i'm quitting gymnastics | Whitney Bjerken
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- This is a video that I have been dreading putting out for a while. I hope you all understand where I'm coming from. Stay tuned because I WILL be posting the rest of the season and some more gym content this spring before I quit. Thank you guys for your support it means the world to me.
Socials and my music !!
linktr.ee/whit...
“I love the sport, but I hate doing it.” She’s so real for this ❤
Omg I hate it tooooooo
"...and I hate that I hate doing it." That's the part that stuck with me. I have felt the same way. I quit classical music right after making it to a professional level when I was her age (I was in a special high school for pre-professional and professional musician. I played about 7 hours a day). There were some hard moments but I never regretted it (it's ten years later now). That life was not for me, because as good as I was, it wasn't making me happy. I went to lawschool and found my path helping people. And I still play (after a five year hiatus), a few hours a week. It's a good life.
I feel like that too
@@Coco21212 that reminds me, I’m going into my senior year of college this upcoming school year and I already chose my major (also music) at the end of freshman year of college. I really regret it now but it’s too late to switch it I’m pretty sure. I probably have to stick with it for another year (or longer…) until I graduate and it sucks because I’m really not into it anymore & just chose the major because I knew how to play the flute already and didn’t think it fully through yet. I was also kind of rushed to choose a major because I was almost a sophomore. I realized now I’d be way more into film, photography, or anything related to it (even advertising or graphic design :o). I’m probably just going to end up graduating with music if I can’t switch it out and then never touching it again (and teaching myself photoshop or getting a job in something entirely unrelated). I’m starting to hate it now. It was only fun in middle/high school when I had my friends with me, good teachers, and fun trips. Sorry for the long comment
Yeah this is such a perfect way of describing that feeling. I got to the same point as a runner. I ran all the way from elementary school through high school, got offers from colleges to run XC and track for them, but realized I didn't love it anymore. The "why" started screaming louder and louder during races and workouts until I realized I wanted to quit. But I loved it, and love all the friends and memories I made doing it. It's all very bittersweet
You don’t owe anyone ANYTHING. This journey is yours and yours alone. As a mom (and a gymnastics mom) I AM SO PROUD OF YOU for making the best decision for yourself. Congratulations on taking this exciting step into your future!
Yes!!!
exactly
Congrats for retiring gymnastics, sometimes nerve racking, but you always be fine. Just believe in yourself and I follow Jenny marcuzzo
She’s a trooper and she will be successful whatever she does. I’ve really enjoyed watching her over the years ❤
Yesssss!
You only have one life - you have to do what’s best for you and this does NOT negate all of your achievements throughout your career. I’ve been watching your channel since you were a level 7 and you have grown into a powerful young woman who is ready to become who you were meant to be ❤️
I totally agree
Came for the gymnastics, staying for the person you've become
If they leave thats on them. You are STILL you. Gymnastics does NOT define you! Even if it feels like it you will adjust to life without gymnastics.❤
Could not have said it better
Well said❤
Well put.
Hey, Whitney, I've never posted a comment on your channel. I'm just an old man, not someone from your usual demographic of fans, but I've been following you for years, and I've appreciated what you've done in large part because of the amazing family support you've had and the obvious closeness you all enjoy. You've never said much about how much those elbow injuries took out of you. You must have known that gymnastics, like any sport activity pursued at the level you've done it, is a limited career. Very few make it to the top, and even they have to quit competition young. In contrast, let me tell you that speaking as a lifetime musician from a family of musicians, music is a pursuit that never grows old. My father, a violist/violinist and conductor and composer gave a full recital with accompaniment a couple of months before he died at age 89. Just one example. I practice and compose every day (I'm 79), and I'm still getting better at it. Furthermore, music is a cooperative pursuit, not competitive. This fact takes a lot of pressure off and makes practicing and performing a whole lot more rewarding. So you are turning to a pursuit that could be very good for you and has the potential to bring much joy to others.. I don't think anyone reasonable will think you are giving up or are a quitter. I wish you the best in your future pursuits.
@@peachstate08 Ahem. I subscribed to her CZcams channel several years ago and have seen numerous gymnastics videos, which I've also recommended to my wife, my daughter, and others who might have been interested.
you are so precious💗
that’s so sweet :)
This is so sweet
although ur an old man, i think it's so nice that someone that age is watching her videos, ur comment is so sweet
Oh sweet girl. You are so, so much more than any one sport or hobby. I had a feeling this one was coming, and while it is so bittersweet because it’s been a joy watching you grow up through gymnastics- it is also so special because I feel like we got to watch you fall in love with something new as you’ve explored music in recent years. We might have started following your journey because of gymnastics- but it was YOU who kept this following alive and growing- Whitney the PERSON- not just Whitney the gymnast.
