10 Gymnasts Who Ought to Be at the Nastia Liukin Cup

USA Gymnastics

1. Mary Jane Horth, Gymnastics World

A qualifier to the Nastia Liukin Cup in 2010 and 2011, Mary Jane has absolutely shone this year.  She has won both competitions that she has competed this year and posted above a 38 on both. She has not scored below a 9.3 on any event and currently is tied for the 3^rd highest all around score of any level 10 in 2013, with a 38.725. She is definitely one to watch for at JO Nationals, where she placed 7^th in the all around and 1^st on bars last year, and in the NCAA where she will compete for University of Illinois in the 2013-2014 school year.

Gym Divas

2. Rachel Haines, Geddert’s

Rachel has had a standout season so far. She has won all four meets that she has competed in this season, while posting a massive 38.675 at the Battle of Champions, the 2^nd highest score of the entire competition. At the Twistars Invitational, she took home gold medals on vault, bars, floor and the all around. Rachel unfortunately did not compete at any Nastia Liukin Cup qualification events, keeping her out of this competition.  She will definitely be one to watch out for when she joins University of Minnesota for the 2013-2014 school year.

GymStyle.com

3. Mason Hosek, Champions

Mason has been a standout ever since she became level 10 in 2010, especially on vault. This season, she has a high of 38.65 which ties her for 7^th highest all around score this season. Unfortunately, she only competed at one competition where she could have qualified to the Nastia Liukin Cup, where she came in 3^rd despite scoring a 38.225. She came in 7^th all around last year at the JO national championship Junior B division. Graduating in 2015, Mason has not yet committed to a university, but she will be one to watch for in the next couple of JO championships.

mlive.com

4. Bailey Gardner, Geddert’s

Since moving to Geddert’s in 2011, Bailey has been a force to reckon with in level 10. She currently has the 6^th highest score on vault this season with a 9.925 and the highest beam score, with 9.875. Like her teammate, Rachel Haines, she has not competed in any Nastia Liukin cup qualifiers, prohibiting her from competing in the cup.  She will be one to watch out for at the JO national championships, where she came in 2^nd on floor, 4^th on bars, and 12^th in the all around in 2012. She will also compete for University of Minnesota, starting in the fall of 2014. 

USA Gymnastics

5. Nicole Lehrmann, Capital

Former elite, Nicole Lehrmann, recently dropped back to level 10, and has won 1^st in every competition. She competed in two Nastia Liukin cup qualifiers, Pikes Peak Cup and WOGA Classic, but barely missed qualifying in both, notably at the WOGA Classic, where she was 0.025 behind qualifier Amanda Wellick.  She was a very successful elite in 2011 and 2012, finishing 2^nd on bars at the 2011 American Classic, and 5^th in the all around at the 2012 American Classic.  She was invited to National Team training camps in 2012, but decided to drop down to level 10. Despite being a 2015 graduate, she has already committed to the University of Oklahoma.

6. Grace Williams, Geddert’s

USA Gymnastics

Perhaps the most surprising person not to qualify, Grace once again has been dominating the level 10 competition. Aside from her brief run as an elite, Grace has won nearly every competition that she has competed in since she first became a level 10 in 2009, most notably winning the 2010 Nastia Liukin Cup and the 2010 and 2012 JO National Championships. Coming in 3^rd last year at the Nastia Liukin Cup, this years Cup would have been a perfect place for Grace to regain her title, but she simply did not compete at any qualifying meets. She will be one to watch for when she tries to defend her title at the 2013 JO National Championships and when she competes for the University of Nebraska in the 2014-2015 school year. 

Gymnastike

7. Haylee Roe, Metroplex

Since turning level 10 in 2011, Haylee has always been a very strong competitor. Winning this years Metroplex Challenge, and coming in 2^nd in last years Region 3 Championships, Haylee has been incredibly consistent on all events, often finishing 1^st or 2^nd on every event.  In her first year as a level 10, she placed 4^th at nationals earning her a spot on the JO National Team, and she will be one to watch for this honor again this year.  Graduating in 2015, she has yet to commit to a university, but most likely be a great competitor at any school.

