Gymnastics Coaching.com

When Thanh Smith started taking gymnastics, she could barely do a handstand and couldn’t do a cartwheel

But Smith figured that it wasn’t too late to learn — even though she is 67. When she heard about an adult gymnastics class at the Victory Family YMCA in York County, Va., she jumped right in.

“The first day, it was a disaster,” said the Yorktown, Va., woman, who teaches yoga and tai chi at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. “I had the flexibility, but this was much more about speed and momentum. I fell all over, but then I got more confidence. I’ve had to get my brain moving at a faster speed.”

While most gymnastics classes are packed with little kids, the weekly adult class at the York County YMCA — one of a growing number of programs nationwide — draws a different crowd. In addition to Smith, participants include Sam Parrucci, 61, of Newport News, a former college gymnast who never learned the flips of floor routines, and Kathy Childs, 34, of Yorktown, a mother of three who regrets not taking gymnastics as a girl.

“I just never had the opportunity,” Childs said. “I guess I’m living out a childhood dream.” …

More adults of all ages are taking gymnastics classes

original – flickr – brookenovak

(Bela) Karolyi said Martha’s battery is fully charged, and she’s ready to lead the team at least through the 2012 Olympics. She’s 66. “Martha is amazing,” Karolyi said. “I don’t know where in the world she gets that energy and drive. She really amazes me. She’s very, very much into it, very much dedicated.”

… (Steve) Penny said the Karolyis are in USA Gymnastics’ long-term plan, and he expects Martha to run the women’s program at least through 2012. “The program is working, and people are happy about it,” he said. “People want to keep it going.”

larger version – flickr

Bela suggested Kim Zmeskal might be a good (eventual) successor to his wife.

As expected, Nastia plans to continue, as well:

… All-around Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin took some time off from touring in a post-Olympic gymnastics show to visit the American team at Karolyi’s first team training camp in the new Olympic cycle. Bela Karolyi said Liukin, who turned 19 last month, has made it clear she wants to keep competing, though she hasn’t committed to how long.

Karolyi still miffed about Chinese gymnasts probe – Sign On San Diego

(via The C Score)

related: Bela and Marta win “Houston International Executive of the Year” – The C Score

She’s decided to continue training, after all.

Nice.

Click PLAY or watch a TV interview on YouTube.

(via Triple Full)

Three of GymGemz.com’s Top 5 Elite College Prospects for the 2010-season just signed.

Tanella, Breazeal, Couch, Worley Sign With Gym Dogs – Georgia Dogs

Shayla Worley of the USA performs on the uneven bars during the 2008 Tyson American Cup on March 1, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America) – Zimbio

Randy Stageberg & Ashanee Dickerson to Join Florida Gymnastics Team for 2010 Season – Gator Zone

(via Gymblog)

===== UPDATE:

… for Jay Clark, Wednesday sure felt like Christmas.

By 3:30 p.m., when the last letter arrived, the Georgia associate head coach felt like he had unwrapped the best present in what he believes to be the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation in Shayla Worley, Christa Tanella, Kati Breazeal and Noel Couch. …

Online Athens

Thanks gymfan7.

I like this product.

Dim. : 150 x 100 cm. 1,5 cm thick.

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FUNNY.

Slightly peculiar video about Yuri Kuklachev and his amazing troupe of Russian circus cats.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

(via Feline Underground)

This would make a great Cirque act.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I saw it on Gym Chat.

Andrew Thornton on Chinese gymnast Zhang Hongtao:

Is he the next Xiao Qin? His swing might be about the closest I’ve seen to Xiao Qin’s, and he appears to be quite young. Keep in mind that the highest A-score shown on pommel horse at this year’s Olympics was Louis Smith’s 6.7, and even Olympic champion Xiao Qin only showed a 6.4 With Zhang Hongtao’s 6.8 A-score and impeccable execution, he may very well be the world’s best on pommel horse right now, although I’m not sure what Xiao Qin’s status is at the moment. Look for this guy to contend for the world pommel horse title next year for sure! …

Click PLAY or watch his routine from Doha on YouTube.

Fantastic single leg work!

Andrew posted this routine and several others:

Tomislav Markovic FX (only 1 bwd handspring)

Samuel Piasecky PB

Samuel Piasecky HB

Gymnast.com – Men’s Grand Prix Ostrava

… Former Soviet women’s head coach Alexander Alexandrov heads home to Russia this month after 15 years in the United States. …

IG

Salaries are rising in Russia, China and many other nations. Flat in North America.

Alexandrov was recently interviewed by Gymnastike during training at Houston Gymnastics Club:

http://www.gymnastike.org/assets/portal/add_ons/mediaplayer-3-16/mediaplayer.swf

Visit Gymnastike For More Videos

related post: congratulations Andrei Rodionenko (Canadian National Coach returns to Russia)

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