Multiple US National Team Members as well as an Olympian from Great Britain and a Canadian World Championships team member have signed on to compete for an array of American universities.

University of Florida

Britain’s Marissa King (London, United Kingdom), a competitor at the 2008 Olympic Games and 2009 World Championships joins a slew of talented athletes at the University of Florida.
Joining her are US National Team Members
Mackenzie Caquatto (Naperville Gymnastics/ Naperville, Illinois)
Kytra Hunter (Hill’s Gymnastics/ Frederick, Maryland)
Alaina Johnson (Texas East Gymnastics/ Tyler, Texas).

In addition to those three US National Team Members,
there are two standout Junior Olympic athletes that will join the Gator lineup,:
Liz Green (Texas Dreams/ Coppell, Texas) and
Brittany Noble (Orlando Metro/ Orlando, Florida).

University of Georgia

Joining the GymDogs this year are:

World Championships Gold Medallist Shayla Worley (Orlando Metro/ Orlando, Florida),
along with:
Christa Tanella (WOGA/ Allen, Texas)
Noel Couch (North Stars/ Towaco, New Jersey) and
Kati Breazeal (WOGA/ Allen, Texas)

University of California – Los Angeles

Joining the Bruins for 2010-2011 are:
Samantha Peszek (Sharp’s Gymnastics/ McCordsville, Indiana)
Mattie Larson (All-Olympians Gymnastics/ Los Angeles, California)
Olivia Courtney (Orlando Metro/ Orlando, Florida)
Sydney Sawa (Calgary Gymnastics Centre/ Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

Other universities signing gymnasts:

University of Alabama- Becca Alexin, Olivia Carisella, Sarah DeMeo, Kimberly Jacob, Jordan Moore and Hannah Toussaint.

University of Arkansas- Katherine Grable.

Auburn University- Abigail Habicht and Aliaksandra Tsikhanovich.

University of California-Davis – Madeline Kennedy.

University of Illinois- Sarah Fielder, Elizabeth McNabb and Amber See.

Louisiana State University- Gabrielle Swart.

University of Minnesota- Dusti Russell.

University of Missouri- Cathryn Aliceaacosta, Taylor Medrea, Brittany Price and Katelyn Trevino.

University of Oklahoma- Lauren Alexander, Hope Bruce and Taylor Spears.

San Jose State University- Cassandra Harrison and Allie Meyers.

Southeast Missouri State University- Erin Brady.

Rutgers University- Alyssa Straub.

Stanford University- Lauren Caldemeyer and Amanda Spinner.

University of Utah- Lia Del Priore, Alyssa Gale, Hailee Hansen, Mary Beth Lofgren, Corrie Lothrop and Victoria Shanley.

University of Washington- Lara Albright and Aliza Vaccher.

University of West Virginia- Hope Sloanhoffer.

]]> http://beijingbound.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/gymnastics-is-off-to-college/feed/ 0 Cam Anton UFL1 UGA1 UCLA1 http://beijingbound.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/574/ http://beijingbound.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/574/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:46:43 +0000 Cam Anton http://beijingbound.wordpress.com/?p=574 ]]>

Gymnasts were asked:
What’s your school situation like? How does it fit in with your daily schedule?

“Right now, I go to physical therapy twice a week in the morning, then I go to school for 3rd-8th period. 9th grade through 11th grade I went to morning practice, school 10-2, then afternoon practice. My school was very cooperative and supportive of me, since I traveled so much, they were usually helpful in giving me schoolwork ahead of time.”
- Corrie Lothrop, Hill’s Angels

“I did correspondence for a year and a half in high school then went back to regular high school for my junior and senior year. I would go to school when it started then leave an hour early for training. When I left for competitions, I would get all the work that I could ahead of time. If there were some things that I missed I would do them when I got back.”
– Chellsie Memmel, M&M

“I’m home schooled because I have practice twice a day and I live an hour and fifteen minutes away from the gym. Usually I will practice from eight to ten-thirty in the morning, then I will do my homework and eat lunch between ten-thirty and three-thirty, which is when I start practice again. I stay at the gym most days to do my homework because it’s easier than spending two and a half hours driving all the way home and back for nothing. I do all of my subjects online except for math, because I do math in the car on the way to practice. Overall, it works out pretty well.”
– Kamerin Moore, Geddert’s Twistars

