Chellsie Memmel was disallowed to compete in Visa Championships, the last chance she would have to qualify through to Olympic trials.
After 2 falls on her only routine at Secret, Marta Karolyi felt she hadn’t shown enough to be invited.
Marta’s the boss. Perhaps that’s her call. (Or her committee’s call.)
Dvora Meyers wrote up the controversy on Deadspin – U.S. Gymnastics Turns Its Back On Chellsie Memmel, Genuine Badass
After some intense criticism online, USA Gymnastics was forced to respond:
… Steve Penny, president and CEO of USA Gymnastics, said he understood the outpouring of support for Memmel given her accomplishments and popularity. She is the fifth-most decorated gymnast in U.S. history.
“First of all, I’d like to say I think everyone recognizes the incredible athlete Chellsie has been over the years,” Penny said. “She’s been an incredible athlete and role model for the sport and we all love her.” …
Steve Penny doesn’t love Chellsie enough to overrule Marta. And invite her to Visas.
In fact, in that article Andy Memmel says Steve Penny phoned his daughter and asked her to retire. Now. To take the heat off USAG.
She declined.
I actually support Marta’s right to decide which gymnasts to invite. And which to uninvite. But in this case, everyone I know loves Chellsie. And is criticizing Marta and USAG for how they’ve handled the issue.
Click PLAY or watch Chellsie training Bars at Secret.
Inside Gymnastics has a terrific new interview with Chellsie – QUEEN OF THE COMEBACK
related – Secret Classic on YouTube (2hrs) … Click in to find the start of the broadcast.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 