Gymnastics Coaching.com

An amusing video filmed in China.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

(via Gymnastike)

Gymnast.com posted a couple of ESPN photos including this one:

2008 U.S. Olympians Visit White House

The Couch Gymnast has an interesting post on gymnastics in Trinidad:

… Gymnastics only came recently to Trinidad and Tobago as a formalised sport. The now national coach Clifton McDowell can remember when he and his friends were boys, that teaching themselves gymnastics tricks outside, or looking for schools with actual mats on which to practice was the only way to do gymnastics for acrobatic enthusiasts back then. …

Click through for a brief history with photos: Cartwheels in…… TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO! – The Couch Gymnast

I can add a paragraph. In 1997 I volunteered for 3 weeks coaching and doing clinics in the National capital Port of Spain, a wonderful experience. In fact, I was Head Judge for the Trinidad and Tobago National Championships that year.

The culture of the island paradise is rich.

One anecdote. Every morning we bought a bag of ice to take to the hot, humid gym. The kids pressed their hands on the ice bag between turns on bar to reduce the chance of ripping. Surprisingly, it seemed to work.

The top gymnast today is 12-year-old, two-time Sportswoman of the Year nominee, Thema Williams. She competes Level 9 in the States.

From Sports Girls Play:

With two girls who play sports and love fun fashion, I spend a lot of time shopping at Justice Just for Girls and its sister store Limited Too. …

Sport Tees from Justice Just for Girls

details – Shop Justice – $12.95

The top girl at my gym has done some Equestrian vaulting:

… most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback, …, it is an art and not a competitive sport. It is one of ten competitive equestrian events recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports …

Wikipedia

Jumping over horse on Sokol slet in Prague 1901

larger original – Wikipedia

Thanks to the commenter who sent me a link to this photo.

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.

Another very cute gymnastics video from the WordSmith from Nantucket.

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

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

Host Prince Albert Aerials

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.

Shawn Johnson.

larger version – flickr – crazlujan