“Right now, I get all my classes in from 9-12:30 then head to the gym from 1-5. It works out great because I have the entire night to get homework done, tutoring, and [my] other obligations.”
–Shayla Worley, Orlando Metro/University of Georgia

“I have always gone to a private catholic school and attended regular classes. I like being grounded by school and having school friends and that “normal life.” However, I usually leave a class or two early to make it to practice on time. Whenever I leave for a camp or a meet, my teachers are usually very understanding and will let me make up all my work. I am one of those kids that loves going to school for the academic and social aspects of it!”
– Sam Peszek, Sharp’s

“I’m currently a junior in high school and I do go to public school. I do 2 online classes and 5 in public school. I go to public school from about 10-3:20″
– Kayla Williams, Gym Nest

“I go to school from 12:30-3:00, Monday through Thursday. On Friday I have art class from 1:00-3:00. It fits pretty well with my busy schedule.”
– Briley Casanova, WOGA

“I go to a public charter school. I go to gym In the morning then school then back to gym in the evening! They are great with my schedule!”
– Chelsea Davis, Texas Dreams

Gymnasts were asked: What’s your favorite USA Team leotard and which club leo that you’ve worn is your favorite?

“My favorite USA leo is the dark purple with the three rows of sparkles on the chest, I wore it the second day of trials. My favorite club leo was the black and orangish one I wore the second day of championships in 08.”
– Chellsie Memmel, M&M Gymnastics

“My favorite club leo that I have worn was a teal “peacock” leo. It was shatter-glass on the bottom with sheer arms filled with rhinestones. I wore it at classics as a junior. My favorite USA leo was the all white one with a hot pink border that ran from the ribs up around the neck and had a keyhole back. I competed in Ireland wearing it.”
– Shayla Worley, Orlando Metro/University of Georgia

“I don’t necessarily have a favorite leotard, but I LOVE red leotards. That is my favorite color to wear when I compete. I feel energized and confident in red.”
– Sam Peszek, Sharp’s

“My favorite National team leo is the red, white, blue, and gold starfish leotard! It is very pretty and it is special to me because it was one of the leotards that team USA wore in Beijing for the Olympics. My favorite WOGA leo is the black and gold/ribbon because I performed well in that leo and made the National Team for the first time in it!”
– Briley Casanova, WOGA

“I like the red and white leo we wore for prelims at Worlds. My favorite club leo was the [purple] one I wore to Championships on day 2.”
– Kayla Williams, Gym Nest

“I love the red with the three white stripes across the chest!! It feels so USA!! Club Leo would have to be the purple I wore to 2007 Championships.”
– Chelsea Davis, Texas Dreams

“My favorite national team leo that I’ve worn was the red flame leo that the girls wore at the Olympics for Team Finals. My favorite club leo is the maroon one from 2009 Visa’s. I actually didn’t get to wear it, my teammate wore it, but I thought it was so pretty and it had our Hill’s angel in jewels on the sleeve.”
-Corrie Lothrop, Hill’s Angels

Gymnasts were asked:

“What’s one thing that fans would be surprised to know about The National Team Training Camp?”

“At camp we don’t have cell signal! Since we cant go days without technology, all of us bring a computer and IM or Facebook each other from our different rooms. We all look like a bunch of nerds carrying our computers from room to room, because there is absolutely nothing else to do!”

- Chelsea Davis, Texas Dreams

“The food at camp is actually pretty good. We have different chicken dishes, Pork, Steak, Fajitas…pretty much everything!”

- Corrie Lothrop, Hill’s

“One thing about camp that is fun is when we celebrate holidays. When it was Halloween, the girls and I were walking out of a team meeting, and when we opened the door to leave, the coaches had dressed up as scary ghosts and stuff and jumped out of some bushes and ended up freaking everyone out. You could probably hear everybody scream from a mile away. It was very unexpected but fun.”

- Briley Casanova, WOGA

“The girls are [really close]. I couldn’t imagine another closer group of people.”

- Kayla Williams, Bohzi’s Gym Nest

Chellsie Memmel (USA)

2008 USA Olympic Team Member, 2005 World All-Around Champion and 2003 World All-Around Uneven Bars and Team Gold Medallist

CHELLSIE MEMMEL

has responded to your questions:

1. You’re known for your mental toughness and ability to maintain your focus. When competing, do you pay attention to scores or other things going on around the competition floor? How do you keep your nerves in check and stay focused in high-pressure situations?

