Who's Next | USA Gymnastics

As we say goodbye to 2016, we say hello to a new Olympic quadrennium. As the continuous dominating force in women's gymnastics, USA Gymnastics will look towards a new crop of talent and a few returning faces to kick off the new quad on a strong note. While none of the 2016 Olympians have completely ruled out Tokyo 2020, it's always a good idea to have a promising new batch to work with. This quad will be Valeri Liukin's very first as the National Team coordinator and luckily he already has plenty of promising athletes to pick from. So who will be next for USA Gymnastics? Here's a list of 10 gymnasts you could be seeing a lot from on the trail to Tokyo.

Ragan Smith- Texas Dreams
Ragan was a fan favorite throughout the last quad and could very well be a favorite again this time around. As a first year senior in 2016, Ragan took home three silvers from the Jesolo Trophy meet (all-around, beam and floor). A few weeks later at the Pacific Rim, she helped Team USA win the gold medal and also won the balance beam title, just ahead of Aly Raisman. After a second place finish on beam at the Olympic Trials, Ragan found herself as an alternate to the 2016 Olympic Team. In early October, Ragan had a bone spur removed from her ankle but recovered in time to attend the final National Team camp of 2016. Leading up to next season Ragan will be working on "technically correcting" her vault and adding a new transition on bars while also connecting more of her existing skills. On beam she plans on adding a few jumps while gaining more consistency with her arabian double front dismount. On floor she'd like to add a tucked punch front out of her triple twist and change her tucked arabian double front to a piked position. (International Gymnast) With her difficulty and experience combined, Ragan could be the USA's strongest bet for a medal at the World Championships in 2017. And in 2020? She'll only be 20 years old, so hopefully she'll stick around!




Christina Desiderio- Parkettes
Christina was arguably one of the most underrated gymnasts of the last quad. While she doesn't have any international experience, she shows a lot of potential, primarily on beam and floor. In her first year as a senior in 2016, Christina placed 3rd on floor at the Secret Classic, tied for 6th on floor at P&G's and qualified to the Olympic Trials where she finished 6th on beam. Christina is a very clean and powerful gymnast who has a knack for sticking landings. (Seriously, check out that double layout!) She has been seen training an array of skills that we could potentially see next season such as a triple wolf turn on beam and a Biles (double layout half out) on floor. Christina is also training a beautiful combination on beam: switch leap-punch front-yang bo (jump where the body is in the same position as a ring leap.) With a lot of the big names sitting the year out, 2017 could be Christina's time to shine before heading off to LSU! (Although she hasn't ruled out 2020 either!)




Riley McCusker- MG Elite
It looks like Maggie Haney has another star in her hands. MG Elite's Riley McCusker stood out this year and in a big way. At the P&G Championships she looked like a veteran, taking home 4 silver medals (on bars, beam, floor and in the all-around) and was named to the National Team. At her first National Team camp, she placed 1st all-around, which is not too bad for a first year elite! Riley shows a tremendous amount of potential as an all-around gymnast and is a beauty to watch. Her grace and finesse make her stand out amongst her competitors. She's the kind of kid who makes everything look easy...which is a great quality to have. Riley has a very good foundation to build upon within the next four years and with a little more experience could be a strong asset to team USA. For next season, which will be her first year as a senior, Riley is hoping to debut a yurchenko double on vault and add a few connections on bars (according to an interview she did with us in July). Riley also shared a video on Instagram of her doing a triple wolf turn into a double wolf turn on beam. It. Is. Stunning. Add her name to the list of gymnasts who are actually allowed to compete wolf turns!




Emma Malabuyo- Texas Dreams
Don't let her small stature fool you, Emma Malabuyo is strong, clean and has all the makings to become a star! Since her first year of elite in 2015, Emma has improved considerably in terms of start value and consistency. Her improvements got her named to the National team at the beginning of the year and she was selected for two international assignments. At the Gymnix International she took home three gold medals (team, beam, & floor) as well as a bronze in the all-around. A few weeks later at the Jesolo Trophy she finished 1st on beam as well as 2nd in the all-around, on bars and floor. At this Secret Classic she placed 2nd all-around, 3rd on beam, 4th on vault and 5th on floor. An injury kept Emma from finishing the first day of competition at P&G's (and she withdrew on day 2) but it's fair to say she made a good impression on the national team staff with her performances at Gymnix, Jesolo and the Secret Classic. Emma won't become a senior until 2018, which means she has one more year to gain experience at the junior level. With many of the top juniors moving into the senior ranks in 2017, that Junior National title might have Emma's name written all over it.




Trinity Thomas- Prestige 
Trinity posses many of the same qualities as Simone Biles. In fact, she really reminds me of a 2011-2012 Simone with that huge double layout. Trinity has lots of power, she just needs to learn how to control it. The potential is definitely there for this young lady though. Like Emma, Trinity was added to the National Team earlier this year and was selected to compete in Jesolo. As her first international competition Trinity did very well, winning the gold on floor and placing 5th all-around. She had a rough performance at the Secret Classic this past summer, but turned out a 6th place finish on beam and in the all-around at the P&G Championships (as well as placing 7th on floor). Trinity will join the senior ranks next season and will be one to watch. With a little more time, she could become a very valuable member to the US team.



Jordan Chiles- Naydenov
Jordan has been around for quite some time now and while she hasn't proven herself to be the most consistent competitor, she definilty has the potential to be one of the best all-around gymnasts in the world if she gets it together. Jordan has the skills, she just needs that consistency. Some of Jordan's career highlights including winning the all-around title at the Secret Classic in 2014 and finished 4th all-around at the P&G Championships. In 2015, she became the junior National Champion on vault and finished 4th all-around once more. Earlier this year at the Jesolo Trophy, Jordan won the all-around and vault title. At the Secret Classic it was no surprise that Jordan took 1st on vault with her powerful amanar (she is the only US junior to compete this vault) and once again she finished 4th all-around. An injury kept Jordan from competing at the P&G Championships, however, she is one of the more experienced juniors that will be entering the senior ranks in 2017 and it could be a very good year for her if the stars align.




Mailie O'Keefe- Salcianu Elite
Mailie O'Keefe wasn't on a lot of peoples radars until very recently. Like Jordan, Mailie has been a junior elite since 2013, but apparently she was saving her best for 2016. Mailie not only competes with a lot of difficulty, but she is clean and shows great flexibility throughout. This year at P&G's she became the junior National Champion on beam, floor and the all-around, in addition to placing 3rd on vault and 6th on bars. Mailie has no weak event, which is a huge plus, although she really stands out on beam where she has the potential to compete a routine with a start value in the 17's. (Mailie's latest combination is a very unique aerial-loso-loso-tucked full) One place where Mailie lacks is in experience, however she should enter 2017 (her final year as a junior) with a lot more confidence!




Morgan Hurd- First State 
For a junior gymnast, Morgan Hurd has some of the most difficult skills you'll see. For example her bar dismount, a tucked double double, is not something you see often in competition. She also dismounts beam with a tucked full in. That's pretty big stuff for a little girl like Morgan! Earlier this year at the American Classic, Morgan took the all-around title. A few weeks later at the Secret Classic she finished 1st on floor, 2nd on bars and 5th in the all-around. Morgan is stunning to watch thanks to her great flexibility, extension and toe point.




