is Romania looking strong?

Many are questioning the seriously high scores at the “friendly” this past weekend in Bucharest.

Blythe even called it a bit of a “publicity stunt” for Romania.

It worked.

People are impressed.

1. ROMANIA, 180.2

  • VT: 15.00, 15.10, 15.05, 14.75 = 45.15
  • UB: 14.10, 13.95, 14.55, 13.85 = 42.60
  • BB: 15.40, 15.70, 15.00, 15.95 = 47.05
  • FX: 14.50, 15.00, 15.10, 15.30 = 45.40

2. ITALY, 169.45

  • VT: 13.60, 14.60, 13.70, 14.00 = 42.30
  • UB: 13.70, 13.70, 13.45, 13.10 = 40.85
  • BB: 14.40, 14.75, 12.85, 14.00 = 43.15
  • FX: 13.40, 15.10, 13.60, 14.45 = 43.15

3. GERMANY, 167.30

  • VT: 12.40, 13.90, 14.85, 14.45 = 43.20
  • UB: 13.45, 14.10, 14.65, 13.90 = 42.65
  • BB: 13.20, 13.35, 13.10, 13.80 = 40.35
  • FX: 13.40, 13.00, 14.30, 13.40 = 41.10


1. Larisa Iordache (ROM) – 60.85
2. Sandra Izbasa (ROM) – 59.15

3. Vanessa Ferrari (ITA) – 57.80
4. Elisabeth Seitz (GER) – 56.90

Romania is truly looking brilliant compared with Worlds Tokyo.

But even if Romania hits 12 for 12, they’ll have trouble challenging USA and Russia in Team.

Read the Couch Gymnast commentary – Romanian International Friendly: Team and AA Results, Video AND the comments section.

Click PLAY or watch Sandra Izbasa’s new Floor on YouTube. Good call for London.

I was even keener to see her BARS. 🙂 Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

… Held on podium with Gymnova equipment, the event served as a final competitive warm-up just 20 days before the Olympic Games officially begin in London.

“I’m satisfied overall,” Romanian coach Mariana Bitang said. “It could be better, but it was not bad …

IG – Romanians Rule in Bucharest Quad Meet

Not bad?

I’d say Romania is looking strong. USA and Russia had better not miss.

Elise Ray – Tkachev series

I finally got to meet Elise.

Of all the amazing things she’s done, this is my favourite.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Respect. 🙂

McKayla Maroney in Glamour

She is glamorous. 🙂

Glamour exclusive: McKayla Maroney (in) … the August 2012 issue of “Glamour” magazine!

click for larger image

(via mckaylamaroney.tumblr)

Auburn Gymnastics Facility Tour

Somebody should edit a coffee table photo book called “Gyms of the SEC“.

They are fantastic.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

1st ever 1080 on skateboard

The big buzz at Woodward West this year …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

12-year old Tom Schaar lands the first ever 1080 while skating the MegaRamp at Woodward West in Tehachapi, CA.

He’s got a lot more air time than he would have on a half pipe, of course. But what could you stomp when you were age-12? 🙂

Save Gustavus Gymnastics

I signed an online petition — and shared it to Facebook.

Gustavus is an NCAA division III gymnastics program close to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Threatened.

Thanks Kim.

Romania looking strong for Olympics

Final team

Diana Bulimar
Diana Chelaru
Larisa Iordache
Sandra Izbasa
Catalina Ponor

Chelaru replaces Haidu from the provisional list after a good showing at the “friendly”.

ROM v FRA v ITA v GER v Mixed Group

Romania (ROU) 180.200
Italy (ITA) 169.450
Germany (GER) 167.300
France (FRA) 160.150

1. Iordache 60.85
2. Izbasa 59.15 (competing Bars for 13.95)
3. Ferrari 57.8.

Full Twist – Results & Videos: ROM v FRA v ITA v GER v Mixed Group

details on Couch Gymnast – Romanian International Friendly: A Brief Write-Up and Romania Names Olympic Team

photo by Carmen Manda on Facebook

Russian Olympic Teams

Ksenia Afanasyeva
Victoria Komova
Aliya Mustafina
Anastasia Grishina
Maria Paseka

RESERVES: Tatiana Nabieva; Yulia Inshina

Emin Garibov
David Belyavskiy
Alexander Balandin
Denis Ablyazin
Igor Pakhomenko

RESERVES: Sergey Khorokhordin; Nikita Ignatyev

No Tatiana. 😦 London now 15% less entertaining.

Paseka must be the one landing Amanar.

(via RSport)