“I do pay attention to scores when I’m competing because I always like to know where I stand. I’ve always been like that when I compete, I know some people prefer not to know scores but I have never been that way. Knowing the standings helps me. As far as other things going on, I try not to worry about what other people are doing or what they have done because I can only control what I do. I usually am more nervous when I am getting ready for a meet, like when I’m doing my hair and stuff but when I get to the arena my adrenaline kicks in and usually calms my nerves.”

2. Do you plan to return to competing in the all-around or will you be concentrating on fewer events? If so, which events and why?

“I would like to return in all around. I prefer doing all around to just a few events.”

3. It’s been rumored that you’ve been training a Mo Salto (Gaylord) on the uneven bars—is this true or false? Are there any other big skills you’ve trained in the past but never competed?

“That is false. I’m not training, nor have ever trained the Mo salto on bars. There aren’t really any skills on bars that I’ve trained but haven’t competed.”

4. For some fans, the exact story of your injury in Beijing is unclear. Can you please describe what happened and how it affected your Olympics?

“It was the morning of our second day of training in Beijing when I broke my ankle. We started on floor and were tumbling and getting used to the floor, I was doing my 2 1/2 and hurt my ankle on the punch. I knew something was wrong right away so I went over to my dad and told him something wasnt right in my ankle. We went over to the trainer and talked and did some tests on it, then taped it up and I tested it out. It still didn’t feel right to me so I went back over and talked to our trainer and said that I wanted an xray and or mri to see what we were dealing with. So right after practice we went to get an xray and saw the fracture. Hearing that news was the worst memory I have of being in China. But good news followed, the coaches and Marta all talked and decided if I was able to still do bars I would stay on the team. So for our second workout that day, we taped up my ankle and I did all of my bars except the mount and dismount. I had to show my mount and dismount the next day so we knew if I could do it or not. I was able to, so I stayed on the team for bars. I had an air cast that I walked around in and they found my a bike to use so it was easier to get around the village in for me. I think the rest everyone knows…….I was just extremely glad that I was still able to contribute to the team on bars and proud to take home the silver medal with the team.”

5. In an interview before the 2008 Olympics, you were noted as saying that your diet consisted almost completely of fruit and a small amount of chicken. Is this what your diet truly consisted of at this point in your life?

“No that is not all I ate in a day…..I did have fruit in the morning (I really just don’t like eating a lot for breakfast, I’m not hungry in the morning) then had a salad with chicken and carrots or something else like that for lunch….then usually a power bar before I went back to the gym. Then I usually did just have some more fruit for dinner and maybe like a handful of almonds.”

Beth Tweddle (Great Britain)

2-time Olympian and world Uneven Bars and Floor Exercise champion from Great Britain…

Beth Tweddle!

Head over to this page on the International Gymnast Magazine forum to submit your questions!

http://www.intlgymnast.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5587

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There is a new segment over on the International Gymnast Magazine Forum (www.intlgymnast.com/forum) called “Around The Chalk Bowl”, set up by poster Bekah (creator of “5 Questions With…”).

In this segment, we ask a general question to all of the elite gymnasts.

The first question: Do you have any specific goals for PanAms (Pan American Championships) Camp?

“I am going to train hard and do my best! I have some new skills on beam that I will continue to work on. My main goal is to stay positive and confident.”

- Briley Casanova, WOGA, Age 14

“My goals for camp are to go there and set a good impression for my coaches/ team, to be noticed and … invited back and to try my best.”

-Kiana Winston, Texas Dreams, Age 13

“My main goal is to stay on all the equipment when we show our skills, and also just to have fun!”

-McKenzie Wofford, Stars, Age 14

“My goals for this camp are to make a good impression on Martha and get invited back!”

–Kennedy Baker, Texas Dreams, Age 13

Keep checking back for more answers and more questions!!

2008 Olympic Team Member and head coach of the University of Illinois men’s gymnastics team…

Justin Spring

Justin Spring

1.) You tore your ACL at the 2007 Nationals, a year away from Beijing. What was going through your mind when it happened and what was the road back like with only a year until the Games?

