“I’m not intimidated,” Durante said during a teleconference call with reporters Wednesday evening. “There are very few gymnastics programs in the country that have the success and get the amount of coverage that Georgia does. But it’s not something that intimidates me. . . . It’s something I’ve been prepared for along the way and it’s exciting. I’m excited about being the face of that program and being able to promote women’s gymnastics.” …
Former coach Suzanne Yoculan:
. . . Danna is energetic and driven and not afraid of challenges or expectations. She is a go-getter and a perfect fit for the Gym Dog program. …
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.
… According to a memorandum of understanding, obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution through state open records laws, (Danna) Durante agreed to a financial package worth more than $1.2 million dollars to coach the Gymdogs.
Durante agreed to a six-year deal that will expire in June 2018 …
… Durante is in Athens this week looking for a house and meeting with her new staff. Georgia has yet to make an announcement but indications are she has hired Philip Ogletree from LSU and Jay Hogue from Denver. …
… Longtime assistant Doug McAvinn, a vault specialist, is expected to remain at UGA but in a different capacity. He has been with the program 27 years. …
The most standing back somersaults in one minute was 36 and was achieved by Ziyi Zhang (China) on the set of Zheng Da Zong Yi – Guinness World Records Special in Beijing, China, on 17 December 2010.
Young gymnast have never known any other era. They assume that the girl with the highest start score should win the gold medal, regardless of execution.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 