Braie Speed

8. Braie Speed, Aerial Athletics

This former elite has come back with a vengeance in 2013. Despite only competing all around in two meets in 2013, she has scored over 38 in the all around on both. She is very strong on all events, as demonstrated in the 2013 Alamo Classic where she did not score below a 9.6 on any event and finished in the top three in everything. She has not competed in the JO Nationals since 2011, where she placed 9^th in the all around and 3^rd on bars. Se will be one to watch out for at this year’s JO nationals as well as at the University of Arkansas where she will compete in the 2014-2015 season.

Gymstyle.com

9. Cassidy Keelen, Texas Dreams

Training on the Texas Dream “Dream Team” of elites, Cassidy brings elite caliber routines to level 10. After finishing 5^th at last year’s JO Nationals in her first year as a level 10, earning her an invitation to the ranch for JO National Team Camp, she has demonstrated strong routines on all events, missing her chance to go to the Nastia Liukin Cup by a mere 0.225 at the Texas Prime Meet. She is only 15 years old and in the 9^th grade, and will be one to watch out for in upcoming JO Nationals.

10. Jordan Stavrou, University of Gymnastics

Heather Maynez

This young star has made a comeback this year after missing the 2012 season due to injury. Competing as an elite in 2011 at only 12 years old, she placed 5^th on bars at the American Classic. She has been attending Developmental Training Camps at the ranch since 2009, where she was named to the National Team Training Squad as a level 8. She has passed elite compulsories, but will continue to compete as a level 10 for the rest of the level 10 season before she attempts to once again compete at the US National Championships. The time off does not show on this young star, as she currently has the 4^th highest uneven bar score in the country with a 9.8 and has placed in the top five in every meet this season. 

Written by: The Split Leap

Team Canada- Meet Maddie Gardiner

Recently, Triple Twist had the opportunity to interview 2012 Olympic Alternate, and 2011 Worlds Team Member Maddie Gardiner of Canada. Gardiner, who turned senior in 2011, has made quite the impact on the Canadian Gymnastics scene. Gardiner shared with us some of her favourite things about gymnastics, and plans for the future.

 

Photo Credit: The Couch Gymnast

Triple Twist: How did you get involved in gymnastics?

Maddie: "When I was really little (3) my older brother did gymnastics, and I was a very energetic and bouncy kid, so my parents decided to register me as well. After he quit I just kept going, and it has just been a big part of my life since then!"

Triple Twist: What is your proudest moment from gymnastics?

Maddie: "My proudest gymnastics moment would be when I was at the London Test Event with team Canada when we found out that we had qualified a team for the Olympics, as well as standing on the podium in second with that same team. Knowing that we had helped to qualify the team and would get a chance to be on it was an amazing feeling."

Triple Twist: What are your favorite and least favorite events? 

Maddie: "My favourite and least favourite events change based on training and competition (as well as how my training is going that day!). Generally my favourite event is beam. I love to train beam and work new skills, but my favourite event to compete is bars. I get very nervous for beam, as well as the feeling of flying that bars gives you when you compete is one of my favourites. Training bars though is not my strongest part. Other than beam the other 3 are equal in my preferences for different reasons. "

Triple Twist: In 2010, you competed at the Youth Olympic Games. What was that experience like?

Maddie: "The Youth Olympic Games was a great experience. I met a lot of the girls I would be competing with for the next couple years, as well as gained some very valuable experience. The competition got me a bit, but I learned a lot about myself. My family came to watch and support me, which was very special since it was across the globe. I think that the competition was such a great experience because it was basically a smaller scale Olympic Games that included all the pressures, the Village, the numerous countries participating and the country as a team aspect."

Triple Twist: What was it like being an alternate in London and how was the Olympic experience for you?

Maddie: "Being an alternate for the London Olympics was a bit of a bitter-sweet experience because I would have loved to be able to compete and represent Canada, but the girls did so well, and I am so proud of them. I really enjoyed my trip, and had the pleasure of being able to watch almost every day of gymnastics live (except vault finals). I had a great time being able to tour London, and spend a bit of vacation time with my family! The experience overall was a very good one. I got to spend a lot of time with Jessica Savona and Christine Lee as well and that in itself was great fun!"

