The vehicle arrived home to Lyon, from DeSoto County, after a drive of an hour and fifteen minutes. It was their third trip that week, one of three such trips every week for the Cosby family.
The seven-and-a-half hours driving each week and time away from daily life are sometimes burdensome but always a joy because of the reason: the budding gymnastics potential of 13-year-old Bria Cosby.
Around the world, the great athletes all have at least one thing in common: they were once children with latent talents that would one day be discovered.
The potential became apparent at the tender age of five, when Bria joined a dance team and showed talent well beyond her years. Bria joined the cheerleading squad for Jonestown Elementary, where her godmother, Brittany Tenner, was the cheer coach. The two were already close, and Tenner worked with Bria individually after cheering each day.
By the age of eight, Bria mastered her first backhand handspring. From there the child’s love of gymnastics and her aspirations for achievement grew quickly.
Seeing their child’s love for gymnastics, her parents, Byron and Toshemah Cosby, decided to give Bria every opportunity to convert her dreams into reality.
“Your child’s support system is extremely important,” explained Toshemah Cosby. “It is important to always encourage your child no matter what, and to be their biggest cheerleaders.”
First came the tumbling classes in Cleveland, twice a month. The only problem was that her vast potential called for more coaching more often. Coaches who saw her perform were struck by her advanced skills at a young age.
Ultimately, Bria’s training regimen evolved into the current thrice-weekly trips to DeSoto County for 36 hours of training each month.
The results already speak for themselves. Bria has competed at events in Southhaven, Ms, Nashville Tennessee, Knoxville Tennessee, St. Louis Missouri. In just those four competitive events, Bria has won 25 medals and trophies, most of which were first-place awards for overall performances and in individual categories.
So what does Bria enjoy the most about gymnastics?
“Mastering new skills,” Bria replied confidently. “I have always been a daredevil. I love to do things people say I can’t.”
For the Cosbys, the dedication of time and resources requires great planning. “Our family, her godmother Brittany, our pastor Bennie Brown and the St. James Church family, is very supportive of Bria being a gymnast,” Toshemah Cosby added. “I guess you can say it's all hands on deck.”
When asked about Bria’s role models or heroes, her mom had no doubt. “Bria is inspired by Simone Biles,” Toshemah said. “However, her dad is truly her hero! In her eyes he can literally do any and everything. She a true daddy’s girl.”
While some might worry about the disruptive effects of the training schedule, Bria has also developed skills of self-discipline and focus that allow her to thrive in life overall. “She’s also an honors student at Coahoma County junior high school,” her mom Toshemah added. “Bria is a member of the choir at Saint James Baptist in Jonestown Mississippi. In spite of her many hours of training with gymnastics she still finds time to dedicate to other activities like, mud riding, making tic tocs, dancing, shopping and spending time with friends and family.”
As it turns out, the personal growth from gymnastics has become contagious. “Her being in gymnastics has kind of forced me to become more people oriented,” Toshemah explained. “ As for her father Byron Cosby, an over-the-road truck driver, he’s much more outgoing and friendly so he’s definitely in his element.”
At the dawn of her teenage years, Bria has become a known talent, but her aspirations reach far beyond high school. She plans to choose and attend a college with an outstanding gymnastics program.
When asked to share advice for other parents of children devoted to sports or other pursuits, Toshemah Cosby was adamant about the two most important things. “Be prepared financially as well as physically and definitely emotionally,” she offered. “Your child’s support system is extremely important. And by far the most important advice would be keeping your child covered in prayer.”
