Michigan vs. Michigan State Exhibition!

A night that originally wasn't even in our plans turned out to be an amazing time! Our original plan was to go to the U of M men's intrasquad, but since we got lost in Ann Arbor and couldn't find the arena, we just decided to head over to Crisler Arena and watch the U of M women take on Michigan State. We were a little bummed at first, we were really looking forward to meeting Sam Mikulak after the men's intrasquad, but we had a lot of fun watching the U of M women kick off what we are hoping is an amazing season.

It was an easy win for Michigan, even though it was an exhibition they scored a total of 195.375 to MSU's 191.100. The highest score of the night was Joanna Sampson's 9.950 for a stuck yurchenko full on vault. The lowest score of 9.025 came from a fall off the beam for Brittnee Martinez. We were really looking forward to seeing more of Austin Sheppard, who is still recovering from the surgeries she had after the 2011 World Championships. She only competed vault and scored a 9.825 for a clean yurchenko full with a small hop. For all the individual scores/rankings click here.

After the meet concluded, we got our poster autographed by Briley Casanova (she came to watch the meet, she'll join the team in January.) She was so sweet! She is seriously the kindest person ever. She was so happy to see us and gave us a huge hug. We can't wait for her to start competing, just from watching her in the stands you can tell that she wants to be out there competing! She was very supportive of all her teammates AND the MSU team! She had a smile on her face and cheered on everybody through out the night. While we were taking photos with Briley, the line to get autographs from the team started to build up and we decided since it was late and the line was about a half hour long, that we would wait to get the rest of our poster signed another time. We were just happy to finally meet Briley!

Below are the videos that we recorded. Since the quality wasn't that great, I only recorded 3 routines. But in the future, we will record more routines and with a much better camera!

                                          
                               
                               

 We are looking forward to going to the first home meet of the season which will be against Nebraska on January 12th. We might possibly go to some of the men's meets too! Individual tickets go on sale December 11th, so we'll find out for sure then!

Written by: Ashlee

Michigan Gymnastics: Season Preview

With the college gymnastics season right around the corner, I'm so pumped to watch some of my favorite gymnasts compete. I'm hoping this is one of the best seasons yet! Everyone always asks me who I'm rooting for, and this season and I'm changing things up a bit by rooting for my home state more than ever....Michigan! Here's a look at what's in store for the University of Michigan gymnastics team!

Photo Credit: University of Michigan

This year, the roster for U of M is bigger and better than ever! They score 3 former elite gymnasts just in their upcoming freshman class. Meet the Wolverines and see some of their accomplishments below.

Natalie Beilstien-Senior

Two-time All American, 2010 NCAA Regional floor champion

Brittnee Martinez-Senior

Big 10 Freshman of the week. (March 2010)

Katie Zurales-Senior

Three-time All American, 2012 NCAA Individual All Around Qualifier

Teresa Arthur-Junior

Did not compete first two seasons because of injury. 4th all around at 2010 Level 10 States.

Stephanie Colbert-Junior

4th all around at 2012 Big 10 Championships

Shelby Gies-Junior

2nd place on bars at 2012 NCAA Regionals

Joanna Sampson-Junior

Two-time NCAA Regional vault champion, 2012 NCAA Championships individual vault qualifier

Reema Zakharia-Junior

2nd place on floor at 2011 NCAA Regionals

Annette Miele-Sophomore

Elite gymnast from 2008-2010, Junior National team member from 2008-2009 

Sachi Sugiyama-Sophomore

2012 Big 10 vault champion, 2nd place on bars at 2012 Big 10 Championships

Lindsay Williams-Freshman

2nd all around at 2012 WOGA Classic, 2nd all around at 2012 National Invitational Tournament

Briley Casanova-Freshman

Elite gymnast from 2008-2010, Junior National team from 2008-2009

Morgan Smith-Freshman

Elite gymnast from 2008-2010, National team from 2008-2010

Austin Sheppard-Freshman

Represented Hungary at 2011 World & European Championships, 11th on vault at Worlds

Michigan is ranked 10th according to the pre season poll. They start the season off with an exhibition against Michigan state this Friday. Their first home meet of the season will be against Nebraska who is currently ranked 7th in the pre season poll. I'd love to see this team make the super 6 at the NCAA Championships this year! Their full meet schedule is below:

Bold indicates a home meet.

