The Future of USA Gymnastics: Bailie Key

Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics

Name: Bailie Key
Date of birth: March 16, 1999
Age: 13
Gym: Texas Dreams Gymnastics
Year she turns senior: 2015
Accomplishments: 2011 and 2012 Junior National team, 4th all around at 2012 Nationals, 3rd all around and first with the team at 2012 Jesolo Trophy.
Upgrades: Church, Downie, Shaposh, and Arabian front. (Working on an amanar vault in training)
Notable Skills: Beautiful gienger and a flawless switch ring leap on beam and floor
Why you should remember her: She's clean, precise, and powerful.
Fun Fact: Bailie trained with former elite, Lizzy Leduc and current teammate Ariana Guerra at Woodlands before moving to Texas Dreams.

Visit Bailie's official website



Other future stars of USA Gymnastics: (Click name to read post)
Laurie Hernandez

What is artistry?

While browsing the Gymternet, there is always a topic I see being debated quite a bit- artistry. What exactly is it? Some people will tell you it's the classical, elegant and graceful movements usually reserved for the ballet stage including an incredible toe point, stick straight legs and graceful arms. Others will tell you it's all about showing expression and loving what you do, regardless of the choreography you're given. The question of whether the "artistry" have been taken out of artistic gymnastics is never ending. The sport is always changing, and to keep up with the very best, you need to keep up with the increasing demands of difficulty. It's an on going debate and honestly, nobody is right.  I've seen SO MANY interesting view points on this topic, and I wanted to share some of them with you. Feel free to voice your opinions in the comment section below.

Definition of artistry:

Artistic workmanship, effect, or quality

Having or revealing nature creative skill

Excellence in execution

Photo Credit: Thomas Schreyer

Your definitions of artistry:






My Definition

Artistry can be a pretty complicated thing. In the real world, everyone has there own idea of what "beautiful" looks like and gymnastics is no exception. What appeals to my eyes, may not appeal to yours. And THAT to me, is the beautiful thing about artistry. To me, artistry is whatever you interpret it to be. It comes in many different forms. I think the biggest misconception is that you have to be a ballerina to be classified as artistic. I mean let's face it, Aly Raisman will NEVER be able to move like Aliya Mustafina. So why should she try to put together a balletic "artistic" routine when that just isn't her style? You can't force artistry. It has to come from within.You can tell when a gymnast puts passion behind her movements, and it's captivating to watch regardless of how graceful she is. Some people (the Russians in particular) are better at selling their routines. They clearly have hours of ballet training behind them and they focus on detail. They are performers. But at the same time, have you seen Lloimincia Hall?! That girl is fierce and she OWNS that floor every time she steps out there. She would look silly doing the choreography that the Russians do. She has to work with what she was given (which is a muscular build and outstanding personality) Might as well put it to good use! Artistry is all about being creative, and expressing yourself. In whatever way that may be.

Photo Credit: Chris Parent 

The code of points doesn't ask gymnast's to dance like ballerina's, it asks them to perform. Judges want to see original elements and for the gymnast to express and interpret their music well. The ability to preform comes with time. You look at many of the juniors out on the floor now, and they look scared to death. Gymnasts who mindlessly preform their routines, are the ones with no artistry. I could name you a bunch of people (mainly U.S juniors) who haven't quite come out of their shell yet. And to be honest, their routines are boring to watch. They execute the movements rather then preform them. Now look at someone like Jordyn Wieber. I happen to LOVE her floor routine (I'm not being biased either!) I've seen so many people say that Jordyn isn't artistic. Yeah I agree, she's no ballerina but she does have clean lines, great energy, and you can tell that she enjoys her routine. That floor routine fits her personal style SO well. She's spot on with the music throughout the entire routine (which is hard considering it's fast pace), she maintains a high energy level (always with a smile), as well as clean/precise dance movements ALL while throwing some huge tumbling passes. THAT to me is preforming, maybe in a different way then Aliya. But it works for Jordyn.

