Two of a Kind

"Friends come and go, but sisters are forever!" - Pompeia Pohland

With some family's, gymnastics just happens to run in the blood. From an early age most little girls want to be just like their big sister. It starts with little sis tagging along to her big sister's practices and watching at almost every competition, mimicking her movements from the sidelines. Soon she's bagging mom to sign her up for classes and within the course of a few years she's training alongside big sis, preparing for elite competition. It's not rare to find sisters on the elite or collegiate scene competing with or against each other. These girls are training partners, competitors and teammates. But most importantly, their sisters first.

Mackenzie and Bridgette Caquatto

(Photo Credit: Bridgette Caquatto)

Mackenzie

Age:19

Biggest Accomplishment: 2010 World Team Silver Medalist

Best Event: Uneven Bars

"It's been nice having a family member to train with. I know I can tell Bridgey anything and she understands me. As far as competition goes, we have never really been extremely competitive with each other. We always cheer each other on and have a great time out on the competition floor. Training with my sister can be tough at times. We do fight sometimes, like any other siblings. I try to focus on my work and what I need to get done during workout and not pay too much attention to what she's doing."

Bridgette

Age:17 (turning 18 March 14th)

Biggest Accomplishment: Team, All Around, and Uneven Bar Gold Medalist at 2011 Pan Am's

Best Event: Uneven Bars

"I love competing with my sister! She is always cheering for me and pumping me up. She is very positive in meets and handles them very well, which has really helped me since we've competed together. In training she is just like another gymnast on the team who is there helping me along the way. We try to leave our gymnastics talk and work at the gym. We do have a 20-30 minute car ride home to talk about our day. But when we get home we like to spend time with our family."

Alyia and Nailya Mustafina

(Photo Credit: Ginnastica Forum) 

Aliya

Age:17

Biggest Accomplishment: 2010 World All Around Champion

Best Event: Uneven Bars (strong All Around)

Nailya

Age: 15

Biggest Accomplishment: 2008 Pacific Rim Junior Floor Silver Medalist

Best Event: Balance Beam

"For Aliya, the closest person is her sister. They have everything in common, although there is a also a spirit of rivalry!"- Farhad Mustafina (Aliya & Nailya's father)

Natalie and Kristina Vaculik

(Photo Credit: Durham Region)

Kristina

Age: 19

Biggest Accomplishment: 3 time Canadian World Team Member

Best Event: Balance Beam

Natalie

Age: 16

Biggest Accomplishment: 3rd All Around Gymnix International

Best Event: Uneven Bars

"Natalie is very different from Kristina, everybody is different, but I'm trying to take those different qualities that each of them have and bring them to the level that will benefit them most. They are a competitive family and they are eager to achieve something more. The desire is there." -Elena Davydova

Natalia and Dasha Joura

(Photo Credit: Dasha Joura)

Dasha

Age:21

Biggest Accomplishment: 2008 Australian Olympic Team Member

Best Event: Floor Exercise

"It was heredity, our parents were at the gym all the time and I was with them from the time I was a baby. I guess we both fell into it. When we're at home, that's my time to unwind. We try to avoid talking about gymnastics as much as possible when were out of the gym. You need a good balance."

Natalia

Age: 15 (turns 16 in February)

Biggest Accomplishment: 3rd All Around 2010 Massilla Cup

Best Event: Floor Exercise

Aisha and Mikaela Gerber

(Photo Credit: Cambridge Times)

Aisha

Age:21

Biggest Accomplishment: 3rd All Around 2006 American Cup

Best Event: Floor Exercise

"Hopefully I have been a positive influence on Mikaela! I think she has certainly looked up to me when she has a problem she’s working through. The experience I’ve had, having already been through that segment of a career, has really been helpful to her. But especially in the past few years, she has really taken her career into her own hands and has really taken off. I’m so proud of her."

Mikaela
Age: 16
Biggest Accomplishment: 2011 Canadian World Team Member
Best Event: Floor Exercise

"I've always looked up to Aisha! She's always been my role model and I love her so much. She's been a wonderful gymnast, and she's my sister so of course I've always looked up to her! She's one of my favorite gymnast's of all time!"