December 7th- Michigan State (Exhibition- free admission for all fans!)
January 4th- BYU and Oregon State (Cancun Invitational)
January 12th-Nebraska
January 19th-Illinois
January 26th-Minnesota and Iowa State
February 2nd-Iowa
February 8th-Ohio State
February 18th- Penn State
February 24th- West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Towson
March 2nd-Michigan State
March 10th- UCLA, Iowa State, and California
March 16th-Iowa State
March 23rd-Big 10 Championships
April 6th-NCAA Regional's
April 19th-21st NCAA Championships

(Briley Casanova will join the team on January 4th for the Cancun Invitational)

All Michigan fans can buy their tickets here. Individual tickets will go one sale December 11th.

To tie you over, check out some videos from the pre season intrasquad. Click here to view them!


         


Some of our favorite Wolverines: Reema Zakharia, Natalie Beilstien, Austin Shepphard, Stephanie Colbert, & Briley Casanova

We will be going to a few of the home meets to do live tweets and cover the meet! We are also planning to do a "vlog"/ tour of the Crisler Arena!

Good luck Michigan, this is going to be a great season! Go Blue!


Written by: Ashlee

8 Questions with 2012 Olympian Jennifer Pinches

18 year old Jennifer Pinches is one of MANY talented gymnasts to come out of City of Liverpool Gymnastics in Liverpool, Great Britain. Pinches started gymnastics at the age of 6 after "seeing some clips on the telly of a gymnast swinging around, it looked like fun!" She began representing Great Britain in international competitions in 2009 and hasn't slowed down since! While training alongside some of the world's best, Pinches has made quite a name for herself competing in several National, World, and European meets...not to mention the Olympic Games. Jennifer is best known for her bubbly personality, beautiful artistry, and doing the "nerdfighter gang sign" after the Team Finals in London! (Pictures will be below!) We caught up with Jennifer to talk about her Olympic experience, most memorable moments, and life after London!

Photo Credit: Unkown

Triple Twist: What was is like competing in front of a home crowd at the Olympic Games? Did you feel any pressure?

Jennifer: It was amazing! The whole atmosphere was electric, but also terrifying. My first apparatus in the team final (competing in front of the biggest crowd!) was beam and I was SO nervous! Everyone was watching me and I was shaking. I lost all my confidence and slipped off on an easy skill. It shocked me and it was also embarrassing, but not unlike me... I admit, I often fall in competition on beam when I am nervous. Although I don't find beam difficult (I am the British National beam champion, after all!) I prefer to compete fast moving high energy pieces such as floor and vault. Fortunately I could use the frustration to spur me on for floor and vault and on those two apparatus I got personal best scores! After that, I could really enjoy the competition.


Triple Twist: What were your goals going into the games? Do you feel like you accomplished everything you set out to do?

Jennifer: I set out to do 3 things. Help the team qualify for the Team Final, therefore beating any previous team result Great Britain has achieved (in Beijing they just missed out on team final), encourage everyone else to do their best and perform some routines that I, my coaches, and my country would be proud of, and help support Beth get the Olympic medal she always dreamed of.
All three goals were successful!


Triple Twist: Do you have a favorite memory/moment from the games?

Jennifer: Finishing my floor routine in the Team Final, proving there was a reason why I deserved to be in the Olympic Games, and coming back from my beam disaster will be the things I remember the most. Finishing my floor routine is a moment that I will always cherish. It's supposed to be a serious and dramatic pose at the end but I couldn't help but beam with happiness at the judges. They even smiled back at me! It was FANTASTIC.

