Shawn Johnson has been getting into shape at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney, Texas. Here she is there alongside discus thrower Jarred Rome.
From Shawn’s blog on ESPN W:
I’m focusing solely on getting my body — specifically my knee — where it needs to be in order to be ready for the U.S. national championships and Olympic trials in June.
I see a physical therapist daily for about two to three hours. We do a lot of strength training and biometrics work with high-tech tools like the Nike SPARQ Sensory Performance Lab, Dartfish digital movement analysis and Myotest. I do a lot of jumping and landing and things that really cater to my sport. In the evenings I head to a local gymnastics club for a few hours of skill work …
I’m pleased to say my knee feels a lot better. It’s still not back to normal, and I don’t know if it ever will be, but I’m learning to deal with it instead of expecting it to be like it was before. In two weeks I’ll return to Chow’s gym in Des Moines and from there will press on with full gymnastics training.
Having snapped her Achilles in October at World Championships, she’s already scheduled to return to Brestyans.
… Rehab has gone better than expected, and Sacramone is ahead of schedule for her return to full-time practice, which she expects to resume at the beginning of February. When she does, she’ll follow a slightly unorthodox plan, which she has adhered to since her 2010 comeback: Rather than six hours of daily gymnastics — the norm for many elite gymnasts — Sacramone spends 2½-3 hours in the gym, followed by yoga, Pilates or a cardio session. …
For the top nations, gymnasts are under intense scrutiny.
Jonathan Horton knows the routine. First comes the injury, then comes the speculation, then comes the doubters.
The two-time Olympic medalist understands. Rip up your left foot the way he did in the world gymnastics championships last October and there’s no stopping the whispers.
“You get hurt 10 months before the Olympic games and people start questioning, `is he going to lose a lot of skills?’” Horton said. …
… Horton plans to compete on pommel horse and still rings at the Winter Cup in Las Vegas early next month even though a pair of screws in his injured foot will likely prevent him from completing full routines….
Smart.
Inconsistent Pommel Horse is the only thing that will stop a healthy Horton from qualifying for London.
It worked. It got her back in ‘the game’ before the Christmas break.
But Aliya’s so competitive I fear she’ll try to beat Komova next meet. That would be a mistake. The two should make it goal #1 to win the Olympics as a Team. That should be the ‘talking point’ in media interviews.
Won’t happen, I predict. Russia has no media plan that I can see.
Stephanie McGregor from Oregon State tore her Achilles.
Could that have been avoided? This would have been her last year competing.
… it’s not easy.
What are the signs my gymnast is getting a tendon injury or progressing toward rupture?
Brandi Smith-Young:
… In the early stages your athlete will report pain at the beginning of activities. Prime example would be reports of pain in the tendon or insertion during warm-ups which subside after getting “warmed-up”. No pain during actual practice. Reports of pain and the need to ice the tendon after practice. May or may not have any swelling present.
The 2010 World Champion, Aliya Moustafina, will compete 3 apparatus (not Floor) at the Voronin Memorial, her first competition back since being injured on Vault in April at European Championships.
That was an ACL tear so the return does seem a little early.
There’s no TV coverage for this one so we’ll have to wait on YouTube.
… Paralympic silver medallist Monique van der Vorst has miraculously become an able-bodied Olympic hopeful after a crash reversed her paralysis.
Paralysed from the hip down since she was 13, the 27-year-old handcyclist, who has just signed with the Rabobank women’s professional cycling team to compete as a top-class able-bodied athlete, was hit by a bicycle last year while training in her wheelchair for the 2012 London Paralympics.
While recovering from the trauma, van der Vorst’s feet started to tingle and miraculously she began to move them again. From that point on she spent months in the hospital and in the rehabilitation centre trying to regain the use of her legs. …
Doctors have no explanation for her amazing recovery. …
Injuries can range from as small as a rip to the obvious fractures and torn ligaments and ruptured tendons. Each athlete will deal with their injury differently. Some have a very high tolerance for pain while others have a relatively low threshold.
I have had gymnasts who when they ripped you would have thought that someone had taken a blow torch to their hand and other gymnasts who continued to work out on what we discovered was a broken bone in her ankle. …
Following an injury we all want the gymnasts to return to practice and be part of the group. It is good for their psychological state …
I like to see the girls back at their normal practice schedule even if hours are reduced. …
Injured athletes, if possible, should come to the gym each practice day, but stay only about half as long as the rest of their group. Do what they can still do — then go home.
Dr. Nassar linked to an article by Jourdan Saunders:
… gymnastics can provide children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) access to a differentiated approach, which potentially can create a model program to meet each child’s individual needs in a unique and effective manner.
Gymnastics is a sport that provides an enriching environment filled with opportunities for sharpening the mind by stimulating the brain, fostering social skills, and strengthening gross and fine motor skills, while providing children with ASD an alternative method for learning and developing new skills. …
After a diagnosis of a germ cell tumor, a rare form of ovarian cancer, surgery and chemotherapy, Shannon realized more than ever that it is important to celebrate each and every day. She is focused on the future and is encouraging other cancer survivors to Seize the Day!
She might not get to Ellen. But the campaign itself is a great way to bring awareness to spinal injury research. Not to mention a very good reminder to every coach and gymnast who hears her story to be CAREFUL in the gym.
Thanks Taylor.
She asks that you link to her video. Or reach out to Ellen herself:
The 2003 German AA national champion Ronny Ziesmer was paralyzed training Tsuk double back preparing for the Athens Olympics.
… Ronny is a big fighter and on his way back into a normal life the tetraplegic sportsman is working and living on the principle: Only an active life is a fulfilled life!
* Ronny Ziesmer founded the “Alliance of Hope Foundation” which supports the worldwide research in the field of regeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord. Patron of the Foundation, the German Federal Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel.
* Ronny Ziesmer started three times at the Berlin Marathon (2009, 2010, 2011) in the handbike. His goal is to attend the 2016 Paralympics.
* Just now in October 2011 Ronny Ziesmer has just completed a very successful study of biotechnology at the German “University Lausitz” in Senftenberg (near his hometown Cottbus) as a “Bachelor of Science”.
* Ronny Ziesmer is also working for the biggest European and German TV station “ZDF” as a co-commentator for the artistic gymnastic events like worlds, Europeans or Olympic Games.
The Agency, European Gymnastics Service “GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL” supports and cared for these exceptional athletes in all its responsibilities.
Shawn Johnson has been getting into shape at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in McKinney, Texas. Here she is there alongside discus thrower Jarred Rome. 