Triple Twist: How do you think Canada's 5th place team finish will change gymnastics in Canada?

Maddie: "I'm not sure how much it will change Canadian gymnastics, but it is definitely a motivator for all the younger gymnasts who might be going for Rio 2016. I think that people will be looking for more out of Canada now since we have been working very hard to move up in the gymnastics world, which will put a bit more pressure on Canadian gymnastics but I think that we can handle it and step up enough to embrace it."

Triple Twist: You recently broke both your wrists, how is recovering from that going?

Maddie: "My wrists have been doing really well, I've been doing physio weekly and they are constantly improving. The comeback is a little bit slow even though its been 3 months since I got my casts off, time goes by much faster than you think and muscles build slowly. I've been working hard though!"

Triple Twist: You're graduating this year, do you have any plans on competing in the NCAA?

Maddie: "I am hoping to compete in NCAA next year, and I do have a couple plans but I want to make sure that they all work out before I say anything!"

Triple Twist: Will you represent Canada in any upcoming international competitions?

Maddie: "I will be representing Canada at Gymnix in March, but probably not to full potential. I will be doing 2-3 events. Other than Gymnix I believe I have 2 other competitions in the future, one being National Championships, and the other being a provincial competition."

Triple Twist: Looking forward, do you have any goals for gymnastics? Do you think you’ll train for 2016?

Maddie: "My goals for gymnastics are to enjoy what I am doing. I would really love to compete NCAA and do that for a couple years. I'm taking Rio in time, it's not my definite goal right now but maybe when it gets closer I might change my mind. I want to keep my options open though!"

Watch Maddie on beam below.



Follow Maddie on Twitter.


Interview done by: Patrice Vandenbos

Things I would like to see change in the sport of gymnastics

The Two Per Country Rule

During the course of the Olympics, I shared my thoughts on this topic in a blog post entitled "What I think of the 2 per country rule". I wrote this blog post the night after the preliminary round, very angry and frustrated after my favorite gymnast failed to qualify to the All Around finals. Looking back on that post, I still agree with a lot of the things I said. The USA, along with Russia, Romanian, and China are praised for producing some of the greatest all around gymnasts we have ever seen. These 4 country's have dominated our sport since the beginning of time and it says a LOT about their incredibly strong system that they are still able to produce top all around gymnasts decades later. I think any country that is able to do that, should be rewarded...not punished. The World Championships/Olympic Games are for all athletes to come out and show the world what they can do. However, an all around final in these events are for the best of the best. If the FIG wants to allow the top 24 athletes to advance, then they need to let the TRUE top 24 go through. When you take out the "3rd best gymnast" from each country, you are knocking out a gymnast who has the potential to medal and giving it to someone who has absolutely no shot. I feel like this rule doesn't really benefit anybody, it just hurts some of the greatest gymnasts in the world. Hopefully the FIG will re-consider the 2 per country rule for the next Olympics because I assume we will be seeing more talented gymnasts sitting on the sidelines if the rule isn't changed.

Photo credit: Gregory Bull

The Age Limit

A controversial topic in the sport of gymnastics; the age limit is another thing I would like to see change. We all know off hand a bunch of incredibly talented young juniors who miss the age cut off for the London Olympics by only a few months. It's so heartbreaking because rarely in the sport of gymnastics are we able to see a gymnast stay healthy and in top shape for TWO Olympic cycles. Look at Rebecca Bross or Samantha Shapiro. Both junior standouts in 2008, and not even close to an Olympic spot in 2012. Many gymnasts reach their peak around the age of 14-15 due to the fact that they are physically smaller and haven't endured years of treacherous training and pounding on their bodies. I think that by lowering the age limit to 14 or 15, we would see a larger depth in teams all over the world with athletes who are healthy and at their prime. I'd hate to see such talents as Lexie Priessman or Katelyn Ohashi, burn out before they reach the Olympics.