Triple Twist: What was the Olympic village like? Did you get to meet anyone cool?

Jennifer: YES we met so many cool people! The Olympic Village was like a virtual world someone had created, it was surreal. Everything worked efficiently and perfectly. We stayed in the Team GB block, overlooking the Olympic Park, stadium, the Orbit and much of London which was a stunning view. Outside the accommodation, (which was simple yet fairly stylish and homely by the way) the most talented athletes ever were just everywhere you looked; amongst the always-cheerful volunteers and always-helpful soldiers keeping the place feeling secure and organised. Everywhere was friendly, everywhere was clean. It was a welcoming and relaxing place. And then there was the food court with drinks and foods and available from all over the world, in unlimited quantity and at any hour. It was a village impossible to be realistic beyond the powerful few weeks of the Games. But it was great while it lasted!


Triple Twist: Did you do anything fun to celebrate after the Olympics?

Jennifer: Yeah we got invited to loads of cool places, clubs and other fun stuff! Then we went on holiday and then went to Ecuador!!!!


Triple Twist: Did you get to watch any of the other gymnasts compete? Was there a performance that stood out to you?

Jennifer: I . LOVE. ALIYA. MUSTAFINA. She is beautiful to watch. Also Viktoria Komova's floor routine is stunning. I'm a fan of the Russian gymnast's artistry. Also, Makayla Maroney's vault = amazing!!


Triple Twist: Is you could describe your teammates in 1 word, what would it be?

Jennifer: Beth- inspirational, Hannah- sassy, Becca- twiggy, Imogen- crazy

Triple Twist: What's next for you?

Jennifer: I have retired from elite gymnastics now. The only chance I'll be in Rio is if I'm commentating. As for my future, follow me on twitter! All the answers will be on there because at this moment I really don't know! We shall just have to wait and see what the future holds but when I  find out myself it will go on twitter!


Check out this BEAUTIFUL floor routine from Jennifer!

Jenn doing the "Nerdfighter gang sign"

Follow Jennifer on Twitter

Best wishes to you Jennifer, thank you for your time and beautiful gymnastics!

Interview done by: Brittany

What goes into making a floor routine?

The floor exercise is an event where a gymnast gets to display her power, artistry, and ability to perform for a crowd, all in just 90 seconds! It's exhilarating for fans to watch and certainty a pleasure for the gymnast to perform! So what exactly goes into making a world class floor routine? We caught up with 5 former/current elite gymnasts to figure out how they go about learning a new floor routine and how long is takes them to pick up on the choreography!

Elizabeth Price

"My favorite floor routine so far is the one I have now because I like the poses and the choreography. It was picked out for me and choreographed by national team dance instructor, Antonia! It took me about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to learn my current routine, but it could be longer depending on how hard the choreography is and how easily I grasp it."

Kamerin Moore

:)

                          

"I love every floor routine I've ever had because they were all perfect for my age at the time I had them. I'd have to say my favorite one was the first one I had to the song "splish splash" because it was so upbeat and the song was hilarious. Plus it was my first floor routine so I was so excited to have it! It takes about 4 hours for me to learn a floor routine and although I do get to pick out my own music, it has to be approved by my coaches. The choreography is all done by Dominic and I've never tried to give my opinion on it because everything he choreographs is amazing without any help from myself."

Samantha Peszek

         

"I don't necessarily have a favorite floor routine, but I like the fact that my floor routines have changed throughout the years. It keeps things interesting for me and for everyone watching. It is also fun to experiment with a new style. I started off in level 7 with the Wizard of Oz and moved to the "big band" type of stuff in levels 8-10. Then I went to a little bit more serious music for elite. My last few years competing elite was a type of tango and I really liked it! Now, in college I had Guns n' Roses last year and Shakira this year, so my favorite floor routine is not one routine, but the fact that I could play around with so many different ones! It doesn't take too long to learn a floor routine, it can be as fast as a few hours, but I do think it takes a lot longer to polish and put some emotion to it. It also takes a lot of work to keep the dance aspect of the routine while adding tumbling. I always had a say in my music/choreography. I think something all my routines had in common was they were fun, and I tried to send that message when I was performing them."