Photo Credit: Steve Mullensky

I think it's important to point out that ballet is the heart of Russian culture. You can see the hours of ballet training in every movement they make. From the toes, to the fingertips. For as long as I can remember, the Russian's have been known for their beautiful gymnastics. I wish other gymnasts would pay as much attention to detail as they do because it certainly has it's benefits. The USA on the other hand, is all about variety and individual expression. You see power and athleticism, as well as grace and beauty. It truly is the best of both worlds.

Photo Credit: Heather Maynez

Do I think the artistry have been taken out of artistic gymnastics? Well, with out a doubt gymnastics is different now then it was back in the 80's. But you have to keep in mind that with time comes changes (such as equipment and requirements for difficulty) I'd LOVE to see some of the unique skills preformed back in the 80's being used out on the floor again. Is is worth the risk? Absolutely, and I think a gymnast who takes the time to create unique and intricate routines (while maintaining a high level of difficulty) should be rewarded. As long as the athlete has fun, engages the audience, and brings their own personal style to the routine, I enjoy watching it.

Here are some of my favorite artistic routines:

Shantessa Pama



                           

I always appreciated Shantessa's style of gymnastics because she was so unique. Her routines were always different from what we typically saw and that is why she stands out, even to this day. You can tell she put a lot of thought into making her routines original. I really wish we could see this more often!



         

I absolutely love Beth's routine because it keeps me on edge. Everyone in the audience is engaged in her routine and she always leaves us wondering "what will she do next?!" The energy and ingenuity of this routine is incredible! Props to Beth for her creativity.


        
 
I love the fact that Peng Peng takes risks in this routine. She does a tremendous job of adding her own personal style to this and it's one of those routines that leave people talking. Peng Peng is remembered for her unique skills and classic style on every event.

                                   

Charlotte Mackie also does a great job of bringing originality to the balance beam! She has some really cool combinations and overall this routine is very entertaining.


         

Ksenia's floor work is absolutely stunning, not to mention the phenomenal choreography. A post talking about artistry would not be complete without mentioning Ksenia. I don't think there's much more to say!

Some other gymnasts who I think do a fantastic job of bringing emotion and creativity to their work are: Anastasia Grishina, Sabrina Vega, Ana Porgras, Sui Lu, Catalina Ponor, Lauren Mitchell and Jordyn Wieber


What do you guys think? Is artistry going instinct? Let me know how you feel below.

Book review: Head Over Heels About Gymnastics- Floor Skills

Head Over Heels About Gymnastics is a child friendly picture book written by Gemma Coles that introduces aspiring young gymnasts to the basics of gymnastics. Through photographs and easy to follow steps, the author guides you through the essential floor skills, and includes little helpful tips along the way!

The book stands up and the pages can easily be folded over!

The book starts out by teaching you some basic warm up activities, stretches, and key shapes that will be useful when learning new skills. The author also provides tips on how to have better posture when preforming/presenting to the judges. Throughout the course of the book you will learn basic rolls, leaps, walkovers, handstands, and cartwheels. I found the sticky notes on every page to be helpful reminders as to what you should be doing to achieve the best results!  The step by step demonstrations preformed by both a male and female gymnast, also provide a clear, easy to follow instruction for young children. At the end of the book the author provides two easy to follow practice routines that includes everything covered in the book.

Here's a preview of one of the warm up pages!

Overall I found this book very well written, and I would certainly recommend it to any parent interested with helping their young gymnast succeed.

This book is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon

10 Questions with Qatar's Shaden Whadan

In the small country of Qatar, gymnastics is on the up rise. Although they may be unknown in the gymnastics world, they are quickly making history in their country and have a story that should be shared with everyone.

