Non-traditional sports ideas for former gymnasts?

[sandandsea]

Cheerleading? My nieces went from gymnastics to competitive cheer to track and field.

[sugarbear]

Are you near a rowing club? Juniors rowing is huge— and super fun! If she was a tiny gymnast she could be a coxswain.

[rooster222]

Thank you for all the suggestions! So many things I'm not familiar with. She did a few more crossfit classes and has decided she loves it. Doesn't want to add anything else just yet but I will use these ideas when she does. It's funny because several people (irl) have suggested diving and she's not interested because of the cold water. Go figure!

[ellipses84]

Sounds like you got a lot of great answers! I’d explore what aspect of gymnastics she misses the most. Did she like focusing independently on personal goals (swimming) or is she going to miss being part of the camaraderie of a larger team (team sport like soccer) or competing with teammates (social competitive sport like tennis) or the artistic aspect (like dance or synchronized swimming)? That may guide help guide her. You can also say, let’s write a list of a few sports that sound interesting and try a different one every 6 months until she finds one she loves.

[eport]

One more. Pole vaulting.
My brother is a high school track coach and he and the diving coach fought over a kid who quit gymnastics. Both argued that some of the best in their part of the sport were former gymnasts.
Bonus with most who vault do not start until high school.

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[CheeringCharm]

I don't think I've seen anyone mention Parkour yet but a background in gymnastics would be really helpful with that.

[rooster222]

Jan 12, 2021 11:11:21 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

I know this isn't your question, but i have so many concerns about a 13 year old doing crossfit. Crossfit is so notorious for injuries , i would be very concerned about a kid who is not done growing getting into it too much and possibly injuring her joints at such a young age.

I would love more info on this. I know they don't do any heavy lifting. They use kettlebells, bike, maybe row, jump rope, pull ups, squats. What should I be looking out for?

[rooster222]

Jan 12, 2021 9:48:21 GMT -5 eport said:

One more. Pole vaulting.
My brother is a high school track coach and he and the diving coach fought over a kid who quit gymnastics. Both argued that some of the best in their part of the sport were former gymnasts.
Bonus with most who vault do not start until high school.

Sent from my SM-G930V using proboards

She's definitely thinking about this. She had a track coach talking to her about it several years ago when she did a summer running program. Makes me kind of nervous though, I get stressed watching kids do it.

[CloudBee]

My niece was a gymnast for years. Now she's diving for a D1 college team. Lots of gymnasts who are starting to feel strain on their joints transition to competitive diving.

[chickadee77]

I would suggest dance, or, if was into the manipulatives, look for a winter guard nearby. Some are affiliated with schools, but not all. Even with little experience, as a gymnast, I would imagine an Open or World class guard would happily snap her up. WGI.org should have bountiful resources. I was involved (both as a member and staff) for years after leaving the ballet, and have a lot of connections around the country, so if this appeals, feel free to message me.

Competitive, athletic, artistic, travel, no heights... might check all the boxes.

[Bad Dingo]

Jan 12, 2021 11:11:21 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

I know this isn't your question, but i have so many concerns about a 13 year old doing crossfit. Crossfit is so notorious for injuries , i would be very concerned about a kid who is not done growing getting into it too much and possibly injuring her joints at such a young age.

Plus we are in the midst of a pandemic.

[joy]

If Bring it On taught me anything, it’s that you go from gymnastics to cheer.

[Becca]

I think a former gymnast would have a lot of success with figure skating or speed skating. Figure skating in particular is a sport of precision similarly to gymnastics, but also has its own flair.

Figure skating also has SO many different possibilities. Skaters can learn to skate and just have fun, compete recreationally or compete competitively. There are theatrical events, skills events, etc. Skaters can participate as singles, pairs or as part of a team (my daughter loves her synchronized skating team)

Figure skating is also one of those sports that athletes can participate in for their entire life.

Good luck finding something the right fit for your kiddo!