Briley Casanova

             
"I would say my favorite floor routine is the one I just got over the summer. Every year I love my routines even more than the last year, so this year's routine is my favorite! The choreography is a little more "fun" which is a little bit of a departure from my normal style, but it has a little more "flair" than my earlier routines. Also, I definitely have a say in the music choice and choreography. My coach/choreographer (Cecile Landi) is a great person to work with when we create routines. She trusts me, and I trust her. We make a great team in the creative process of developing floor routines. We really listen to each other and speak up if an idea for a pose or dance movie comes to one of us. Usually we can get a routine done in one private lesson in about 2 hours. That's pretty fast in my opinion!"

Peng Peng Lee

                         
"My favorite one was the one I competed at national championships in 2008. I absolutely loved that routine because it was fun and the dance was awesome. I could smile and enjoy myself while I performed. When learning new a routine, I think it depends how hard the choreography is. It normally will take me a weekend to fully learn a routine but to master and be comfortable with the movements takes me about a month. I have a little bit of a say in my floor music but normally it is chosen for me. "


Read our other question posts with elite gymnasts:

What's the hardest skill in gymnastics?

How do you balance elite gymnastics and school?

What's the difference between elite and college gymnastics?

What are you thinking during your routine?

What's in your gym bag?

All you need to know about the Nastia Cup.

Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions regarding the Nastia Cup. So I decided to enlighten you all on this top notch level 10 competition!

What is it?

The Nastia Cup is what I like to call the Olympics for level 10 gymnasts. It's a chance for them to compete against some of the top level 10's in the country, on a stage that's much bigger than they're use to. Having the opportunity to compete on a podium. in front of a TV camera, and in front of the national team staff is huge for a  level 10!

History of the event.

The Nastia Cup started in 2010 and was called the Supergirl Cup in it's inaugural year. In 2011, the name of the competition changed to simply the Nastia Cup. The meet uses the "perfect 10" scoring system, which is used in level 10 competition. The Nastia Cup is held the day before the American Cup and it's in the same arena. The meet has been shown on the Universal Sports Network for the past 3 years.

Who competes there?

The Nastia Cup is considered "open" which means level 10 and elite gymnasts who are not on the national team can compete there. To qualify to the Nastia Cup you must compete in a invitational that is apart of the "Nastia Liukin Cup Series" and place 1st all around. The winner of the junior and senior category of every invitational qualify's to the Nastia Cup. Many gymnasts who once competed in the Nastia Cup have gone on to become great things. The winner of the first ever Nastia Cup was Lexie Priessman, who is the current junior national champion. Gabby Douglas placed 4th all around that same year and went on to win the all around gold at the 2012 Olympics. This competition is a great place to find young talent.

2013 Nastia Liukin Cup Series.


Circle of Stars Gymnastics Invitational, Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 11-13
The Atlanta Crown Invitational, Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 11-13
Pikes Peak Cup, Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 18-20
CGA Coaches Spectacular, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 18-20
Kim Zmeskal's Texas Prime Meet, Irving, Texas, Jan. 18-20
Lady Luck Invitational, Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 18-20
Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitational, Kissimmee, Fla., Jan. 25-27
Wisconsin Dells Gymnastics Vacation Classic, Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Jan. 25-27
Parkettes Invitational, Allentown, Pa., Jan. 25-27
San Diego Classic, San Diego, Calif., Jan. 25-27
Fiesta Bowl Invitational, Chandler, Ariz., Feb. 8-10
Charity Choice Invitational, Tacoma, Wash., Feb. 8-10
IGI Chicago Style, Chicago, Ill., Feb. 8-10
Gliders Invitational, Ontario, Calif., Feb. 8-9
The Magical Classic, Orlando, Fla., Feb. 15-16
Buckeye Classic, Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 15-17
Presidential Classic, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Feb. 15-17
WOGA Classic, Frisco, Texas, Feb. 15-17
Arizona Sunrays Classic Rock Invitational, Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 15-17

You can watch the full version of last year's cup below.  

