In the summer of 1983, I joined a local Rhythmic gymnastic team after having done Artistic gymnastics since I was nine years old. I loved Rhythmic gymnastics because it was more dance then the twisting and tumbling involved in Artistic gymnastics. The team I joined was more disciplined then the other team I had previous been on. We had workout six days a week. It was a chore going to school and then to off to gymnastics and dance for hours in the early evening to about 9 pm. But I loved everything about it!
After a few months, I had learned the compulsory routines and had a wonderful ball routine composed for me. My first competition , which was the state competition, was in San Francisco, California. We took a plane (my first) and stayed at a teammate's house for the three days of completion. It was nerve wracking but so much fun at the same time. The results for me was I won several ribbons and second place in the all-around competition.
Less then a month later, the regional competition was held closer to home in Los Angeles, California. I don't remember much about this competition other then I did really well, again taking second place in the all-around competition.
It's been many, many years since I was involved in gymnastics but I still love the sport and watch it any chance I get.
Copyright © 2010 Regina De León. All rights reserved.