Whitney- you were seen when you kept fighting, injury after injury. You were seen when you supported your teammates whole heartedly while you were struggling and sidelined. You were seen every time you stopped what you were doing to take a picture and greet a fan. You were seen when you tried so hard to balance having one foot in two different worlds that didn’t understand each other very well. You were seen when you shared vulnerable parts of yourself with the world when you didn’t have to. You have always been seen. And you will be seen in your next journey too. I am so incredibly proud of you. I hope you will continue to share glimpses into your life moving forward, because I want a front row seat to all you will accomplish in the future.
Girl this is SO Beautiful 🥺🥺🥰🥰
I agree 100%
With everything You just said
Is SO true
150% would fully agree
Whit you are a beautiful person
This comment needs more likes. It is so true!
Well said and I agree entirely.
Amazingly stated.
Don't say "quit"! You're just moving on to a new chapter in your life. It's YOUR life and you need to be happy. You can be proud of all that you've accomplished in gymnastics and all the people you touched and will touch in your new adventures.
It's not called quitting it's called Living Your Life! Because you know now it's time & you will always be a BIG Inspiration for Everyone! Congratulations on your new Journey of Life!
Gymnastics does not define you. It mat have been what attracted a lot of fans, but your personality and who you are is what kept these people subscribed to your channel all these years. I'm proud of you for following your heart and being true to yourself.
I'm so proud of you for making the decision that is best for you right now, Whitney. Lots of love❤
I remember the day I realized it was the end of my gymnastics career. The gym takes up so much of your life it can be hard to imagine a life without it. But it’s there. It’s here now. You are a different person and that’s good. It means you’re growing. Way to pursue what YOU need.
I'm happy for you, Whit! I was looking forward to watching you at the NCAA level, but I would never want to watch you do something you weren't happy doing. Sending love; making these huge decisions is so hard, especially when you're doing it so publicly.
You're not letting people down. You are showing people that it is OK to walk away from things and that it is completely normal to feel the way you felt. Walking away from a sport can be the hardest thing to do. You put in countless hours and make many lasting friendships. It will forever be a part of your life. Thank you for making this video and being so honest. Enjoy the rest of your season, and best of luck in all of your future endeavors.
I totally feel you. I quit dancing when I was your age. I had been dancing for 10 years and the last year was a pain. I was having a hard time, the training got harder and harder and my group was counting on all of us to be there.
The hardest thing was to actually make the decision and let my coach know what was going on. I remember crying a lot and I had the biggest FOMO. I was afraid, that I had made a huge mistake.
Now about 10 years later I know that it was one of the best decisions of my life. If I had continued with it, I would have wasted my time and made myself unhappy.
You do what is best for you. You are so strong and talented, I wish you all the Best!
I too decided to quit gymnastics after nearly 10 years of training and competing as a level 10 gymnast. It’s the most life changing decision you’ll make as a young adult, and I’m sure it felt damn good! I commend you and completely understand how you’re feeling. Onto the next chapter! Excited for you :)
I honestly wish you could get back into Gymnastics
Whitney. We have a saying in China "Don't choose a tree when there's a whole forest". You have proven yourself talents in many ways. You have a lifetime ahead and you should follow your instinct. Please keep running your channel and tell us what you're up to. Whatever path you choose, you have our full support! Be hear from you soon!
The sacrifices you made at such a young age, most of people couldn’t have done it. Moving away from your family and having to deal with multiple injuries. And just the stress of training for so many hours, I’m so happy that you’re going to get to move on and proud that you made the best decision for you!
whitney im so proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to just say this in front of thousands of fans. I completely understand you falling out of ur first love. I fell out of mine last year, which was tennis. plus u are an AMAZING singer and I can’t wait to listen to more songs. and who knows, maybe you’ll be a film director one day! im looking forward to see where ur life takes u, and I 100% stand with you. I love u whit🥲
If you did this since you were six years old you are not quitting. You are finishing the run you wanted to do.
Please dont be as negative about it calling it quitting. I know big changes are hard but it is absolutely not selfish.
You have freedom to choose what you do with your body.
Dont let worry about how others feel keep you hostage in the sport.
❤
There will be seasons in your life sweetheart. You were blessed with this season and now it’s time to move on toward your next season. May God bless you in all of your endeavors. I will not be leaving your channel because I just love your content.
You didn’t quit. You showed up for yourself and your sport since you were 6. You have just come to the end of the road in the sport for you. Some people’s road is longer and some are shorter. You are now ready to move on to bigger and better things for yourself and that is something to be celebrated. Trust me, this won’t be your first or last big decision. Be proud of yourself and have fun doing whatever it is your heart is going to take you next.