         

Written by: Ashlee

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

Follow John on Twitter
Check out his website for tips and instructional coaching DVD's.

Interview done by: Ashlee

Catalina Ponor- Final Dismount

At an age that is considered ancient in the sport of gymnastics, 25 year old Catalina Ponor of Romania announced her retirement from the sport that has been her life at the elite level the past 8 years. Fans from across the globe watched as the Romanian queen took her final bow during the floor event finals at the 2012 London Olympics.

Just 8 years earlier, Ponor was a 3 time Olympic gold medalist in the 2004 Athens games (team, balance beam, and floor) and became the first gymnast since Daniela Silivaş in 1988 to win 3 gold medals in a Olympic Games. After her success in Athens, Catalina seemed content with her medal count. "I'm very happy for my medals. Today it was a dream that came true. I would like to thank my coaches for the courage they gave me during the competition, and for the preparation. The atmosphere was wonderful, simply unique. Adding these two titles to the team's gold is an amazing feeling. I was not afraid that I was going to lose the gold medal on Floor. When I won the gold medal on Balance Beam, I was very emotional. I had wished to win that medal forever. I became even more emotional when I won the gold medal on Floor Exercise, because it became a second gold medal, and a gold medal is very hard to get." Catalina competed briefly in 2005-2007, retiring after the 2007 World Championships due to ongoing injuries.

                           

In March, Ponor began training again with the Romanian national team under the newly returned coaches Octavian Belu and Mariana Bitang. At the beginning of August, Ponor had a minor medical procedure to correct a congenital heart defect that was causing an arrhythmia. Luckily, she was able to resume training that very week. "I had a congenital problem I was born with, but I went to the doctor and all is well. This will not stop me in making a successful comeback" At the end of August, Ponor competed at the Romanian National Championships in Onesti, Romania where she placed second on balance beam and third on floor^. In October, Ponor competed at the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. She helped the Romanian team place fourth and individually she placed seventh in the balance beam final. But Catalina wanted more.  "I want to do the same thing that I did in 2004. It was hard to make a comeback, but all the time I was thinking that I could do it. I will not relax till I reach my goal." That goal, would include multiple medals at the 2012 London Olympics, and maybe even a few gold.

I watched Catalina compete in 2004 and was captivated by how powerful her gymnastics was. It's incredible to know that 8 years later, she can still hang with some of the very best  in the world. Even though Catalina only left London with a team bronze and silver on floor (with one of the best routines I've seen, might I add!) she wants to make it clear that she leaves this sport with no regrets. "I will say it again, I want everyone to know, I will quit without regrets. I have worked every second for my team, I have worked every second for myself, I have worked every second for everybody. I have already been an Olympic champion. I will quit gymnastics with my chin up." Catalina will always be remembered for her elegant beam work, powerful tumbling, and inspiring determination. Not many people could make a successful comeback to a sport like gymnastics after 4 years of not stepping foot in the gym. Not to mention she only had 7 months to produce world class routines on every event. For Catalina Ponor, impossible is clearly just a word.

         

While it was hard to see one of Romania's legends say farewell to the sport, Catalina is certain gymnastics will always be apart of her "For now, I want to have a vacation so I can relax my mind. Afterwards, I want to try to do something like coaching." Catalina is currently training for the Mexico Gala in November, although she has not committed to continue competing in gymnastics. 

Your gymnastics will certainty be missed Catalina!

More articles on Catalina's retirement:

http://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-gymnast-catalina-ponor-retires-after-london-games-with-five-career-olympic-medals/62830/

http://www.gymnastike.org/coverage/248218-2012-London-Olympics/article/13971-Catalina-Ponor-Says-Farewell-One-Final-Time

http://www.examiner.com/article/ponor-announces-her-retirement



Written by: Brittany