Is it too late for my daughter to do gymnastics?

Question

She is 11 years old and LOVES gymnastics. Our family couldn't afford quality gymnastics lessons until now, and she wants to start. She took them for a year when she was little and can do the basic stuff on the ground (cartwheels & roundoffs), and can do pretty much everything except a layout and full on the trampoline. She can hold a handstand for a pretty long time and is very flexible. She recently went through a growth spurt and is now 5 feet 3 inches tall. She is very strong, almost ripped, because she is on a rock-climbing team, and just REALLY wants to take gymnastics. Is it too late to start if she wants to compete in competitions?

Answer 1

Its not too late, maybe she should have started earlier but why not? I think around 10 you can still start...well actually you can start any time, but you might not be as good as if you started earlier..

Answer 2

Its not to late its never to late  

Answer 3

If she wants to do it why stop her?

She'l regret not trying it!

Answer 4

yes.  she needs to lose weight.

Answer 5

No, it's not too late at all!  Sign her up for some classes and let her get started!  If she's serious about wanting to compete, have her go at least twice a week.  It usually takes at least a year of training before a gymnast is ready to compete at the entry level, but the more often she goes, the quicker she'll progress.  

Now, realistically, it's unlikely that she would ever reach the Olympic level.  Gymnasts at that level usually start by age 6 or 7.  But she could definitely compete on a club team, or on her middle school and high school team, which can be a wonderful experience.  And even if she never competes at all, there are still many benefits she'll get from gymnastics.  The strength, flexibility and coordination she'll gain will help her with any other sport she might pursue.  She'll gain courage and confidence; learn to set goals and overcome obstacles; and she'll feel special because she can do skills that most of her friends can't do.  Gymnastics is a great sport, and it's never too late to enjoy the many benefits it has to offer!