gymnasts Dong Fangxiao and Yang Yun

The Chinese Gymnastics Association is doing its own investigation into the ages of Dong Fangxiao and Yang Yun, spokeswoman Zhou Qiurui said Tuesday. New information suggests the two could have been as young as 14 at the Sydney Olympics, where China won the bronze medal. …

read more – Chinese authorities checking IDs of gymnasts, too – Yahoo Sports

I get the feeling that China may not protect these two former Olympians.

Perhaps they’ve decided to let the truth out.

Surprising since Yang Yun is a media celebrity affianced to the Olympic Champion Yang Wei. She’s well able to defend herself.

do handstands for you

Another very cute gymnastics video from the WordSmith from Nantucket.

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This is another mish-mash video. I just couldn’t help from making it because I love the song, after hearing it on a TV ipod commercial.

To see it, click through to Gymnast Crossing

Emma Lake Gymnastics Camp

Head Coach Randy McMullen sent me a few photos of the very successful 2008 camp in northern Saskatchewan, Canada.

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Host Prince Albert Aerials

world free-run championships – wot ??

I had my doubts when I heard about the first world free-run contest which was hosted in the U.K.

How would they “judge” parkour / free running?

Evaluate street acrobatics?

Here’s how. …

Click PLAY or watch the first “world champion” Gabriel ‘Jaywalker’ Nunez on YouTube.

Pretty lame, in my opinion.

… According to the youtube channel for the event, the other competitors actually judged the competition.

” Each athlete performed to his own individual soundtrack and was judged on his athletic skill, creativity and technical ability by his fellow competitors. “

(via shergymrag)

Sher liked the runs of Ben ‘Jenx’ Jenkins (great gainer 1/1) and Tim ‘Livewire’ Shieff better.

UPDATE: The vibe seems a lot more fun and authentic at the 5-10 free-running convention in Salt Lake City — see video. No judges. No “champion”. Only bragging rights and street cred.

new Lara Croft a former gymnast

Yet another career for ex-gymnasts.

Alison Carroll will be the next actress to play the super heroine Lara Croft, promoting the game Tomb Raider Underworld which ships November 2008.

Alison is an experienced competitive gymnast with more than 12 years of … training. (Considerably more than Angelina Jolie.)

In preparation for this role, Alison is now training combative arts and weapons training, as well as world archaeology coursework.

BBC video interview linked from Gymnast.com

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more photos – photos – Macho Chip