Smash has watched M A N Y gymnastics competitions in his young lifetime.
His very early years were spent in the gym watching his older sister Emily workout and compete; in most recent years, Megan.
While watching Megan, he would make comments about how much he wished he could play on the equipment, etc.
I too had a similar wish, a place where he could jump and bounce and fly without ending up in the ER! (Remember: nickname--Smash!)
Recently the gym where Meg has been going decided to start a boys competitive program, they asked if Smash would want to join, and of course he did. He could not wait to get on all of that crazy fun equipment.
He has worked hard, really hard, and prepared himself to compete. His health concerns have kept him from fully enjoying the program, and he has not been able to compete this season--until now.
Last weekend, April 2, he competed for the first time. He did GREAT! We were all very proud of him. This meet was the final meet before North State. Next week he is headed to that competition and then his season will be over. My concern has been for his health and he seems to be doing just fine still, even with all of the extra stress on his body from competing.
His best event was vault. He did really well on all of his other events also. No one would have known that he has been out most of the season!
Way to go, Smash!! You look awesome!! Great pics, Aunt Mar!
Posted by: Marilyn | April 13, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Ashton,
You did a marvelous job. It was a delight to watch you. I can tell how hard you have trained and how much you enjoy the sport.
Love you,
Dad
Posted by: Jonathan | April 14, 2008 at 08:06 PM
How fun, I always had a crush on the male gymnasts in the Olympics when I was growing up. I'm not surprised you're flying high successfully Smash!
Posted by: Stacy | April 15, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Way to hang in there and work hard. It payed off. You look great! Glad you finally got your turn to fly high.
Posted by: Kim | April 16, 2008 at 04:09 PM