From elite to high school gymnastics!

How would a high school gymnastics team like to have a former elite gymnast on their team? It's not very common in the world of gymnastics, but Claire Hammen, a former elite and current level 10 from GK Gymnastics takes high school gymnastics to a whole new level! Claire competed as an elite gymnast from 2010 to early 2012, she joined her high school gymnastics team her sophomore year and is currently competing as a level 10 gymnast. Claire has verbally committed to the University of Denver, although she can not officially sign until her senior year of high school. We talked to Claire about competing on her high school gymnastics team where she is currently the regional all around, vault, and floor champion. Claire was also named "Colorodo Gymnast of the Year!"




Left: Claire 3rd from the left with her elite teammates Right: Claire far left with her high school teammates.

Claire on the elite scene. 

                     

Triple Twist: What made you decide to compete in high school gymnastics?

Claire: I just wanted to have more fun in the gym!

Triple Twist: Did you have to modify any of your routines in order to compete for your school?

Claire: I had to modify all my events. I watered them down to fit the high school rules. I do some basic skills and some hard skills depending on the rules for that event. All my routines start from a 10.

Triple Twist: Are you one of the most advanced girls on your team?

Claire: I am one of the most advanced girls on my school team, but a couple of my club teammates compete for another school creating good competition!

Triple Twist: How does your school training work? Does it ever interfere with your club training?

Claire: The season started the first week of September and training started mid August. I go to club everyday, but we don't have practice on Thursday, so that's when I go to high school practice. It doesn't really interfere with club!

Triple Twist: What's your favorite part about high school gymnastics?

Claire: My favorite part is that its fun and I love having the team aspect. In high school it's more of a team sport, in club its more individual.

Claire on the high school scene.

Click here to visit Claire's website.
Watch Claire at States here.

Photo Credit: Report Herald

Written by: Ashlee

The Gymnastics Mini Me's

As we patiently wait for the 2013 gymnastics season to roll around, we can't help but think about who's going to be the next big thing. Due to the fact that I spend a good chunk of my day on the internet, I've come to realize that a lot of the upcoming junior/senior athletes, remind me of a past Olympian. So I've compiled a list of 9 up and coming stars who I think have the potential to make it big someday.

Polina Shchennikova is the new Nastia Liukin

Perhaps the most obvious of the group, 14 year old Polina Shchennikova bears striking similarities to 2008 Olympic AA champion Nastia Liukin. With her long lean lines, stunning flexiblity, and a mother-father duo as her coach, Polina is poised to make her mark on the national scene. Like Liukin, Polina was born in Moscow Russia, to Soviet gymnasts Katia and Alex Shchennikova. She also has a sister Alyona who is on the National TOPS team. Polina trains at Tigar Gymnastics in Colorado and one of her goals is to compete internationally. It's no surprise that Polina lists Nastia Liukin as her role model! In an interview with the Couch Gymnast, Polina said "I really love her performance from the Olympics. Everything she does is so beautiful and gorgeous.  She’s very flexible and so am I.  It makes me think I could definitely be like her!" Did we mention her favorite event is the uneven bars??

Watch Polina and Nastia on bars! 

Bailie Key is the new Yao Jinnan

She just might be the next darling of the sport, 13 year old Bailie Key shares many of the same qualities as 2012 Olympian Yao Jinnan. These 2 pint size athletes share that adorable smile and clean-powerful style of gymnasts, which is something that we rarely see in gymnasts today. Both girls have beautiful floor tumbling, as well as cutesy choreography that sends gymnastics fans in a tizzy! Bailie trains at Texas Dreams Gymnastics in Coppell, Texas and says her biggest goal is to make the 2016 Olympic Team.

Watch Bailie and Yao on floor! 

Nia Dennis is the new Gabby Douglas 

 Reppin' a similar style to 2012 Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas, 12 year old Nia Dennis shows the shades of the future "Flying Squirrel" . Nia soars on her best event, the uneven bars and even has an amanar vault in the works. Nia says her goals are to "make it to Visa Championships, then to the National Team, then the Olympics, and then go to college!". She currently trains at Buckeye Gymnastics in Westerville, Ohio.

Watch Nia and Gabby on bars! 

Norah Flatley is the new Shawn Johnson

Level 10 standout Norah Flatley has been on the gymnastics radar for quite some time now, as she is expected to test for elite early next year! Norah is another one of Chow's star pupils, who excels on the balance beam like 2008 Olympic gold medalist, Shawn Johnson. Like Shawn, Norah is tiny and powerful with very clean lines. Not to mention she is as cute as a button! I'm looking forward to seeing what Norah can bring to the elite scene!

Watch Norah and Shawn on beam! 

