Dead certain that Shawn would never compete again, seems I’m wrong.
West Des Moines native Shawn Johnson, a gold-medal winner in gymnastics at the 2008 games in Beijing, announced … that she plans on training and making another run at the next Summer Games.
She first revealed her decision to a crowd of 8,000 area students …
Certainly Shawn could get into shape and contend quickly on Floor and Vault. Her chances of making the Olympic team are low, in my opinion. But it would be great for the sport. And great for the up-and-coming American gymnasts if she was in the mix.
On the Sunday following the competition I’ll be assisting with an “open” audition for Cirque du Soleil. Anyone can try out. If interested, email me Rick_McCharles {AT} hotmail.com
Strength guru Christopher Sommer, author of Building the Gymnastic Body, is offering only two workshops in 2010.
The first is end of May at his gym in Arizona:
“Spend a jam-packed day with Coach Sommer, as well as some of his own assistant coaches and athletes …
Through the use of presentations, demonstrations and hands-on experience, the subjects covered will include:
• basic joint pre-habilitation
• passive flexibility
• introduction to active flexibility
• fundamental static positions
• fundamental bodyweight exercises
• basic handstand work
• basic ring strength work
The Level 1 Seminar Sat. May 29th is prerequisite to attending Level 2 on Sunday and/or Level 3 on Monday .
Register early and receive a $150 discount on tuition.
SEMINAR LOCATION: Xtreme Gymnastics, 15821 N 79th St., Scottsdale, AZ.
Andy Thornton has been searching YouTube for videos of the top all-around gymnasts, especially the American girls.
His highest praise goes to Jordyn Wieber:
… What an unbelievable return to competition…this girl is unstoppable. This performance would have won the 2009 world all-around championships (not just from her score, but also from actually watching her routines). …
…my guess is this would be good enough to win the all-around at this year’s worlds as well, although she of course won’t be eligible since she turns 15 this July.
At least she’ll be eligible at next year’s worlds and in London…
… Her beam here was absolutely stunning – one of the best standing fulls probably ever done. And her bars was much improved over last year as well – I love the Weiler kip pirouette – such a unique skill and she did it ex …
I don’t know, I think Wieber is pretty much neck-and-neck with Viktoria Komova for the honor of #1 gymnast in the world right now. …
Gymnastics Coaching.com 