The Aspire Zone

For as long as history goes back, Qatar has never expressed interest in women's sports at the world level. (Due to their religion and culture) In fact, Qatar has never had a female athlete compete in an Olympic games until 2012 when Noor Hussain Al-Malki made history by being selected to represent Qatar in track and field. (Although she injured herself and could not compete) Their gymnastics program didn't come about until 2002 when it was created by Jacqueline Quirin-Herbrand at a world class facility in Doha called "Aspire Zone" which is basically heaven for any Qatar athlete. Otherwise known as the Doha Sports City, the Aspire Zone is a 2.5 square kilometer complex that has a 50,000 seat stadium, an Olympic sized swimming pool, and indoor facility's for 13 sports including gymnastics. Although they only have a national team of about 8 girls, they are determined to make a difference. Shaden Whadan is a 16 year old gymnast from Qatar who has represented her country at the 2010 Youth Olympics, making her the first female to compete for Qatar at an Olympic event, her leotard from that competition proudly hangs in an Olympic museum that was opened up in Qatar. Shaden also was the first women from Qatar to not only represent her country at the Arab games, but win multiple medals. The most difficult part of women's sports in Qatar is finding appropriate uniforms. "The dress code is a big problem in these sports." said Lolwah Al Marri, the general Secretary of Qatar's Olympic committee. But for Shaden, it is the least of her worries, "It's not a problem. I don't really care what people think. I just want to compete and win medals!" she says.  And that's exactly what she has been doing. Shaden was happy to share with us how she got started in gymnastics, what gymnastics is like in Qatar, and her future plans.

Photo Credit: Doha Stadium Plus

Triple Twist: When did gymnastics in Qatar develop and how did you get started?

Shaden: "My mum got me into gymnastics because she believed that the basics to any sport was in gymnastics, so I got pretty good at it and continued. I also come from a family with an athletic background, both my parents did athletics/track&field. Gymnastics was introduced in Qatar in 2002 and that was when I officially joined."

Triple Twist: What do you think has been your greatest acomplisnment in gymnastics so far?

Shaden: "The most memorable thing through my journey as a gymnast was achieving 5 medals at the 2011 Arab Games. I won 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. Another memorable experience was representing Qatar in 2010 at the first youth Olympics in Singapore."

Triple Twist: What does it mean to you to be able to represent your country on the world stage?

Shaden: "It is an honor for me to represent my country and I really enjoy it."

Triple Twist:  Do you have a role model in gymnastics?

Shaden: "Nastia Liukin"

Triple Twist: What would you like to see happen in the future of Qatar gymnastics?

Shaden: "I predict that gymnastics in Qatar will improve and that our level as gymnasts will develop."

Triple Twist:  Do you plan to continue with gymnastics? If so, what are your plans?

Shaden: "I hope to continue with gymnastics, but i'm focusing more on my education since I just started university. Its been really hard and frustrating to balance both tasks, but I hope I can do it. I plan to achieve a medal in the upcoming challenge cups that I will be participating in. If not the next one.. then the ones after that."

Triple Twist: What would you like to do when you are done with gymnastics?

Shaden: "After i'm done with my gymnastics career, I hope to graduate from my university with a bachelors degree and become a sports reporter."

Triple Twist: How many hours do you train per week?

Shaden: "I train 3 and a half hours a day, 6 times a week."

Triple Twist: Women competing in sports is not very common in Qatar, why do you think that is?

Shaden: "Women's sports in Qatar was not so popular in the past due to religion and culture, but as you can see there has been a sudden change and women in Qatar seem to be having a breakthrough with all the accomplishments and achievements they have made in different sports. It takes a lot of hard work and training to make it to the highest level."

Triple Twist: Who gives you the best advice?

Shaden: "The best advice I must say came from my mum who has been very supportive and encouraging by attending every competition of mine and always being there for me whenever I feel down."

Photo Credit: Unkown

Follow Shaden on twitter: Click here

Michigan Gymnastics...I'm Impressed.

Photo Credit: University of Michigan

The Michigan Gymnastics team is on fire this season and are proving themselves to be contenders for the "Super 6" in April. During the 2012 season, Michigan spent most of their season ranked in the low 20's with a smaller team than usual. They didn't have a senior class and they lost two important team members, Natalie Beilstein and Brittnee Martinez due to injuries. But Michigan entered this season with a fresh start and some new team members. They gain 3 former elites in their freshman class and one level 10 standout! So far this season, they have been rocks and haven't lost a meet yet. With each week, they not only maintain their high ranking, but their total team score has improved too. Check it out below...



