Disciplines such as diving, aerial skiing, and pole vault are obviously more gymnastics-related, but the sport can also provide a foundation in more unexpected ways. We've all seen the viral clips of little kids emulating their favourite gymnasts competing at the Olympic Games, the too-big leotard hanging loose around the knees of a toddler, agog at what they are watching on the TV screen. The one with the father helping his young child emulate London 2012 Olympic floor champion Aly Raisman , wearing a similar stars-and-stripes designed leotard with dad helping with the somersaults (thankfully on the soft cushioning of a bed), is adorable. These kids might then have an opportunity to try gymnastics, but won't necessarily grow up to become an artistic, trampoline or rhythmic gymnast , the three Olympic disciplines. However, the skills learned – balance, core strength, coordination, confidence, poise, aerial awareness and flexibili...