As soon and I rolled over on the mat after vault I thought, “Beijing is out!” Sometimes being the comeback kid is a little easier because no one expects you to do it. I could have done without the extra ankle injury at qualifier as well though. All in all, I am so happy with how everything played out and I wouldn’t change a thing!

2.) What was your favorite skill to compete? What was your favorite apparatus to compete? Least favorite?

I hated competing on horse. I loved competing on high bar. The crowd just loves to watch that event and it’s a lot of fun performing when the crow really enjoys what your doing. My favorite skill to compete was my Cassina on high bar. My least favorite skill to compete was my triple twisting double on floor… that thing scared the crap out of me.

3.) You were known for being a daredevil type of gymnast. Were there any skills that even you thought were too risky to try/perform?

I think that as long as you prepare to do your routines and skills, then nothing is too risky. The problem with this sport however, is that USA male gymnasts rarely have a opportunity to compete without the fate on the national team spot being in jeopardy. Every national competition we compete in is an opportunity to gain a spot or loose a spot on the national team. Sometimes that makes you push to compete a skill a little before you were ready.

4.) What do you think could be done to increase the popularity and exposure of men’s gymnastics here in the U.S. (at the elite and college levels)?

Change the uniforms! Let us be more of ourselves on the floor! Gymnastics is too heavily stigmatized because of how uptight we always look when competing. There is a lot of other things too though…

5.) What attributes from your prior gymnastics training have you incorporated into your coaching, and what new ideas/philosophies have you incorporated?

The importance of long term planning and accountability. Talent alone will not take you to the top of this sport. It requires so much dedication. I work on discipline and accountability on a daily basis with my guys.

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2009 Senior National Team Member…

Cassie Whitcomb

It isn’t exactly 5 questions, but she did answer quite a few questions for the IG Forum.

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Cassie Whitcomb

I chose UCLA for academic reasons. I would like to study marine biology and UCLA had the best program for it.

Right now I am training full sets for my upcoming competition in Tokyo Japan in December. I also make time to work on some upgraded skills as well.

A typical day with Mary Lee is coming into the gym saying hi. You can tell her anything. In workout she really tries to explain thiings to you and make sure you understand. She listens to you. Even after workout we can call her at any time if we need something or even if we just need to talk to someone. She is like a second mom to us.

No, the USA is not going to the DTB cup.

I am working on a higher bar start value.

On vault, I am working on the yurchenko 1 1/2 and double.
On bars, I have added an inside toe full into my gienger, I am working on adding a stalder full after my sh[oo]tover and possibly getting a stalder hect in the begining of my routine.
On beam, I am working on a standing full, torjette 1/2, and upgrading my dismount.
On floor, I am working on back 2 1/2 to front full and back 1 1/2 to front double.

My goals for the upcoming international competition is to have upgraded my routines on floor and bars to show the difficulty. I would also like to medal in floor and bars and also have fun and maybe even learn some new things while I am there. Each competition is an opportunity to learn something new and meet new people.

Yes, the old CGA elites stop by every once in a while. Most are in college, so they visit whenever they can. I love seeing them again because it brings back so many memories.

I do not know if I will continue elite once I am in college. I do plan to defer a year so that I may try for the 2012 games.

I look up to Shannon Miller the most in gymnastics. Outside of gym, I would have to say my mother. They are great role models to everyone.

I feel like my signature is bars. Many things contribute to that. Like my shapes and my toe point. I am also know for putting beauty into my gymnastics.

Goals for my elite career are to make world team, 2012 olympic team, and of course learn as many life lessons along the way. I also want to get as many international assignments as I can for experience.

I do not have a single best friend from the national team. They are all my friends and we all get along very well. But if I had to choose it would be my teamate, Amanda Jetter.

Shayla Worley is my mentor. She helps me through rough time and is there for the good times too. She is a person that I can just got to for anything. We have become great friends because of this and yes we do tweet each other a lot. 

Hey World—

Sorry for dropping off the face of the planet last week.

My roommate’s mom came to town and decided that we had to do everything we could to pack every microsecond of the day.

Recap-

Sloan, Bross and Tsurumi went 1-2-3 in the All-Around. WOO! Congrats to all!

Uchimura, Keatings and Ryazanov went 1-2-3 for the men in the All-Around.

China won 6 of the 10 Event Finals Golds.

