I have often wondered why baton twirling has not yet made the ranks of an Olympic sport. My son has been a competitive twirler for 13 years with his most recent accomplishments consisting of 2 first place finishes in the Senior Mens Divsion at NBTA World Championships in Ghent, Belgium (April 2009). Unless one has carefully observed this level of competitive twirling you would not understand the intense discipline and coordination involved in this amazing sport. Competitive twirling requires numerous elements quite similar to ice skating and rhythmic gymnastics. I applaud twirlers around the world who have devoted their lives to the training involved in competition at this elite level. Our trip to Belgium was my first experience watching athletes from around the world and I was truly amazed at the level of athleticism involved in this intense competition.
My son, Jonathan, and I often watch videos from other national and world competitions and these clearly define twirling as edgey while graceful, and athletically charged yet intruiging.
As a mom, I have also witnessed the dedication that these athletes have put into their sport. Timeless hours and practice by the athlete and their coaches to be their personal best. It is also a pleasure to see all these athletes together at a competition, the friendships that are kindled all over the world is amazing and what we truly need in todays world. I believe more recognition and standard judging is needed to become an olympic sport, it would be a wonderful event to witness globally. I do wish that one day this sport makes it to the olympic platform.
Jonathan, I know my daughter was so delighted to meet you in Ghent, Belgium, you are an inspiration and model figure that athletes look up to. Thank you.
By: Anita on November 18, 2009
at 2:27 pm
My daughter has been doing baton for about five years now and she is only 8. I am very proud of her and others that dedicate their lives to do what they like! I am so hopeful that one day baton will make it into the olympics because I would love to see my daughter go and those whom she twirls with and against! I am proud to say I am a very proud baton mom!
By: Rita Timm on November 18, 2009
at 4:46 pm
I enjoyed your blog site! Thank you for presenting baton twirling in such a positive and athletic way! Best of luck to Jonathon in the upcoming competitive year – hope to see you at Twirlmania!
Lori watters
By: Lori Watters on November 19, 2009
at 5:14 am
great site, so few people view the twirling world this way, it’s always nice to see a site pop up showing what a wonderful thing the sport of baton twirling is
By: Sami on December 1, 2009
at 4:32 am
[...] January 11, 2010 · Leave a Comment Twirlers span all ages and skill levels. Everyone knows that. But for some, the baton twirling dream won’t end until it is a part of the Olympics. [...]
By: The dream… « Colleentwirls's Blog on January 13, 2010
at 7:02 pm