicing my landing on the mat was quite fun.
Floor Routine
"It's a balance of artistry and power," said Coach Scott.
Several young gymnasts who were there gathered to watch, and also gave us some pointers. Confidence, artistry and drama are all important, they told us!
We kept that in mind. But without training, we were winging it!
The spring floor helps you keep the energy and bounce that you need. I was surprised at how soft and flexible it was. Although, the mat doesn't help add much height to our jumps, it certainly helps cushion your fall!
Toby gave us a few moves to add to our routine, and we were off! We'll let you be the judge at whether we nailed it.
"You guys did awesome!" said Coach Scott.
He was being nice. But we'll keep that in mind for Los Angeles 2028!