Props to newcomer Kayla Williams (USA) for winning a GOLD medal in her FIRST international competition on the Vault!

Further congratulations to Lauren Williams winning Silvers on the Beam and Floor for Australia, Beth for winning Gold on the Floor Exercise.

Congrats to all the gymnasts, you all did wonderfully.

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We also were forced to say goodbye to a gymnast far too soon. World All-Around Bronze Medallist from Russia, Yury Ryazanov, was sadly killed in a car crash in Russia shortly after returning to Russia. His loss is a terrible tragedy not only to Russian Gymnastics, but to the world gymnastics community. His grace, style, power and personality will be sorely missed, and his spirit never forgotten. Rest peacefully, gentle warrior.

Ashley Postell, 2002 World Balance Beam Champion and former Univeristy of Utah star.

Briley Casanova, junior WOGA gymnast with a very bright future.

Shayla Worley, contender for the 2008 Olympic Team and current University of Georgia competitor.

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Ashley Postell

Ashley’s Responses-

1. You completed an extremely successful career at the University of Utah. What made you choose Utah? What makes Greg Marsden such a successful coach?

I chose Utah because I knew I could be successful here. When I went on my official visit, I did not want to go back home. I wanted to start right then and there. Everything is beautiful here in Salt Lake City and I fell in love with the coaches and gymnasts. Greg is a great coach and knows what he is talking about. He started the program here at Utah, so he has experience with what the program needs and how it should be run. I enjoyed my four years and miss it deeply.

2. What were the biggest differences between training elite and training at Utah? What were the pros and cons of each?

The biggest differences were how much we trained and how often. In elite I trained six days a week that included three, two a days. In college, I trained six days a week with four days being gymnastics and two of the days being just cardio and weight lifting. Also, the hours of training are less in college than in elite by around 15 hours. I do not think there are any cons about either training styles. The hours put in for elite are necessary to be successful at that level and when competing every weekend in college, less hours are more realistic.

3. What was your favorite part of participating in the post Olympic tour? Do you have any funny stories?

I do not have one favorite part about the tour. I enjoyed all of it! It was exciting to travel all over the U.S. and be able to perform gymnastics in a way that is not the norm. It was a great experience for me and a great way to end my gymnastics career. In the end everyone was sad because it meant that we all had to go back to our normal lives again, but if I had a chance to do it again I wouldn’t hesitate. A funny story I have is when we had our last show. The last show is typically the prank show. At the end of the show us girls did not realize what the boys were up to all day. Little did we know they had spent time putting together their version of pie to throw at us. There was whip cream and I don’t even know what else all over everyone and all over the floor. It was a mess, but fun! Another story I have is when Sam and I were practicing our partner cartwheels during intermission. They were a disaster! We finally got them right and I was excited, so I told Sam, “We’re doing it! We’re doing it!” She laughed so hard that she dropped me on my face in the middle of a cartwheel for everyone to see! I still love her though.

4. What is the MIOBI set like? What is an average day like? How did you end up with the job?

The make it or break it set was really cool! I’ve never seen a set before and it is pretty hectic. Cameras are everywhere along with everyone invloved with directing, producing the show and etc. A normal day can be rough, especially because I am not a morning person. We had to be on set by around 6:30 – 7:00 am most mornings for call time. We would eat when we got there, went to make-up and wardrobe, and then warmed-up. After we warmed-up we usually had to wait around until we were needed for a specific scene. When we were needed, it was only for a few minutes. So, there was a lot of sitting around at times and it was difficult to stay warm. After everything was shot and it was time to go home, it would be around midnight. Long hours were typical for the days we worked. Since I finished my eligibility for Utah, the MIOBI show was looking for gymnasts, I got lucky to be able to be a part of this and not break any NCAA rules.

5. You were unable to compete in the World Championships in 2003 because of illness. Were you at home during this time? What emotions did you have not being able to compete in this meet?

During this time I was still present at the meet. It was important for everyone to be supportive of the team no matter what and I am glad I was able to be there for the girls. It was very hard to sit back and watch. I am not very good at sitting back and just watching. I coach now and just watching the girls I coach makes me want to flip around. It was extremely difficult, but I was still a part of the team whether I competed or not and I got to share that experience with everyone.