Madison Kocian is the new Rebecca Bross

Ever since Madison Kocian stepped onto the elite scene in 2009, I couldn't get over how similar her gymnastics is to her teammate Rebecca Bross. Madison and Rebecca have VERY similar routines on every single event, and they even had similar floor choreography at one point. Just like Bross, Madison does a great job of hitting every handstand on bars and sticking every dismount. She also has had a string of unfortunate injury's throughout the end of her junior career (like Bross in 2008) and will hopefully be ready to return to the gymnastics scene this year as a senior! Madison currently trains at WOGA in Plano, Texas and she has also verbally committed to UCLA!

Watch Madison  and Rebecca on bars!

Nica Hults is the new Kyla Ross

Another one of the talented "Dream Team" members (Texas Dreams Gymnastics), 13 year old Veronica Hults is slowly but surely starting to climb the ranks of elite gymnastics. Nica shares a style very similar to 2012 Olympic Champion Kyla Ross, both girls have elegant lines, sturdy balance beam work, and a quite demeanor that fans can't help but love! Did I mention that both girls were born in Honolulu, Hawaii? Nica says her biggest goal is to "Take gymnastics as far as I can, hopefully that means making it to the Olympics"

Watch Nica and Kyla on beam!

 Lexie Priessman is the new Jordyn Wieber

15 year old Lexie Priessman is ready to make a splash on the international scene as a  first year senior gymnast. Lexie throw's many of the big skills that Wieber performs, such as a double double on floor, standing full on beam (she's upgrading this year to a back handspring back handspring laid out full to a back handspring!) and a rock solid amanar on vault. Lexie won the junior divison of the 2012 VISA Championships, just as Wieber did back in 2008. It looks to me, like Lexie is following in the footsteps of Wieber's success!

Watch Lexie and Jordyn on floor!

Madison Desch is the new Rebecca Tunney

Both Madison and Rebecca open up on floor with a huge whip to double arabian that typically does a great job of getting the crowd pumped up! Like Rebecca, Madison is slowly making her name be known with a 2nd place finish at the 2012 VISA Championships and a remarkable floor set that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats! Rebecca was one of those athletes that people doubted would make the Olympic team due to a shaky performance at the 2012 American Cup. But just a few months later, Rebecca was at the Olympics representing GB as one of the top all arounders! I think the talent of both Madison and Rebecca gets overshadowed and considering how young they both are, they still have plenty of time to peak!

Watch Madison and Rebecca on Floor!

Maggie Nichols is the new Chellsie Memmel

The first time I watched Maggie compete, I couldn't stop thinking about how much she reminded me of 2008 Olympian Chellsie Memmel. She looks like a younger version of Memmel (maybe 2003-2005?) and her beam work is similar to Chellsie. Maggie doesn't quite have the same amount of difficulty as Memmel, but she is only a junior so I think that can come with time!

Watch Maggie and Chellsie on beam!

Written by: Brittany

Happy Sweet 16 to Kyla Ross!

A collection of letters, videos, and collages from some of Kyla's biggest fans! 

Dear Kyla,

HAPPY SWEET 16!! You are beyond amazing and I’ve loved watching your gymnastics since 2009. I hope you know how big of an impact you’ve had on me, and everyone else in the gymnastics community. You have always taken the time respond to me although I try not to bug you and that means a lot, so thank you! You have made me realize just how much I love this sport and so much more! You will never truly know how much you’ve done for me because it is indescribable and you’ve done it by just being you. Getting to watch you in London was a dream come true, you really shined! Maybe Rio will be even better ;D. But beyond the fact that you are a fantastic gymnast, you are a really nice person! All your fans realize that and that is why we have all contributed something to this blog to show our appreciation to you. I really hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and look at everyone’s individually. I know they all care a great deal because I decided on this project about 3 days ago and with everyone’s busy schedules, that’s not very much time to be given for as a deadline. So enjoy!

From your biggest fan,

                                XOXO-@kylarossfans

Kyla,

I, and all of your other fans around the world, would like to wish you a Happy Birthday! You have the best bar and beam routine around! You did amazing in the 2012 Olympics by winning the Gold, and I can’t wait to see you in Rio in 2016. I hope you have a great sophomore year, and a wonderful Sweet 16. Happy Birthday!

Your number 1 fan,

Kevin Steiner

(@kstein14)

Dear Kyla,
You became an Olympic gold medalist at the tender age of 15 and now you're moving into another phase of your life, we all wish you nothing but luck, we love you so much and are SO proud of you. Here's to your next big achievement! Happy Birthday!
Sincerely,
We love you, see you in Rio!

(@Keke1014)

             

 (@lauren_stevens2)

(@LibbyDaniells)

Hi Kyla! Happy birthday!

You are one of my favorite gymnasts! Congrats for being an Olympic champion!