We follow you Whitney, we don't follow gymnastics we follow you. Where you go we go! As long as you make videos we will watch them. We are here for the whitney and Blakely vlogs YEAH!!!!! I'm proud of you for all you have accomplished. This is just the next step. You are sooooo ready for it
Whitney we are the same age and I always looked up to you as a gymnast and a person .Sometimes I really thought you had it all . A great family , beauty , great gymnastics skills and a great voice . As a gymnast of course I am kind of sad that you are quitting the sport but I am so proud of you for showing how you really feel. It really shows how strong you are as a person . Sending you lots of love !I am sure that whatever you do will be amazing! It’s so important and so difficult at the same time to follow your guts and do whatever makes you happy !You are one of the first Chanels I’ve ever subscribed to on CZcams and I will always keep supporting you .Thank you for taking us along with your journey
I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU SINCE I WAS 16 AND NOW IM 23😭😭😭 SAW UR VIDEO DOING GYMNASTICS, AND I REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING YOU SINCE THEN😭💕 DO WHATS BEST FOR U WHIT!!🤍 REALLY LOVE UUUU
Brb gonna rewatch ur old videos😭😭🤍
i left gymnastics about 6 months ago, and it was practically my whole life. i completely understand how you feel whitney and i want you to know i will always continue to watch and support you through everything. you've made such an incredible journey in gym and i'm so proud that you've made the best decision for yourself. love you
Whitney, you have sacrificed so much and accomplished sooo much in gymnastics. And being 18 with that much accomplishments is something to be proud of! I’m so proud of you and there’s nothing to be ashamed of with this decision. You have so much ahead of you. With how much gymnastics have shaped you, I’m sure you have a successful future ahead with whatever you choose to do. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and will definitely continue cheering you on with whatever is ahead for you! All the best and hope you continue being an inspiration in whatever you choose to do next! ❤❤
Never feel like you are “quitting”!! You have given SO MUCH to gymnastics. Look at all your injuries, though. That isn’t sustainable forever, no matter what. You have so many other talents to explore. I’m definitely sticking around to see ❤
You have been amazing as a gymnast. All the injuries that you struggled thru amazed me. At some point this decision was very likely.
As a parent of a teen athlete, this resonates with me. My teenage daughter isn’t a gymnast…she has been a swimmer since before she could walk and is swinning at the sectional level. She’s at a point where I question whether she wants to continue to do it, or is she afraid to tell her dad and I she wants to stop.
It brings me back to being a teenage athlete. I quit a sport I did starting when I was 3y/o. I remember loving the sport, but hating doing it. It was a huge part of my identity, quitting was hard, but I was able to do other things….maybe not as well, but those things made me happier.
do what's best for you whitney ❤️ you don't have to feel like you're letting anyone down, I can imagine how it puts pressure on
you but that's not fair. it's your decision and no one can take that away from you, I just hope you know we want you to be happy with whatever you do :) I've been watching you since I was 10 (I'm 18 now) and you've grown so much and gymnastics doesn't define you
oh whit, i'm so proud of you for retiring
whitney, i am SO proud of you for listening to your gut. i was never a gymnast but i understand the 'tunnel vision' that you, your family and friends develop, and feeling so guilty and selfish when you realise that's actually not what you want anymore... i've watched you for so long and i'll still be here!
Yes, Whitney has inspired my gymnastics journey so much but she also has also showed all of us that if something is not fun for you anymore, like in Whitney’s case, gymnastics, it is ok to quit. She has came so far in her gymnastics journey that wherever she stops all of her fans should be proud and supportive of her.
Sometimes you focus on a goal so much that when you achieve it (like making it to college gymnastics) you realize it's not actually what you wanted or needed anymore. Like some people getting into a hard university program and then realizing once they have achieved that, that they don't actually like engineering or whatever. The achievement of getting there is still valid even if what you learn is that you no longer want it. Sometimes you have to take it that far to know you COULD have done it, to decide you're okay choosing not to.
When I saw the video title I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed. But when I heard how she felt, I realized how much she needed this. We support you and will continue to no matter what you do.
