Gwinnett Center – NCAA Championships

The Gwinnett Center, located about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, was the host of SEC Championships. And will host NCAA Championships 2012.

If you’re planning to attend, check out this post by Eric SanInocencio – SEC Gymnastics: Championship Photoblog

Massive. And impressive.

EliteAthlete10 was at SECs:

It really looked as if every team had a hard time adjusting to the podium. I’ve never seen so many teams have so many little errors …

… In fact, several times I saw Mitch Wynn (from Wynn-Wynn Athletics – the supplier of the equipment) shrugging his shoulders when he was asked about what was going on with the podium (in a joking manner). He looked to be fairly confused, too. Either way, more bouncier podiums or just more adrenaline, the SEC better figure it out for Nationals. Those performances most likely won’t cut it and win a National Championship if other teams can adjust better. …

My Post-Meet Take on SECs (and some Videos)

I feel the SEC teams are at an advantage. They know the podium now. And can make some training adjustments over the coming weeks.

(via College Gymnastics Board)

Shewfelt judges were clowns

Literally.

The official colour of the BIG SHOW Finals was red.

making a MOCKery of Finals

See the rest of the clowns.

The gymnasts getting REDdy for march-in.

The Costume Shoppe in Calgary was a sponsor.

Kyle’s entertaining suggestions for Kyle Shewfelt Gymnastics Festival BIG SHOW theme 2013? Leave a comment if you’ve got a brainstorm.

Paul Hamm retires

“I have decided to stop training in competitive gymnastics and end my efforts as a potential member of the 2012 Olympic Men’s Gymnastics Team,” said Hamm in a statement. “My career has far exceeded my expectations. I hope I am remembered for my gymnastic accomplishments, and as a kind person. Gymnastics has given me so much and now it is my turn to give back. I will always have gymnastics in my heart, and I will continue to stay involved with the governing body and all aspects of the sport.”

USAG

Paul was the first American to win World and Olympic all-around titles. He will enroll in the MBA program at Marquette University in the fall.

Good luck. And thanks for your gutsy comeback attempts for 2008 and 2012.

Click PLAY or watch his hit / stuck H Bar to win the AA Olympics on YouTube.

Johanna Quaas – Floor

Seems the biggest star online from Cottbus is 86-year old Johanna Quaas.

Click PLAY or watch her Floor on YouTube.

related – interview in German (VIDEO)

Team USA in Italy

For Jesolo.

Team USA lines up in Italy before their first practice.

L-R: McKayla Maroney, Amelia Hundley, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, Elizabeth Price, Brenna Dowell, Brianna Brown, Rebecca Bross, Sarah Finnegan, Lexie Priessman, Bailie Key and Katelyn Ohashi.

Click the photo for a larger version on the USAG Facebook page.

I assume it’s maximum 2 medals / nation. Otherwise there will be none for any other competitors. This team is powerhouse.

2013-2016 Code DRAFTS

Nations have received the new Codes by email.

1st DRAFT FIG Code of Points 2013-2016:

MAG code
WAG Code f
WAG Code e
RG Code f
RG Code e
RG Code r
TRA Code f
TRA Code e
AER Code (Appendix 2-3-4 to be available very soon!)
ACRO Code

Nationals can give feedback until April 30th, 2012. Individual comments are not accepted, so send those to your National Federation.

Yao Jinnan – shoulder therapy

This is interesting. Yao Jinnan getting treatment from an American physiotherapist. She’s on China’s physiotherapy team for the 2012 Olympics.

Yao has some shoulder problem. But some of these exercises are for injury prevention.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Shallon Olsen interview

“Get a Grip” Gymblog:

With a Double Twisting Yurchenko, a Full In floor mount and a beautiful piked Jaeger, one would expect Shallon Olsen to be a seasoned veteran rather than a mere 11 year old from Canada. …

To my knowledge, the youngest girl in the USA to perform a Double Twisting Yurchenko on an Elite stage was Lexie Priessman in 2009 who had turned 12 the previous January. Shallon first competed the vault at age 10 …

read more – Fresh Face Friday : Shallon Olsen

Find out who inspires Shallon. And see her Floor via that link.

… I don’t recall any girl so young and small who did Shallon’s kind of difficulty. There’s no explanation. She’s unique.

Click PLAY or watch her Vault on YouTube.

She is age eligible for Rio.

Shallon’s coached by Svetlana Lashina & Vladimir Lashin. Vladamir is the most controversial coach in Canada. Very severe.

related – GymCan – Shallon Olsen dazzles en route to junior victory at Elite Canada (Feb. 2012)