About the Author

My name is Ryan Jordan and I am 18 years old. I am from Los Angeles California were I was born in raised. I started taking gymnastics at the age of 6 and continued on through my elementary years. When Jr. High came along my time for gymnastic decreased. I was very competitive and had long gym hours. Being pushed to stick it out by the coaches, I resisted. I learned that my body was not made to be routed into 10 different directions. I knew that my school work would suffer and took it upon myself to leave gymnastics. I have always regretted the choice I made, but know that some day I will be happy that I did not make myself crazy during some of the best years of my life. Gymnastics will always be apart of me and that is why I have decided to write on the topic. As a former gymnast I am aware of what goes on in the gym and with the private lives of the elite. My curiosity expanded as I began to read about some of the lives that are being led through their affiliation with gymnastics. Gymnasts have always been taught by the coaches and their parents that "winning" should be their only goal. This paper has been presented to you in order to educate people of the effects that gymnastics has on girls, physically and mentally.


Back to the Paper