I'd like to wish you all the best for the upcoming years and i definitely wish to see you doing well in the world of gymnastics and beyond!

I will always support you as a fan! Crossing my fingers to see you once again in Rio2016!

(@AmitFinkel)

(@fresher_than_fruit) 

Happy Birthday Kyla! You are amazing and I hope you have a great birthday!! You are an awesome gymnast!!
I love you!

K. Kapplinger

HAPPPY B DAY KYLA YOU PROBABLY WILL NEVER KNOW ME BUT I AM SO GLAD I SAW YOU
DO YOUR AMAZING GYMNASTICS. I am also a gymnast a level 7 an I am eleven years old If you would like to email me do it at littlesher@verizon.net
Please I would die if you emailed me back in a good way!!!! Thank You

-Sheridan

I just want to say happy birthday, and that you are amazing and a huge inspiration.
Love, 

Jessica

(maddierule6) 

(@fiercefive_xoxo)

 

(@USAgymnast97)

-Sarah

 

(@samlane26)

 

Dear Kyla,
I admire you so much! But, this ain't about me! Sooooo... well... I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are a great person and should be happy of all your accomplishments. You are young and should enjoy your day's joys. I one day hope to be like you, not just competing at an international level, but just being as strong as you in hard times.
<3 Alyssa Cavazos

@gymgal_is_awesome

 

Dear Kyla Ross,
Happy 16th birthday omigosh! You are the most amazing gymnast ever. And at only 16 years old, you are a spectacular inspiration to all young gymnasts. At the 2012 Olympics you shined. You are overlooked by many people but deserve to be known as the best! Sure, you didn't win AA gold like Gabby, vault like Mckayla, kill like Aly or win Worlds like Jordyn but you really contributed to the team! The point is that without your strong bars, beam and team spirit the team would not have won gold at the Olympics!!! The second team for the USA in history! You should be beaming with pride! Since you are barely 16 you have another realistic shot of competing at 2016 Rio. Of course, if you decide you're done, your fans will support you 100%.

I find it so outstanding that you traveled to the Olympics with one of your best friends from your childhood! You and Mckayla are a great example anything can happen of you put your mind to it!

Okay so bye! I know if you actually read this you wouldn't have time to answer with the Kellogs tour and all. Butttttt if you did decide to answer I would probably fan girl till I passed out!!
I love you Kyla and remember so do the rest of your fans!
Happy 16th!

(@gymnastics_edits_8)

 

(@Annaburnsy)

 

-Eric

 

(@amanda_carmela)

 

 

Happy Birthday Kyla!!! Hope you enjoy your sweet 16! :D

-Lorenzo, Dillon, and Josh

(@igetbucketz)

 

(@witeboipinoy)

 

(@gymnastprobszz)

 

Happy Sweet Sixteen Kyla

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!Kyla I hope you have an Awesome and Fun Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are such an inspiration and such an awesome Role-Model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May your path to the future be filled joy and abundance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -------

-westward1969

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Italian Fans

 

(@gymnasticfanatic)

-Catherine

 

 

 

Jump off the beam, flip off the bars, follow your dreams and reach the stars. Congratulation Kyla, you had followed your dream,you don't only reach the stars, you had became a star!! Congratulation Kyla, Happy Birthday for your sixteen B-day.

-La Ester

 

(@tidez)

 

-Berlyn

 

(@lovethefiercefive)

 

(@kendalia15)

(@fiercefivegymnast)

 

 

-Zoe

 

-Titus

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM TRIPLE TWIST!!!

Gymnastics news for the week!

Sabrina Vega switches gyms

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

2011 World team medalist, Sabrina Vega has switched gyms and will now be training at GAGE Gymnastics in Blue Springs, Missouri. Sabrina was rumored to be training at GAGE for a few weeks in preparation for the Kansas City tour stop, but it appears she will be training there now! (Although it has yet to be publicly confirmed by Sabrina herself.) The reason for the gym switch is currently unknown.

Elizabeth Price gets 2 World Cup assignments

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

2012 Olympic team alternate, Elizabeth Price has secured herself two World Cup opportunity's. The first being the Stuttgart World Cup on December 1-2 and the second being the Glasglow World Cup on December 8th!

2nd Tour planned for Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

Fierce 5 members, Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman have the 2013 Teen Choice Tour planned for January and February. Rumor has it that Gabby Douglas might possibly join them. Right now the tour is still being planned and although nothing is official, the tour is rumored to include cheerleading and gymnastics. 

Gabby Douglas named Sports Women of the Year

(Photo Credit: USA Today)

Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, and Nastia Liukin joined several of the greatest female athletes in New York on October 17th. The night ended well for Olympic Champ Gabby Douglas who was named "Sports Women of the Year." Congrats Gabby! 