I’m so glad you posted this. Right now at this moment I’m on Injury with a herniated disk on my spine. I was told I was out for 6 months to a year just today. I’m so nervous because I want to go back but I’ve never really thought about actually quitting. Now that I have to. I really feel as if I have let my people down. I still think I can do my sport after my injury but it’s going to be so hard. Thank you for showing me some life Whitney. ❤️
i'm so sorry about your back! I wish you the best of luck through these next few months!!❤️❤️❤️
“I love gymnastics, it will always be my first love” gets me every time ❤️❤️❤️ And I hope you get everything you deserve with your new passion, you are an awesome singer and I know it will take you to many places ❤
Gymnastics was one of the chapters in your life. Go for what you want. Many people support you Whitney. Greetings from Poland ♥️
It's okay that you're retiring. It doesn't negate everything that you've done in the sport, how it's impacted you as a person, or all the people you inspired. Your channel is one of the main things that got me obsessed with gymnastics back in 2014. A couple of years later, I started competitive trampoline and tumbling and fell in love with it. Now I'm on my fourth year of coaching it and love it so much I switched my entire career path to pursue it further. This sport is such a massive and wonderful part of my life and I genuinely don't know that I would have ended up where I am now without your channel. Thank you for everything and best of luck with your future endeavors! I'll still be popping in for videos when you post :)
Wenn man etwas so lange gemacht hat und auch so viel geopfert hat für diesen Sport, wie du, dann fällt so eine Entscheidung nie leicht!
Du hast es selbst gesagt:“ Es gibt so viele Möglichkeiten!“ Du kannst so viele Dinge und du bist eine so vielseitig begabte, tolle junge Dame. Wo ein Weg aufhört, da fängt ein neuer an! Und ich werde weiter mit Begeisterung deinen Weg verfolgen! Geh bitte weiter mit dieser Leichtigkeit durchs Leben und genieße jeden Tag!🫶
How you are feeling is completely normal and valid…….and the amazing thing is this is YOUR life. People are responsible for their own….you don’t need to feel like you are letting anyone down. As a former level 10 gymnast who did competitive gymnastics for 12 years (I’m 39 now)….life does continue. And your next chapter will be filled with learning and growth and exciting times.
This is just a slice of who you are…….and let me tell you, the gymnast part of you never leaves. I still have the memories of gymnastics days….working out 3:30-8:30 pm everyday…….still have old floor routines in my head, I still do gymnastics stuff around the house in front of my 4 kids!!! I still remember yeagers on the bars, back handspring lay out lay outs on the beam, still remember training full-ins on floor.
The thing is, you bring with you into the years to come perseverance, how to be patient, how to work through hard things, painful things, and how to commit to things. You learn so much from gymnastics that it helps shape you into an amazing person in society. You never forget those things!!
And I still keep in touch with some of my old team mates…..and our kids are friends! We still being up the old gym days and laugh.
And you will have that too!!
You are NOT letting anyone down……remember this life is all a learning and growth experience. And you will take what you’ve learned and experienced from gymnastics and apply it to all that you have before you!
Sending lots of love you way ❤️❤️
Alyssa
I first followed you because of gymnastics and you are who I look up to the most as a 14-year-old girl (I know many others feel the same), but as I got to know you I realized your amazing singing/songwriting, personality, and much more! Just like my comment on your videos 4 years ago, you INSPIRE me to do a lot of things (such as gymnastics & songwriting) and be a better person overall. I truly respect this decision and I would have picked it for myself, but remember to NEVER quit something you love just because others show you hate. There is a powerful army behind your back, and I'm proudly one of the soldiers within that army. I love you so much and will definitely not leave because you are quitting gymnastics. Life is short, so chase after whatever you desire, and you have already and always will leave a remarkable legacy in the gymnastics world. Even if you stopped doing it, future kids would still start this sport because of you. I hope you acknowledge your worth, you mean the whole world to me. With that being said, as a fan/wannabe friend, I will support you through all your decisions in the future.❤
You have the insight of what you want to do and become!! There are people that are much much older than you, that do not have the maturity that you do! I can’t imagine why anyone would stop following you! Your channel is about you, not just gymnastics or music. This is your story and journey. You’re so much braver than people twice your age! You’re going to do so many great things in your life! Love from Oklahoma 💗💗💗
i also quit gymnastics cause i wanted to focus on something else, and thought it was a waste of time to keep doing it... it's one of those things that you have to listen to yourself.
stay happy and healthy whit! ❣
Hey Whitney! I joined your channel back when I was around 8 probably watching you achieve and get better over the years. I used to watch all your videos of your gymnastics and everything. I’m 14 now and have been doing gymnastics since I was 6 as well. I have recently realized that I want to quit. No matter how much I think about it, I just can’t see my self doing gymnastics anymore. This season may be my last then I’m going to gymnastics camp and that will probably be the end. I’m crying so much because I love this sport I’ve done it my whole life. It IS my whole life and I don’t know how to quit or if i’ll regret it. My friends are leaving for boarding school and i’ll have no one to train with so this may be the end. Making this video has been a huge help toward my mental health knowing that I’m not the only one who feels this way. I wish you the best.
