When tough, but healthy coaches challenged us to try new things in gymnastics-in particular, dangerous skills that lent themselves to feelings of fear and potential injury-they did so in a way that was safe and supported: with spots and soft mats as needed, with endless drills that broke down the skills into manageable parts, and with a calm temperament that built trust (e.g., with statements like "I've got you," "We'll do it in slow motion," "Do you feel ready for the next step?"). We had a say in what we were doing with our own bodies, and coaches were there for us through the ups and downs of the learning process.
"It's a disgrace that Donegal, on the cusp of playing a ninth championship game in 12 weeks, are being asked to come to Dublin just six days later to play an All-Ireland quarter-final."