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Briley Casanova

Briley’s Responses-

1.) Can you describe a day in the life of a WOGA gymnast? What kind of conditioning and training do you do?

A typical day at gym is from 8:00-11:30 a.m.. I go to school from 12:30-3:00 p.m., and then back to the gym from 4:00-7:00 p.m. We do upper body conditioning in the mornings on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, trampoline on Thursday mornings, and leg conditioning on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. Tuesday is the day my teammates and I do conditioning twice a day.

2.) What were Classics like? Was it hard competing in a session with seniors? I mean, you competed with Nastia, Rebecca and Ivana on your team, did that add any pressure? Was it hard to perform when you knew your routines were being broadcast on live national TV?

Classics was a great experience for me to compete along with the Seniors. It especially helped me prepare a little for next year, when I will be old enough to compete as a senior. At first, I was a little nervous competing with them, but then I got comfortable with it. It was an inspiring experience. I didn’t notice any major pressure around the seniors, because I see them every day. Performing on live national television was also exciting to me. I was focused on competing, so I wasn’t very nervous about it, and I knew that I would be doing the same thing at VISA’s in a few weeks.

3.) What are your short and long term gymnastic goals? What are your short and long term gymnastic goals?

Some of my short term goals for gymnastics include, staying in shape and healthy for competition season coming up, and upgrading some of my routines with bigger skills. One long term gymnastics goal for me is getting a college scholarship. I would also like an opportunity to represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

4.) What is training with Laurent and Cecile Landi like? How do they compare to other WOGA coaches (like Valeri and Anna)?

I look to Laurent and Cecile for guidance every day in gymnastics. They are very experienced and know how to teach the sport. They have helped me reach my goals and have gotten me through some very challenging times with skills. Anna was my level four coach and I learned a lot from her. It was a fun time and she inspired me to continue in gymnastics! I currently go to Karolyi’s once a month with team members and Valeri. He is firm and supportive and I also learn a lot from him. They are all very determined, supportive and focused coaches!

5.) Do you have any funny stories about WOGA, or funny gymnastics experiences that you’ve had?

When I was a level five, I was extremely nervous about going into an invitational competition. Before even walking into the gym with my dad, I started to cry. I kept telling him I didn’t want to compete because I was nervous and I didn’t want to walk inside the gym. My dad talked to me outside of the competition entrance. I wouldn’t move, literally. So, my dad called my mom who was out of town and talked with her about what I should do. My dad talked to me nicely again, telling me that my mom wished me luck and believed in me. I ended up deciding to go inside and competing. I think it is funny now because I really like to perform in front of people! I can walk into competitions and feel confident about my routines. I am so lucky to have parents that support and take care of me every day.

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Shayla Worley

Shayla’s Responses-

1 .Outside of the Olympics, do you feel you accomplished most of what you wanted to in your elite career? Do you have any regrets?

When I look back on my elite career I have no regrets. I pushed myself as far as possible and put fourth every once of effort I had to turn my talent into success. I represented my country in many competitions and there is nothing more gratifying then wearing the red white and blue while the national anthem plays. It took a whole team of people including my family and coaches, to whom I owe much of my success.

2. What was your daily schedule like when you trained elite? What is your schedule like now at Georgia?

During the school year when I was training elite, I had gym from 7-9am.I went to a public school from 9:30-1. Physical therapy on Tuesday/Thursday. Then a second practice from 2 to whenever I finished, usually around 6 or 7.

Now, I have class from 9-12 then practice from 1-5. On Wednesdays we have cardio at 6:30 am and Saturday conditioning at 9:00. Between class, tutor, meetings, and gym, I am always busy, but it’s great!

3. Do you still keep in contact and meet up with your USA elite teammates?

I do try and stay in contact with all the girls and updated on what is happening in the elite world. Especially Nast and Sam. We talk, text, or ichat daily. Although we are states apart, we are very much apart of each others lives.

4. I heard that you “snuck into” the Olympic Village? What was that like?

Haha. Yes, because it took 24 hours to get a pass to go in the Olympic Village and we didn’t know. The Village was really amazing. Every single person walking around was one of the best at their sport in their country. I felt like I became a stronger athlete just walking around and wished the talent would rub off on me! The food court was definitely my favorite building. They had lines with food types based on regions such as Mediterranean, Asian, ect. It was easily the side of three football fields. Now that I am in college, the Olympic Village is similar to our dorms and dinning hall but on a much grander scale.