I am watching you for YOU! I am not going anywhere! You are a multi-talented young woman who has every right to adjust where you out your time, energy, and focus! I would also reframe it from “quitting gymnastics” to “Gymnastics, i am breaking up with you.” Who’s with me!!??
watching you cry made me tear up. as somebody who wasn’t allowed to do gymnastics but did it outside every single day anyway, you were my inspiration for gymnastics for years. from when i was eight until i was entering middle school i would watch your videos daily teaching myself skills you could easily do. but i’m not a nine year old doing aerials in the grass anymore, and the hardest skill i probably ever learned was a front tuck. i got forced into joining the swim team when i was ten, and i’ve been swimming for five years. i know what it feels like to do a sport that makes you feel like you can’t do anything else. i have nothing but respect for you for leaving the sport that defined your entire life for years. i hope to be following your footsteps soon like i’ve done years ago ❤️❤️
although i’m going to miss watching you do gymnastics, i understand that this is what’s best for you. i hope great things come to you and i can’t wait to follow along your journey 💓
i had the same smile on my face when i left, im so proud of you your level and your involvement in social media is such a different story than others but its a good thing
You’re not alone girl! For most of my life I did theater, piano, singing and songwriting and I got bored of it and quit. I have been doing cheer and contortion for a while and I want to quit now as well. It is totally normal. Don’t think of it as quitting- think of it as allowing yourself to take advantage of whatever the future holds. We’re so support you whit. ❤❤
I have loved watching your gymnastics and as a fellow retired gymnast, I totally understand this. I have fallen in love with your music, so I hope you can succeed in whatever career you pursue and keep shining bright because you have inspired so many people. You should be so proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Love you, Whitney! You deserve to do what you want in life because it is your life! Keep your head up! Your true followers will follow you no matter what. Stay strong girl! I look forward to seeing your future endeavors!
Whitney- you are not quitting! You are taking the next steps in your life to do other things and that is OK!! I remember being in the same place as you when I stopped figure skating. My body was TIRED and I felt like the toll it was taking on me mentally and physically was more than I could keep going with because I had given my entire life to the sport. And looking back now, at 31, it was the best time to hang up my skates when I did. (I was 17 when I officially retired, and had been skating since I was 5) and just last year I started skating again for fun and it’s been AMAZING. There is absolutely more to life than these sports and it’s perfectly ok for you to explore your life outside of the gym. You deserve it and owe it to yourself. You owe yourself a happy life. And that’s it. Thank you for being brave and vulnerable. You’re amazing! So mature and strong! Go LIVE Whitney! ❤🎉 proud of you!!
When i decided I wanted to quit gymnastics, I felt like I was throwing a big part of my life away and it felt as if I was letting people down. I definitely know the feeling of that pit in your stomach when texting your coach telling them you wanna talk. And it did suck for a while and I missed it, but honestly quitting and finally having time for so many other things I had to miss out on when I did gymnastics made up for it. Pursuing your dreams is so worth it, you're not letting anyone down, do what you wanna do :)
you've accomplished so much and we're all very proud of you!
“i love the sport i just hate doing it” this video is so real and this represents exactly what it’s like and what it feels like to quit gymnastics
Whitney I found your channel thanks to gymnastics, it was 6 years ago. But then I loved every single topic of your videos, cause I loved YOU as a person. So I'm never gonna leave Whitney! Enjoy your life, be happy! And don't forget to show it for us. Gymnastics was a long and amazing part of your life. But you don't have to apologize or feel guilty about your decision! Now it's time to open the new chapter! Good luck Whitney!
You are so brave for making that decision ❤ I know it must've been difficult especially when you feel like gymnastics is your whole life. I've played badminton ever since I was little and at the time I really thought that it was everything. But when I was about 14 just realised that there are so many things I want to do in my life, and I kinda lose my passion for it, I mean I still love it but I don't want to compete anymore. You have really inspired me a lot so Thank you so much💗💗
Super proud of you! Congratulations and I wish you all the very best for your future. THANK YOU for all that you gave to us, your viewers, that love and appreciate YOU!!! 🤩❤🥰👍
I have been following your journey in gymnastics for like 6 or 7 years and I’ve always supported you no matter what and i will support you in the future too. Im not disappointed in you for making this decision, instead i’m very proud of you for being so brave saying this to us and telling us how you feel and its normal, don’t feel guilty for this. You can do what ever makes you feel happy and what you like. Now im fourteen and i am in choir and i have been doing it my whole life and i love doing it, but now i think that im gonna quit soon, because i growing older and i want to try something different. It hurts but at the same time it feels good. You’re not alone, we are with you. I love you whitney❤ Good luck!
