And it was a borrowed bike, Gow said. Ann Berry, certified physical trainer at Tri-Rehab in Dearborn, says children who begin rigorous athletic competition early should be monitored for their physical condition. Smaller bones and bodies are more apt to be injured than larger ones. Eating correctly, having a good diet and watching for injuries are extremely important for athletes of a young age, Berry said. More so with the younger ones, because their bodies are still growing.
Berry recommends athletes participate in other sports than their specialty during the off-season.
This gives them exercise, and rejuvenates their interest. An athlete can easily become burned out to a sport, Berry said. And when there's a lack of motivation or interest, that's when injury is most likely to occur. We recommend taking part in an activity that is similar to the one an athlete is competing in. That way, you get the same benefits, but the stress is gone.