Is it impossible to be a good gymnast when you learn from age 12?

Question

ok, im turning 13 in 9 months but i want to start gymnastics. i love doing cartwheels and roundoffs and splits and stuff, but, my mom thinks that its dangerous. i mean, they live in korea and i am studing in the US so i come home 4 summer break. and she lets me go to a gymnastics place. but i quit a week later cause the coach wont teach me tumbling cause he says im too old to compete and it would be a wast of time. i think that that is kinda harsh. i am really flexable and a quick learner. i learned a back bend, front handspring, cartwheel, round off and the front split by myself. so im planning to take a 8 month course in america. i think that the coaches would be alot nicer.

is it that hard to start when ur 13? and do you have to be skinny? cause the coach also said that i should lose about 10 pounds and i onl y way 50 pounds. and im like wayy small. please help.

are american coaches nicer. and if u have any advice on how to do a front split.. im 2" off the floor.

thanks

Answer 1

NO , but i do think you have to practice alot!

Answer 2

do it! i did and i am great. you are never too old. dont let anyone tell you otherwise.

Answer 3

okay first of all if u start now i bet u would be really good cuz u can do a front handspring that u taught urself. good job!! and u DO NOT have to loose 10 pounds if u only way 50 freakin pounds!! haha is ur coach on something?!?!?! i think u should switch gyms. also to get ur split just keep stretching and ull get it. but once u get it u have to keep doing it or else it will go bibi! hoped i helped:) but mybe u should think of doing alstar cheerleading, cuz u compete and tumble and stuff and it fun. but i like gymnastics too

Answer 4

No some gymnasts make it to the elite level in five years. :)