Eight is a little young for an Olympian

Stevo Poulin is eight and it seems his parents and/or coaches have gone overboard.  They have a full highlight reel for their third-grader, complete with a hardcore soundtrack (Email subscribers click here).



The post summary where I found this video reads, "An 8-year-old in upstate New York is already showing signs of being a future Olympic champion."  What?!  This kid can't get on most of the rides at Six Flags, but he has a highlight film, a soundtrack, a Mohawk, and an Olympic prediction.  Young Stevo Poulin does execute some good hip tosses and takedowns.  He's obviously serious about wrestling.  Yet, I don't think his parents and coaches are being very realistic about Stevo's wrestling future.  He may be just as passionate about soccer next year or football the year after that.  At eight, he's Mighty Mouse.  At 16, he may just be a mouse.  Heaping these expectations on a kid so early doesn't help. 

You may have a youngster like Stevo Poulin.  He looks strong for his age.  All the other kids appear overmatched against your kid.  You begin dreaming about college, the Olympics, and maybe the professional level.  Wake up!  Your athlete may very well be an Olympic champion one day, but there's no way you can know that now.  The best thing you can do is develop his fundamentals.  Make sure he has fun and falls in love with the game.  And above all else, please encourage the kid to get a normal haircut.  Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol