Category: Uncategorized

2011 Cover Girl Classic
Chicago, Ill.

Junior division final results

1. Kyla Ross, Aliso Viejo, Calif., 58.850
2. Lexie Priessman, Cincinnati, Ohio, 58.050
3. Katelyn Ohashi, Plano, Texas, 57.950
4. Sarah Finnegan, St. Louis, Mo., 56.650
5. Brenna Dowell, Odessa, Mo., 55.350
6. Amelia Hundley, Hamilton, Ohio, 55.200

Couch Gymnast:

… The first and most obviously impressive part of this competition was, of course, Kyla Ross. To me, Kyla Ross already looks, sounds and seems like a senior. It is like she does not belong with this group of juniors- like a kid who was forced to repeat a grade in school. Being age eligible for 2012, unlike so many of these girls, means she has so many skills in place. You could say the same about Ohashi and Priessman, of course But it is not just that, it is the way she performs. She has that quality of a gymnast who has all the experience that she does indeed have. Veteran-like, she can pull out routines when needed and warms up like she is in the gym at home. She also knows what it takes to win. She can sit down an Amanar twice in training but pull it out and land it when needed in competition. This girl continues to grow on me every time I see her. …

Covergirl Classic Junior Impressions

Interview with the Champ.

http://www.gymnastike.org/embed/NzE2NTAxNjE4?related=1

Watch more video of CoverGirl Classic 2011 on gymnastike.org

Gymnastics Examiner – Jr Quick Hits

An important sub-plot of Covergirl this weekend. Is the USA finally going to have some depth on their weakest apparatus, Bars?

Gabrielle Douglas on … bars during podium training at the 2011 CoverGirl Classic.

If so, I’m thinking to change my prediction that Russia will win Olympics 2012. The Red, White and Blue would be near impossible to beat if they are somewhat competitive with Russia and China on Bars.

http://www.gymnastike.org/embed/Mzk1NTAxNDk3?related=1

Watch more video of CoverGirl Classic 2011 on gymnastike.org

It was Hideo Mizoguchi who first pointed out to me that the USA will eventually be the dominant sports nation.

Why?

Because the USA has the most genetic diversity. Mizo postulated that over time more unique talents will emerge from that national gene pool than any other.

… Leave a comment if you have a strong opinion on that theory, pro or con.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which, according to Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer, … supposed to be “the new Pirates of the Caribbean” …

Bruckheimer had a lot more money to spend on it than Pirates 1, but I’d still say it’s inferior to all the films in Pirate franchise.

The movie is much more realistic than I expected, though, considering it’s based on a video game.

David Belle was stunt coordinator and he made an effort for the free running stunts to be somewhat based on the laws of physics. More than most other pics.

Click PLAY or watch the trailer on YouTube.

Audiences generally like it as a mindless action film. Critics are more … critical.

26th Summer Universiade in August in Shenzhen, China. Canada and China are tight these days. The MAG team wouldn’t miss this one.

TEAM CANADA ROSTER: MEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS

Nathan Gafuik – Athabasca U – Calgary, Alta.
Jayd Lukenchuk – U of Saskatchewan – Saskatoon, Sask.
Kevin Lytwyn – McMaster U – Stoney Creek, Ont.
Jackson Payne – Athabasca U – Edmonton, Alta.
Casey Sandy – Seneca College – Brampton, Ont.

STAFF

Coach: Liang Cheng – Edmonton, Alta.
Coach: Mitsugu Ikeda – Abbotsford, B.C.
Therapist: Karie Farrer – Vancouver, B.C.

TEAM CANADA ROSTER: WOMEN’S RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Kelsey Anderson – Okanagan College – Vernon, B.C.
Jessica Ho – UBC – Vancouver, B.C.

STAFF

Coach (Ho) Dajana Kosarac – Vancouver, B.C.
Coach (Anderson) Camille Martens – Vernon, B.C.

Aerobics will be included, as well.

Wikipedia – Gymnastics at the 2011 Summer Universiade

Do you know the name?

He was the first president of the European Gymnastics Union, eventually evolving into the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

He started all this July 23, 1881, 130yrs-ago today.

Cupérus held the post of President for 43yrs, perhaps the only FIG President to have made more changes than our current leader, Bruno Grandi.

Cupérus argued with Pierre de Coubertin against the idea of bringing back the Olympic Games. Cupérus felt that events like Gymnaestrada would better serve health, fitness and peaceful relations between nations:

“… I dream of the day when competitions will be superfluous, when gymnasts will compete for the infallible prize of their own effort, the exact equivalent in health, strength, flexibility, tenacity.”

Later he was to concede to the majority opinion, and join the Olympic movement:

“I admit defeat, and accept mankind and the things of this life as they are”.

The first FIG international competition took place in 1903 in Antwerp.

Read more about this little known history on FIG – History of the World Gymnaestrada

Here’s the monument to the great man, in his home town of Anvers, Belgium.

(via FIG)

… Elites from Legacy Elite Gymnastics in Carol Stream, Illinois. Former UCLA star Anna Li, US National team members Bridgey and Macko Caquatto and newcomer Hopes gymnast Wesley Stephenson prepare for this weeks Cover Girl Classic at UIC’s Pavilion.

This workout was filmed on July 7th the week after the National Team Training camp, National Qualifer and the American Classic at the Ranch. Anna returned to elite competition and qualified to the Visa Championships at the American Classic and won bars at that competition.

Welsey Stephenson (light blue legacy elite leo) finished 2nd in the Hopes competition at the American Classic and has qualified to compete in the Challenge competition as a part of the Cover Girl Classic. Macko and Bridgey are already qualified to Visa’s based on international competition results over the past year.

Click PLAY or watch it on Gymnastike.

http://www.gymnastike.org/embed/NzUzNTAwOTkz?related=1

Watch more video of Legacy Elite Gymnastics on gymnastike.org

Check in with Gymnastics Examiner to catch up on the TOP stories of recent weeks – The gymnastics month in review…

Here’s one story I had missed:

Tomas Gonzalez: Gonzalez, a World standout on floor and vault and also arguably the best gymnast ever to come out of Chile, tallied over 90 points in the all-around …

(via The All Around Gymnastics News)

It’s hard not to like Tomás González.

Click PLAY or watch one of his speedy & entertaining Floor routines on YouTube.

Couch Gymnast has a nice preview write-up.

I expect the BIG GUNS will be the BIG GUNS this year, with Tokyo Worlds and Olympics looming. They are already positioning for Team placement, even if the interviews sound understated.

I’m looking forward to seeing Jr. Katelyn Ohashi.

Cover Girl July 22-24 on Full Twist | Gymnastics Examiner | Gymnastike

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Even better, BASE jumping from snap-down back Minitramp.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.