Kinley, a talented gymnast, had been showcasing her skills in the sport since a tender age. However, like many athletes, she encountered a common but less discussed hurdle – a mental block. This obstacle led her through an unexpected journey of self-discovery and resilience, ultimately strengthening her passion for gymnastics even more.

Kinley’s mental block began when she was preparing for a significant gymnastics event. She suddenly found herself unable to execute a move that she had done countless times before – the back handspring on the beam. This unanticipated hurdle not only affected her performance but also her confidence.

She decided to seek help from a sports psychologist who introduced her to various techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and positive affirmations. These strategies aimed at bolstering her self-belief and focus, allowing her to regain control over her actions.

The journey was not an easy one. It required patience, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. Kinley dedicated herself to regular mental training sessions, just as she would with her physical training. She practiced mindfulness to stay in the present moment, used visualization to imagine herself successfully performing the move, and repeated positive affirmations to strengthen her self-belief.

Over time, Kinley was able to overcome her mental block. She successfully performed the back handspring on the beam at the next event, an achievement that felt more rewarding than any medal. More importantly, she learned the importance of mental strength in sports and life, a lesson she now shares with her fellow gymnasts.

Kinley’s journey through a mental block serves as a reminder that mental health is as important as physical health in sports. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and determination, showing that obstacles, no matter how daunting, can be overcome with the right mindset and support.

In this episode, Coach Rebecca, Kinley and Allyson talk about: 

00:00 Kinley’s Journey Through a Mental Block.

06:22 Scaling Confidence with the Confidence Ladder.

14:46 Fear and Perseverance: Conquering Gymnastics Challenges.

18:26 Self-Love Wisdom from a 10-Year-Old Gymnast.

23:20 How to Build Gymnast’s Confidence and Communication with Coaches.

28:17 Empowering Kids to Overcome Fears and Building Confidence.

34:23 Bouncing Back Kinley’s Remarkable Transformation

“There is hope. Even when you don’t think there is.” – Allyson