Lauren Harkins
Gymnast
Beam is mentally the toughest of all events in women’s artistic gymnastics. It takes many falls over many years to build the experience and steely resolve to successfully work high-level skills on the beam. We joke in gymnastics that when we fall on the floor it catches us, but when we fall on beam it kicks us on the way down… sometimes several times.
When we hesitate, it seems that the beam can sense our fear. After falling on a skill, it is best to get right back up and attempt the skill again. Frequently, even before I start a skill I know if I am going to stick it or not. During some practices I try several times before I can stay on the beam. Each time I get up again—ready to show the beam that I am confident, I am ready, I am in charge. I can do this. Most days I conquer the beam, and sometimes it’s just not my day.
Every day I get back up and try again.
When I work relentlessly, stay positive, and conquer any fears that crop up, I am rewarded by flying high, soaring above the 4-inch-wide beam.
