People have argued over whether or not gymnastics is a sport for a long time in the sports world. Some claim that gymnastics is a graceful, flexible, and coordinated art form, while others assert that it is a full-fledged sport requiring athleticism, strength, and endurance. Which side is therefore correct? Is gymnastics considered a sport?
We must first define a sport in order to respond to this query. A sport is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” According to this definition, gymnastics meets the requirements of a sport. It qualifies as a sport because it calls for physical effort, skill, and competition.
Gymnastics, however, is not just any sport. It is an elite sport that needs intense preparation, self-control, and commitment. Gymnasts spend a lot of time in the gym every day honing their talents as they train from a young age. Depending on the level of competition, training an elite gymnast can be expensive, costing anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 annually.
Gymnasts do not earn a lot of money in spite of the high cost of training. The average yearly wage for gymnasts and athletes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is close to $35,000. However, this number only includes the best athletes who compete and take home medals. The majority of gymnasts, especially those who are just starting out, don’t get paid for their training and instead depend on sponsorships and endorsements to pay for it.
Most gyms offer Level 1 programs for kids as early as 2 years old when it comes to the appropriate age to begin gymnastics. This does not imply that young children are prepared for competitive gymnastics, though. After mastering the fundamental abilities, kids often begin participating in Level 1 gymnastics at the age of 6 or 7.
Let’s wrap up by discussing how many hours elite gymnasts must train. One of the most accomplished gymnasts in history, Simone Biles, trains for roughly 32 hours per week. This includes rehearsing routines on the vault, bars, beam, and floor as well as strength and conditioning exercises.
Finally, gymnastics is unquestionably a sport. It calls for hard work, skill, and competitiveness, which makes it a great type of entertainment. Training an elite gymnast might be expensive, but the benefits can be huge in terms of recognition and self-actualization. Gymnastics requires self-control, commitment, and hard effort whether you view it as a sport or an art form.