Irina Alexeeva- WOGA
Had she been able to compete at the P&G Championships this year, there's a great possibility Irina Alexeeva would have won. A few weeks prior, Irina placed 3rd all-around at the American Classic and won the all-around and beam title at the Secret Classic. (She also placed 2nd on floor and 4th on bars) Because she is not yet a US citizen, Irina couldn't compete at the P&G Championships, which was a huge shame coming off such a great performance at the Classic, however Irina is working on achieving her citizenship. The US would love to have her as she is a world class gymnast on bars and beam. (Her start value is currently a 16.3 and 16.4 respectively.) Irina has competed in a few international competitions that have an "Open" division, meaning a gymnast can compete representing their gym instead of their country. At the Gymnix International earlier in the year, Irina placed 1st on bars. At the Elite Gym Massilia she finished 1st all-around, 1st on bars and 3rd on beam.



Sloane Blakley- WOGA
2016 was Sloane's first year as an elite and she impressed a lot of people. She doesn't have the most difficulty yet, but she is very powerful, clean, and has great flexibility. Her arabian double front on floor and double tuck beam dismount will make your jaw drop. Sloane is working on a bunch of upgrades including two new releases (piked tkatchev and geinger) and a new dismount (laid out full in) on bars. On beam she is working to add a new dismount, either a full in or an arabian double front and on floor she is hoping to upgrade three of her passes; double double, arabian double front piked, and a double layout. This young lady shows a lot of potential to be a star and is definitely one to keep your eye on.




Other names to watch for: 
Norah Flatley- Chows
Victoria Nguyen- Chows
Deanne Soza- Texas Dreams
Sunisa Lee- Midwest Gymnastics
Jazmyn Foberg- MG Elite

Balancing Act: Mickayla Stuckey

Mickayla Stuckey is no stranger to competition. At 15 years old, she balances more in one day than most people her age. In addition to being your average teenager, Mickayla is a competitive gymnast at Cincinnati Gymnastics and also a competitive dancer at Inspire@DDS. Seven years ago, Mickayla's mom created a YouTube channel where she uploaded videos of her daughters progress in gymnastics and dance. (This is how we discovered Mickayla! Click here to check out her channel.) Mickayla began competing in both sports at the age of 4 and has since progressed into an award winning dancer and level 10 gymnast. Some of Mickayla's gymnastics accomplishments include qualifying as a HOPES pre-elite in 2014 where she placed 3rd on bars at the US Challenge. Mickayla is the 2016 Ohio State Champion on beam, floor, and in the all-around. She is also a 2016 JO National qualifier where she placed 5th on floor and 9th all-around. Earlier last week, Mickayla announced her commitment to Eastern Michigan where she has accepted a full ride scholarship. We caught up with Mickayla to talk about her college decision, how she balances two sports and much more!

How did you get started in gymnastics? 
I started my first class when I was about 15 months old. My mom was teaching at a local gym and I was always with her, so I did a mom and tot class with one of the other instructors while my mom taught the class.

Who was your idol growing up?
I have always looked up to Lexie Priessman! I have known her since I was five years old. She is a great gymnast, motivator, and inspiration. She has been through so much and I hope she has a great season at LSU this year! She deserves the best! Love ya Lex!

Ever since you were a little girl your mom has posted videos of you on YouTube. Your channel now has nearly half a million views! Is it cool for you to go back and look to see how far you've come? 
Wow, I had no idea it had that many views! That's crazy! It's cool to be able to look back and see how far I have come in the sport. I was so tiny! I also like watching my old dance videos.

You performed a floor routine at the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars, how did that opportunity come about? Do you remember that performance or were you too young to realize? 
I do remember doing the Tour of Gymnastics Superstars, it was so fun! I have always loved performing! I think that was my first "big crowd!" I remember being so excited because Shawn Johnson introduced us and getting to meet her and Nastia! Mary Lee asked Pixie [Brock] and I if we would perform, which we were of course super excited about! Rachael put the routine together in a couple of hours and we did it that weekend.

(You can watch that performance here. The routine features former elites Amanda Jetter and Cassie Whitcomb along with Mickayla and Pixie Brock.) 

You train at CGA which is arguably one of the best gyms in the country. What is like training with so many amazing gymnasts? 
I love training at CGA! I can't see myself being anywhere else until I go to EMU! Training beside amazing level 10's and elites pushes me in a positive way to do my best everyday. I feel like I have grown in my gymnastics because of this environment.

Being a dancer and gymnast, you have a very busy schedule! What is a typical day like for you? 
I live about an hour and forty minutes from the gym, so on the average day I get up and leave the house by about 6:30am. I have gymnastics from 9-2 throughout the week, except Thursday is my day off. Saturday practice is 8-12. I dance on Tuesday-Thursday in the evening from about 5-9. I do online school in the car, on the weekends and a lot on Thursdays and any spare time in between.

Do you think your dance career has helped with your gymnastics? 
I feel like my dance has definitely helped with my gymnastics! I love the performance aspect on floor and beam!

Was there ever a time where you felt like you would have to choose between dance and gymnastics? 
Yes, there was a time when I thought I was going to have to choose. I did HOPES for awhile and thought I wanted to do elite. It would have been difficult to keep up with both. I don't want to stop dancing. I love both sports! I'm actually more accomplished in dance than gymnastics. I have won three national solo titles, was the 2014 Rainbow Teen Dancer of the Year and I am the current Teen Miss Applause Talent. I eventually want to own my own dance studio!

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment to be? 
I would consider the whole year of 2016 to be my greatest accomplishment! It has been a fantastic year for me! I qualified to JO Nationals where I placed 9th all-around, 5th on floor and 10th on bars. I made the Region 5 All Star Team and got to go to Costa Rica! And last week I accomplished a long term goal of committing to a full ride NCAA Scholarship! It's been a great year!

Can you talk about your decision to commit to Eastern Michigan? 
I am so excited to have verbally committed to EMU! My family, coaches and I felt it was a great fit for me. I love Sarah, Dallas, and Shea! It is the perfect distance from home. I love how much EMU has improved in the last couple of years! I can't wait to be apart of this team! Go Eagles!

What are your goals for the upcoming season? 

I want to keep making my gymnastics even better and stronger this season! I want to qualify to JO Nationals again this year and I would love to have the opportunity to go to the Nastia Cup! 

Congratulations on an amazing year, Mickayla! We wish you the best of luck in the future! 

Eyes on the Future | Sloane Blakely

When Sloane Blakely stepped onto the podium for the first time in her elite career, she instantly proved that she had all the qualities needed to become a star. The perfect combination of flexibility and power, she performs each of her skills cleanly and with ease. Enrolled in dance since the age of 2, Sloane started gymnastics at the age of 5 after her mother began searching for extra activities to try outside of tap and ballet. Now at the age of 14, Sloane is competing at the elite level with the hopes of someday representing the USA internationally.

A typical day for Sloane begins very early and contains a balance between gymnastics and school. She is one of two elite gymnasts currently training at the Frisco location of WOGA under coaches Tatyana Shadenko and Ryan Roberts. Monday through Thursday she trains twice a day with her first practice running from 7:30am-12:00pm. Then she shifts her focus to school, where she is enrolled in a home school program. "It gives me the flexibility I need for gymnastics," she told us. After school it's back in the gym from 4:00pm-7:30pm. On Friday she has one practice in the morning from 7:30am-11:30am and then she has the rest of the day to relax and focus on school. On Saturday she trains from 8:00am-12:00pm and then she has Saturday night and Sunday to spend time with her family, go to church, and read--which is what she likes to do in her free time. Sloane has a younger sister named Skye who is also a gymnast and is currently training for her second year as a HOPES elite. "It's fun training with my sister," Sloane told us. "We encourage each other and we are able to communicate by simply giving each other certain looks."

