Anna Li – Kovacs

Examiner interviewing Anna:

… “When this is over, I plan on learning a Kovacs. I’m really excited about that,” Li told me matter-of-factly at the 2012 U.S. Championships. …

After this summer, will Li stick around as an elite? “I’m not sure,” she said. “I’m just taking it day by day right now. I’m old and training at this level is very difficult and demanding with all the hours. I’m not really sure. I love gymnastics. That’s why I did it again after college, and I have so much passion for it; it’s fun. My dad joked around and said I should train in 2014, because that would be Worlds in China.” …

The incredible gymnastics skill Anna Li wants to learn next

Elfimov on Komova

RRG:

Viktoria Komova’s personal coach, Gennady Elfimov, has given a personal interview to Sovietski Sport.

His main messages? Don’t hype Vika! Keep calm! We have to keep our focus and perform four apparatus confidently – don’t get carried away with that vault! And forget about Tokyo! …

Coach Elfimov with Viktoria Komova at a team visit to the Novodevichy Convent

read more on Rewriting Russian Gymnastics – Interview with Gennady Elfimov

Sounds like the plan is for Komova, Paseka and … Mustafina to all compete Amanar in Team. If so, the odds of all 3 landing are not high.

Russia cannot afford any injury.

Dragulescu is out

Confirming the preliminary Team list, one of the great Olympians of all time has not qualified for London.

“I did not make my comeback. I’m disappointed!”

Dan Grecu, Marius Urzica, Adrian Stoica, John Apolzan and Mircea Suciu were involved in a final “trial” to see if he might replace one of the named team.

No go.

At age-31, Marian has not ruled out Rio.

via prosport.ro (Romanian) and Fangymnastics on Facebook

Brandon Wynn – Muscle & Fitness

USA Gymnastics on Facebook:

Men’s National Team member Brandon Wynn is on the cover of the August issue of Muscle & Fitness.

Uncle Tim Talks Men’s Gym

Ono found Uncle Tim.

His new blog looks — at first glance — something between Aunt Joyce and … Spanny’s Big Fake Smile.

Tim agrees with 100% of pundits that Uchimura is Superman.

He mocks Danell posting “too much information” online.

And points out that the American duo of Leyva and Orozco are only Superman wannabes for London, despite references to ‘rivalry’ in the U.S. media.

Funny. And insightful. Tim posts must read commentary in the lead up to the Olympics. I’m subscribed.

Check it out — Uncle Tim Talks Men’s Gym

Aussie Olympians ready

by Olivia Vivian

The Aussie double Olympian entertains with her final report before the Team makes the long flight to Europe.

The time is almost here,
Until our London team departs,
I can tell that they’re excited,
I can hear it in their hearts,

This camp has been a journey,
A rollercoaster ride,
I could’ve said it was easy,
But you know I would’ve lied,

To you girls, you’re not just my team-mates,
But more like my sisters,
We’ve worked through tough days,
And through all the blisters,

But we work for a purpose,
Towards one common goal,
We each play our part,
We each have a role,

To me it’s meant the world,
To be here with you all,
I’ve enjoyed every moment,
And every trip to the mall,

Now as you embark,
To represent our great nation,
Trust in yourselves,
And in all your preparation,

Enjoy every second,
And stay close as a team,
Always be aware,
That you’re living every athletes dream,

But never forget how we got here,
To this point of success,
Think of our coaches, staff and parents,
And how much they must stress,

To the parents we say thanks,
For supporting our goal,
We might not always show it,
But we appreciate your role,

To our coaches and staff,
We know we sometimes made it rough,
But somehow you got us here,
Even when times got rough,

And now on to Peggy,
I don’t know where to start,
She loves her job with passion,
Every beat of her heart,

The hours she puts in,
Don’t go un-noticed,
It pays off in our routines,
And I know none of you can protest,

We appreciate it all,
From your coaching to your pranks,
And on behalf of us all,
We would like to say thanks!

read more – WAG Olympic Preparation Camp, Update #6

They survived the long training camp. And have been hitting Beam.

So far, so good. 🙂