U.S. Olympic Trials

I’ll be attending as a spectator, but there’s no media credential for this blogger.

From Susan P. Shaw by email:

Thank you for your interest in the 2012 Visa Championships/U.S. Olympic Trials – Gymnastics, but unfortunately, we are unable to approve your media credential request.

Due to high demand and in order to maintain a professional work environment, it is necessary to limit available work space.

The USA Gymnastics Communications Staff

are Olympic gold medals equal?

The E Panel ponders why the Team gold is prioritized over AA and individual apparatus.

(I’m not sure Sports Canada cares whether one of their athletes wins Floor, or the Team gold.)

… Sadly, (Event Finals) may take a hit a little at this Olympics.

With tiny teams, specialists have a harder time and so we may see fewer athletes being brought for one routine for the team and one routine for EF. Some fields are looking depleted too: on vault, for instance, the probable lineup is really quite similar to Beijing.

Furthermore, unless Pena cleans up that double front and takes the gold (which I think is not only improbable but would be bad for the sport – sounds mean, but that vault is scary) it may be the first time in modern gymnastics history where the OG gold medallist on vault wins with the same or less difficult two vaults as the previous OG winner …

read more – Are all gold medals equal?

Tkachev tramp bar drills

I’ve got kids starting this skill next week.

Click PLAY or watch them on YouTube.

Ideally you want a Tumbl Trak Quick Flex bar for this.

The long swing into the Reverse Hecht is best taught on a straps bar.

Woodward Copper – Parkboard, Parkski

The latest technology for learning snow acrobatics.

Nate Wessel walks us through the design of the Pump track, foam pit and resi jumps.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

There are more videos like that on the WoodwardTahoe YouTube channel.

flexible Romanian gymnasts

Couch Gymnast:

… So, we have all complained over time about the lack of natural grace to be found among the Romanians. They may be very polished and even regal, but they are rarely what we would called naturally balletic. …

Yet there are some.

Click PLAY or watch former Rhythmic gymnast Olivia Cimpian on YouTube.

Click through to see Andra Anghelescu.

Romania and the Mystery of the Freak Ballerinas

2012 Olympics: 50 Breakout Stars

Jordyn and Danell are on the home page of the Bleacher Report list.

Check Andy’s predictions (so far) on who will qualify for the American Olympic teams:

1. Jordyn Wieber
2. Gabrielle Douglas
3. Aly Raisman
4. Kyla Ross
5. McKayla Maroney
6. Sarah Finnegan
… see more

1. Danell Leyva
2. John Orozco
3. Jake Dalton
4. Jonathan Horton
5. Glen Ishino
6. Alex Naddour
… see more

related – NBC – Model Olympian: Danell Leyva (photos)

Giulia Steingruber – Beam

World Cup Osijek 2012 – 1st place

End Gainer layout 1/1 dismount.

Click PLAY or watch it on Gymnastike.

http://www.gymnastike.org/embed/OTkxNjMyNDcw?related=1

Watch more video of 2012 Grand Prix Osijek Cup on gymnastike.org

a visit to Chow’s

Reporters train with Shawn and Gabby.

Click PLAY or watch it on WHO TV.

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?deepLinkEmbedCode=V1cXJsNDoG1Jad_4vpg0r5yj3uD3POfT&height=360&embedCode=V1cXJsNDoG1Jad_4vpg0r5yj3uD3POfT&width=640&video_pcode=oycHE6T-HajMk2Hs9PsZzFdXZduU