Photo Credit: Nastia Liukin

No More Tie Breakers

One of the biggest heartbreaks we witnessed at last summer's Olympic Games, was all the athletes who came so close to winning an Olympic medal, only to have it taken away due to a stupid tie breaking procedure. Vanessa Ferrari, Aly Raisman, Catalina Ponor, Nastia Liukin...all victims of the time breaking system. Why can't we give away 2 medals? These gymnasts have worked their entire life's for this moment, and they earned the scores they got. It's not fair to take away a gold medal (or any medal for that matter!) from a gymnast who rightfully earned it. The FIG states that "if no winner has emerged following the dropping of apparatus scores, the execution score total for each gymnast serve as the tie-breaker, followed by his or her total start value. If that doesn't establish a winner, the tie will stand." I know this rule confuses a lot of fans, and I hope it's something the FIG will consider changing.

Photo Credit: Unknown

Allow 7 Member Olympic Teams

Back in the good old days when Olympic teams allowed 7 members! I feel like this sort of team setup brings more variety and depth to the field, and only has positive outcomes. It allows more room for injury, more event specialists, and more talented athletes getting the chance to represent their country. I mean let's be honest, 5 member teams are brutal for countries like the US and Russia!

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated 

No More Mandatory Stuck Landings

This rule came into effect in 2009 and I've hated it ever since. I think allowing the gymnast to take a small step back appears more elegant, and does less harm on the body. I remember watching the Chinese on floor at the 2009 World Championships and thinking about how silly they looked. Small, petite, young girls; trying so hard to stick the landing quite like the men do. Obviously as time went on, I got used to it. Maybe even a little too used to it. Every now and then when I'm watching college gymnastics, my mind naturally thinks to take a deduction when the gymnast steps back. Also the need to "stick the landing" has brought out the dreaded leaps and jumps that we see nearly every gymnast preforming. Apart from the Russians, these leaps look horrible (I'm looking at you Lauren Mitchell!) and they take away what little bit of artistry is left in this sport.

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated 

No Standing In The Corners

The newest rule in artistic gymnastics came with the 2013-2016 Code of Points. This rule states that you may not stand in the corner of the floor exercise mat on two feet for longer than a second. Yes, you read that right! Basically, this means that a gymnast has to stand near the corner of the floor to catch her breath before moving into her tumbling pass, but not directly in the corner. Also, don't think about standing in the corner and waving your arms around. The judges aren't stupid and they will deduct if your entire body is not in motion. You can dance in the corner...but not stand in the corner and catch your breath. Sounds safe...

Photo Credit: Unknown

What sort of changes would YOU like to see in the next few years? Leave a comment below!

Predicting the Super 6

With the NCAA gymnastics season about half way through, it's time to start thinking about who will make the Super Six this year. Last month, we asked some bloggers in the gymternet to share who they think will make the cut!

Photo Credit: Gator Zone

Ashlee and Brittany (Triple Twist)
"If UCLA and Florida hit, they will be in the Super Six without a doubt. Their teams are so strong and have such a large list of former elites, national team members and world competitors. The amount of depth of those teams have is incredible! Michigan has been super impressive this season and if they continue doing what they have been, they will easily qualify. Alabama is the reigning national champs and looking strong so far, I can't imagine the Super Six without them. I think the last two spots are up for grabs by anybody, I would love to see LSU make it in....but I think Utah and Oklahoma have what it takes."


Blythe Lawerence (Gymnastics Examiner)
"It's hard to tell who will make the Super Six this early in the season, but the six teams that have most impressed me so far are Florida, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan and UCLA. The mix is different than it was last year -- some of the perennial Super Six favorites, like Utah, Georgia and Oregon State are off to a sluggish start. But the beauty of NCAA gymnastics is its unpredictability."


Lauren Hopkins (US editor for the Couch Gymnast)
"I think it's too early to tell because there are often surprises (ie Stanford last year) but probably Bama, Florida and UCLA for sure just based on their end of the year scoring potential. I'm gonna go with Oklahoma, Michigan-if they continue their current streak, and I'm gonna say Utah for number six, but I think of the last three I mentioned, one might surprisingly not make it and a team who has a shockingly good day in prelims will get in. Just because that always seems to happen and totally throws me off!"


Rick McCharles (Gymnastics Coaching)

"Florida and Alabama for sure because of  their depth, and results last year. Michigan, because they are on a roll. UCLA because they are at home. Oklahoma because they are the best coached, and LSU- they have Jay from Georgia joining the coaching staff, Savona as a great new recruit. They have momentum and a superb FX line-up."



