Before covid, I did gymnastics competitively for about 6 years. I decided that the season for 2019-2020 would be my last. In that year, I was still going on with my day-to-day life. I would rise before the sun would shine, get ready quickly because I always woke up late, go to my high school for long periods, have tiring gymnastics practice, and try to get my homework done. Even with this going on, I wanted to do well and end with good scores at my gymnastics meets during that season. I was going to stop doing gymnastics because it is such an intense sport that took up a lot of my energy and time. I had practice 4 days a week, taking up 20 plus hours. I had limited time to do my high school work and hang out with my friends. Gymnastics is a spring sport, so the competition season is usually from January to April. Covid conflicted with this because everything shut down in the beginning/middle of March.

My last meet was very significant for me because it was so fun. I didn’t expect it to be my last, but COVID-19 hit, and I had to end gymnastics early. I went to New Orleans with my grandpa for the weekend. I competed at my meet with my teammates and got awards and medals. During the rest of the time, I explored the city with my grandfather and teammates. It was almost Mardi Gras, so there was lots of partying. My gymnastics friends and I went shopping and walked down French Quarter. In the heart of the city was a Mardi Gras Parade that we went to. It was so crowded, and everyone was on top of each other. I can’t imagine being in a crowd like that anymore after covid happened. There were tons of floats and loud music. Everyone was cheering to the point of yelling. Beaded necklaces were flying everywhere, waiting for people to catch them. After that trip, I returned and started practicing to get ready for the summer. Summer practices were intense and even longer than the regular school year schedule. So, once it was all over, I was relieved.

The first months, maybe even up to a year after quarantine started, I was so down that I couldn’t do gymnastics anymore. This confused me because I wanted to quit so bad earlier that year, but now, I suddenly wanted to return. It made me think about starting it up again, but I remember how much energy it took out of me and that I wouldn’t be happy. Life after quitting gymnastics felt free. I didn’t have the massive commitment of going to practice every day and had more time. We were in the middle of a pandemic, so I couldn’t go out with my friends, but I could take a break. I stayed home, took my dog out on walks, and started to get into new interests. New interests like watching a lot of television. I just got into anime and was watching about one show a day. It sounds unhealthy to watch at least one show a day, but I had nothing else to do. I got into so many genres and shows that it felt like unlimited choices to choose from. I would also listen to music almost every second of every day. I discovered K-pop during this time. This type of music was just so fun because of the many sounds used and different languages. When watching the music videos, pops of vibrant colors were everywhere, and fantastic dance moves. I was able to stay entertained.

Coming to a whole 2 years since I quit gymnastics, I came to terms with it. Right now, I feel content. I joined my high school gymnastics team, and it was the fun that I needed gymnastics to be. I was still allowed to do gymnastics and compete with less pressure on me. Gymnastics will always be important to me and hold a special place in my heart. I met lots of people that I’m still friends with and amazing coaches that are my role models. Even with my last season ending early I can still remember the good things as well as the bad.