Ashley and Courtney Kupets

(Photo Credit: Atlanta Journal)

Courtney

Age: 25

Biggest Accomplishment: 2004 Olympic Uneven Bar Bronze Medalist

Best Event: Uneven Bars

Ashley

Age:27

Biggest Accomplishment: 2 time National Qualifier

Best Event: Floor Excercise

"We call them Koop and mini-Koop! It's great they're on the same team because they really raise the level of the other one's performance. They're different personalities. Courtney is a lot more outgoing. Ashley holds back a little more."- Suzanne Yoclaun

Rebecca and Ellie Downie

(Photo Credit: Rebecca Downie's Official Website)

Rebecca

Age: 20

Biggest Accomplishment: 2008 British Olympic Team Member

Best Event: Uneven Bars

Ellie

Age:13

Biggest Accomplishment: National Squad Member 2009, 2010, & 2011

Best Event: Balance Beam

"I think Ellie has been inspired by what Becky did in Beijing. I just hope she keeps her feet on the ground and I'm sure Becky will help with that having the experience she has. She has similar attributes to Becky but there are some things that can be worked on such as her leg line. She is a good competitor and worker and, if anything, a bit more of an entertainer than Becky." -Claire Starkey (Ellie's coach)

Charlotte and Gael Mackie

(Photo Credit: Gael Mackie)

Gael

Age: 23

Biggest Accomplishment: 2004 Canadian Olympic Team Member

Best Event: Floor Excericse

"Charlotte is my favorite gymnast to watch! Everyone in my family did, or still dose gymnastics and so it's something were all used to!"

Charlotte

Age: 18

Biggest Accomplishment:  2 Time Canadian World Team Member

Best Event: Balance Beam

"I talk to my sister almost every day on Blackberry Messenger. If I don't hear from her, I know she has exams or a big paper to write! We don't really give each other advice that much, we are really close and like to talk but we are pretty normal outside the gym."

Jordan and Tasha Schwikert

(Photo Credit: Allison Taylor's Official Website)

Jordan

Age: 23

Biggest Accomplishment: 2 time National Team Member

Best Event: Floor

Tasha

Age: 27

Biggest Accomplishment: 2000 Olympic Team Bronze Medalist

Best Event: All Around

"It's been a dream come true competing with Jordan at UCLA! I didn't know if we would get to go to the same college, and it's amazing that Miss Val and Chris took both of us. Jordan has been doing an amazing job and has been a huge asset to the team. To finish our career at Pauley going 1-3 in the all-around, I couldn't have asked for anything more."

Christine and Catherine Nguyen

(Photo Credit: WOGA.net)

Christine

Age: 23

Biggest Accomplishment: 2006 National Team Member

Best Event: Balance Beam

Catherine

Age: 20

Biggest Accomplishment: 2006 Junior National Team Member

Best Event: Balance Beam

"I decided to join the sport after seeing how much Christine loved it! We support each other all the way and we don't really get competitive. During her senior year we competed against each other for the first time and it was pretty cool. But we just look up to each other"

Other Famous Sisters!

- Kristina and Eleanora Goryunova

-Cassandra and Madeline Hanley

-Hong Su Jong and Hong Un Jong

-Yulia and Svetlana Khorkina

- Giulia and Marie-Sophie Hindermann

-All quotes were found online and we are not claiming to have interviewed these people. 

A Perfect Balance

For an elite athlete, the hours in a day go by very quickly. Between training anywhere from 4-8 hours, attending public school (or taking online classes), and being a normal teenager; life can get pretty hectic! Many people may wonder how are they able to balance it all out? So we asked 5 current elite gymnasts, how are you able to find a prefect balance?

Madison Desch

2011-2012 Junior National Team Member

(Photo credit: Chalkbowl.com)

"I actually go to a catholic/private school. I train about 6 hours a day and because of gym I only go to school half a day. I miss two full classes which I have to make up on my own time. I balance it all pretty well. I work on my homework and stuff to and from gym and at home."

Talia Chiarelli

2011 Canadian World Team Member

(Photo Credit: Jeff Sipsey)

"I go to public school full time and I train for about 4 hours a day. I practice all week and on Saturday mornings, so that the rest of the weekend I can pretty much do whatever I want to! In my spare time I'm always out with my friends, either shopping or going out to lunch or doing other fun things like that. I love going downtown and shopping too! I also really enjoy baking and cooking"

Simone Biles

14th All Around 2011 Junior Nationals

(Photo Credit: Jessica Frankl)

"I do homeschooling by myself! Most people would probably think it's boring but it doesn't really bother me! Sometimes I wish I could go to regular school but I can't, so I just live with it! But my gymnastics team is my family! And also the girls that I compete with like Katelyn Ohashi are like family to me since were pretty close! I do hang out with my gym friends outside of the gym but that's about it! Gymnastics's is basically the ruler of my life! I train everyday in the morning from 9:00- 11:30 and then from 2:30-6:30. So I train about 7 1/2 hours a day!"

