Well, even though I was very encouraged about my first level 10 season after my last post, as it turned out my season actually was pretty rough and not at all what I had thought it would be. I injured my other ankle at a camp over New Year's Eve -- just before the season was in full swing. Taking time to heal (again) and then trying to catch up and get all my 10 skills competition ready (during season and after both ankle injuries) was really difficult. I was determined to compete and just did my best to focus on getting routines back on one event at a time. I was able to compete beam and vault most of the season and started back on floor at the end of season. It definitely was not where I wanted to be competitively, but I was glad to be making progress. Thankfully, this year due to the USAG change to allow for IES, I did qualify for regionals as a vault specialist.
Looking back, this season taught me that progress does not always happen on my timeline and to give it my all, even when things aren't going my way. Also, I learned to persist, keep going and work through my struggles. By focusing on what I could do not what I couldn't and just on making small, steady progress, I surprised myself in qualifying for regionals on vault, which has not always been my strongest event! For regionals, I also competed my first yurchenko layout. I was disappointed it wasn't better, but I was glad I was able to get the upgrade, even at the very end of the competition season.
I am going into the summer with a positive outlook and renewed focus on putting in the hard work and believing in the process and my coaches as I reset and work upgrades. I am looking forward to gaining new skills and to what next season will bring!