Allie (Double Double Gym Blog)
"Florida because they have the strongest team on paper, with consistency to match. Alabama because they want the 3 peat and have the determination to go after it. UCLA because they have consistency and difficulty. Michigan because they are rocking early in the season and aren't done upgrading yet. Utah because they have a lot of potential this year and as a team, they are strong and have strong dynamics. Stanford because they also have a lot of potential and generally are very good at pacing."

Patrice (Contributor for Triple Twist)
"UCLA, because they consistently finish over 196 at both home and away meets. Florida, because they have an amazing incoming Freshman class and many former elites and National Team members. Alabama, because they are the reigning national champions. LSU because their scores have been going up consistently over the past year, and they have been getting a lot of recognition recently. Stanford because they have Kristina Vaculik who just returned from the Olympics and will likely take on a leadership role this season.
Georgia because the new team looks as though they're fighting to make it this year, and have been doing new/innovative skills (ex: Brittany Rogers on beam) and lastly, Oklahoma because when they hit, they are capable of bringing in huge scores."

Amanda (Contributor for Triple Twist)
"The Wolverines have started their season with a bang. They began as the tenth seed and worked their way up to the first and second rank. They are nationally ranked in the top ten for all four events. Two of their all-arounders, Joanna Sampson and Katie Zurales, are also in the top ten in the national all-around ranks. It is both probable and possible for the Wolverines to make it to the Super Six. The Gators are the reigning SEC Champions have suffered a lost to LSU, but have competed well every week regardless of the outcome. This year, five All-Americans returned and have added strong additions, particularly former elite, Olympian, and World Champion Bridget Sloan.This Gator team has proven to be deep and has not let a loss negatively affect them as it was a close meet. If the rest of the season mirrors (or is better than) the first few weeks, Florida should have no problem making it to the Super Six as they did last year. For the Sooners, veterans Brie Olson and Taylor Spears have been carrying the team with steady all-around performances as senior Kayla Nowak experienced a severe back injury. Oklahoma has already won eight out of nine Big 12 weekly awards this season, showing their dominance not only from veterans, but from others such as Haley Scaman and Keeley Kmieciak. K.J. Kindler has led the Sooners to six consecutive NCAA Championships appearances, and with the already-excellent performances the Sooners have had both on the road and at home this season, another Super Six appearance is not doubtful. The Bruins may have lost Samantha Peszek to an Achilles injury, but they have not lost their spark. Senior all-arounder Vanessa Zamarippa has been spectacular on all four apparatuses this season. UCLA has managed to compete well throughout the season in recent years, and with many returning from last season’s third place team, it should not be difficult for the Bruins to be a Super Six team once again. The two-time reigning national champs are currently ranked fifth nationally. The Tide have competed both away and home, showing they can win anywhere. They have remained relative stable on all four events and posted a 49.450, the highest team score (this season), on vault against LSU. The 2012 and 2011 champs came into the season as the first rank and could end that way. The Tigers may have been ranked eighth in the preseason poll, but they had a close victory against SEC rival Florida. The Tigers can continue the remainder of the season knowing they beat the third-ranked Florida, which can give them a spark after suffering a loss to Alabama. They are capable of posting good scores on all four events as shown in the meet against Florida and have three nationally ranked gymnasts to help them continue that. With continual performances like that, the Tigers can be Super Six competitors once again."

Who do you think will make the Super Six this year? Vote in our poll to the right --->

2013 WOGA Classic

February 16th will be a big day in the Dr. Pepper Arena with the 2013 WOGA Classic taking place all day long. The day will start out with two optional elite qualifiers, one at 8:30am and the other at 12:30pm. The international elite session will begin at 6:30pm.


Below is a list of competitors who are slated to compete in the qualifier to make elite this year.