Also, the honesty of this vid is so so validating and I really needed to here about someone’s emotional experience with leaving gymnastics but mainly how it effects your self esteem so much bc I always watch ur gymnastics vids and I’m like why am I not as good as her and the fact that you felt that way too just validates how much in my head that perspective of myself is
Everyone said that I would regret quitting when I got burnt out from dance. It was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. You may have moments when you miss gymnastics but I don't think you will regret choosing your mental health and well being. You've had an incredible gymnastics career and myself and many other people will not be unsubscribing
Good on you for making this hard decision! it's something that sucks about becoming an adult, but choosing your overall health and happiness over the approval and validation of other people is such an IMPORTANT life skill to learn. it's a sign of maturity to realize that your lifelong dreams and goals have changed, and to not be afraid to switch it up. I hope you have an incredible college experience and enjoy it to the fullest!
When I first started following you it was because of gymnastics but when I got to know you better I follow you for YOU not because of gymnastics. You are a great person and I support your decision ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤WE LOVE YOU FOR YOU!!!!❤️And if someone don’t support you there not worth your time and effort ❤️❤️❤️IM NOT GOING TO LEAVE !!!!!❤️❤️❤️
I'm so with you Whitney. I've decided to quit dance after dancing for 11 years, and there's definetely mixed emotions. I also love the sport, but I hate doing it, and I hate that I hate doing it. Your so amazing with or without gymnastics, and the sense of freedom you'll get after leaving is amazing.
You dedicated your whole life to that sport and even if people might be disappointed rn PLEASE listen to yourself and feel how happy and relieved you are now, you are worth so much and gymnastics shouldn't define who you are as a person! I will still be here on your journey in life:)
I have watched your channel for many years on a somewhat regular basis, but was never a subscriber. Just today I decided to look up your channel once again to see how you were doing. It is obvious from your many faceted message here that you still like gymnastics, but you just do not get the enjoyment you used to from doing it any longer and when that feeling starts and persists for an extended time with anything you do regularly and always enjoyed doing it before it is time to call it quits. Once the activity is no longer fun for you especially when it is something physical such as gymnastics it is the safest thing for you to quit as continuing to do something you just can't put the same effort into any longer could lead to serious injury, an outright hatred for that activity or both.
Your true fans will understand and support your decision simply because it is YOUR decision and you need to do what is best for you. You have grown up in front of many fans through your channel and all you have shared with them over the years with your videos. The only people who will stop watching your channel are those who were never true fans or the creeps who only wanted to watch you doing your workouts in a leotard. You will never miss any of those people. I wish you luck in all your future endeavors and knowing your work ethic I am sure you will succeed in whatever you decide you want to do. Again true fans will enjoy whatever videos you continue to put out there doing whatever you love to do.
You are entering into one of the best times in a young person's life going to college where your choices and opportunities are many. Just do what makes you happy and fulfilled and your true fans will be happy as well and continue to follow you as you share those parts of your life you want to in your videos.
this is the "hey whitney, i'll always support you❤" - button.
⬇️
I began following you at the ice bath challenge. My granddaughter was begining gymnastics and I wanted to be able to understand her world and to share with her. I hope that doesn't make me a creep. Best wishes for you going forward!
Thank you Whitney for telling us what you wanted.Other people might not like that you are leaving Gymnastics but if you feel that this what you really want then go for it.
Love from the UK.
I will still be following your channel.You are a really good singer so I'm looking forward your next songs.❤❤❤
sigo a whitney desde 2018 porque sus videos me motivaban a ser mejor gimnasta y a seguir adelante. en 2020 deje gimnasia porque sentia que el deporte me tomaba mucho tiempo y no podia hacer otro tipo de cosas, ya que toda mi vida se trataba solo de la gimnasia, y realmente era un agotamiento mental.
asi que estoy orgullosa de que te hayas dado cuenta que ya no disfrutabas la gimnasia tanto como antes y dedicarte a lo que te apasiona.
felicidades y sigue haciendo lo que te gusta ;)
I realize there is still college left, but at your age and level and everything you have accomplished, it's more like you have decided to retire early, not quit. You will take all the hard learned lessons the sport has given you and incorporate them into all remaining stages of life. I know the decision is heart wrenching, but life goes on. I'm sure your love for the sport will remain throughout your life and you will stay close to the sport in some way, even if it's just in your heart. I have enjoyed watching your videos throughout the years. You are going to accomplish so much. Wish you all the best!😊
It really sucks feeling like you are letting so many people down, and a lot of people will be/are sad, but don't let that stop you. You've got this! Also try not to think about time spent doing something as a waste or that you are behind on something, comparison kills joy and we want you to be happy! Good luck Whitney!
