New Zealand’s David Bishop

Born Jan. 1, 1990, in Auckland, Bishop trains at Tri Star Gymnastics in his hometown. His coach is David Phillips, who won the bronze medal on floor exercise at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and competed at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

“(Phillips) is one of only two male gymnasts ever to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games,” Bishop said. “He also used to coach me many years ago, when he was training and I was about 7 years old. I am incredibly grateful to have him as my coach.”

Bishop said his training for 2014 will target summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“2014 is my year,” he said. “I plan to peak for the Commonwealth Games. …

IG

Click PLAY or watch David in a TV ad on YouTube.

suing the coach

… Mears Jr. filed a federal lawsuit against a slew of parties — a track coach, principal, superintendent and school board among them — after his son, Mawusimensah Mears, was kicked off the Camden County (N.J.) Sterling Regional High varsity track team. …

The official reason for Mawusimensah Mears’ dismissal was unexcused absences from practice, though his father said that both a family death and leg injury provided ample justification for his son’s missed practices.

Yet, at the root of the elder Mears’ lawsuit is a controversial claim that his son has a right to participate in extracurricular activities, turning the long held adage that sports, music and the like are privileges …

N.J. Dad files $40 million lawsuit after his son is kicked off track team for missed practices

It’s stories like this that make me glad I don’t live in the litigious U.S.A.

This court case is a waste of time and money. I assume the father hopes for a much, much smaller settlement out of court.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

how to be a successful teenager

Bart Simpson:

Making teenagers depressed is like shooting fish in a barrel.

success teen

Everyone wants to succeed in their life, don’t they? Even as a teenager …

1. Do well in school.

2. Do good in your community.

3. Figure out your goals in life and work toward them.

4. Don’t get into any trouble, legal or otherwise.

5. Be nice to your parents and teachers. (And COACH.)

6. Have good friends to help you out!

7. Get active! Join a sports team at school or out of school.

8. Do what you love.

9. Believe in something.

10. Live life to the fullest!

You’re only young for a short time, and before you know it you’ll be an adult that will be lying around saying, “I wish I had done this when I was younger.” Be daring, go out into the world and live life! Life is short, so enjoy it while you can.

wikihow – How to Have a Successful Teenage Life

Thanks Brett.

It’s not often I link to wikihow. 🙂

R.I.P. Heidi Hornbeek

HeidiHeidi Hornbeek, age 36 of Phoenix, passed away December 22, 2013.

… graduating from University of Arizona, where she was also a highly decorated gymnast and a member of the hall of fame. She then attended medical school in Kirksville, MO. Heidi then practiced medicine in the Arizona area until her passing.

A memorial mass will be held 10 am on Friday December 27, 2013 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 3130 N. 51st Ave, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Halo Animal Shelter of the Humane Society of Arizona.

Legacy.com

Heidi was an NCAA Champion on Floor.

Mary Wright recalls her competing triple tuck dismount on Bars. Others recall Heidi training Def.

Cause of death has not been confirmed.

new Floor Rules

Sporteverywhere’s Code of Points 101 is one of many trying to make sense of the latest mid-Quad rules change recently posted, then withdrawn, by the FIG WTC.

Or was it posted, withdrawn, and reposted?

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

(via MCSMaria)

indiegogo training fund

American Douglass Johnson raised $2,265 on indiegogo.

Another gymnast has an indiegogo fund-raiser. 18yr-old Wolfe Gazer training in Burlington, Ontario.

Wolfe

So far Wolfe is up to about $1700.