Madison Kocian- Photo Credit: Brian Jones

Athletes Trying to Qualify as Seniors
Nicole Rogalski -10.0 Academy
Samantha Cerio- KPAC
Sarah Shaffer- Texas East
Sabrina Schwab- WOGA
Madison Kocian- WOGA
Shannon Mcnatt- Stars Houston
Rachel Daum- Stars Houston
Kiana Winston- Texas Dreams
Abbie Rose Zoeller- Gymnastix
Taylor Krippner- Cypress
Erin Macadaeg- San Mateo
Makenna Merrel- All American Utah

Lauren Farley- Photo Credit: Brian Jones

Athletes Trying to Qualify as Juniors
Megan Freed-Parkettes
Christina Desiderio-Parkettes
Taylor Lawson- Parkettes
Molly Frack- Parkettes
Sydney Laird- First In Flight
Carly Teska- 10.0 Academy
Nicole Biondi- 10.0 Academy
Emily Muhlenhaupt- Colorodo Aeirals
Deanne Soza- Arete

Asia Dewalt- WOGA
Irina Alexeeva- WOGA
Cassidy McAlpine- WOGA
Brenna Brooks- WOGA

Tess McCracken- WOGA
Lauren Farley- WOGA
Alyssa Baumann- WOGA
Nadia Cho- WOGA
Samantha Ogden- WOGA
Drew Watson-Texas East
Kimberly Tessen- All American Utah
Adrienne Randall- SCEGA
Beth Luther- IGI
Micaela Dugan- IGI
Anastasia Webb- IGI
Torri Hutchinson- Pearland Elite
Karley Hutchinson- Pearland Elite
Katarina Derrick- Pearland Elite
Grace Quinn- Texas Dreams
Ariana Agrapides- MG Elite
Victoria Salem- San Mateo
Elinor Rogers- Paragon
Tamara Thomas- Paragon
Emily Glynn- Airborne Colorodo
Mia Sundstorm- Xtreme Altitude
Pixie Brock-CGA
Emily Gaskin-CGA
Aria Brusch- CGA
Abby Matthews- CGA
Milan Clausi- USA Gym World
Catherine Rogers- USA Gym World
Savannah Dunbar- Gold Cup
Madison Rau- Cypress
Addison Perlmutter- Adrenaline
Cassandra McCord-Adrenaline
Autumn Lull- Xtreme Altitude
Megan Thompson- Desert Lights
Addison Davis- Gymnastix
Isabeau Keene-Gymnastix
Alyona Schennikova- Tigar
Adriana Popp- Girls Co Op
Jaqueline Kranitz- Colorado Aerials
Aubrey Zazula- Desert Lights
Tori Williams- Desert Lights
Paige Sorensen- Desert Lights
Mackenzie Barile- Desert Lights
Jordan Chiles- Naydenov
Gabrielle Perea- Legacy Elite

There are lot's of kids that are trying to qualify to junior elite at this meet. Some names that stand out to me are Irina Alexeeva and Lauren Farley, both amazing beam workers and have bright futures. Jordan Chiles who isn't even eligible for the 2016 Olympics, plans on giving the elite path a go. Alyona Schennikova, the little sister of Polina plans to jump into the mix. I'm surprised not to see Polina competing in the international elite session. If you watched the CGA documentary, you've already been introduced to Mary Lee's "elite wannabes": Pixie, Aria, Emily, and Abby, they will try to make it to elite here. Texas Dreams might add one more elite to the pack with their lone elite qualifier, Grace Quinn.

Below is the complete field for the international elite session of the competition.

Nica Hults-Photo Credit: Unknown

Juniors
Laurie Hernandez- Monmouth (USA)
Nica Hults- Texas Dreams (USA)
Alyssa Baumann- WOGA (USA)
Irina Alexeeva- WOGA (USA)
Kristina Yaroshenko- (Russia)
Alexandra Yazydzhyan- (Russia)
Ivy Lu- Club Gymnix (Canada)
Brianna Clark- Club Gymnix (Canada)
Ellie Downie- (Great Britain)
Rhyannon Jones- (Great Britain)
Jelle Buellens (Belgium)

Katelyn Ohashi- Photo Credit: Heather Maynez

Seniors
Katelyn Ohashi- WOGA (USA)
Madison Kocian- WOGA (USA)
Sabrina Schwab- WOGA (USA)
Lacy Dagen- San Mateo (USA)
Peyton Ernst- Texas Dreams (USA)
Kennedy Baker- Texas Dreams (USA)
Ariana Guerra- Texas Dreams (USA)
Abigail Millet- Denton (USA)
Mariya Livchikova- (Ukraine)
Krystyna Sankova- (Ukraine)


