Q&A With Gymnastics Director – Tiffany Smith
August 5, 2021
Tiffany leads our entire gymnastics program from our youngest gymnasts all the way to our most competitive athletes. We interviewed her to get her thoughts on how to keep it fun at every level.
Tiffany Smith: Chelsea Piers Gymnastics Director
Tiffany began her gymnastics journey at the age of three. With her goals set high, she was granted the opportunity to train alongside the Magnificent 7 as they prepared for the '96 Olympic Games. This elite level training sparked a passion inside her that fuels her to this day. She backs her expertise in the sport with 20 years of coaching at the recreational, competitive, and collegiate levels.
Q: What or who inspired you to start gymnastics at 3 years old?
Both of my parents were competitive athletes and my cousin was a competitive gymnast; I basically tried everything she did! I began with ballet and tot classes where my parents gaged my interest.
Q: You’ve trained at an elite- level with former Olympic athletes, what is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Trust the process; what’s harder today is easier tomorrow.
Q: What makes gymnastics fun for you?
Then: being able to do things others couldn’t while still surprising myself and achieving my goals.
Now: being an advocate for children and coaches, helping bring awareness to the values of the sport outside of the gym, and spending some time with the kids as they live out their dreams.
Q: What is your favorite gymnastics rotation and why?
My favorite event is vault; I was the best at it.
Q: How can someone get started in gymnastics and what advice would you give beginners?
Get started by signing up for a class. I would advise trying it without any expectations. There are a lot of stereotypes, but getting out there is the best way to enjoy it.
Q: HOW DO YOU COACH YOUR GYMNASTS TO ENSURE BOTH THEIR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THEIR OVERALL WELL-BEING?
We make sure we always have the full athlete in mind. We plan the appropriate breaks and time frames for a healthy practice as well as asking our athletes how they are feeling. We do this all while explaining our goals for them. Transparency and communication are key to healthy development. We explain that there is no instant gratification, but we do celebrate mini goals that lead us to our ultimate goal.
Q:How have you been able to stay motivated for over 20 years in the sport of gymnastics?
Gymnastics will always be a part of my life, the sport is so rewarding. Going from a competitor, to a mentor, to a coach, allows you to see a variety of angles allowing for a better appreciation of the sport. Having had the opportunity to see so many perspectives keeps it exciting. There is never a dull moment and always more to learn.