Michigan vs. Michigan State (Exhibition)- 195.375
Michigan vs. Oregon State & BYU- 196.575 (Tied with Florida...ranked #1)
Michigan vs. Nebraska- 196.900 (Ranked #2)
Michigan vs. Illinois- 197.375 (Ranked #1)

Photo Credit: Michigan Gymnastics

The last time Michigan was ranked #1 was in 2000 and the last time they were ranked #2 was in 2006. So Michigan is starting this season off as their best ever! Some of their highest scores this season are a 9.925 on vault for Joanna Sampson, a 9.925 on bars for Katie Zurales, a 9.925 on beam for Katie Zurales, and a 9.950 on floor for Joanna Sampson. Some other high scores have come from Sachi Sugiyama who has scored a 9.9 on bars and beam, and Reema Zakharia who set a new personal best on floor with a 9.925. Michigan is currently ranked in the top three on 3 out of the 4 events.



            

 Michigan will be away next weekend and will face off with Iowa and Minnesota. If they continue doing what they have been doing, winning the rest of this season shouldn't be a problem. Their biggest challenge will be on March 10th when they take place in a quad meet against UCLA, Iowa State, and California. I'm hoping Michigan can go undefeated this year and really make history.


            

Head coach Bev Plocki says the team is no where near done with upgrading their routines, and adding new gymnasts to the lineups. This past weekend, Joanna Sampson debuted her HUGE double layout on floor but will not be competing it next weekend in Minnesota. There is also video of Sampson training a double layout with a full twist. Natalie Beilstein is also expected to add some upgrades on floor (such as her opening arabian double front!). Beilstein is currently competing a some what watered down routine, due to recovering from last years achilles rupture. According to Bev, Natalie has about 3 different E passes she can put into her routine and is trying to slowly work at putting those upgrades in. Freshman Austin Sheppard has mentioned contributing on vault and floor this season, and Briley Casanova will also slowly be adding more events. Coach Bev says she wants them to adjust to college life and not put to much on them too soon. She also mentions that these past few weeks have been watered down routines, and that their main goal was consistency. Within the next few weeks, everyone will slowly start to add in their more difficult elements.

Here's to the rest of an AMAZING season! Go Blue!

2013 Nastia Liukin Cup Qualifiers

The 4th annual Nastia Liukin Cup will be held on March 1st at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, but the excitement has already kicked off with the "Nastia Cup Series" and our list of qualifiers is forming! Below is a list of gymnasts who qualified for the event, the meet they qualified at, and their biggest accomplishment in gymnastics thus far. We'll keep this list updated with all the latest qualifiers, so make sure you keep checking back!

If you don't know much about the Nastia Cup, check out our post including everything you need to know!

Click their name to visit their website.

• Emily Schild- Atlanta Crown Invitational (9th all around at 2012 JO Nationals)
• Kiera Brown- Circle of Stars  (3rd all around at 2011 JO Nationals, Scholarship to Georgia)
• Sydney Doggette- Circle of Stars Invitational (1st all around at 2012 Level 9 Championships)
• Reagan Campbell- Texas Prime Meet (2nd all around at 2010 Buckeye Classic)
• Samantha Partyka- Texas Prime (31st all around 2010 Visa Championships, Scholarship to Utah)
•  Charity Jones - Lady Luck Invite (2012 Nastia Liukin Cup Champion, Scholarship to Oklahoma)
• Ashleigh Gnat- Lady Luck Invite (3rd on vault at JO Nationals)
• Mariah Peterson -Lady Luck Invite (15th all around at 2012 JO Nationals)
• Emily Gaskins- CGA Spectacular (1st all around at 2012 Level 9 Eastern's)
• Mackenzie Brannan- Pikes Peak (9th all around at 2012 US Classic, 2 time Nastia Cup Qualifier)
• Drew Watson- Pikes Peak Cup (17th on bars and floor at the 2012 JO Nationals)
• Bridget Dean- Sand Dollar Invite (2010 Covergirl Classic Qualifier)
• Rachel Daum-Sand Dollar Invite (12th on vault at 2010 Visa Championships, Scholarship to Stanford)
• Alex Mcmurtry-Sand Dollar Invite (2012 JO National Champion, 3 time Nastia Cup Qualifier)

Still to come...