2016 was a good year for Sloane. It was her first year competing as a level 10 and she didn't disappoint, winning the all-around and several event titles at almost every competition she competed in. She concluded her level 10 season on a big note by winning the beam title at the JO National Championships. Next it was onto the elite ranks after a stellar performance at the Elite Qualifier (the one that is held at the Ranch prior to the American Classic) where she finished 3rd all-around and 1st on vault and beam. At the Secret Classic and the P&G Championships, Sloane might not have won any medals, but she is proud of her performances, gained some valuable experience and certainly put her name on everyone's radar with good reason. A lot like her idol Simone Biles, Sloane is a great all-around gymnast but specializes on vault, beam and floor. On vault she performs a clean yurchenko full with great height and distance. At Classics and on the first day of P&G's, she absolutely nailed the landing. In fact, she was one of the few girls who scored a 9.0 in execution throughout both competitions. If she has a weaker event it would be bars, however she swings with ease and shows lots of potential for upgrades. On beam she is as light as a feather, shows great extension in her leaps, and performs a sky high double tuck dismount. On floor she does a breathtaking arabian double front and performs to the tune of "Remember the Name." Coincidence? I think not.



Sloane wrapped up her year with invites to a few of the National Team camps, which are now lead by WOGA's own Valeri Liukin. "I was able to learn new techniques, different approaches to my current skills and I picked up a few new skills too," Sloane said of her first camp experience. While the camps are all business during training, the girls do get to have some fun and wind down after practice. "During my second camp we dressed up for Halloween and hung out watching Laurie Hernandez on Dancing with the Stars," she said. "It was fun!"

For next season, Sloane has a lot of big skills in the works that she would like to add to her routines. She is training an amanar, a vault that very few gymnasts compete at the junior level. On bars she is working to add two release moves (piked tkatchev and gienger) along with a new dismount (double layout with a full twist.) On beam she is working on adding a new dismount, either an arabian double front or a full-in. On floor she is working a double double, double arabian piked, and a double layout. With those new skills, Sloane's goals for next season should be fairly easy to achieve. "I want to make it back to P&G's again, have cleaner routines and higher difficulty, and make National Team." Like most elite level gymnasts, she aspires to someday represent the USA at the highest level like the World Championships and "maybe even the Olympics." Only time will tell if she has what it takes, but right now the sky is the limit for Sloane Blakely.

Preseason chat with Florida's Head Coach Jenny Rowland

In her second year as the Head Coach of the Florida Gators, Jenny Rowland is looking to continue building her own legacy at Florida. While the Gators didn't defend their 3 year long winning streak at the NCAA Championships last season, they did sneak past Alabama to claim the SEC title and continued to prove all season long why they are one of the best NCAA teams in the nation. In this interview, Coach Rowland previews her team's goals and potential for the upcoming season.

The 2017 Florida Gators

When you accepted the Head Coach position at Florida, were you nervous to be taking on one of the best NCAA teams in the nation? 
I would be lying if I said I was not nervous. However, I took the approach that it was an amazing opportunity at a top academic school in a top conference for gymnastics-- the SEC. It certainly has been all I thought and more. It continues to be an amazing experience.

With Bridget Sloan now gone, who are you looking at to be the leader of your team? 
With Sloan gone, there are still many great leaders on this team. Claire Boyce, Kennedy Baker and Alex McMurtry have done a great job leading this team with their knowledge and experience. They are a great combination of both vocal leaders and leaders by example.

What are your expectations for your incoming freshman? What are some of the skills they are working on?
This is the most well rounded freshman class anyone could ask for. They have already proven their strong leadership skills both in and out of the gym, they've adjusted very well as far as balancing the life of a college student-athlete, and keeping workouts light, refreshing and very enjoyable. I expect that their hard work and dedication to this team will allow them to be very successful this upcoming season.

Sierra Alexander- Sierra is a very powerful gymnast and one of the hardest workers on our team. Her raw talent needs to be a little more refined but will definitely be a viable option on vault, floor and possibly beam.

Vault: Yurchenko full or yurchenko 1 1/2

Beam: Front tuck+back handspring

Floor: Double pike, front layout+front full

Maegan Chant- Maegan was recruited for her deceiving power. She will be competing for a lineup spot for sure on vault and floor. However, she is a beautiful gymnast and wouldn't be suprsied to see her in the all-around by the end of the season.

Vault: Tsuk layout full or 1 1/2

Floor: Double layout, front step out to double tuck

Rachel Gowey- Rachel no doubt will be a viable option for the Gators on all four events. Her power and grace is a great contribution to this team and I expect she will be making a huge impact this season.

Vault: Yurchenko double

Bars: Stalder hect, double layout

Beam: Back handspring+layout step out+layout step out, front aerial, back handspring+back handspring+double twist dismount

Floor: Full in, double pike

Amelia Hundley- Amelia's strength, dedication, commitment and consistency is a huge asset for the team on all four events.

Vault: Yurchenko 1 1/2

Bars: Shaposh 1/2, half in half out dismount

Beam: Back handspring+layout step out, front aerial, switch side

Floor: Double layout, double pike

How has preseason training been going so far? 
Training thus far has gone very well. I was pleased with the team when they returned from summer break. Everyone went home for the summer since we had no gym they could train in due to the new renovation of our competition/gymnastics facility. We just had our first instrasquad and I was happy with where we are at this time. We still have polishing to do, but nothing too major.

I feel this team is definitely one of the closest teams I have ever worked with. We have a diverse group as far as personalities and leadership skills. They have fully embraced each other and gelled very quickly compared to teams I have worked with in the past.

This year picked up a transfer from Eastern Michigan, Rachel Slocum, how do you hope she'll contribute to the team? 
Rachel's transfer was flawless. She is very outgoing and someone who has made an immediate impact on our team. Rachel's bubbly personality is contagious and she brings a light-hearted spirit for gymnastics to a new level. Her work ethic and power will make her a viable option to make lineups in both vault and floor.

What challenges, if any, do you think your team will face this season? 
I feel that the biggest challenge is always staying healthy.

What are your goals for the team this season? 
My goals for the team this season is to take ownership of their gymnastics and enjoy doing what they love to do. I feel that if these are embraced, then it will be a very fulfilling and successful season for the team.

A lot of fans were sad to hear that Peyton Ernst was released from the team this summer, can you give an explanation for why she was let go? 
Peyton was granted a medical scholarship, which would allow her to finish her degree at the University of Florida, but she would not be able to compete at UF. She asked for, and was given, a release to speak to other universities to see about any options in continuing her gymnastics career if she chooses to transfer.

Now that it's been a year since the yurchenko full was devalued, what are your thoughts on the change? 
I think is has been a good rule change. It allows the teams to be a little more strategic with their lineups.

When recruiting, what are some of the things you look for in potential future Gators?
Talent level, their love for the sport of gymnastics and they have to love UF.  We want those who desire success in both academics and athletics.

Preseason chat with Valorie Kondos Field

The UCLA Bruins could be back in contention for an NCAA title this year with arguably one of the best rosters currently in the NCAA. The freshman class alone includes two Olympic Champions, a former National Team member, and a set of twin sisters that were stars during their JO careers! The Bruins also look to welcome Macy Tronjo, a former elite and redshirt freshman, into the lineups this year. UCLA's roster also returns a lot of talent in Katelyn Ohashi, Angi Cipra, Peng Peng Lee and Hallie Mossett--just to name a few. In her 27th year as the Head Coach at UCLA, Valorie Kondos Field could have a team that brings home a national title for the first time since 2010. Will the Bruins have what it takes to reclaim their spot at the top of the podium? Valorie talks with us about her expectations for some of the freshman, her goals for the team, choreography and more! 

