We’ve lived in the UK for 2 1/2 years now. Caleb has been training at the same gym the entire time. By British Gymnastics ruling, Caleb cannot place in any British Gymnastics competitions, although he is allowed to enter just for the experience. We are told that 3 years is the magic number when that restriction is taken away. As a parent, I can’t wait for that day. It’s hard to watch your son work so hard at something and be denied any rewards for it.
However, grades are different. In the UK, grades are what defines the level you are in a sport or musical pursuit. At the younger stages, it goes by year of birth, however you can be put into the standard grade competition or in elite grades. The first year we were here, somehow Caleb was put into a higher elite grade level than his birth year. The second year, he didn’t perform very well. This year, Caleb turned things around and showed what he’s made of. I wasn’t able to attend the competition because the girls had other places to be that day; I only got the commentary results from Chris. I cried when I read the text that Caleb came out on top, winning 1st place all-around for his elite grades for all England.
This boy has come so close to quitting a number of times. I am so glad that he has tasted victory again to spur him on further, through all the hard times. These gymnasts are made of more ‘stuff’ than I can fathom; no wonder it’s considered one of the hardest sports, physically and emotionally.
Caleb, Evgeni, Colton, Tom
Way to go, Caleb! Stay with it…you’re very talented. Your whole gym family here in the US is rooting for you!