5. You’ve spent a number of years training with Jeff. How do you think he compares to other top elite coaches? In retrospect, do you feeling training at Orlando Metro was the best decision for you? Can you describe what Jeff was like as a coach?

Jeff and I were a great match. He definitely has an aggressive coaching style which great worked for me. He’s quite the character, always cracking a joke or ten during practice. Jeff is very quick to let someone know when they aren’t meeting is expectations but just as quick to recognize a job well done.

With his numerous elite gymnast, he is without a doubt one of the top elite coach and I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to train under him. The number of coaches with his knowledge and experience is rare and I lucked out living only 30 min away from the gym. I couldn’t imagine not growing up at Orlando Metro. It was the place for me, and no matter what, I will always be a Metro kid.

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Upcoming: Chellsie Memmel and Cassie Whitcomb.

The men are currently on the Floor Exercise and are doing quite well.

The women make their Event Final debut in just a few minutes on the Vault, where Olympic Champion Hong Un Jong (DPR Korea) going head-to-head with American newcomer Kayla Williams.

The men will also compete on the Pommel Horse and Still Rings today, with the women competing on the Uneven Bars in addition to the Vault.

Marian Dragulescu (Romania) wins the GOLD on Men’s Floor Exercise over Zou Kai (China) who was the Olympic Champion, and Alexander Shatilov (Israel). Steven Legendre (USA) finished in 8th place.

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The Start List for Women’s Vault:

1. MYZDRIKOVA, Anna (Russia)
2. KAESLIN, Ariella (Switzerland)
3. HONG, Un Jong (DPR Korea)
4. WILLIAMS, Kayla (USA)
5. GARCIA, Elsa (Mexico)
6. ROGERS, Brittany (Canada)
7. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (Russia)
8. DUFOURNET, Youna (France)

QuickHits

Myzdrikova 1- Laid-out Podkopayeva with slightly bent kneeds and a hop on the landing. (5.60/8.775[-0.1]/) 14.275
Myzdrikova 2- Double-Twisting Yurchenko, messy knees, low chest on the landing and a large step out of the area (5.80/8.475[-0.1])14.175 14.225

Kaeslin 1- Handspring Laid-out Rudi, piked down, step across the back. (6.30/8.775) 15.075
Kaeslin 2- Yurchenko Layout 1.5, tucked down, but a decent landing with only a small shuffle out of bounds. (5.30/8.775[-0.1]) 13.975 14.525

Hong 1- Amanar, sits it down and out of bounds (6.50/8.025[-0.1]) 14.425
Hong 2- Cheng, to her knees. (6.50/[-0.1]) 14.100 14.262

Williams 1- (didn’t see due to feed freeze. grr) Handspring Laid-out Rudi, very clean (6.30/8.900) 15.200
Williams 2- Double-Twisting Yurchenko STUCK SOLID! (5.80/9.175) 14.975 15.087
GO KAYLA!!!!!!

Garcia 1- Yurchenko Layout 1.5, short on landing with a step back. (5.30/8.800[-0.1] 14.000
Garcia 2- Podkopayeva missed and landed face-down, was late pulling into her pike. Smiling and happy. (5.20/7.475[-0.1]) 12.575 13.287

Rogers 1- Double-Twisting Yurchenko, Low chest on the landing. (5.80/8.625) 14.425
Rogers 2- Laid-out Podkopayeva lose legs and steps out on the landing (5.60/8.475[-0.1]) 13.975 14.200

Kurbatova 1- Double-Twisting Yurchenko. Clean, small hop on the landing. (5.80/8.925) 14.725
Kurbatoba 2-  Laid-out Podkopayeva, very piked throughout and low on the landing, but nearly to the knees. (5.60/8.450[-0.1]) 13.950 14.337

Dufournet 1- Yurchenko 1.5, very nice line, small step on the landing. (5.30/8.975) 14.275
Dufournet 2-  Laid-out Podkopayeva, clean lines and solid landing. (5.60/9.025) 14.625 14.450

