Mom on Viktoria Komova

Rewriting Russian Gymnastics posted a translation of a fascinating interview with Vika’s Mom, former World Champion Vera Kolesnikova:

… Viktoria has a strong character, she learns elements very quickly but she’s unable to polish them. She is very gifted for gymnastics and she can learn an element in a week or two. I cannot say that she has an easy character. She is cross when she cannot achieve something. …

On the media:

… They invite her, they want interviews. I tell them to come together. They refuse. Viktoria is in tears: “They all ask the same questions!” …

Do you often see her at Krugloye [Lake Krugloye or Round Lake, the Russian National Training Centre for Gymnastics]?

– We don’t see her. Sometimes we pass each other at a competition. Her father hasn’t seen her for a long time. For me, it’s easier, when I go to a tournament, I call at Krugloye.

“In general, an ordinary childhood” – interview with Vera Kolesnikova

That photo was linked by RRG – Photo gallery – Russian Olympic Gymnastics Artistry
.

arrest those bagels!

#london2012

Last week a cafe manager in Camberwell, south London was raided by ‘community wardens’ after he displayed five bagels in the style of the Olympics rings in his window.

… within 20 minutes of manager David Adams putting up the display.

They claimed that putting the circular buns on show breached copyright rules. …

… Former International Olympic Committee marketing chief Michael Payne criticised the organising committee for ‘scoring an own goal’ over exclusivity rights.

He said that the over-zealous rules are ‘suffocating local street traders’, in the light of critics dubbing London 2012 the ‘Censorship Games’. …

details – Man who introduced corporate sponsorship to the Olympics slams London’s over-zealous clampdown on shops and businesses using Games logo

(via Gymnastics – No Ceiling)

training for Olympic distractions

Mitchell revealed … that she and her teammates have been subjected to as many distractions as coach Peggy Liddick could throw at them in a bid to have them conditioned for the intimidating cauldron of London’s Millennium Dome.

“We have had various distractions in the training gym in Canberra,” Mitchell said.

“Peggy had everything out. There was a green and red light and she has had a strobe light flashing as if it was a camera.

“She has had a projection screen up with different people performing gymnastics as if it was another competitor out there. She had tapes going at the same time as we were competing and different countries’ floor music going while we were on beams or bars. …

Lauren Mitchell ready for the intimidating cauldron of London’s Millennium Dome

Lauren turned age-21 in London

Alexa Ainsworth, NBC Olympics:

And as Australian head coach Peggy Liddick told us about training at the Olympics Games…

“All the preparation was done at home, so when you come here it’s just about doing the normal in an abnormal situation. That’s the game. It’s not about the gymnastics anymore.”

Canadian Olympics commercial

Cute.

RONA shows its support to the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Olympic athletes for the 2012 London Games …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Grace.

Julia Vojtsek in Aurora

Coach Todd Gardiner on Facebook:


Our hearts goes out to former IGI elite gymnast Julia Vojtsek who was unfortunately in the Aurora, Colorado theater during the Massacre shooting spree.

Julia’s (Navy servicemen) boy friend John Larimer saved her by jumped in front of her and the shoot to take his own life. Our prayers go out to Julia, her boyfriends family and everyone who was effected in this horrible tragedy.

An awful, awful tragedy.

Jason Alexander calls for a curb on public ownership of assault style weapons like the AR-15 used to shoot Julia Vojtsek and John Larimer. I agree with Jason. As does John Gruber.

Russia and cheesecake

Here’s a surprising photo op!

Most of the female Olympic gymnasts are on a low carbohydrate diet, needless to say. 🙂

Aunt Joyce:

Notice that none of the cheesecake has been touched.

Cirque audition L.A. Sept. 2nd

The Cirque du Soleil casting team is hosting open acrobatic auditions in Los Angeles for the following disciplines:

Gymnasts – Tumblers – Trampolinists – Sports Acrobats – Divers

September 2, 2012 from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Callback session for the above disciplines: September 3, 2012.

In order to receive the address and other details to attend the audition, please register on the website by applying online (you do not need to submit a video demo at this point). …

details

Thanks Katia.

Uncle Tim likes Berki

Many have tried and failed to explain Pommel Horse to the Great Unwashed.

Uncle Tim tries. And fails. Just like the rest.

But his explanation is funnier than most. 🙂

The Battle of the Facial Hair: Louis Smith vs. Krisztian Berki

FIG – Are YOU Gymnastics?

The International Gymnastics Federation:

Post YOUR photo to the FIG’ “Are you Gymnastics?” Facebook Event wall by noon (London time) on July 27th, 2012.

Show us what “We are Gymnastics” means to you by posting a photo of yourself and/or your family and friends.

You may win 2 tickets to attend one of the Artistic Gymnastics sessions at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

9 lucky winners will be selected from this photo gallery, each winning 2 tickets.

The selection will be done on Friday, July 27th, 2012 …

details on Facebook

Here’s one entry.

See many more on Facebook.