There’s still faint hope we will see former World’s medalist Charlie Tamayo, originally from Cuba, competing internationally once again. And not just coaching:
Charlie’s given up on 2008. But is considering training towards 2012. At least, so says the Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction, Colorado:
Tamayo, 27, … hopes to compete for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.
Now working at Colorado West Gymnastics, … Tamayo said Friday he has finally settled.
… he’s working with the office of U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., on legislation that would help him achieve citizenship. His application for permanent legal status in the United States is stalled in California, said Tamayo’s Grand Junction attorney, Luke Brennan. …
Several American gymnasts have written letters in support of Tamayo’s bid for citizenship, as well as USA Gymnastics, the governing organization for the sport.
Charlie is one of the most talented gymnasts ever to walk the Earth. Watching him last summer at Woodward West Gymnastics Camp, I’d say he’d instantly be in the top 3 on Floor and Vault for the American Olympic Team.
In fact, I would challenge any gymnast in history to try to out-do Charlie in acrobatics contests in the gym. For example, Scherbo in his prime vs Charlie at any time. I think Scherbo would quickly agree, “Tamayo is the man!”
If you love great gymnastics, you want to see Charlie Tamayo compete once again.
YouTube is buzzing with his highlight videos.
Here’s one of coach Don Eckert’s videos on SaltoCafe that we’ve not linked to in the past. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
8 comments ↓
WOW he is the man. Everytime i see on of his vids a see him trying a skill i haven’t seen done or attempted before. VERY COOL!. GOOOO>> CHARLIE!!!! lets hope he can get that citizenship.
Fingers crossed for him and for gymnastics in general haha.. there is a desperate need for somone like him in the world circuit.
Valentin Uzunov
TheGymPress
http://www.thegympress.net
We’re still working on Charlie’s citizenship. It would help tremendously if we could show great public support. What kind of support do you think we could get from the gymnastics community?
I will email you on that Luke.
Perhaps Charlie needs a dedicated website to focus the support for him online. He is super popular on YouTube.
I’ve posted a thread on WWGym.com’s forum. Please update us, and let us know what we can do to support any ongoing efforts.
31 is not too old to compete. Look at Jovtchev.
Charlie is still pursuing 2012. We are making progress on the citizenship. I think we can make it even without congressional help (which we have not gotten) but it will be tight. He is training.
[...] Charlie Tamayo (Cuba) is on the competitors list. [...]
Hi, I am Charlie’s Strength and Conditioning coach/trainer. Charlie took second in the Prelims in Vault, and came within a hair of being in the finals group while only competing in vault and floor due to a shoulder injury sustained in gymnastics training. We are setting our sites on 2012 and hope to have a full support group and possibly website in the near future. He will also be doing some training with Jonathan Horton’s coach in Texas in a few weeks.
Great news, Salim. Charlie has many, many fans worldwide.
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