Whitney you're amazing. I will be still following you from France 💕
Girl, I think it is sad you want to quit something you have put so much into but equally if your heart isn't in it then you do you! It's great to see you are happy with your decision and that family and friends have been supportive. I am excited to see what you pull out of the bag next! Congrats Whit. It's been amazing watching you grow and the skills you achieved.
I just want to say that I’m not going anywhere. I don’t only love you because of your gymnastics but also for who you are as a person. Nothing will ever take away the fact that you inspired so many people to do gymnastics, that’s something you should never feel guilty of. The least that I can do to thank you for how inspirational you are is to be supportive of your decisions. When I hear your songs I can feel that same passion you had for gymnastics that inspired so many of us. So just like you inspired people with gymnastics you will continue to inspire people with new things (like music) if we can see that YOU love them so much! Because that YOU love them is what’s most important.
Whitney, I was in the same position 2 years ago. It was tough, really tough. I didn't see any future in sport and I had major health problems. Now I understand that decision was the best.I didn't listen to my parents, anyone. And now I am able to make decisions myself ,have a great job and don't try to be perfect all the time as I did during my sport career.
You need to follow your dreams what makes you happy. The music career is something you really need to follow. You are an extremely mature young women. Maybe coaching is in your future. But also support others to follow their dreams
I see a lot of parallels to me coming out. Huge decision when to do it, but it is inevitable at some point. Takes so much energy to do the first step. But if you know, you know.
The real positive is, that it is so liberating after. In a few years you'll be proud that you did take that step.
And the personal wellbeing is always more important than the opinions of the followers.
Proud of you for making a decision that’s right for you. Can’t wait to see what’s in the next chapter of your life. 💜
This video really helped me cause im feeling the same way right now. I want to quit but i feel like i will regret it and i feel like im letting my team down so this video really helped me see that im making the right decision. I love you Whitney!
You're not quitting, you are retiring! I'm so proud of you following your heart instead of what you think people expect of you and I'm so proud of you for staying on doing it for a long time to make really sure it was what was right for you. It's not like you stop on a whim, it seems really thought through.
As a prior gymnast who quit about a year ago after doing the sport for 10 years, this video made me very emotional. The way that you describe everything is exactly how I felt. When trying to decide to quit, it’s one of the hardest decisions that you can make. It’s your whole life. Every moment was spent in the gym. All of those missed days of public school, were all for gymnastics. This video actually brought me to tears, and I wanted to let you know your not alone. I and your fans support you and I wish the best for you.
Whitney, your own decisions are the most important. Follow your own heart! ☺👍
Whitney, please don't feel guilty or ever regret quitting! You are such a beautiful and strong lady, and you encouraged me to restart gymnastics. I'm not very good at it, and still don't have my back tuck b/ca it's scary, but I really love it. I understand why you decided to stop, and just speaking for myself, u didn't disappoint me. Keep going after your dreams! And also, I wanted to tell u that God loves u so much. I'm a 13-year-old girl living in Texas, and God healed me from my lactose intolerance and also saved me from anxiety and depression. He absolutely changed my life and I really hope u get to know him before you leave this Earth. Excited to see ur next vid for the rest of the season.
Whitney first of all you are not a horrible person for quitting gymnastics. It makes me so sad that you feel that you will let people down. You are not! Yes you have inspired a lot of people, but not just with your gymnastics, but with so much more. Either way quitting takes none of that away from you! If anything you are still inspiring to so many, showing them that it is ok to quit, bc it is! Whenever a teammate quits one thing I always say is, yes I will miss you bc I won’t see you everyday but it makes me way happier knowing you will be happy. Yes, ppl will leave, but let them leave there are so many that will stay. It’s so great seeing athletes take care of themselves! Thank you for this video you can be so proud of yourself, take care of yourself!
as someone who also made this decision when i was a senior is high school.. i have absolutely no regrets looking back. i am so glad i was able to enjoy college without having the pressure of continuing gymnastics for another 4 years. it was super a hard choice, but definitely for the best. you have such a bright future and there is so much more out there!! enjoy it :-)
you don't owe us or anyone anything, you don't owe anyone gymnastics content and your own pain and suffering, you are capable of so much, gymnastics was only a small part of that. take care
We won't leave! And pls don't feel bad about your decision! As you say - yolo! We are some of your overseas fans (Austria). My husband and I have been doing your '10 min ab workout' and your '5 min leg workout' ever since you posted them and want to thank you. The very first of your vids I saw was 'underwater gymnastics' 6 years ago. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us - from a talented kid to the amazingly mature, wise young woman you've become! All the best for your future! Looking forward to whatever you feel like posting! 😊
I will definitely miss you competing but I'm very proud of you for having the courage to retire (I'm not calling it quitting) when you felt it was the right choice for you. I'm not leaving, so looking forward to seeing what life brings to you next!