Wisconsin Dells Classic
Parkettes Invitational
San Diego Classic
Fiesta Bowl Invitational
Chairity Choice Invitational
IGI Chiago Style
Gliders Invitational
The Magical Classic
Buckeye Classic
Presidential Classic
WOGA Classic
Arizona Sunrays Invitational

Interview with Helen Veruchhi

The Russian born, Helen Verucchi has been in the coaching business for years. Once a gymnast herself (from 1975-1986), Helen decided to try coaching upon completion of her career. At the age of 18 she began coaching beam and floor at her gym in Russia. In 2000, she began coaching at WOGA and continued onto several other gyms throughout her career including Dallas Gymnastics Center and Eagle Wings. She also coached at Elite Champions before the gym closed up. Helen is now coaching at University of Gymnastics in Plano. She is the long time coach of junior elite gymnast, Jordan Stavrou. She has been working with Jordan since she was 7 years old and is proud to have an elite athlete to call her own. Even though Jordan has been plagued with non gymnastics related injuries, she is determined to get back onto the elite stage and Helen is determined to get her there. We caught up with Helen to talk about Jordan's progress, plans for the future, and some of her coaching highlights.

Photo belongs to Helen Veruchhi

Triple Twist: We haven't seen Jordan Stavrou compete in a while and many fans are wondering how she is doing. Can you give us an update on her progress?

Helen: "Unfortunately 2012 was not a happy year for Jordan. In February she had a surgery in her foot (nothing to do with gymnastics), it was an accident. I thought she was done, but after recovering (late May) she wanted to come back. So we started again, and in October she had another surgery- (gall bladder removed, she was in stomach pain for about 1 year.) So now she is back to normal training, we are planning to compete level 10 and try elite in the summer."

Triple Twist: What are some of Jordan's future goals in gymnastics, is she thinking Rio 2016 or college scholarship?

Helen: "For now her goal is to make the national team. Rio is a goal, but realistically that will be hard for her, we will eventually start looking for colleges"

Triple Twist: So when will we see Jordan competing next, can you share her schedule with us?

Helen: "She will compete at Texas Dreams on Friday with her watered down elite routines. She just needs to get back onto the competition floor. Then to WOGA where she will do elite compulsory and then the Houston National Invite."

Triple Twist: Do you have any up and coming gymnasts that you think have potential?

Helen: "I have 2 newcomers, Liberty Grace Mora and Kayla Muhhammad- both girls had a very successful level 5 season and will move up to level 7 this year."

Triple Twist: You've coached at several gyms throughout your career, how has that helped you become a better coach?

Helen: "Yes I coached in several gyms, and I think this is the best opportunity to work with different coaches and learn new techniques and styles of coaches. I'm blessed to have met so many coaches and worked with them. They are all amazing and I've learned a lot."

Triple Twist: 2012 was a big year in gymnastics. Was there anything in particular that excited you?

Helen: "2012- love the year of Olympics, it's always exiting! I'm so happy for team USA after their performance during the women's team final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and was excited about team Russia as well. I was so happy for Anastasia Grishina making the Russian Olympic team, she is one of my favorite gymnasts and I think she has a bright future."

Triple Twist: What would you like to see changed in artistic gymnastics?

Helen: "What I would like to see changed in gymnastics is the artistic part of it, right now great tumbling is winning over beautiful leaps. I'm more for Nastia Liukin's type of gymnastics over Aly Raisman, of course it must be well balanced, but its a rare combination to have powerful gymnast with grace, flexibility and lines."

Triple Twist: What has been your greatest accomplishment as a coach?

Helen: "I have a couple, one of them is to have my very first and own elite gymnast. Another one is my girls getting full ride scholarships, like Casey Dreyer to SJSU and Makenzie Johnson to BYU."

Triple Twist: What is the best advice that you have to offer?

Helen: "Never give up. Everything is possible if you work hard. I'm teaching my girls that the difference between a good gymnast and a great gymnast is a lot of hard work."

Photo belongs to Helen Veruchhi

You can watch some of Jordan's training videos on her YouTube Channel