Practice Competition, More Highs than Lows

This weekend’s Practice Competition at CSG placed the artistic gymnasts’ under competition-style pressure for the first time this year. The purpose of a Practice Competition is to give everyone a chance to fine-tune the details before real competitions begin. Marks do not count towards any statistical standings, therefore, the Practice Competition leaves room for error, and promotes the hope that those errors will be gone by the time the first real competition comes around! Fortunately, the CSG gymnasts took themselves seriously: in the end, the Practice Competition shed light on more positives than negatives.

Head Coach Joszi Ferencz asserted that he could feel the nervousness of the athletes, parents and coaches. He was pleased with the professionalism and importance that was leant to the occasion: the gymnasts looked very put-together in their dress and demeanor. The young boys looked polished and ready to go, and the large number of girls looked great in their leotards.

There were high expectations, and the excitement of being tested in front of spectators; tears were shed, some were disappointed, but there were also lots of smiles and a sense of achievement for those gymnasts who surprised themselves and performed admirably. A huge “well done” must be given to Madi Lafituani, who scored one of the highlights of the day and completed her Tsukahara vault all by herself. Congratulations on your bravery, Madi, you overcame your fear and did a great job!