Memoir

English 1301

Dr. Stacy Thorne Stuewe

Megan Pollock

12/11/13

Sweat for Success

My mom and I had a tradition where we always stopped at Einstein Bros Bagel shop on the drive to the airport. Dressed in my team warm up suit with a Dutch apple bagel in hand I felt as though I could accomplish anything. It also helped to ease the knot forming in my stomach. I love flying. Take off is my favorite, watching the people and buildings turn into miniature objects while emerging on top of the clouds is magical. We arrive at our terminal, met up with my coach then sat as we waited for our flight to be called. We landed in South Carolina, but our final destination was North Carolina. We rented a car and road tripped through the Carolinas. Lush trees lined the roads we traveled making for a beautiful, scenic excursion. We arrived at our hotel in time to eat dinner with my teammates. That night I went to sleep expectant of the stress and nerves I would encounter when I woke.

Sure enough, the next morning my stomach was turning. On days of competitions I am never able to consume any food, maybe a cracker or two, but never any more than that. In my hotel room mother slicks my hair back into a neat bun slathering so much gel making my hair imitate that of plastic with just enough poof on top. The sparkling eye showdown was applied to my face along with eyeliner that exceeded my eyes natural shape for a dramatic cat-eye look. Proudly shimmering like a disco ball I arrived at the venue of the competition. I kept to myself during warm up, blocking out all competition as Coach Patty always instructed us to do. Groups of roughly six girls get the main floor for five minutes to quickly run through each of their routines. A small floor with multiple competitors, apparatuses, and limited time can get hectic fast. Distractions come so easily in that environment causing you to constantly have to refocus yourself or get corrections from your coach, which you try to avoid. I was very blessed with an encouraging coach, when we didn’t do our best she would tell us it was okay and kept in a happy mood. Frustration was not evident on her face, but it was very noticeable on my own.

Soon after warming up routines it was time to perform, the regional competition had officially started.  With a judging panel ready to watch my every move and notice any mistakes I knew what I had to do. Coach Patty stood beside me before I walked onto the floor. I saluted the judges and began my floor routine at the first chime of the music. I did my best to move with the song, complete all my turns, and give a fantastic show. After completing the floor routine I was advised not to look at my score until after the competitions was over. My competitors competed their floor routines and suddenly it was my turn to go again. I had four routines to compete that competition: floor, ball, clubs, and hoop.

It was now time for the award ceremony. Level by level the medals were handed out to the girls with the highest score. I waited patiently for the time where level seven would get their awards. Whether it be gold, silver, or copper, getting handed a medal is always rewarding. It brings me confidence knowing all my hard work has paid off. I try my best not to compare myself to the other girls also receiving medals and try to still be happy with what I earned.

Leading up to the competition I would work for hours everyday. By the end of the week I had worked up to sixteen hours, not including private lessons. My coach would work me hard and for six years I worked and competed in competitions much like this one. Now I am employed by Coach Petra and have my own opportunity to encourage and equip young gymnasts so that they will be able to reach their goals. Working hard is rewarding, especially when you are able to share what you learned through the process and sew into others.