visiting Al Fong at GAGE

I visited the Great American Gymnastics Express in Missouri, on behalf of TumblTrak. It’s one of the elite gyms of the world, home to USA National Team members Sarah Finnegan, Brenna Dowell and Maddie Desch.

Al Fong offered a one day clinic (PDF) for coaches and gymnasts — at no cost. A wonderful opportunity that we enjoyed greatly.

Al’s hoping to do something similar twice a year: Thanksgiving and Easter. He wants to share what he’s learned. The unique GAGE system.

Al’s 24,000sq ft facility and training system was familiar to me from his blog — Ask Al Fong. (Highly recommended.)

Thanks sincerely to the GAGE coaching staff & gymnasts, generous to welcome us into their home.

On the day following the clinic we were invited to observe normal Team training. It was impressive.

I’ll link to notes, photos and videos from the GAGE clinic, once they are posted online.

related – Gymnastike – Sarah Finnegan: The Dark Horse for the 2012 USA Olympic Team?

Brenna Dowell impressed in training, too. She’s powerful and consistent, critical for the current FIG Code. Al told that Brenna’s far exceeded his original expectations.