1. WILLIAMS, Kayla (USA) 15.087 (15.200/14.975)
2. KAESLIN, Ariella (Switzerland) 14.525 (15.075/13.975)
3. DUFOURNET, Youna (France) 14.450 (14.275/14.625)
4. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (Russia) 14.337 (14.725/13.950)
5. HONG, Un Jong (DPR Korea) 14.262 (14.425/14.100)
6. MYZDRIKOVA, Anna (Russia) 14.225 (14.275/14.175)
7. ROGERS, Brittany (Canada) 14.200 (14.425/13.975)
8. GARCIA, Esla (Mexico) 13.287 (14.000/12.575)

-

Women’s Uneven Bars

He Kexin (China)- jump to HB, Ono, Bi, Li Ya combo, straight Jaeger + Pak, toe shoot, tucked full-out small shuffle. 7.10/8.900/16.100

Cha Yong Hwa (DPR Korea), stalder shoot, hop full + Def, Ono, jam to handstand, empty swing, Jaeger + Pak, toe shoot, muscled kip, Double Layout stuck. 6.30/8.350/14.650

Koko Tsurumi (Japan)- toe-on to toe shoot, Ono, Jaeger, bail, stalder shoot, giant full, Double Layout small hop. 6.20/8.675/14.875

Serena Licchetta (Italy)- jump to HB, giant bling, missed endo, empty swing, missed endo, Tkatchev + Comaneci (fall), bail, toe shoot, giant full, Double Layout small hop. 5.10/6.850/11.950

Larissa Miller (Australia)- KCH, toe shoot, inbar full + Geinger, bail, stalder shoot, in bar half, Jaeger, KCH hald, inbar, tucked full out stuck!

Bridget Sloan (USA)- KCH, toe on hald, endo hald, toe-on shaposhnikova, giant full + Tkatchev, Church, bail, stalder hecht, Double Layout full small step. 5.90/8.700/14.600

Ana Porgras (Romania)- inbar, stalder shoot, stalder 1.5 (late + Jaeger), stalder full, bail, stalder full, toe hecht, Double Layout. 6.30/8.375/14.675

Rebecca Bross (USA)- toe-on full, toe shoot, inbar full + Tkatchev, stalder half to Jaeger, stalder full, Pak, toe stalder shoot, tucked full out, step. 6.2/8.475/14.675

I was not able to get out of my meeting, so I sadly will not be bringing the world QuickHits.

My deepest apologies.

-Cam

Bonjour, World!

Today’s QuickHits for the Women’s All-Around will have to be cut short, which ultimately makes for a sad day

I have a mandatory meeting at the high school where I coach that starts right at 3pm, so I will only be able to mange about 70 minutes worth of hits.

My sincerest apologies.

-Cam

The Men have completed their All-Around Competition. Here are the results

World Champion: Kohei Uchimura (Japan)

1. UCHIMURA, Kohei (Japan) 91.500

2. KEATINGS, Daniel (Great Britain) 88.925

3. RYAZANOV, Yury (Russia) 88.400

4. TANAKA, Kazuhito (Japan) 88.300

5. DEVYATOVSKIY, Maxim (Russia) 87.475

6. THOMAS, Kristian (Great Britain) 87.350

7. MCNEILL, Timothy (USA) 87.150

8. CARANOBE, Benoit (France) 86.175

9. KUKSENKOV, Mykola (Ukraine) 86.125

10. POZZO, Enrico (Italy) 86.100

11. SHATILOV, Alexander (Israel) 85.825

12. NGUYEN, Marcel (Germany) 85.775

World Silver Medallist: Daniel Keatings (Great Britain)

13. LOPEZ, Jorge (Colombia) 85.075

13. GISI, Roman (Switzerland) 85.075

15. CAMPOS, Manuel (Portugal) 84.900

16. BOESCHENSTEIN, Nicholas (Switzerland) 84.775

17. HORTON, Jonathan (USA) 84.300

18. VALEIEV, Ildar (Kazakhstan) 84.200

19. SASAKI JUNIOR, Sergio (Brasil) 84.150

19. MUNOZ, Sergio (Spain) 84.150

World Bronze Medallist: Yury Ryazonov (Russia)

21. RIVERA, Luis (Puerto Rico) 84.050

22. BYKAU, Artsiom (Belarus) 82.950

23. VARGAS VELAZQUEZ, Luis (Puerto Rico) 82.200

24. MOLINARI, Federico (Argentina) 81.800