Olympic Trampoline Test Event

The Olympic Test Event labeled “London prepares” is about to kick off at the Greenwich Arena, UK. The top trampolinists in the world … from countries not yet qualified for the OG will compete Friday to try to obtain … 5 Olympic tickets …

Schedules and starting list available via Acrobatic Sports

I attended podium training for Trampoline. The atmosphere in the huge arena was very relaxed.

Many of the top bouncers — including reigning Olympic Champ the Bronze medalist from 2008 Dong Dong, — are here, as well, taking advantage of the chance to compete in the Olympic venue.


Beijing podium

Dong’s got no stress. But Silver medalist Jason Burnett has not yet qualified a spot for Canada in the London Games. Though he’s the world record holder for difficulty, Jason told me he’d be doing a relatively easy routine (playing it safe), especially since his injured ankle is still recovering.

Canadian coach Ken Soehn tried to update me on how this event will be going down. I’ll be posting results and highlights.

freestyle skier Burke in coma

Canadian freestyle skier, Sarah Burke is in a coma after a serious head injury while training at Park City, Utah. The 29 year-old Burke is a four-time Winter X Games champion in the skiing superpipe. …

Hard Body

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This tragedy will be much on the minds of everyone at Youth Winter Olympic Games, starting this weekend in Innsbruck.

Hypolito puts Brazil to Olympics

Not many in the Press rogue’s gallery was picking Brazil to qualify.

Jade FERNANDES BARBOSA (BRA)

“We are very happy to be here and show how we are capable. It was an old team but we pulled through and made it.”

… I didn’t say it. 🙂

… Belgium, competing in subdivision two, could take great satisfaction from their overall result as they improved their score by eight points from Tokyo, where they had qualified in last position for this event. Indeed, for a brief moment, they were even dreaming of more.

In the final rotation of the day with Brazil performing on the Balance Beam, the two teams stood neck and neck and it all came down to the last routine.

After two falls by her teammate Jade Fernandes Barbosa, Daniele Hypolito began her routine knowing it was all or nothing for Brazil. The experienced gymnast, who competed in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, kept her nerve and scored 13.866, to put her team in fourth position and secure their Olympic spot in London. …

FIG – Italy, Canada, France and Brazil Women’s Teams qualify for Olympic Games

Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, it’s worth watching the TV coverage from Brazil on this accomplishment. Gymnastics is going to be even bigger in Brazil leading up to Olympics 2016. This helps the cause as the Brazilian guys did not qualify.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

… So with every eye in the arena on her and the country’s Olympic hopes on her shoulders, Hypolito delivered, nailing her flight series (two back handsprings to a layout landed on two feet) and landing a good double pike dismount. She could not even make it down the steps of the podium before having to sit down and let the emotions out. Her teammates clustered around her, laughing and crying and hugging and celebrating like something great had just been accomplished …

Examiner – Impressions: Flight four at the London Test Event (women’s)

Blythe was one of the few who thought Brazil had a chance to qualify. She also predicted that Canada would get to London mainly because of Vault — and they did deliver 3 DTYs, more than any other nation.

Sport can be thrilling.

And it can be agonizing. The least happy gymnasts in London are the girls from Belgium and the guys from Canada.

Couch Gymnast Awards – Part 3

… final installment of The Couch Gymnast 2011 Awards!

Personality of the Year is one category. For 2010 I’d say it was Tatiana Nabieva. But in 2011 … here’s your larger-than-life pick.

Other categories:

Gymnast of the Year
Best Artistry of the Year
Most Improved National Team of the Year
Older Gymnast of the Year
Specialist of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Team Leader of the Year
Most Improved Gymnast of the Year

Check the “winners” – Couch Gymnast 2011 Awards Part Three

that Georgia … from Austrailia

Georgia Bonora? Georgia Wheeler? Georgia Rose Brown? Georgia Goodwin?

NOPE

… Georgia Simpson, who is not as new as some might believe, but is an exciting addition now that she is back in form.

Simpson trains at the Western Australian Institute of Sport …

Click PLAY or watch Test Meet podium Bars on YouTube.

See more videos via Couch Gymnast – Who is Georgia Simpson?

Anastasia GRISHINA (RUS) – Bars

Will Grishina qualify for the Russian Olympic team?

She MIGHT be top 3 on Bars by London.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Her Beam is very good too (despite the awful fall on dismount today), … but I can’t see her top 3 on either Floor or Vault by London.

She’d be a great alternate. They really need Vault most.