Gymnasts turning senior in 2013.

Below is a list of girls who competed as juniors at last years national championships and will be turning senior this year! Meet your new field of senior gymnasts!

Katelyn Ohashi

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

Gym: WOGA

Biggest Accomplishment: 2011 Junior National Champ

Best Event: Beam

Places To Upgrade: Vault

Realistic Goal: 2013 World Medalist

Describing Word: Precise

Watch Katelyn on: Beam

             

Lexie Priessman

(Photo Credit: Scott & Emer Hults)

Gym: Cincinnati Gymnastics

Biggest Accomplishment: 2012 Junior National Champ

Best Event: Vault

Upgrades: 

Bars: Saposh half, piked tkachev, and a stalder piked hecht.  

Beam: Front pike and a back handspring back handspring laid out full to a back handspring. 

Floor: I just got a new floor routine that I'm excited to compete. I'm working on a layout full in and a 1 1/2 to full in. 

Goals: "To place in the top 3 at championships as a senior and make the 2013 Worlds team." 

Describing Word: Energetic

Watch Lexie on: Vault

            

Maddie Desch

(Photo Credit: Lloyd Smith)

Gym: GAGE

Biggest Accomplishment: 2nd All Around at 2012 Junior Nationals
Best Event: Floor
Places To Upgrade: Vault, Uneven Bars
Realistic Goal: 2013 World Team Member
Describing Word: Elegant
Watch Madison on: Floor

Simone Biles

(Photo Credit: Lloyd Smith)

Gym: Bannon's Gymnastix

Biggest Accomplishment: 2012 Covergirl Classic Champion

Best Event: Vault and Floor

Upgrades:  

Vault: A 2nd vault 

Bars: Working on a piked tkachev and a ray.  

Beam: Standing arabian and a full in dismount.  

Floor: A double double, piked double arabian, a full 1/2 to full in, and a full in lay. 

Goals: "To make the Worlds team and do good!"

Describing Word: Powerful

Watch Simone on: Floor and Vault

Peyton Ernst

(Photo Credit: Melissa Perenson)

Gym: Texas Dreams

Biggest Accomplishment: 7th All Around at 2012 Junior Nationals

Best Event: Beam

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: 2013 Senior National Team

Describing Word: Flexible

Watch Peyton on: Beam

Ariana Guerra

(Photo Credit: Heather Maynez)

Gym: Texas Dreams

Biggest Accomplishment: 2nd All Around at the 2010 Top Gym

Best Event: Floor

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: 2013 National Team Member

Describing Word: Powerful

Watch Ariana on: Floor

  Alexis Beucler

(Photo Credit: Heather Maynez)

Gym: Cincinnati Gymnastics

Biggest Accomplishment: 13th at 2012 Junior Nationals

Best Event: Beam

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: 2013 National Team Member

Describing Word: Sharp

Watch Alexis on: Beam

  Amanda Huang

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

Gym: Northwind Gymnastics

Biggest Accomplishment: 15th all around at the 2012 Junior Nationals

Best Event: Floor

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: 2013 National Team

Describing Word: Clean

Watch Amanda on: Floor

Nicole Lehrman

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

Gym: Capital Gymnastics

Biggest Accomplishment: 2012 Comaneci Invitational Champion

Best Event: Beam

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: Have a strong meet All Around at Nationals

Describing Word: Careful

Watch Nicole on: Beam

  Shannon Mcnatt

(Photo Credit: Heather Maynez)

Gym: Stars Gymnastics

Biggest Accomplishment: 6th all around at the 2012 American Classic

Best Event: Floor

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: Have a strong AA performance at Nationals

Describing Word: Flexible

Watch Shannon on: Floor

  Jessica Wang

(Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics)

Gym: Winners Gymnastics

Biggest Accomplishment: 2nd all around at the 2012 American Classic

Best Event: Beam

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere
Realistic Goal: 2013 National Team
Describing Word: Precise
Watch Jessica on: Beam
             

  Other girls who turn senior who didn't compete at nationals last year:

Madison Kocian

(Photo Credit: Ruth Judson)

Gym: WOGA

Biggest Accomplishment: 5th all around at the 2010 Junior Nationals

Best Event: Floor
Places to Upgrade: Everywhere
Realistic Goal: Stay healthy and make 2013 National Team.
Describing Word: Sharp
Watch Madison on: Floor

  Macy Toronjo

(Photo Credit: Ruth Judson)

Gym: Texas Dreams

Biggest Accomplishment: 3rd all around at the 2012 Texas Prime meet

Best Event: Beam

Places to Upgrade: Everywhere

Realistic Goal: 2013 National Team

Describing Word: Powerful

Watch Macy on: Floor