Author: Rick Mc

Career gymnastics coach who loves the outdoors, and the internet.

single spotting flyaways

LOTs of work for the spotter.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Spot too many and some kids get dependent.

The real coaching challenge is removing the spot. Having kids get through the first several hundred alone without hitting the Bar.

Jon Horton retires

A terrific career.

Two-time Olympic medalist Jonathan Horton said Monday night he is retiring from competitive gymnastics but will remain involved in the sport in support of a proposed men’s national-caliber training center proposed by Cypress-area gym owner Aaron Basham.

Horton, a 31-year-old Houstonian who won two USA Gymnastics all-around titles during a decade-long run as one of the nation’s best male gymnasts, made his announcement after hosting a viewing party for his Monday night appearance on the NBC series “American Ninja Warrior.” …

NBC

Ellie Black, Scott Morgan preview Montréal Worlds

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

If you are coming for Worlds, be sure to consider the Coaching Symposium being held concurrently.

#HandstandDay June 24th

… 24th June, we’re teaming up once again with BBC Get Inspired for International Handstand Day to celebrate gymnastics.

British Gymnastics

Valeri responds to the Vanessa Atler interview

“I am sorry Vanessa’s experience wasn’t positive during her time at WOGA. When asked to help during a difficult time for her, my intention as a coach was to help Vanessa achieve her dreams, not make her training situation more difficult,” says Liukin.

“My recollection of working with Vanessa is different and includes many positive experiences. Coaching techniques and perspectives have evolved since then, and I have grown as a coach through experience and expanding my knowledge.  Today, I firmly believe an athlete’s focus should be on training smart, with increased education in the areas of balanced nutrition, fitness, healthy lifestyle and communication.  This is the basis for our approach in women’s gymnastics.”

Former USA Gymnast Vanessa Atler Says She Developed an Eating Disorder Under Valeri Liukin: ‘I’m Still Messed Up’

If you haven’t listened to Vanessa’s interview on GymCastic #254, you should.

Her remembrances of her short time with Valeri at WOGA are nuanced and well balanced. This headline does not accurately sum up her memories.