Rick Mc

Peyton Ernst – Pak Stalder 1/1

Though she missed that routine somewhat, Andy Thornton likes Peyton for the USA Worlds 2013 Team competing Bars and Beam.

Other strong contenders: Abigail Milliet, Kennedy Baker, Elizabeth Price.

Brenna Dowell would be named if either Simone Biles or Kyla Ross couldn’t compete, taking one of the AA spots.

Marta has many options, however. It may come down to which gymnasts are healthiest and most consistent at the final Training Camp.

safer landing mats

Kalon Ludvigson was injured landing a 1/1-in triple pike backwards into the pit.

What are the safest possible landing mats for acrobatic sport?

Greg Roe likes this landing set-up.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Yuli Kuksenkov to Russia

Rewriting Russian Gymnastics:

… further to the interview with Nikolai Kuksenkov where the Russian senior, Universiade champion discussed his father’s dismissal from the Ukraine national team, it has now been confirmed that his father, Yuli Kuksenkov, will join the Russian team as assistant head coach to men’s gymnastics from the beginning of September.

Great news for the Russian team, and good luck to the Kuksenkov family! …

read more on RRG – Loose ends …

And bad news for Ukraine.

I wonder what would have happened had Ukraine brought home from London the Bronze Team medal they deserved.

Ukraine did beat Japan at Universiade 2013.

If you use Google Translate, you can read a detailed interview with Yuli – Julius Kuksenko: “I was ready to leave, but not so much …“. Artistic Gymnastics

Brandon Beack’s recovery

Brandon Beack is a 17 year old South African … in Cape Town, South Africa. …

In August 2012, Brandon’s goals changed dramatically. He had a bad dismount at gymnastics training and fell on his head and back. He compressed his 6th and 7th vertebra which has left him paralyzed from the chest down.

He is working hard daily to regain some/all of his physical ability. His new goal is to WALK again. …

read more on Walking with Brandon.

Donate to his recovery fund.

Bruni Grandi announced that the FIG Foundation will be providing Brandon with support.

FIG MAG Judges Course

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, August 24, 2013:

The FIG has initiated disciplinary procedure in response to reports of alleged irregularities during the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics International Judges Course, which took place in Bucharest (ROU) on February 11 – 15, 2013.

In accordance with current procedural norms, the FIG has appointed a Disciplinary Commission to investigate the matter, and the latter will act swiftly to clarify events during this course and confirm whether there is any foundation to the allegations of cheating. …

read more …

First Rhythmic. Now MAG.

Nobody can accuse FIG of letting allegations slide.

I heard that the MAG exam evaluations were not done as per normal procedure.

Later, they had to be reevaluated.

The only other information I’ve heard on that intercontinental course is this:

The FIG says Istvan Karacsony, a Hungarian former member of its men’s artistic gymnastics technical panel, is suspended from all events through 2014. …

Karacsony was disciplined after FIG studied Romanian judge Dragos Birzu’s results at a training course held in Bucharest in February. He must sit the examination again.

Both officials can appeal within 21 days. …

Gymnastics official suspended over corrupt exams

Istvan is a great judge. Great coach. Great man.

I consider him innocent until proven guilty. I hope the Hungarian Federation is appealing that ruling.

Gabby Douglas – the movie

Seems that made-for-TV-movie project is moving forward:

Casing call from Alchemy of Acting in Atlanta, Georgia:

Email: CastingGabby2013@gmail.com

Call: (310) 244-3720 office

CASTING: GABBY: 8 to SMALL 12yr Old.FEMALE, African American,
VERY Petite, Great Smile, Great Eyes, Gymnastic & Dance Ability a
PLUS! Takes Direction Well GABBY:13-16 yrs old (VERY PETITE) FEMALE, African American, Very Petite (No taller than 5′ 2′)
Gymnastic & Dance Ability Important and a Plus, Great Smile,
Great Eyes. Great Acting Ability

The movie starts shooting September 9th all the way through the end of October

Project Casting

Gabby