You have a very large but talented freshman class this year (9 incoming freshman to be exact.) On what events might we see some of these ladies breaking into the lineups? 
Hopefully, Kyla Ross and Felicia Hano will compete in the all-around. Madison Kocian on everything but vault. Grace Glenn is also a strong all-arounder, she should shine on floor, bars, and beam. Grace Kramer is an amazing vaulter and really powerful on floor,

How is Macy Toronjo doing? 
She's actually doing well and will hopefully be ready to compete in the all-around mid-season. She's been sidelined with a rare eye disease which has kept her from training for about a month now. She just started back last week. She's in great shape and should be able to get her skills back quickly.

Have all the floor routines for this season been choreographed? What routine are you most excited for fans to see? 
Oh my goodness no! In fact, I'm very behind. I've done 4 out of the 15. So far, Angi's acting ability is off the charts. Hallie is as stunning as ever and JaNay...boy that girl can dance. The pleasant surprise so far for me has been Kyla--she's a really good dancer. I think you're going to see a new Kyla on the floor this year performance-wise. I know she's going to be smiling a lot.

You've choreographed many brilliant floor routines in your career. Do you ever run out of ideas? Where do you find inspiration? 
Yes! I'm that person that inaccurately thinks I've used up all my creative ideas. So silly. I get inspiration from the music first and from watching a ton of videos. I was trying to add up how many routines I've choreographed since I started in 1977 choreographing for Jim Stephenson in Nor. Cal. I was 17 then and 57 now...interesting to think back to all the routines I've done.

A reader of our site wants to know if you feel intimidated coaching this years team? You do have arguably one of the best rosters this season!
"Intimidated?" That's a unique word to use. No. I feel honored and blessed. Not only are they talented but they're really amazing human beings. I'm having a ball, especially with Kyla. She and I are almost exact opposites with how our brains work. She is meticulous, organized, linear in her thinking and extremely disciplined once she sets her course. And I'm all over the map! The classic left brain vs. right brain scenario. We have fun trying to find the happy medium.

Jordyn Wieber will be serving as a volunteer assistant coach this year, can you talk a little about that? 
Well, we're excited to finally have her here next month once she finishes with the tour. She hasn't been allowed to coach the past 3 years. I anticipate she's going to be a phenomenal coach in that she's already got the respect of the team combined with her knowledge and clam but intense delivery...shes such a gift. I'm already getting sad thinking this is the last year we have her.

What are your goals for the team this season? 
Our goals are to reach the top of the Coach Wooden Pyramid - Competitive Greatness, being able to be your best is needed. I really feel we did this last year. Hopefully, we'll stay healthy and compete on that last night for another team title.

Elite gymnastics is so intense and serious, how do you help your former elite athlete transition to the college atmosphere? 
I explain that all athletics and all sports are entertainment. Without a strong base we cease to exist. We can't just focus on executing perfect skills, we have to embrace the "performance" aspect of our sport. I also illuminate for them that in elite they compete a handful of times a year. In college they compete 16 times in 4 months. It's a totally different mental game, one that elite gymnasts are ready and excited for by the time they come to college.

Now that it's been a year, what are your thoughts on the yurchenko full being devalued? Do you like the change?
I do like the change because we had to do something to make it not the compulsory event. I still don't think our rules are tweaked enough to encourage and reward originality and virtuosity. I'm an advocate to go to a 9.7 start value and re-introduce ROV (risk, originality, virtuosity) into our scoring system.

Preseason chat with Michigan Head Coach Bev Plocki

It won't be long until college gymnastics season is in full swing. January 7th marks the beginning of the season for the Michigan Wolverines, who will face some tough competition in front of thousands of fans at the University of Utah. However, things look bright for Michigan this season with plenty of returning talent from last season, a top-notch transfer from Arkansas, and a large incoming freshman class that could provide lots of depth in the lineups. Coach Bev Plocki enters her 28th season coaching the Wolverines and gave us a preview of her teams potential and as well as their goals for the 2017 season.

Can you give us a brief update on each member of the team and what your expectations are for them this season? 

Nicole Artz- Nicole is recovering from a minor surgery on her ankle, she should be fine for the season but has had limited training so far this fall. She is a competitor and has lofty goals for her senior year. I expect her to once again be a top all-arounder for us.

Talia Chiarelli- Talia has been looking awesome and is poised to have a great year. She looks as good or better than ever. Her 1 1/2 on vault, her beam, and floor will be outstanding.

Brianna Brown- I believe that Brianna is on a great track right now and getting healthier each day. I think this could be a fantastic year for her. Bars and beam are her highlight events but her floor routine is clean and strong and her vault is getting better each day.

Lauren Marinez- Lauren worked really hard over the summer on strengthening and she is in the best shape I've seen her in. Her beam and bars are rockin' and I look for her to break a floor lineup as well.

Paige Zaziski- Paige is a welcome addition to the team this year, she brings a wealth of competitive experience and can bring in big scores on all events. I'm looking forward to what this season will bring for her.

Olivia Karas- Liv also had a minor wrist surgery but is back on track and looking great already. She is a fantastic all-arounder for us and can put up big scores in all four events. She has no weak events.

Emma McLean- I am really looking forward to seeing Emma in a much bigger role this year. Her beam has improved a great deal and her floor and vault are doing great! Love her floor routine this year and her bars are clean and strong.

Lexi Funk- Lexi has been a little dynamo, she is consistent all the way around. She will provide a high level of depth that we need in all four events. I think we will see her in lineups on all four events during the year.

Maggie O'Hara- We have high expectations for Maggie. Her strongest events are bars and beam, but she has the ability to see herself in any of the four events if she works hard.

Maddy Osman- Maddy is another fireball of energy and performs with explosive power and strong skills in all four events.

Sam Roy- Sam is doing a great job and is improving each day. I'm not sure at this point what events she will make but she is close on at least three. She is a great example of what hard work and determination can do and is a great addition to our team.

Polina Shchennikova- Polina is almost back 100% from her shoulder surgery in May. She is strong and is feeling pretty good too. She is making tremendous strides every day and her progress back to peak shape is right on track. I expect her to make significant contributions this season and peak when we need her to.

@livkarass @emma_mclean @maddyosman @laurenmarinez #FlightForDays #GoBlueBeam

A video posted by David Kuzara (@davkuz) on Oct 25, 2016 at 1:13pm PDT

Now that it's been a year since the yurchenko full was downgraded, what are your thoughts on that change? Do you think it's a hassle for some of the older girls to learn a new vault at that point in their career? 
I think that the 9.95 vaults have been a good first step to providing some benefit to the athletes who are capable of doing the bigger vaults. It wasn't fair that someone taking the risk to do a 1 1/2 or double would have the same start value as a full. If any coach feels that it is a "hassle" to teach our athletes new skills they probably should not be coaching. I would like to see the full go to a 9.9.

It's been awhile since Michigan has qualified to the Super Six, what do you feel needs to be done to get your team back in that position?
I am troubled by the fact that we have not been in the Super Six recently. I believe that we definitely deserved to be and have been good enough to be. Last year we absolutely had a weak beam rotation at the wrong time. We did it to ourselves, but my heart broke for the team. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw in which session you get placed in for NCAA's or what rotation you draw. We have outscored teams that qualified into the Super Six when we did not and that is a tough pill to swallow. Luck definitely hasn't been on our side lately but we need to be performing at a level that keeps us out of the "grey" area. I think that depth plays a big role in our ability to be at our peak going into post season. We are hoping to have a lot more depth this year and be able to rest some people during the season when needed.

What are your goals for this upcoming season? 
We want to look good early but we will take our time to make sure we are hitting our stride when it is critical. We have 50% of our team as freshman, so we will allow them to gain experience and confidence as we go through the season.

