Your mom, your best friend, a mentor. A coach, a confidant, a leader. Yoda, Mr. Miyagi, or that crazy monkey guy from The Lion King. What do all of these people have in common? It’s not fame or a mean homemade meat loaf. Nope, it’s wisdom. In moments of pressure, nerves, and jitters, we seek out people we trust and that we know care about us; those that will reassure us and bestow upon us a morsel of wisdom, maybe a hug, and (let’s be honest) sometimes a bop on the head to get our attention (that monkey on the lion king was a feisty old guy!) Also deserving of making the list of advice givers and encouragers should be…those who have gone before.

As Fusion Athletics sends our All Star teams off to their very first competition of the season in next week, we’ve reached out to some veteran athletes (ages 6-18) for some pearls of wisdom. Keep reading to feel calmed, reassured, encouraged, and entertained by their advice to this season’s competition newbies!

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me to breathe as little as possible in the bathrooms because you inhale a lot of hairspray!” – Makayla, 2 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me my body will remember my routine, just go out and have fun!” – Peyton, 6 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me that no one was perfect.” – Fara, 3 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me to put on a lot of mascara.” – Maddy, 6 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me how exciting it is to win.” – Mallory, 2 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me to just smile and let muscle memory kick in.” – Liz, 2 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me it would take multiple showers and tons of brushing to get the poof out!” – Ari, 4 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me that the more you work at practice, the easier it is at competition! Give it all you got!” – Alex, 4 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me how loud and big it was going to be.” – Rylan, 2 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me that the hair hurts really bad!” – Paris, 5 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me that eating a lot is bad.” – Autumn, 3 years

“Before my 1st competition, I wish someone would have told me how fun it would be! – Ian, 3 years

No matter what, know that many have gone before you, and many will come after. So as you take the mat for the first or 100th time, remember someone in the stands is watching you, admiring you, and looking up to you.

Go out there and do your best, and most importantly – have fun!!