A recent article in The Guardian provides insight into what the top athletes in the world are doing. Emphasising athlete retention and long term development this fits in well with Singapore's needs as the emphasis on school makes it difficult to have the same volume of training as gymnasts in other countries of the same age. SG are focussing on keeping gymnasts engaged for longer so they continue their development for longer. Afterall, our Olympian Heem Wei Lim was 23 years old when she competed at the Olympics, a 7 year veteran of FIG Senior competition!

“We’re seeing more girls sticking around and that’s becoming more normal,” says the Canadian Ellie Black, 25. “People are seeing it and thinking: ‘Oh, OK, experience is playing into it.’ [It’s] allowing yourself time to become strong, actually build your basics and not burn yourself out at such a young age trying to reach the Olympics when you think your peak is happening. You’re seeing now that your peak can be at any point. It’s not a certain age that you peak at.  ….(I)t is heartening to hear Black describe a trajectory that defies numerous common perceptions and could be a reference point for others. She prioritises efficiency in her training over long days in the gym and her continued growth is a product of patience. 

“I don’t really want to generalise and speak for everybody but I can debunk the [puberty] myth for myself,” says Hernandez (now 20). “Of course, some things were less difficult for me at 16 because I was 16. Just for the most part, I feel a lot stronger now and I’m grateful for that body change.”

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