Sideways

If the Level 4's aren't enough indication that the times are a-changing at the gym, the new USAIGC girls are. Which means, once again: older girls, watch out.

The IGC B-squad has never competed before. They consist mostly of Bronze with a touch of Copper.

IGC A-team, on the other hand, is the former Level 5's and 6's. They know what competitions are like. They've been plugging away for several years now. The B-team, not as long. But there's talent in the B's. Especially Erin.

Erin has the right attitude: she enjoys gymnastics and wants to improve, she's willing to try new skills without being reckless, and she's upbeat with a sense of humor.

Two of the older girls refuse to do back walkovers on the high beam. Or on the medium beam. They are fully capable of doing both. Greg has to coax them. It's a long, frustrating process.

Once their rotation ends, the B-team comes to beam. "I really want to get my back walkover today," Erin says.

She does a few with Greg on the high beam. He steps away. She cranks them out by herself.

The next day, I fully expect her to say, "Can you spot me for a few?" That's what the other girls do. They acquire a new skill, but they don't believe in it.

Erin warms up on the low beam, then moves to the high beam without incident. "Let's put it in your routine," I say.

"Okay," she says, relaxed, unpanicked.

The older girls watch.

"Aren't they scary?" Kelsey says.

Erin shrugs. "Well, it's scary when you're going back. But not."