Publication

Coming of age and parental support in women's artistic gymnastics

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Conference Contribution - unpublished
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Abstract
Since the performance of famous young gymnasts such as Nadia Comaneci in the 1970s, Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) has been characterised as a child sport (Barker-Ruchti, 2009; Kerr, 2006). Studies have identified medical and psychological issues associated with competing at a high level at a young age, such as stunted growth, bone deformity, eating disorders, and distorted body image (Caine et. al., 2001; Daly, Bass & Finch, 2001; Mellercowicz, et. al., 2000; Dresler, et al. 1997). However, recently there have been many gymnasts over 20 appearing at the highest international level, the most famous being Oksana Chusovitina, who competed at seven Olympic Games including Rio 2016 at age 41. Very little research has examined older gymnasts and the factors associated with a prolonged career in WAG. In this study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with seven Brazilian gymnasts who compete/d internationally when older than 20 yrs. The coding process involved a thematic analysis according to Braun & Clarke (2006), and the emphasis placed on the opinions on the parents’ influence in the prolonged career in WAG. The responses were analysed at both the semantic and latent level. Gymnasts' highlighted the importance of parental support, particularly during puberty and adolescence, when performance became unstable and they lacked self-confidence due to body changes; when recovering from injury; and when they considered retirement. The oldest gymnast (31) emphasized that she couldn’t stay longer (25 yrs) without the support of her mother in many decisions. The findings reveal that parents are paramount during the whole career, regardless of athletes' experience and age. Gymnasts reported that few coaches tended to communicate regularly with parents, especially when gymnasts are adults. As the sporting career starts earlier in WAG, gymnasts face main transitions in body and mind (infancy - adolescence - adult) while being pressured for performance and results. Coaches should consider these critical periods and work in partnership with gymnasts' parents to share difficulties and adjust coaching and training. Each stage of the career and life brings new challenges and demands for gymnasts, which impact their decisions to stay or dropout of sport.
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