Lily Smith – Beam

Lily Smith is one of the most exciting rookies for 2024. Ranked No. 1 by collegegymnews.com

She’s going to make me pay close attention to Georgia this season.

This is cool.

Michigan Made: Women’s Gymnastics

“Michigan Made: Women’s Gymnastics” is an all-access look at the months leading up to the Wolverines’ 2023-24 campaign.

Weaving interviews with coaches and student-athletes with behind-the-scenes practice footage and a look at life outside the gym, the five-episode series will give an unparalleled look into the historic program and those committed to continuing the winning legacy of Michigan Women’s Gymnastics.

… debuts on December 5th with new episodes every Tuesday.

Click PLAY or watch the trailer on YouTube.

NCAA 2024 Coaches Poll

  1. Oklahoma (1727 points) (22 first-place votes)
  2. Florida (1724 points) (21 first-place votes)
  3. Utah (1648 points) (2 first-place votes)
  4. Michigan (1600 points) (4 first-place votes)
  5. Auburn (1509 points)
  6. LSU (1434 points)
  7. Alabama (1395 points)
  8. California (1325 points)
  9. Missouri (1262 points)
  10. UCLA (1242 points)

Read the full list.

Here’s Spencer’s take.

There’s plenty of discussion online. 😀

Russians can compete Paris Olympics

After dragging their feet for as long as possible, the IOC made it official.

Still, it’s unlikely any in Gymnastics sports will be able to qualify. Valentina Rodionenko said the coaches of the National Team had decided they didn’t want to try for Paris under these restrictions.

“The executive board of the IOC has decided that individual neutral athletes (AINs) who have qualified through the existing qualification systems of the International Federations on the field of play will be declared eligible to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in accordance with the conditions outlined,” the Olympic body said on Friday. …

… six “strict eligibility conditions” for AINs at Paris 2024 reflecting the same conditions under which they have qualified.

It said among the 4,600 athletes who have so far qualified for the Games, only 11 were AINs – eight with a Russian passport, three with a Belarusian passport.

BBC – Paris 2024 Olympics: Russian and Belarusian athletes allowed to compete as neutrals

The conditions for their participation are as follows:

  • Qualified athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will be entered as, and compete as AINs.
  • Teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will not be considered.
  • Athletes and support personnel who actively support the war will not be eligible to be entered or to compete.
  • Athletes and support personnel contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies will not be eligible to be entered or to compete.
  • Any AIN, like all other participating athletes, must meet all anti-doping requirements.
  • The sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian states and governments remain in place, including: No flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications of Russia or Belarus will be displayed in any official venue or function at Paris 2024, and no Russian or Belarusian government or state officials will be invited or accredited.
Photo by Sima Ghaffarzadeh on Pexels.com

Dictator Putin invaded Ukraine

With no end in sight after more than 21 months of war, the number of people killed in the hundreds of thousands, intelligence estimates suggest.

It’s a mistake to allow any Russian athletes to compete Paris, in my opinion.

2027 Worlds to Chengdu, China

23 September – 7 October 2027

A proven host, Chengdu did a good job hosting the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in 2023.

new Utes Head Coach – Carly Dockendorf

Congratulations.

A former Canadian elite gymnast and pole vaulter, Carly has been with the program since 2018.

“We will continue building upon the foundation of excellence, and developing not only world-class gymnasts but women who will leave this program believing in themselves and ready to impact the world around them. This team is full of courage, tenacity and strength, and I am truly excited to have this opportunity to work alongside them and celebrate their brilliant talent with the No. 1 fans in the country.”

Carly Dockendorf Named Head Coach of Utah Gymnastics

Andrew Garfield (Spiderman) was a Gymnast

Andrew Garfield played Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man (2014), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).

A gymnast and swimmer as a kid.

MAG qualification to Paris

Kensley is updating a dedicated page on her NeutralDeductions.com website.

Click the PARIS tab to see where we stand right now. And ongoing as names are added in 2024.

Save Lindenwood Gymnastics

Starting in 2013, Lindenwood University launched the first new college gymnastics program in nearly two decades.  …  

In 11 seasons, the Lions gymnastics teams have won 4 national titles, numerous conference titles and qualified for NCAA Regionals in 2019.  

On December 1, 2023, Lindenwood University announced sweeping cuts to their athletic programs which included cutting this amazing program.  …  

We are seeking to raise over $2MM to sustain a five year operating budget for this team with a splash goal of $500,000 by December 31, 2023.  Please contact Patrick at 602-989-6030 to learn more on how you can support this effort or donate.

Our Mission: Support our Team, Raise the Money and Tell the World