Sports Girls Play

Girls youth sports news, tips and resources for raising a happy, healthy athlete

Shani Marks – From Gymnast to Triple Jump Star

I  just listened to one of the most interesting and entertaining athlete interviews! My friends at PreRaceJitters.com did an interview with gymnast turned triple jump star Shani Marks as part of their second episode of PreRaceJitters weekly track show.

Shani, who spent most of her childhood in the gym (from age 3-17) didn’t start participating in track and field until she was in 9th grade. She started track as a way of expanding her horizons at her Mother’s encouragement.

I love Shani’s story because it really echos my views on youth sports and how one sport can really lay the groundwork for another. I have coached so many gymnasts who have gone on to be successful in so many other sports – like field hockey, diving, track, volleyball, swimming to name a few – and have made the transition gracefully.

Head over to PreRaceJitters and listen to their predictions for this year, the great interview with Shani and check out their slick new website design (Did I mention, I did the redesign? Sorry, shameless plug!).

Track Mom: Everything Youth Track and Field

Track Mom: Everything on Youth Track and Field

Thanks to Lorraine for stopping in and leaving a comment yesterday. Her website is called Track Mom and it covers everything about youth track and field. From competition reports, training tips, nutrition and parenting insights, Track Mom covers it all!

Her article called 10 Ways to be a Great Track Parent is full of sound tips that carry over to being a great parent in any sport. My favorites:

  1. Encourage fun and doing their best, not just winning.No one wins all the time,no one.
  2. Actively work to undrestand the sport your child is particpating in. (Yes there are parents that don’t know a 100m from 200m)
  3. Don’t rate your child’s sucess on winning or losing
  4. Help out with needs of your child’s team. Children love when their parents help and hate to always see someone elses parent helping.
  5. Provide the right competive situation for your youth athlete. (Rightly assess your childs abilty, if in doubt ask some one like a coach who can give insight.)

Catch the whole list plus more great articles by visiting Track Mom for yourself!

If you have a website that focuses on youth sports (especially girls sports), please leave a comment and let us know! Additionally, if you are a parent or coach of a youth sport and have a story, advice, or something to share with the Sports Girls Play community, we’d love to have you!! Just leave a comment and I’ll be in touch with you.