Gymnastics is a sport crammed with chalk, grit, and private targets—nevertheless it’s additionally one the place athletes spend hours coaching facet by facet, usually at totally different ability ranges and progressing at totally different paces.
And let’s be sincere: generally, jealousy occurs.
Whether or not it is a teammate getting a brand new ability sooner, making the next stage, or getting extra consideration from coaches, feeling jealous is regular—particularly in a sport that’s as private and performance-based as gymnastics.
However the excellent news? Jealousy can truly develop into a strong alternative for development—if you know the way to deal with it.
Step 1: Acknowledge That Jealousy Is Regular
First issues first: feeling jealous doesn’t make you a foul teammate or a foul individual. It makes you human.
In gymnastics, athletes usually prepare with friends they compete in opposition to, which makes comparisons nearly automated. Remind your self (or your gymnast) that jealousy is solely an emotional sign—it’s pointing to one thing you care deeply about.
The hot button is the way you reply to that feeling.
Step 2: Shift the Focus Inward
Jealousy occurs after we look outward—at what others are doing. However progress in gymnastics is an particular person journey. Each gymnast has totally different strengths, fears, physique sorts, and studying speeds.
As an alternative of asking, “Why is she higher than me?” attempt:
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“What can I do at this time to develop?”
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“What’s one small win I may be pleased with?”
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“What do I like in her that I need to construct in myself?”
Progress occurs after we focus inward, not sideways.
Step 3: Flip Jealousy Into Inspiration
Moderately than seeing a profitable teammate as a rival, attempt seeing them as a motivator or perhaps a mentor.
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Ask them how they discovered a sure ability
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Watch and be taught from their kind or approach
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Rejoice their success—you’ll construct staff spirit and emotional energy
Once you assist others, it builds an uplifting health club tradition—and someday, they’ll be cheering for you too.
Step 4: Keep away from the Comparability Lure
It’s tempting to measure your journey by another person’s, however bear in mind:
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Everybody learns at totally different speeds
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Everybody struggles with various things (even when they don’t present it)
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One ability, meet, or stage does not outline your price
If comparability turns into a behavior, attempt taking a brief social media break or journaling your personal progress so you possibly can visually have a good time your wins.
Step 5: Observe Gratitude and Perspective
Gratitude helps re-center the thoughts. Encourage gymnasts to write down down:
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3 issues they’re pleased with this week
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1 teammate they’re grateful for
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1 space they’ve improved, regardless of how small
Maintaining perspective helps remind gymnasts that there’s extra to the game than medals and new abilities—like friendships, energy, and private development.
For Dad and mom: Find out how to Assist Your Gymnast By way of Jealousy
In case your baby expresses jealousy, pay attention first—then assist information their emotions with out judgment.
Strive:
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“It’s okay to really feel that approach. Let’s speak about it.”
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“What do you assume made her profitable? Can we be taught one thing from that?”
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“You’re by yourself path, and we’re pleased with how exhausting you’re employed.”
Keep away from evaluating your gymnast to others—even with good intentions. As an alternative, spotlight their distinctive strengths and progress.
Ultimate Ideas
Jealousy doesn’t must be a setback—it may be a sign of ambition and a device for self-awareness. When dealt with with care, it teaches gymnasts resilience, empathy, and the flexibility to have a good time others whereas staying true to their very own journey.
In gymnastics and in life, the actual competitors isn’t with others—it’s with the individual you have been yesterday.
