Aspirations of gymnasts in clubs

Abstract

Throughout my years as a gymnastics coach, I became aware of the increasing number of Maltese children taking up gymnastics in clubs. Such awareness has inspired me to seek reasons as to why children start practising gymnastics. Thus I embarked on a study to explore, analyse and discuss the developing stages of gymnasts through competitive and/or non-competitive aspects. The stages of club enrolment, reasons as to why gymnasts change clubs, goals and future aspirations of these athletes are additional topics analysed in this study. A research in literature review together with a quantitative method of data collection is used in this study. Gymnasts from three clubs bearing different gender (91% = Females and 9% = Males) and ages were chosen to answer questionnaires about their aspirations. Some of the results emerging from this data show that parents ( 48%) were the most influential aspect in encouraging children to join a gymnastics club. Becoming a better gymnast or turning into a gymnastics coach were some of the major goals that aspired these gymnasts. This study concludes with future recommendations in promoting gymnastics as a way oflife. Beyond the pounding athleticism of gymnastics, there is a graceful and beautiful side to the sport. Not only must skills be performed with amplitude and technique, but they must be surrounded by flowing dance that ties the routines together. Today, gymnastics is one of the most watched spectacular sports in the Olympic Games and is practiced all over the world.