8 Questions with Olympic head coach John Geddert

For John Geddert, the passion for coaching began in his early college days. During his senior year at Central Michigan, John began coaching a high school gymnastics team and soon discovered that coaching was something he wanted to pursue. In 1980, he moved to Maryland to coach at one of the top gyms in the country, the Marvateens. He coached there for four years and then made his way back home to Michigan, where he started coaching at Great Lakes Gymnastics. Many of John's first elite gymnasts were coached at Great Lakes. In 1996, John and his wife Kathryn opened up their own gym, Gedderts Twistars USA Gymnastics Club and the rest is history. In just 16 short years, John's program has been put on the map, with several top Level 10 and elite athletes going from his gym. Now that the 2012 Olympics are over, his career has come full circle. He can now proudly call himself the head coach of a gold medal winning team! We talked to John about the Olympic experience and what's in store for Twistars Gymnastics.

John with Jordyn and his wife Kathryn.  Photo Credit: Unknown

Triple Twist: How would you sum up the whole Olympic experience?

John: The entire Olympic experience is something that I have worked for my entire life. I really don't think many people grasp the totality of the situation. It's not that we woke up one day with an Olympian, it's the 25 plus years of learning, trying, failing, adjusting, and persevering that eventually reaps the ultimate goals.... and for some coaches IT NEVER HAPPENS. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity, the athlete to accomplish the goals, the gym to support the process and a national training system that pointed us in the right direction. This Olympic experience featured the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, so we got to see it all and the records will show.... Jordyn Wieber- 2012 Olympic Champion... John Geddert- 2012 Head Coach for the USA Olympic Team. The experience was incredible.

Triple Twist: What did you say to Jordyn after the qualifying round? How do you handle a moment like that as a coach? 

John: The results of the qualifying round were devastating.  To see the pain on the face of my athlete is more than any coach would ever want to endure. She was crushed and I was helpless to ease her pain. I did tell her how very sorry I was, and after a few moments to let her drain the emotions I did remind her that she would handle the disappointment like the true champion she was, she would handle it with the grace and dignity that she had always handled her successes. No excuses, and she had full support for her teammates.

Triple Twist: Have you talked to Jordyn about her future plans?

John: Jordyn has been fairly quiet in regards to her future plans. I know she is loving the tour and the performances associated with the Kelloggs Tour of Champions. She has earned a little down time and the opportunity to just have FUN!. If she decides that she would like to continue, we of course would do all in our power to make sure her success in the sport continues. If she decides that she has had enough, we would support her in that decision also.

Triple Twist: You recently reunited with the Fierce 5 at the Detroit tour stop. How was it to see everyone together again? 

John: It was great to see Aly, Gabby, Mckayla and Jo... they all seemed so happy and loving "living in the moment". They were a great team to be associated with, no prima donnas or super star attitudes. (Both at worlds and the Olympics). 

Triple Twist: What has life been like for you after the Olympics?

John: Well the world did not stop turning that is for sure. My gyms are packed with an all time high enrollment, so it was not long before it was back to reality. I have had some speaking engagements (I actually kind of like sharing the Olympic Story), coaches educational projects (one of my biggest goals) and was inducted to my High School Hall of Fame (very cool). I have enjoyed the notoriety, support and recognition from the gymnastics community.

Triple Twist: What do you think is in store for you and Twistars in the future?

John: I have always said you are only as good as your next performance. I can assure you that Twistars will not be resting on past accomplishments. We have a strong program and are committed to helping athletes of all levels achieve their individual goals and aspirations. We do have a large group of fast track athletes (about 15) and they show great potential. We will see where that takes us. I love coaching dedicated, determined, and motivated athletes. It is simply in my blood.

Triple Twist: If you could go back in time, knowing what you know now as a coach, would you do anything differently?

John: If I had to start my career over, I would do so with the well learned lesson that PATIENCE is essential in the long term development of athletes. Early on I fell victim to wanting success and progress overnight and pushed far to hard to get there. Since learning the art of patience, our program has developed at a greater and more consistent pace and the athletes are far more motivated and anxiety free. Patience in development should not be confused with accepting mediocrity in training, rather it is a developed coaching tool that guides us as to when to push and when to back off.

Triple Twist: You have had a long journey with Jordyn, what has been your greatest memory?

John: The entire journey is a great memory. She was the perfect athlete for me... we clicked. My favorite memory would have to be her coming out party at her first American Cup. She was relatively unknown and simply rocked that competition. Her competitiveness was forever etched in my mind. Then of course the come back, never give up, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP would have to rate right up there also.

John Geddert celebrating with team USA. Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Interview done by: Ashlee