The top gymnasts are in the elite gymnastics program. But what exactly does this mean? This post will explain more about the ins and outs of how a gymnast becomes becomes an elite gymnast.

Gymnasts do not have to be in the TOPs program to become Elite, nor do all TOPs athletes make it to the Elite level. It is simply a program designed to help the process

Before becoming Elite your gymnast may be asked to participate in TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program) and then the HOPES program

TOPs Gymnastics Training

The Talent Opportunity Program, also known as TOPs, is an program under the direction of USA Gymnastics. The goal of TOPs is to identify and screen young, talented gymnasts at an early stage.

Here’s a deeper look into the program:

Screening and Testing: The TOPs gymnastic program offers evaluations, including physical abilities testing like (pull-ups, legless rope climbs, etc) and skills assessment (gymnastics skills). These tests help in determining the athlete’s current capabilities and potential for growth in the sport. This is especially important as gymnastics is a skill, strength and flexibility sport.

TOPs gymnastics education: The TOPs program also provides clinics, camps and educational information for the athletes and families that participate. This education is designed for improvement in skills and knowledge for the gymnasts and the coaches.

TOPs vs Elite Gymnastics: While the TOPs program is a part of the process of many gymnasts becoming Elite, being accepted into the TOPs program is not an ‘Elite’ designation, however it is a large part of the process of getting to the ‘Elite’ level. The Elite level in gymnastics represents a higher tier of competition and training. However, the TOPs program serves as a foundational program designed to help athletes build the skills and techniques they might need if they aspire to reach the Elite level in the future.

Age Range: The TOPs program is tailored for female gymnasts between the ages of 8 to 10.

Evaluation: From September to November each year, gymnasts within this age bracket (8-10 years old) undergo evaluations. These evaluations are conducted virtually via Zoom, focusing on their physical abilities.

Further Testing: Based on the results from the initial evaluations, gymnasts might be invited to participate in skills testing at various events such as invitational competitions, Elite national Qualifiers, and selected Nastia Liukin Cup qualifiers across the country.

National TOPs Testing: Those who excel in the skills testing may then be invited to the National TOPs Testing, which typically takes place in June or July each year. Successful participants from this testing phase are then invited to the TOPs Training Camp held in July or August.

HOPES Gymnastics Training

Purpose: The HOPES program serves as a bridge between the developmental levels of gymnastics and the elite level. It’s designed to identify and nurture young gymnasts who show potential to progress to the elite level in the future. The HOPES program means more time in the gym in addition to the standard JO or (Development Program). This means that gymnasts will train and compete the compulsory routines as well as some modified optional routines at National Qualifier meets.

Age Range: Typically, the HOPES program caters to younger gymnasts, often those in the pre-teen age range, though the specific ages can vary.

HOPES Gymnastics Competitions: Gymnasts in the HOPES program compete in their own set of competitions, separate from the traditional Junior Olympic levels and the Elite level. These competitions are designed to prepare them for the rigors of elite-level competition.

Training: The program offers specialized training and resources to help gymnasts develop the skills and routines they’ll need to compete at the elite level.

Transition to Elite: Successful gymnasts in the HOPES program often transition to the Elite level as they grow older and more skilled, making it a crucial step in the development of future elite gymnasts.

How to become Elite in Gymnastics

An elite athlete in the Women’s Program is defined as any international level gymnast who starts the first Optional event at a Classic competition. Once a gymnast achieves this status, they are considered an Elite gymnast for that competitive year and cannot revert to the Development Program (JO levels) within the same year.

What is the purpose of the Elite Gymnastics Program?

The program is a training program designed to offer competitive experiences for those aiming to be part of the National Team. Athletes from the U.S. Championships are chosen for the National Teams, both Senior and Junior, every year. These selected athletes then go on to represent the United States in international gymnastics meets.

How Elite Gymnastics training and development works

Not all gyms offer Elite training. Athletes are chosen by the gym to train for the Elite program.

There are two levels of Elites the Junior and the Senior. Junior Elites are 11 – 15 and Senior Elites are 16 and older. The gymnast has to get a certain score at both a compulsory and optional qualifying competition (The Classics). Once a gymnast has qualified as Elite they can no longer participate in the JO (Development Program) competitions during the year.

Throughout the year, Regional and National Elite clinics, training camps, and competitions are organized. These events aim to offer educational opportunities and advanced technique development to both athletes and coaches in the Elite Program. Coaches can submit videos of promising athletes for consideration to join training camps. I will do a post in the future explaining more about this because from what I have learned there are certain coaches who pull weight in terms of getting athletes into training camps.