Briley Casanova

2 Time Junior National Team Member

(Photo Credit: Inside Gymnastics)

"I go to a private school for athletes or anybody who spends their time with an extracurricular activity, and I train up to 8 hours a day, 6 times a week. I tend to stay very focused on schoolwork and gym during the week, and fit in time with my friends on weekends"

Hallie Mossett

National Team Member 2008, 2011-2012

(Photo Credit: Brian Jones)

"I train 6 hours a day for now, but closer into the season I train like 7-7 1/2 hours. Basically, I go to school until lunch and then I leave for practice. Then I do all my homework when I get home! I get to do fun stuff on the weekends and when I stay for lunch at school!"

Read our other questions posts:

What are you thinking during your routine?

What's the difference between college and elite gymnastics?

What's the hardest skill in gymnastics?

What's in your gym bag?

What goes into making a floor routine?


Have a question that you'd like to see answered in our next segment? Shoot us an email through our contact page!

World Championships Changes Wieber's Life

Ever since 16 year old Jordyn Wieber returned home from Tokyo, Japan with 3 world medals her life has been a roller coaster ride. Her face was on the cover of almost every newspaper and she headlined every local news station for days! She even had a world class welcome home at her high school. Students lined the halls chanting her name and "Wieber Fever" as she entered.

(Photo belongs to Jordyn Wieber)

Things never quite settled down because soon after her world championships success, Jordyn made the decision to turn pro, which means she cannot compete in college gymnastics, but she can accept all prize money from competitions and sign with endorsement deals. Although the Wiebers won't tell how much money Jordyn took home from worlds, her mother says its enough to pay for her in state college tuition.

(Photo belongs to Jordyn Wieber)

Since Worlds the media and sponsors have been rolling in like crazy! Jordyn is now apart of the Kellogg's Company Olympic Promotion where she'll do photo shoots, appearances, and maybe appear on some products. She also signed with 2 other well known companies that have not been named yet, but according to her mother one of them is Michigan based. ESPN and Sports Illustrated have also made visits for upcoming pieces and she is set to do a photo shoot with Vogue Magazine in March. But it doesn't stop there, Jordyn recently graced the cover of Women's Lifestyle Magazine and appeared on the Ellen show on January 6th.

(Photo Belongs to Womens Lifestyle Magazine)

Jordyn was included in the Red Pages "Hot 100 for 2012" and is running for the United States Sports Academy 2011 Athlete of the year. Even Jordyn's mother Rita can benefit from her daughters success, as she'll have plenty to write about for her book called "Gym Mom's" which should be published next summer.

With all the publicity and media, Jordyn continues to train for her next competition (The American Cup- March 3rd) and attend public school. How does she maintain it all? "We set a window of opportunity for the media to have access to Jordyn now, in a combined effort with the national office, the door is somewhat closed. We will now be focusing on training and getting ready for the American Cup in March. We have learned that dealing with media is part of the game, most of it is positive and the experience thus far has not been overwhelming. Jordyn is very grounded and humble so I do not foresee a major problem." says her coach John Geddert. She might also compete at the 2012 Pacific Rim on March 16-18 which is sponsored by Kellogg's. "Pac Rim is certainly a consideration at this time. It fits our plan, but it is too early to make that call... Besides that is an event that we would have to qualify to through verification and we never take anything for granted or consider it a given automatic." John said. This will all of course lead up to the 2012 Olympic Trials on July 1st where the Olympic team will be announced. But for now she's taking it one day at at time and continues to train.

(Photo Belongs to the Detroit Free Press)

Since we live in Michigan we have always been Jordyn's biggest fans. We can't believe how much she's grown! At the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars everyone came to see the stars, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson. Jordyn and her teammate Kamerin Moore performed their floor routines, but many people didn't even know who they were... they were just "the local girls." They both signed autographs after the show, but surprisingly their lines were pretty short. People didn't even consider that they could be the future of gymnastics one day! When the show was over, we ran out and were the first one's in line at the Gedderts Twistars table to meet Jordyn and Kamerin. We have been big fans from the very beginning and always will be! We have a feeling at the next Tour of Gymnastics Superstars, she will be more than just the "local girl"...