Although the international field is small for the seniors, it will be an interesting meet with Katelyn Ohashi and of course Madison Kocian who will return to the elite scene for the first time in over a year. Fresh off an amazing 2012 season, Kennedy Baker could also be a contender. Ukraine's Mariya Livchikova who competed at the 2011 World Championships will also be in attendance. For the juniors there is a good blend of Americans, Russians, Canadians and the British! I personally can't wait to see Laurie Hernandez and Irina Alexeeva (who will have to qualify to elite earlier in the day)

The greatest "saves" in gymnastics

We all know that gymnasts can do some pretty incredible things. They make the hardest skills look like a walk in the park and even have some incredible ways of making a huge mistake look...not that bad! After 12 years of watching gymnastics, I've come to realize that there have been a LOT of instances were the gymnast should have ended up on the ground. But for some reason, the routine kept going and it ended up being not that bad after all. I mean let's face it, it's better if you keep up a good fight and try to save the routine, rather than letting the apparatus get the best of you! Here are some of my all time favorite "saves" in gymnastics.


Nice Cover Ups:







Fighting To Stay On:



Avoiding out of bounds!



What are some of your favorite "saves"? I feel like we are missing a bunch so let us know if you can think of anymore!

January News Roundup

Only one month of the new year has gone by, but there has already been an abundance of gym news, including the elite, NCAA, and Junior Olympic levels and non-competition headlines.

American Cup Selections
Kyla Ross, Danell Leyva, and Jake Dalton have been selected to represent the US in this year’s American Cup. Joining the women are Victoria Moors (Canada), Vanessa Ferrari (Italy), Elizabeth Seitz (Germany), Koko Tsurumi and Asuka Teramoto (Japan). Recent World Cup Champion Elizabeth Price and Romanian Olympian Larisa Iordache have withdrawn from the competition. Price has suffered a hip strain, while Iordache’s reason for withdrawal is unknown. The second American woman will be announced and decided after a February training camp. Iordache’s replacement will also be later announced. On the men’s side will be Marcel Nguyen (Germany), Kristian Thomas (Great Britain), Sergio Sasaki (Brazil), Oleg Verniev (Ukraine), Jorge Hugo Giraldo Lopez (Colombia), and Hiroshi Ishikawa (Japan). The American Cup is scheduled to occur on March 2 at 11 P.M. EST in Worcester, MA at the DCU Center. It will be televised on March 2 from 1-3 P.M. EST on NBC.

Photo Courtesy of chronicle.augusta.com

Priessman Floor Upgrades
Reigning junior national champion Lexie Priessman is planning numerous upgrades for her floor routine this year, her first year a senior. They include a double double, a laid-out full in, 1 ½ to full in, and a double tuck.  Click (here) to see Lexie's upgrades on bars and beam.

Ebee Upgrades2012 Glasgow and Stuttgart World Cup champion Elizabeth Price is also planning upgrades of her own for the new year. Price is training a second vault, a Mustafina. She will also be adding a double layout with a full twist to her floor routine.

Komova Injures Back
Recent speculation by Russian press reports that 2012 Olympian Viktoria Komova (Russia) has suffered a back injury. It began as back pain, but has gotten worse. Now a performance from Komova in upcoming competitions, such as the European Championships, is questionable. We wish her all the best in her recovery.

Photo Courtesy of  unknown

 Sacramone Announces Retirement
On January 29, 2008 Olympian Alicia Sacramone officially announced her retirement. After the 2012 Olympic Trials, it was inferred that the veteran would take this action, but it has not been formally announced until recently. Although she will no longer compete in the sport, she would still like to be involved. Best wishes to Alicia in her retirement! For more information on Sacramone’s retirement and career, go to http://usagym.org/pages/features/130129_sacramone/.

