[akiddoc]

Seven years ago, my son's gymnastics team hosted 2 teams from the UK for a sports exchange. 2 of the gymnasts stayed in our home for 10 days, and multiple other kids stayed in other homes. We went to a top junior meet in So Cal while they were here and they absolutely dominated. At the time my son was 14, as were most of the gymnasts who visited. It was stunning how good these young men were. Essentially, at 14, they were professionals. They were already being paid by the UK government to do their sport. One of our two guests was just chosen for the UK Olympic team, as was one of the other kids who came to the East Bay for that visit. We knew at the time that these 2 were on a trajectory towards the UK team, and sure enough they have arrived. Joe stayed with us. His mom and I are still pen pals. My son was able to visit Britain 2 years later and got to train with the UK national team. One of the best experiences of his life. 

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/m...o-olympics

Here is the video I put together at the time so that Joe's mother could see what he did:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2RvOZyQuyk

[akiddoc]

Seven years ago, my son's gymnastics team hosted 2 teams from the UK for a sports exchange. 2 of the gymnasts stayed in our home for 10 days, and multiple other kids stayed in other homes. We went to a top junior meet in So Cal while they were here and they absolutely dominated. At the time my son was 14, as were most of the gymnasts who visited. It was stunning how good these young men were. Essentially, at 14, they were professionals. They were already being paid by the UK government to do their sport. One of our two guests was just chosen for the UK Olympic team, as was one of the other kids who came to the East Bay for that visit. We knew at the time that these 2 were on a trajectory towards the UK team, and sure enough they have arrived. Joe stayed with us. His mom and I are still pen pals. My son was able to visit Britain 2 years later and got to train with the UK national team. One of the best experiences of his life. 

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/m...o-olympics

Here is the video I put together at the time so that Joe's mother could see what he did:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2RvOZyQuyk