(Photos belong to us)

Awkward Moment's in Gymnastics!

Even in the sport of gymnastics, you will encounter awkward moment's! Below our some of the most awkward moment's of all time!


Alicia Sacramone blows off Shawn Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMS_QfN_LO8#t=2m40s

Gymnasts refuse to shake hands during the 1992 Rhythmic Olympics Medal Ceremony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAm9Wvo8OHY&feature=youtu.be#t=2m11s

Ludmilla Tourischeva knocks down the bars
http://youtu.be/n9gBk0P9yEc

Thi Ngan Thuong Do takes a cut in line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zQMt4H5O8U

Erika Garcia and Li Shanshan fight for the beam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3lHzaFWoUA

Tasha Schwikert pushes Steve Penny away during award ceremony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIWlxvJC7Rw&feature=youtu.be#t=4m49s

Carlotta Giovannini wants more than one kiss (10 times more awkard in slow motion.)
http://www.spike.com/video-clips/doqzmz/awkward-olympic-kiss

Kytra Hunter peforms to the wrong floor music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saFNquSulfE

Diandra Milliner forgets choregraphy
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q-j-vZXbws&feature=youtu.be#t=7m36s

Lexie Priessman trips over the spring board
http://www.gymnastike.org/coverage/238382-2011-IGI-Chicago-Style/video/458216-CGA-Lexie-Preissman-blooper

Yelena Produnova attempts to salute as everyone 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39LT0j0IdX0#t=25s

Anna Porgras's coach trips over springboard (And the crowd sort of gasps. I'm sorry but this made my day!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsSV79UBV8I#t=36s

The Mysterious Hand

Camera Guy Wont Move

    During Prelims at the 2008 Olympics, a camera guy was standing too close to Nastia while she was warming up on the sidelines. She asked him if he could move over and when he didnt she shrugged her shoulders, mumbled somthing to herself, and shook her head while she continuned to warm up extrememly close to the camera. Then Alicia came over and pushed the camera back and told him he might want to step back.

Ackward kissing pictures

Not Awkward...but funny pictures that I came across

(All screen caps were taken off the international gymnast forum)

Fomer Elite Gymnasts- Where'd They Go? (Part 2)

Ashley Stott
Junior Elite from 2006-2007
Senior Elite from 2008-2009
Age Now: 19

 2008 was Ashley's first year as a senior and she surprised many people when she won the all around and beam gold at the US Classic. At her first senior nationals she admitted to being nervous and didn't do as well as she had planned. She failed to make it on the national team and did not advance onto the Olympic Trials. In an interview shortly after the 2008 Olympics she said her goal was to get back on the national team and make the 2012 Olympic team. In the beginning of 2009, Ashley moved from SCEGA to Precision Gymnastics and won the American Classic. That was the last meet she ever competed in. She said she "decided to take a break from gymnastics" and was "leaving the door open to return to gymnastics in the future." But she never did. She graduated from High school in 2011 and was on the varsity cheerleading team. Nobody knows exactly why Ashley retired. But there were rumors that she was having problems with her coaches and possibly just burnt out. Ashley is currently attending college at San Diego State and is on the diving team.

    Then:

                                                                  (Photo Credit: Ruth Judion)

Now:

(Photo Credit: Ashley Stott)

Nailya Mustafina

Junior Elite from 2008-2011

Senior Elite in 2012

Age Now: 16

In 2008, Nailya seemed to have a bright future and put herself on the list as one to watch in 2012. But unfortunately she has been plagued with injuries throughout her career. In early 2009 Nailya broke her femur when she fell off bars. She returned to competition in 2010, but her gymnastics has never been quite the same. While recovering she went through puberty and has since struggled with her new body. In a 2010 interview with Nailya's father, he made it clear that she was serious about "winning the Olympics." Since returning to competition, Nailya has competed in very few meets and is not on the 2011 Russian National Team.

                   Then: (Nailya is on the left)                         

(Photo Credit: jeunes.lanouvelle.net)

Now:

(Photo Credit: FIG Sports Center)

Jana Bieger

Junior Elite from 2001-2004

Senior Elite from 2005-2009

Age Now: 22

After being named as an alternate to the 2008 Olympic team, Jana continued to train and competed at the US classic and National Championships in 2009. She made it to the final selection process for the 2009 Worlds team but was not chosen.  Instead she received a world cup assignment in Croatia, she decided to retired shortly after. Although she has officially retired, Jana is still somewhat involved in the sport. She made an appearance at the 2011 Gymnastics Evolution competition and could possibly be coaching at her parents gym.

