1. characteristic of or befitting a father; fatherly. 2. of or pertaining to a father: paternal rights. 3. related on the father's side: one's paternal grandfather. 4. derived or inherited from a father. [1400â50; late Middle English < Late Latin paternÄlis= Latin patern(us) paternal (pater father + -nus adj. suffix) + -Älis -al1] paâ¢terâ²nalâ¢ly, adv.
Being an elite gymnast requires up to 30 hours of training per week, plus coaching, exercising, stretching, and eating a healthy diet. You need to be flexible and strong to be a Level 3, 4, or 5 student. If you have never done gymnastics before, you better start now. If you don't know how to do a cartwheel, start in Beginners.
Gymnastics is a sport that children can enjoy regardless of their age or ability level. The desire to learn and experience the sport is more important than age. But if a young athlete wants to become an elite gymnast and reach the Olympics, it's important to begin training at a young age. The University of Minnesota estimates that the average age of an Olympic gymnast on the U.S. women's team is 16. In order to maximize training, develop strength and reach an Olympic level by the teen years, a gymnast should start training as a preschooler.