How has training been going so far?
Training has been going well. We have a great group of amazing young ladies, but like a lot of teams, we have a few coming back from injuries so we have people at different places on the readiness scale. My 28 years has taught me to relax and bring people along as is best for them individually. We will have everyone ready when it is go time! I'm confident in that.

@paigezaziski @taliachi #PaigePaigeTalTalTal #TumblingWizards

A video posted by David Kuzara (@davkuz) on Oct 14, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

What do you feel will be the teams biggest challenge this season?
We have a lot of youth, but in those athletes we have some good competitive experience so only time will tell. It is always an interesting puzzle that we get to put together each year.

Based off preseason so far, what do you think will be the teams strongest and weakest events?
I really believe we will have a pretty good balance on all four events. We may have a touch more depth on beam and bars but that also remains to be seen.

What are you going to miss the most about your seniors Talia and Nicole after this season?
Everything! They have been two of the hardest working and most consistent athletes I have had in a long time. Gosh, don't make me think about that already!

To stay up to date with the latest on your Michigan Wolverines, make sure you're following @UMichWGym on Twitter and Assistant Coach Dave Kuzara on Instagram (@davkuz) for training videos. 

Book Review and Giveaway | You Will Know Me

You never truly know the people who are closest to you--even the people you thought you knew everything about. That's the eerie theme of Megan Abbott's latest novel and New York Times bestseller, "You Will Know Me."

Inspired by the parents of Aly Raisman, who's nervous, yet hilarious reactions from the stands as they watched their daughter competed at the Olympics went viral, Abbott was intrigued by the thought of parents who dedicate so much of their lives to their child when they are a prodigy.

"You Will Know Me" is the story of a fifteen year old elite level gymnast named Devon Knox who's parents are willing to do whatever it takes, emotionally and financially, to get her to the Olympics. When tragedy strikes-- a death in their tight-knit gymnastics community-- Devon's mom Katie. who narrates majority of the book, begins to take a deeper look at her family. Devon's younger brother, Drew begins having strange dreams about Devon and rumors begin to swirl, leaving Katie to question everything she thought she knew. Is what keeps the family together also what tears them apart?

The novel is a tense thriller that is more about the journey than the actual mystery. The reoccurring theme lies within the world of elite gymnastics and the parents who invest their heart and souls to see their child on top. However, that obsession can create a false sense of closeness, leading parents to think they know everything about them. Megan Abbott does a wonderful job of bringing to light the intersections of talented teenage girls, ambition, and obsession. This book is an interesting read for all young adults--but it doesn't hurt to be a gymnastics fan!


Giveaway
Want to win a copy of "You Will Know Me?" We will be giving away a copy to one of our followers! (US residents only.)

To enter, follow Megan Abbott on Twitter (@Megan Abbott) and then tweet us (@TripleTwistGym) letting us know you want to be entered in the giveaway.

A winner will be selected Monday, October 17th at 4pm ET.

NCAA Snapchat Masterlist

It's almost that time of year again...college gymnastics season! For most teams, official practice is underway and before us gym-nerds know it, our weekends will once again be spent watching college gymnastics all night long. However, to tide you over, you can now find many of the top gymnastics teams on Snapchat. Many teams will post updates on their "story" everyday-- giving fans a behind the scenes look at training, meets, or whatever else the team is up to. (If you don't know how Snapchat works, stories can be viewed as many times as you'd like for up to 24 hours--then it's deleted.) This is a great way to stay updated on your favorite teams, especially if you play fantasy gym!

We've compiled a list of college gymnastics teams that are active on Snapchat. If any team has an account that is missing from the list, please let us know so we can add it!



Univeristy of Arkansas- razorbackgym

University of Arizona- azgymnastics

University of Alabama- bamagym

University of Florida- floridagators*

Iowa State- cyclonegym

LSU- lsugym

University of Michigan- umichathletics*

Michigan State- msu_gym

University of Nebraska- nebraskawgym

University of Oklahoma- ou_wgym

Oregon State- oregonstategym

Rutgers- rutgersgym

UCLA- uclagymnastics

University of Georgia- ugagymdogs

University of Utah- utahgymnastics

University of Washington- uw_gymnastics

*This is an account for the entire schools athletic program. During meets the gymnastics team typically takes over the account.

Martha Karolyi | The End Of An Era

At the age of 74, after nearly half a century of coaching the world's best gymnasts, the legendary Martha Karolyi has officially joined her husband, Bela in retirement. It's been a long run for the Romanian duo, who's coaching journey began in the 70's when a young girl named Nadia Comaneci was chosen to attend their new gymnastics school in Onesti, Romania after displaying a perfect cartwheel at school during recess. Under the guidance of Martha and Bela, Nadia became an icon for the sport of gymnastics. At the 1976 Olympic Games, Comaneci won five Olympic medals, three of which were gold, and was the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition. The success of Nadia and the Romanian gymnastics program set the Karolyi's up with many opportunities once they defected to the United States in 1981, after all, everybody wanted to train with the coaches of Nadia Comaneci!

Barley a teenager, Mary Lou Retton convinced her parents to let her move away from home to train with the Karolyi's once they settled in Houston, Texas. At a time where the sport was dominated by the Soviet Union, Mary Lou changed the face of gymnastics in America. At the 1984 Olympic Games, Mary Lou needed to score a perfect 10 on her final event, the vault, to win the first ever Olympic all-around title for an American women. In front of a home crowd, she did exactly that. Mary Lou was America's sweetheart and from there, a new standard was set for gymnastics in the United States. Enrollment to the Karoyli's gym multiplied by hundreds within just a few days--everybody wanted to be like Mary Lou.

In 1991, the Karoyli's coached Kim Zmeskal to the United States first ever all-around World title, but after team USA won no gold medals at the Olympics the following year, Martha knew something needed to change. She recalled that in Romania, team unity was a major key to the team's success, after all, those gymnasts lived and trained together everyday. In the United States however, each gymnast had a personal coach and lived in different parts of the country. The only time the team would come together was when they were at the Olympics or a major international competition. There was never a bond or connection between the girls. In 1996, Martha was named the head coach of the Olympic team and ordered the team to train together as one in the weeks leading up to the games. Ultimately, Martha's philosophy of creating unity between the team had worked. The Magnificent 7, which included two gymnasts personally coached by the Karoyli's, won the team gold medal for the first time in the history of USA Gymnastics.

Following the 1996 Olympic Games, the Karoyli's stopped coaching individual athletes and created the system that is still used today for the US women. Every month, the best gymnasts in the country would come together to train at "The Ranch," a 2,000 acre ranch built by Bela himself. Following the 2000 Olympics, Bela retired, handing the national team program down to Martha. In the 16 years that Martha was the head of the women's gymnastics program, the story has only been of success and dominance on the US women's side. In 2003, the United States won their first gold medal as a team at the World Championships. The next year, Carly Patterson became the first Olympic all-around champion since Mary Lou Retton won it in 1984. In 2008, Nastia Liukin came from the same gym as Carly and also won the Olympic all-around title. By the 2012 Olympics, the United States was almost untouchable, winning the team competition for the first time since 1996 and with a margin of over five points. That team became known as the Fierce 5 which included Gabrielle Douglas, who continued the winning streak by becoming the first American women to win the all-around title and the team title in the same Olympics.

In Martha's final Olympic quadrennium, arguably the greatest gymnast of all time emerged-- ready to send Martha out on top. Simone Biles won nearly every competition she competed in from 2013 to 2016, and in just three years she gathered 14 World medals, 10 of which are gold. At the 2016 Olympics, Martha's 11th and final Olympics, Simone Biles along with her teammates, dominated the competition as expected. They dubbed themselves the Final Five, in honor of being Martha's final Olympic team.