I have been watching your videos since 2017 and I also started doing gymnastics in 2015. You were always my motivation to do and do because I wanted to be as good as you. because of you I pushed myself forward and forward. I understand how you feel, I don't feel the joy I used to feel either, for two years I've been thinking about whether to stop, but to this day I neglect the decision. No matter what happens after this, you will always be a great motivation for me!! ❤
You are an amazing person, Whitney. And you will keep inspire young gymnasts even after you quit, you are not letting anyone down❤ I think your younger self would be very proud of you for making this hard decision and following your heart. I don‘t think she would have wanted you to continue doing this sport when it makes you unhappy and you don‘t want to do it anymore. Gymnastics is very tough mentally and it does break you, when you keep doing it without loving it anymore. You certainly are not a failure and have had an amazing career. Your form was always so exquisite and graceful and your videos will still inspire so many. And this decision will help so many who are struggling with the same thing and show others that it‘s okay to move on, even if they haven‘t achieved everything they wanted.
You have had a great time with gymnastics and it was a huge part of your life, but it is okay to move on and start a new chapter✨ I know you will do amazing things and live your life to the fullest and I am excited to watch you and am not gonna leave / unfollow. 🎉❤
I quit gymnastics after last season so i could do more of my school’s theater productions and it was THE HARDEST decision i ever had to make as i realized i just wasn’t nearly as happy doing gymnastics so i completely understand where you’re coming from. It’s not quitting, you’re retiring and as a retired gymnast, I’m so proud of you
i won’t leave you! i still love your content! 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
I always wished I did gymnastics so watching your videos for years was so fun to see that life that I didn’t have. But as an adult now I’m realizing I might quit doing the sport I love. It’s nice to hear you to talk about this and being vulnerable because this is exactly how I’ve felt all year about my own sport. I feel like I’m letting my younger self down by not continuing my passion for sports but I’ve realized I might have to let go of this chapter in order to move on to better things for myself. It will hurt more in the beginning but over time you’ll heal.
No matter what you do in life. Your gymnastics time will be remembered by you and all of your fans. However, whatever you do from this point on - will define you as a person for the rest of your dream time. You need a break and do your passion. Take classes online and still get your degree. I know that I will be supporting you no matter what you decide to do.
I think society has become so competitive early on these days that even childhood feels performative - that after all those years of work, you need something to show for it. You said after the call to your college coach "I worked my whole life for that and I just gave it up." But what you have at the end of a journey is not the real reward - the real reward is the person you became along the way. The friends you made, the incredible work ethic you built, the triumphs and the setbacks and everything you learned - that is your reward, and will serve you well in whatever you do in this life. Your new journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see where it takes you! ❤
This is a COMPLETELY NATURAL part of growing up ❤ EVERYONE does this, whether it’s sports, choir, band, debate clubs, etc. The only difference is you have a large following and that can make someone feel like they’re obligated to continue or that that’s your one and only identity. And that’s not true at all. This is a normal part of growing up ❤❤❤ Don’t let the internet guilt you for that
Nothing last forever, best to go do what you want to do as opportunities come and go. One thing I regret is not giving up gym sooner but felt very much the same guilt and pressure from others including my family. I loved the sport but started hating it and you definately don't want to finish hating it. Good luck on your new endeavors
Love your gymnastics videos but the reason I joined was your music do what's best for you going to be here supporting you as a follower no matter what
It’s a very mature decision and very eloquently verbalized too. 3:08 really got me. A year ago I changed my major from violin performance. It was a long time in the making but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted. I feared I was letting everyone down. When I told my professor I was quitting she was nothing but supportive (even though I was choking back tears and probably incoherent..)
She told me that we have to do what’s right and respect our true desires and practice listening to ourselves because that’s the only way to live an authentic life.
I always tell people, I love music and the violin just as much as I did before I quit. But they say, when you love someone you let them go, so I let it go.
Better that than let it turn into something you do just because everyone expects it of you, and let all those good memories go tainted.
I wasn’t happy anymore and it felt amazing to finally say goodbye.
There’s good and bad in every art form and some people would rather let it be.
You’re brave for this, and I guarantee, the ones that matter will like this more for you because it’s what will make you happy.