story of Shang Chunsong

No falls in the AA Final placed her 4th with 58.265. That despite competing only a full twisting Yurchenko (VIDEO).

There’s a post being shared on Tumblr called Story of Shang Chunsong – A Girl’s Brave Struggle Against Adversities:

On the 18th of March, 1996, a girl was born in the poverty-ridden village of ShiYanPing. …

… She had a brother, six years seniors of her, who unfortunately has lost most of his vision since a young age. The illness was initially curable, yet his family could not support the medical fee. …

When Chunsong was 6, due to the remoteness of their house, Chunsong and her brother, Lei, needed to climb a treacherous mountain trail everyday to go to school. In the morning, since Lei can still decipher a vague image out of his bare vision, he will carry Chunsong on his back to walk miles to school. At night, however, Lei would totally lose his vision, and Chunsong will be holding her brother’s hand to guide the both of them back to their home.

Chunsong, to me, is the embodiment of humility, tenacity and diligence. She was never proud of her achievement, even when she was hailed as the “3-gold queen in the China National Game 2013?. She was tenacious, for she rise out of the poverty using her talent in gymnastics and also used the opportunity to bring her entire family out of it too. …

Story of Shang Chunsong

The story does not conflict with anything on wikipedia. It makes me admire Shang Chunsong even more.

Regarding her very petite size, I’ve had confirmed (and seen with my own eyes) that the Chinese girls are allowed candy, chocolate bars, etc. There are no strict dietary restrictions imposed.

Despite accusations on social media, I’m assuming her registered age is correct.

Click PLAY or watch her AA Bars on YouTube.

Kohei & Epke – training philosophies

Gillette World Sport caught up with reigning World and Olympic Champion Gymnasts Kohei Uchimura & Epke Zonderland for a masterclass in gymnast training and preparation.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Kohei will defend his AA title. But Epke is finished in Glasgow. We’ll see him at the Rio Test Meet.

Fabian Hambuechen (GER) has withdrawn

Shame. After a very poor podium he looked good in competition. Up until Pommel.

I’m betting he stays in for the H Bar final. Good chance to medal this year.

via Gymternet Clan

Men’s Worlds AA Final

Far, far less predictable than the ladies competition. This year’s Final looks to be a thriller.

Click PLAY or watch a preview on YouTube.

One thing is certain. Kohei should win the E-score World Championships. He is incredibly good at keeping his feet together.

click on the image for larger photo
click on the image for larger photo

If you looking for a surprise pick – go with Manrique from Cuba. Virtually unknown before Glasgow, you may see him on the podium if he hits.

Men’s Team Final wrap-up

Here’s a very unusual edit.

The Japanese held off surprising Great Britain and longtime rival China in a tense final, with Uchimura clinching the gold medal despite a fall on the high bar on the final routine of the night. Japan finished with a team total of 270.818 to edge the Brits by 0.473 points. …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I was a guest on GymCastic 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships. We did enjoy a wee drop of wine while recording that.

GymCastic tshirt