From generation to generation, Martha Karolyi was the mastermind behind gymnastics history and Olympic success. From Nadia Comaneci to Simone Biles and all the legends in between, Martha's legacy will never be forgotten. While her days of coaching are now over, Martha and Bela have etched their names in the record books and will forever be pioneers for the sport.

Martha with her first (left) and final (top) Olympic teams.
(Bottom right) Martha posing with the Walk of Fame wall at the Ranch

We reached out to several gymnasts who trained with Martha Karoyli throughout the last 40 years. These are some of the memories they had to share.

Teodora Ungureanu | Romania

3-Time Olympic Medalist (1976)

"It was a great honor to have Martha as a coach. She taught me that hard work and discipline is the key to success. I was also happy to be apart of the USA National Team for four years [as the coach of World Champion Sabrina Vega] and show her that I can be a good coach too. I always admired her work ethic, she is the best coach in the world! I hope whoever comes after her will follow in her footsteps. It's going to be a challenge!" 

Phoebe Mills | USA

Olympic Bronze Medalist on beam (1988)

"I'm happy that I have many fond memories of Martha. I remember our practices that followed the Olympic rotation schedule: vault, bars, beam and floor. When it was time to go to beam, we were all relieved that it was finally a rotation with Martha. She was stern yet kind and always very supportive. She has done a lot for USA Gymnastics, and I can't thank her enough for helping me develop a medal winning balance beam routine."

Betty Okino | USA

Olympic Bronze Medalist with team (1992)

"One of my greatest memories was Martha [and Bela] calling me up into their training team. When I first moved to Karolyi's I was put into another elite group headed by another coach, Rick Newman and I was there for about 3 months until the US Classic meet, when I was given the chance to prove myself. After the competition, Martha put her arm around me and said, "well Betty, now are you ready to work?" To which I nodded up and down emphatically.  Through her eyes I saw my potential and I had such faith in her [and Bela's]  ability to coach me to the Olympic Games. As a coach, Martha was always very sharp and stern with moments of compassion. Her lighter, more endearing side came out when traveling abroad, Martha loves to shop!"

Chellsie Memmel | USA

World Champion (2005) & Olympic Silver Medalist  

"I have so many memories of Martha. but I will always remember the lineups before and after practice. They were such a constant and always started and finished our day at the gym. She was a great leader for the team."

Shawn Johnson | USA

World Champion (2007) & 4-Time Olympic Medalist (2008)

"I will never forget meeting Martha for the first time when I went to the Karolyi Ranch as a 12 year old attempting to qualify to the US Classic. I remember being in awe of her and wanting nothing more than to impress her! It wasn't until after the camp was over and we were done competing that I went up to thank her when she all of a sudden gave me the biggest hug and told me how impressed she was and how I would forever be her "little peanut." It was one of the best moments of my gymnastics career." 

Jazmyn Foberg | USA

Junior National Champion (2014) & National Team Member (2014-Present)

"My favorite memory with Martha was when she grabbed my face for the first time at the Secret Classic. It was my first time getting on podium and I couldn't be happier. This picture describes it all. This moment led to many more experiences and I'm so thankful for everything! #legend"

Wendy Bruce | Finding Happiness

Wendy Bruce is no stranger to pressure. As a member of the 1989 World Championship team and the 1992 Olympic team, Wendy knows all to well what it's like to compete on the world's largest stage. Today, she shares her experiences with athletes as a mental toughness trainer and coach--a role that has brought her peace and happiness in her life after gymnastics. We caught up with Wendy to talk about her Olympic experience as well as her job as a motivational speaker and mental coach!

How did you get started in gymnastics? 

I started at a local club in Fort Lauderdale. Back then it was more about flipping and having fun. I didn't have any particular inspirations, just the girls in the gym, I always looked up to my older teammates. 

You were a member of the 1989 World Championship team, your first major international assignment, what was that experience like for you? 

I don't remember anything about the competition. I remember rooming with Chelle Stack, meeting the Canadian Team, wearing make-up for the first time, listening to Martin Gore, and bonding with my teammates. I remember the coaches cooking for us, because the cook wasn't there and we needed food. 

At what point in your career did the Olympics seem like a real possibility to you? 

I always had it as my dream. I would always answer everyone's questions of "are you going to the Olympics?" with a yes. I don't know if I was stupid or ridiculously smart, but that was just my plan as a kid. I didn't think about it everyday, I just knew that I was training to be better everyday. 

Can you talk a little bit about the selection process for the 1992 Olympic team? A lot of people believed the process was a bit unfair. [Note: Kim Kelly was named to the team after trials, and then taken off at a later camp in favor of a gymnast who didn't compete at the Trials.]

When I think back, I don't remember if I truly understood that the "camp" was a new selection process. I thought that it was for Michelle [Campi] and Betty [Okino] to show they were healthy enough to earn a spot. I thought it was between them, and one of them would make it. My coaches didn't tell me much about things. I knew I had to look good and hit, but I don't think I was ever worried about not making it. I am not sure if everyone was told exactly what the deal was, I just know that it was shocking that Kim Kelly was the one left behind. I didn't think her spot was in danger, I truly thought it was between Michelle and Betty. I thought everyone looked amazing at the selection camp, I just don't know if I truly understood that we all went in with a clean slate. After the camp, I realized it. 

I think the worst thing about the selection procedure was that I never saw Kim again after that day. We didn't know what was going on with all the media, we were kept pretty isolated. I know that it still haunts Kim every four years, but I wish she knew how much we love her. We were all kids, and just wanted to go to the Olympics. I do think our team did it's job and in the end, everything worked out. 

The team went on to win the bronze medal at the Olympics, were you satisfied with that result?

I was. I had no expectations on what I thought we we were going to do. I just wanted to hit my routines. It was different back then, we were six girls from four gyms, we were strangers competing together for the first time. I only really focused on myself. We only competed together one day as a team and then everyone split apart again. Me and my coaches and family were beyond excited, we couldn't have asked for anything more.  

What was the comradery like with the team? Nowadays, the girls have camps and the internet to keep in touch. Are you friends with any of your teammates today? 

We are now. I didn't know the girls on my team. I spent a month with them, but it wasn't a fun time. We trained, ate, and slept. The tour was strange too, I felt like a background dancer to the star. We left the tour with hugs and then we never really talked again. 

I didn't get back into gymnastics until 2009. My business partner David Benzel, Growing Champions for Life, and I started speaking at gyms across Florida. We talked about what parents, coaches, and athletes can do to compete with confidence. We started speaking at USA congress and it was the first time I had really met everyone again. It was wonderful. I had felt so isolated, unwanted, and obsolete in the world of gymnastics. Being back into the mix felt good, like I was at home, but not as a gymnast, but as a family member. I was able to meet all the coaches and competitors from back in the 1992 era. We told stories and it was great to have new relationships with everyone. I only really met Betty and Kim in November of 2015. Betty and I were at the Ranch for a Brevet course and Kim was there with Ragan [Smith]. We all connected like we were long lost sisters. The internet and the ranch is so important for the girls. They have very deep, meaningful relationships with their teammates, we literally had to send a letter by mail or call them on the phone to find out what they were up to. There was such a feeling of disconnect. When USAG brought us all together for trials, I was so happy. They gave us an opportunity to make these teammates our friends. I finally met Dom [Dawes], her kids and her husband. It was so important for me to know that they liked me. I know that is what the girls feel these days, they do love each other and respect their gymnastics. But us old timers never really knew our teammates. 

What was the atmosphere like at the games? Looking back, what are some of your favorite memories?

It was intense. We trained everyday, two times a day for a month. I wasn't used to that type of training and I was exhausted. We didn't get to experience the village much, we were super focused on training. After the team final, I didn't make any more finals, so then I walked around, went to some parties and enjoyed Spain. 