Nastia Cup Qualifiers
The Nastia Liukin Cup qualifiers have finally began as Junior Olympic gymnasts compete for spots to one of the most popular non-elite competitions. The January 11-13 weekend kicked off the beginning of qualifiers as Emily Schild (Texas East Gymnastics), Kiera Brown (World Class Gymnastics), and Sydney Doggette (Buckeye Gymnastics) qualified. The January 18-20 weekend qualifiers include Emily Gaskins (Cincinnati Gymnastics), Reagan Campbell (Texas Dreams), Samantha Partyka (Champions Gymnastics), Ashleigh Gnat (ACE Gymnastics), reigning Nastia Cup Champion Charity Jones (Dynamo Gymnastics), Mariah Peterson (USA Gymnastics World), Mackenzie Brannan (Capital Gymnastics), and Drew Watson (Texas East Gymnastics). During the Janury 25-27 weekend, Alex McMurtry (Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics), Alicia Boren (North Stars Gymnastics), Lexy Ramler (KidSport Dynamos Gymnastics), Ashton Locklear (Everest Gymnastics), Miranda Cabada (Winners Gymnastics), Bridget Dean (Orlando Metro Gymnastics), and Rachel Daum (Stars Gymnastics) qualified. For more info on the Nastia Liukin Cup, go to http://usagym.org/pages/events/nlc/.

Teen Choice Live Tour Canceled
The Teen Choice Live Tour has officially been canceled. Fierce Five gold medalists Gabrielle Douglas, Aly Raisman, and Jordyn Wieber were scheduled to join 2008 Olympian Shawn Johnson and musical guest Megan and Liz and Noelle Bean for a multi-city tour. Due to scheduling conflicts and other conditions, the tour had to be canceled. Ticket refunds are available. For more info, go to http://www.teenchoicelive.com/, or contact the venue.

Haidu Leaves Romanian National Team
Romanian gymnast Raluca Haidu has left the Romanian national team. She has returned to Deva, and it is unlikely that she will return to maintain one of Europe’s best teams. Haidu was a part of the gold-medal-winning 2012 European Championships team.

Photo Courtesy of Thomas Schreyer

NCAA Week 3 Highlights
For the 36th time in NCAA history, the Michigan women's gymnastics team beat the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois, 197.350 to 195.100 on January 19. Michigan swept all events including the all-around. Just one day before Michigan’s victory, Florida Gator and former elite Mackenzie Caquatto earned her first perfect 10.0 in her NCAA career. Caquatto scored a 10.0 on one of her best events, the uneven bars. For more NCAA week 3 recaps and news, go to
http://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=11303&prog=h
 

^{NCAA Raises Breast Cancer Awareness}
Alabama, Florida, Arizona State, and Illinois hosted "pink meets" during the January 25-27 weekend to raise awareness for breast cancer. Alabama hosted the Kentucky Wildcats in their Power of Pink meet. Florida hosted Auburn in their Link to Pink meet. Arizona State hosted the UCLA Bruins. Kentucky, Florida, and Arizona State all had their meets on January 25. Illinois hosted the Michigan State Spartans in their pink meet on January 26. All home teams were victorious in their duals with the exception of Arizona State, who lost to UCLA.

NCAA Week 4 Highlights
The Oklahoma’s women’s gymnastics team will compete at the Metroplex Challenge Champions on January 26 by defeating LSU, Oregon, Georgia, and Washington. The Sooners posted 3 back-to-back 9.9s on bars to create their best bar routine of the season in their victory. The former number-one-ranked Michigan Wolverines competed in a quad meet on January 26, but did not finish in the top spot. The Wolverines came in second behind Minnesota.

Miller Pregnant with Second Child
After surviving ovarian cancer and having her first child, seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller announced her miraculous pregnancy. Miller received surgery to remove a germ cell tumor, her left tube and ovary, and then began chemotherapy. After this, Miller and husband John Falconetti realized their chances of having a second child, which they have wanted and planned, were slim. Now Miller is expecting her second child this summer and is cancer free. Congratulations, Shannon! For more info on her pregnancy and cancer, go to http://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=11283&prog=.

Photo Courtesy of unknown

Liukin to Walk in Fashion Show
2008 Olympic All-Around Champion Nastia Liukin is set to walk in The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. The show will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom on February 6. Nastia will be walking the runway to represent the presenting sponsor’s (Diet Coke) partnership with Subway. For more information on The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection, go to http://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=11316&prog=.

Written by: Amanda