Then:

(Photo Credit: Inside Gymnastics)

Now:

(Photo Credit: Jana Bieger)

Monica Shoji  
Junior Elite 2004-2005
Age Now: 21


 In 2005 Monica moved to Cincinnati Gymnastics to train under coach Mary Lee Tracy. She started off the season great by finishing 2nd All Around and 1st on floor at the US Classic. She then went on the place 4th at Nationals and make the junior national team! In early 2006, Monica tore her Achilles tendon and made the decision to retire from elite gymnastics. Shortly after, she signed with Yale University but was forced to sit out her freshman year due to some shoulder injuries, as well as still trying to recover from her torn Achilles. During the 2010 season, Monica competed only on balance beam. Today Monica is a senior at Yale University but is not on the 2012 gymnastics roster

Then:

(Photo Credit: Girls With Muscle)

Now:

(Photo Credit: Yale Bulldogs)

Desi Borgese

Junior Elite from 2008-2010

Age Now: 15

Although she is still young, and has a long future ahead of her, Desi has decided to drop down to level 10. There have been rumors that Desi quit gymnastics but she claims that not true and says "If I hated it, I would stop." She said a while ago that someday she'd like to compete in college gymnastics, and if she could compete for any college it would be Stanford.

Then:

(Photo Credit: Heather Maynez)

Now:

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

If you haven't seen part 1 yet, click here!

And part 3 can be found here!

Also, if you'd like to suggest an athlete to appear in our next "Where Did They Go" segment, leave us a comment or email us from our contact page and you just may see them in our next post!

*We will try our best to do all your requests. But understand, that some athletes are almost impossible to find out information on! 

Quick Chat With British Olympic Hopeful Danusia Francis

How did you get started in gymnastics?

"I had a lot of energy as a child and my mum took me along to an after school session run by a family friends friend! And from then on I loved it!"

When you were young, what gymnasts did you look up to?

"Nastia Liukin is my idol for sure! But growing up I was a huge fan of Andreea Raducan." 

What was the best advice you have been given?

 "The best advice I have ever been given is 'everything happens for a reason' it helps me a lot, for example when you have an injury it allows you to make time for other things that you normally wouldn't be able to fit into your session and often you come through your injury having made improvements in other areas!"

You committed to UCLA for the 2012-2013 season, how excited are you to be a bruin? 

 "I AM SO EXCITED!!! I cannot wait, i absolutely loved it on my recruiting visit and everyone I met was so nice and I just can't wait to be a part of it all!"

 What other colleges were you considering? Why did you choose UCLA?

"I was also considering Florida, I'm not sure why but for some reason I just felt UCLA was the place for me. I have been to LA twice before and loved it, so this played a part in my decision making."

What is your favorite part of gymnastics?

"My favorite part of gymnastics is the feeling you get after you have just done an amazing performance or a new skill. But also just performing in general I find fun and all the opportunities I have had to meet new people and travel!"

You were on the worlds team in 2010 and 2011, do you think that gives you an edge going into the Olympic year?

"I am very superstitious so would never say something unless I was certain it was true. So no, I don't think it gives me an edge, but it obviously shows that I have performed under pressure before and adds to my experience but it there are so many of us fighting for a spot on the team and in this sport anything can happen. I'll just have to keep knocking on wood!"


How excited are you knowing that the Olympics are in your country and your team has already qualified?

 "I am so excited, I can't wait as I really think London will do a great job as hosts! And if I was on that team the adrenaline rush of the home crowd and team spirit which will surround team GB is going to be like nothing I have experienced before!"

 What is the selection process for the Olympic team like in Britain?

"I am not 100%  on how many trials we have- as my first focus of the year is Europeans, but we will all take part in various competitions. The final trial and announcement of the team will be at our national championships in June!"

What do you need to do to get ready for this big upcoming year?

"I need to remain focused and make sure I am focusing on the goals and communicating with my coaches, teachers and family so I am in the best shape and give myself the best chance of making the team. I have worked since I was 5 years old for the Olympics and to have it getting so close is such a scary thought but all I can do is my best and if my best is good enough it would be a dream come true to represent GB in London and hopefully make my family, friends and coaches and anyone who has ever helped me proud."

(Photo Credit: Alan Edwards)