What was life after the Olympics like for you? 

Life after was not what I thought it was going to be. I had trained my entire life for this one moment, and then when I got it, I was lost. Now what? I was standing on top on my mountain looking out on my career and marveled in my accomplishments and then when it was time to move forward, I had no idea how to get down. I had no help, no directions, no plan. I didn't know what I wanted to do, who I was, or even what I was capable of. I knew I was a gymnast and won a medal, but didn't know that my medal wasn't going to provide me with any of my answers. I was lost, depressed, and bitter for a long time. 

Did you have any regrets? 

No regrets, not one. I tried to make a comeback in 94, mostly because I was lost and the only thing that I knew was gymnastics. So I went back to my old life. I thought the answer was trying to win a gold medal this time. Maybe the gold would have the answers. But after about 6 months, I realized that I didn't want to do gymnastics anymore, but I didn't know how to live without it. 

Was college gymnastics ever something you considered?

I took money for training so I lost my eligibility. I also was so focused solely on gymnastics that I didn't take my ACT or SAT. I always looked at college gymnastics as a sisterhood that I never got to experience. I went back to college 10 years ago and had to start with remedial classes. I just finally graduated with my degree in Psychology in 2013.

As an athlete that once made the decision to turn professional, what are your thoughts on young gymnasts having to make such a big decision before they are fully able to grasp the pros and cons of it? Also, what advice would you give to a gymnast who is trying to make this decision? 

I don't think it's about gymnastics success per se but more about using gymnastics as a platform. It's should be more than making money off of sponsors or the tour because that won't last too long. All my post gymnastics life, no one was asking for me to represent their companies. After the tour I never made money for appearances again. I do think it is important to know if the gymnast is marketable beyond those two years after the Olympics and each gymnast must weigh the odds. If the gymnast is looking to only make money on immediate sponsorships and the tour, then it might be better off for them to opt out of going professional and decide to go to college instead. How much money is college and how much will you make from sponsors and the tour?  Unless you're Simone [Biles] and well, making much much more. 

Let's take Laurie [Hernandez]. I do think she is different. She has spice and sass. She can be marketable because she is Laurie. People know her because of the Olympics, but she may be able to continue to gain popularity because of new things, like DWTS. I can see her doing commercials with those eyes. She has that it factor as well as an Olympic gold medal. She is outgoing and someone who might have been a star no matter what. I see Laurie as a Disney star. I am introverted and not so much the DWTS type of person. I get it, I'm not that marketable for ads and no one knows me, and college may have been a better option for me. Now I use my Olympic status to work with other athletes. They know I reached the ultimate dream and I know what is like every step of the way. I don't think it's that cut and dry. I think each athlete needs to make their own decisions on going pro.

How did you get into mental coaching and motivational speaking?

Mental coaching is the most rewarding thing in my life. I love my husband, Trucky, and my kids Cameron and Sammie, but helping athletes believe and love themselves is internally rewarding in a way I didn't know I needed in my life. Talk about my purpose in life...this is it. I wasn't the perfect gymnast, I had fears and doubts, yet wanted to make the Olympics. I had this constant battle going on in my head of what I wanted and what I truly believed I was capable of. I knew my goal was to be an Olympian, but did I really believe I was capable of it? My thoughts weren't the most empowering for an athlete, but I didn't know that back then. I didn't know that my thoughts were the wrong thoughts for an Olympic hopeful. I only learned about the mental side of sports after the Olympics when I went to see a Mental Trainer when I was trying to make my comeback in 94. From that day, I knew I wanted to work with athletes on the mental side.  

What is the biggest piece of advice that you like to share with young athletes?

The results will never bring you happiness, happiness comes from the process and the journey. Do gymnastics because you love to fly and flip, or because you love to challenge yourself and push yourself past your limits. Don't do gymnastics because you think that you will find happiness in success. Making the Olympics and winning a bronze didn't make me successful. I am successful because I learned how to overcome my fears, push myself past what I thought I was capable of, and learned how to make mistakes and move on. I learned how to be successful because of gymnastics and learned how to push, fight, work hard, and reach my dreams. My medal is only a physical representation of my work. Who I am is what that work created.

Appreciate the journey each of us are on, some of us will go to college, nationals, worlds, and the Olympics, but that does not mean that those who don't go are worthless, unworthy, or beneath anyone else. Know who you are and that no matter what the outcome, it is only one chapter of your story. The rest of the story is about the struggle, the work, the pain, tears, accomplishments, and successes along the way, and those are the chapters that are exciting. Gymnastics is what we do, not who we are. We chose gymnastics because we thrive on excellence. That is what makes us great. Use those tools in your life, chose excellence and strive for it everyday.

Have you been following the Olympics? What are some of your thoughts from the competitions?

I LOVED the men's energy and fight during the team finals. I could feel their passion. The women are phenomenal. I have mad respect for them and their coaches. It isn't easy to chose the elite life these days, but the athlete/coach team seem to keep everything in check. It will be interesting to see life after Marta. I know she was a calculated director, but I think she will be a warm hearted and loving now that she won't be in charge. Ya know like a strict mom, but when that mom becomes a grandma, she lets the grandkids eat cookies, stay up late, and not make their beds. I think that will be Marta. 

Want more? Wendy has a lot of interesting and insightful stories on her website. Click here to check it out!

2016 Olympics | Highlights from Women's Qualification

The United States Dominance 
The United States come into these Olympics as the favorites to win gold. During the fourth subdivision of Qualifications, they showed the world exactly why they are the favorites. For the first time in Olympic history, the US team not only qualified at least one girl to every final, but they did so in a dominating fashion-- taking the top spot on each event. To nobody's surprise, the US heads into team finals as the number one team, finishing a whopping 10 points ahead of the second place qualifier, China. For the all-around competition, the 3-time reigning World Champion Simone Biles will look to officially sweep the quadrennium with the one thing she's missing--the all-around Olympic gold. Aly Raisman, who finished fourth in 2012, will try to gain redemption and secure her first all-around medal on the World or Olympic stage. The vault final is the only final that the USA only qualified one athlete (simply because no other athlete competes two vaults on the team.) That athlete is Simone Biles. Simone does two very difficult vaults and if she competes how she normally does, she will easily get a medal and likely gold. On bars, it will be the reigning uneven bar World Champion, Madison Kocian and the reigning Olympic all-around Champion, Gabby Douglas. Madison qualified into the bar final in first place with 15.866 and Gabby qualified in third with a 15.766. It will be a tough competition, but it's very possible for the US to secure another medal here as long as they hit. On beam, it will be Simone Biles, who qualified in the top spot once again with a 15.633 and Laurie Hernandez, the youngest member of the team, who qualified in second with a 15.366 after delivering a rock solid performance. The last final will be the floor final which features the reigning World Champion on that event with Biles and the reigning Olympic Champion on that event with Raisman. Biles topped the field with a 15.733 and Raisman was right behind her with a 15.275. With so many medal possibilities on the horizon, Rio is shaping up to be the USA's most successful Olympics ever in history.



Flavia Saravia and the Brazilian team  
The reaction from the home crowd was much anticipated heading into these Games and during Qualifications we witnessed it first hand. The energy in the arena was like no other when the Brazilian women took to the floor in subdivision 3. It's unusual to see a gymnastics crowd so rowdy... up on their feet and cheering loud, even when there was mistakes. As expected, the crowd really loved their hometown girl Flavia Saravia, who lives within walking distance to the arena. She won over the crowd with her fun floor routine and exceptional beam work. Saravia qualified into the beam finals in third with a score of 15.133. The draw for event finals has her going last, which will be an exciting way to wrap up that final. The Brazilian crowd will have plenty more opportunities to cheer on their team; Brazil qualified to the team finals in fifth, Rebecca Andrade and Flavia will compete in the all-around final (Andrade qualified in 3rd) and of course they will get the pleasure of watching Flavia on beam in the beam final.



Tutya Yilmaz Almost Making Beam Finals
A new fan favorite following Qualifications is Turkey's Tutya Yilmaz. She gained a lot of respect from the gymternet after nailing a rather difficult beam routine (6.3 start value) for a score of 14.500! Her score withheld all the way until the last subdivision where she was eventually knocked down to 11th place, just two spots shy of making the final. In a sport that is typically dominated by the same countries time and time again, it's nice to sometimes see contenders from countries that don't have top gymnastics programs. It's also nice to see athletes hitting their routines when it matters most. I mean, how cool is it to have your best beam routine at the Olympic Games? Fun fact: Tutya is only the second female gymnast to represent Turkey at an Olympic Games!

Türkiye'yi artistik jimnastikte temsil eden @tutyayilmaz'ın denge barındaki performansını izleyemeyenler için pic.twitter.com/b7lkDYFCbd

— Koray DURKAL (@kdurkal) August 8, 2016

Eythora Thorsdottir Defines Artistic Gymnastics
Although she fell during her floor routine in Qualifications, Eythora still displayed a truly beautiful and captivating routine complete with stunning turn sequences and dramatic facial expressions to match her dance. Fans will get to enjoy Thorsdottir's floor routine two more times these Olympics as she is qualified to the team final with the Netherlands team and the all-around final.

Ellie Downie's Perseverance
Despite having a scary fall that resulted in having to walk away without completing her floor routine, Ellie returned to the floor for the final event of the night to help the British team secure a spot in the team final. Right after the fall, in which Downie landed on her neck, worry filled the arena and the minds of viewers at home as Ellie was taken off the competition floor. However, Ellie informed the coaches that she was fine and came back strong like the fighter she is to compete not just one vault, but two, with the hopes of qualifying to event finals. Her courageous performance qualified her to the all-around final and helped Great Britain qualify to the team final as well.

Oksana Chusovitina. Period. 
From the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the 41 year old Oksana Chusovitina hasn't slowed down. It's crazy to think that many of the gymnasts competing in Rio weren't even alive when Oksana was competing in her first Olympics. Now she is on her record breaking seventh Olympics and still keeping up with her competitors, some of which are the age of her son. After her performance in Qualifications, Oksana has qualified to the vault final with the hopes of winning her third Olympic medal. (She won gold in 1992 and silver in 2008) She played it safe in Qualifications to secure her spot in the final, but Oksana is capable of competing one of the most difficult vaults in the sport of gymnastics-- a front handspring double front. If she successfully completes that vault, Oksana could find herself on the medal podium.

 

Five Potential Breakout Stars of the 2016 Olympics

With the 2016 Olympic Games less than a week away, all eyes are on the stars of USA Gymnastics; mainly Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and Gabby Douglas. These ladies are household names, appearing on every cereal box, commercial, and magazine cover you could imagine! You don't have to be a gymnastics fan to understand the hype that is surrounding these athletes.

But what about some of the other gymnasts who might be flying under the radar? With a lot of top gymnasts claiming most of the attention from media, it's easy to forget about some of the other truly talented gymnasts we will have the pleasure of watching in the coming weeks. While it is expected that Simone Biles will sweep up most of the gold medals at these Olympics baring anything serious, there are plenty of athletes still in contention for the remaining medals. Here are five athletes who we think have the potential to burst onto the scene and steal some medals...and maybe even your heart! 

Laurie Hernandez | USA

16 year old Laurie Hernandez may be the youngest and most inexperienced member of the US team, but that hasn't stopped her from exemplifying poise and confidence every time she steps out on the floor. This first year senior competes like a veteran! Even when she makes a mistake, Laurie has an uncanny way of covering it up and continuing with the flow of her routine, a trait that certainly helped land her a spot on this team despite the incredible depth of USA Gymnastics. A third place finish at the National Championships and a second place finish at the Olympic Trials proves that Laurie is currently one of the strongest all-arounders in the country. If Laurie is given the chance to compete all four events in qualifications at the Olympics, she could certainty advance to the all-around finals and contend for a medal. Her next best bet for a medal (outside of the team) will come on balance beam, where Laurie is without a doubt one of the best in the world. Her level of consistency day in and day out is almost unrivaled and she has the difficulty to back it up. (6.5 D score) Depending on how the competition plays out that day, Laurie could find herself on the podium! 

Flavia Saraiva | Brazil
Flavia Saraiva may be tiny, but don't let that fool you--she has a big presence out on the competition floor! The 4'4 athlete is a bundle of joy and a natural when it comes to tumbling and the presentation in her dance. Seriously, the home crowd is going to eat her up at these Games. She is the perfect combination of both power and grace and has a natural star quality about her. She has been a fan favorite in the gymternet since her international debut at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games where she placed 2nd all-around, 2nd on beam, and 1st on floor. This year at the Olympic Test Event, she helped team Brazil qualify to the Olympics with a first place finish. She also took home a gold medal on the floor and a silver medal on beam and in the all-around. Born in Rio in September of 1999, Saraiva couldn't have asked for a better Olympics to be eligible for.  Flavia is likely Brazil's best hope for a medal, as she is world class on both the balance beam and floor exercise. Solid performances in qualifications could advance Flavia to those two finals in addition to the all-around final. Regardless of whether Flavia brings home a medal or not, I'm positive she is about to become the darling of the games!



Ellie Downie | Great Britain 
17 year old Ellie Downie is ready to make a splash in her first Olympic appearance. Training alongside her older sister Becky, who is a 2008 Olympian, Ellie likely knows what to expect going into her first games as she saw it firsthand with her sister 8 years ago! However, she is no stranger to the pressure of competing on such a large stage. Ellie helped Great Britain to it's first ever team bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships and qualified to compete in two event finals--vault and floor. This year at the European Championships, she placed second with the team and second in the vault and floor finals. Ellie's explosive power allows her on those events and put up routines that rival some of the best in the world. With solid performances, Ellie definitely is in the mix to contend for a medal on either event.



Sanne Wevers | Netherlands
Sanne Wevers is perhaps one of the most unique balance beam workers of the quad. With a 16.4 D score, Sanne's best hope for an Olympic medal will come on this event. where her difficult connections and mind boggling turns leave the crowd in awe practically every time. Sanne is the 2015 National Champion on bars and beam as well as the silver medalist on beam at the 2015 World Championships. To open up the Olympic year with a bang, Sanne won the Olympic Test event with a super impressive beam set, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with on that event. As much as Sanne would love to have some individual success at these games, the main focus for her is improving her ranking with the team after coming off of an historic 8th place finish at last years World Championships! Regardless, I'm sure the fans in Rio will be speechless after her difficult and extremely beautiful beam routine.



Angelina Melnikova | Russia 
It's been a strong start to the 2016 season for 16 year old Angelina Melnikova. This first year senior is the Russian all-around national champion, as well as the balance beam and floor exercise champion. She was also a member of the first place team at the European Championships earlier this year. Melnikova had a pretty steady junior career as well, winning her fair share of all-around and individual event titles at various international competitions. The Russian team has struggled a bit this entire quad with injuries and lack luster performances at some of the bigger international assignments, however, Melnikova could be the breakout star that they are looking for! She really has no weak event, and while it's a long shot that she will bring home an individual medal from these games, the Russian team will rely on her for consistent scores to help bring home a medal in the team competition. This is Angelina's chance to step up and prove that she can be relied on and really make a name for herself.