GymCastic Podcast is a weekly gymnastics talk show. The hosts interview people who love gymnastics almost as much as we do, discuss the latest news, events and offensive leotard fashion.
453: European Championships of Feelings with Olly Hogben
WOMEN'S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Olly Hogben is with us this week to discuss everything that happened at European Championships last weekend including Larisa Iordache's Simone Slam in her return to international competition Ukraine's dramatic team final victory and the saga of Larisa's floor routine Goksu Uctas Sanli and the floor inquiry heard 'round the world Nation after nation making first-time history The travails of Luxembourg's quest to qualify to the team final Don't miss: Olly being so eloquent about the beauty of humanity and sport that he makes Jessica cry THERE'S MORE In the gymternet news, LSU's Gymnastics 101 provokes an epic COVID rage-o-meter, including this article in Time about cancelling college season. Plus, we discuss USAG's athlete bill of rights, Gymnasts for Change, and a paper on bias in gymnastics judging. HOW TO COPE WHILE WE ARE ON VACATION Watch our Fundraiser for Feeding America where we instructed the gymnastics world on proper artistry: How Not To Be Basic Listen to Jessica's interview with The End of Sports podcast The Shift Show where Jessica and Dave Tilly nerd out about science and gymnastics culture Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Bias in Gymnastics series LGBT panel moderated by Ms. O'Beirne. Listen to our archives here. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd or buy a gift membership for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 452: A Beam REVELATION 451: Caring Too Much Gym Nerd School 101 449: Larisa's Back!
12/23/2020 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 26 seconds
452: A Beam REVELATION
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. Please login to your Club Gym Nerd account to listen and/or watch this episode. Not a member? Join here. THIS WEEK Fact Check Fix: DisneyWorld requires masks, actual masks. Sally Jenkins, not Macur wrote the mean article about Jamie Dantzcher and the 2000 Sydney US team. Maggie Haney's suspension was reduced from 8 years to 5. We have...some notes. Japan might change the Olympic selection rules just for Kohei Ukraine won the men's European Superspreader Championship, Robert Tvorogal upset Tin Srbic, and Marian Dragulescu vaulted...something A preview of this week's women's European Superspreader Championship, starring Larisa Iordache Murakami Mai, Uchimura Kohei, and all the major stories from the All-Japan Championships, including Jessica's new favorite beam routine of all time from Takagi Ai USAG confirms a Women's Winter Cup for 2021 Plus, Heath is reinventing high bar, Sanne is reinventing uneven bars, and Asher Hong is the best MAG vaulter in the US. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 451: Caring Too Much 450: Gym Nerd School 101 449: Larisa's Back! 448: The SafeSport Hack 447: Butt Spins for Friendship 446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel
12/16/2020 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 50 seconds
451: Caring Too Much
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. Please login to your Club Gym Nerd account to listen and/or watch this episode. Not a member? Join here. CONTEST WIN: Club Gym Nerd membership and any item you want from the GymCastic store HOW: Record a voice memo* on your phone (30 sec max) about why you became a member or want to support the show. Email it to us, along with the item you want from the store (color, mailing address etc.) BONUS POINTS: Use hashtag #ClubGymNerd @Gymcastic Instagram or Twitter and we will count it as an additional entry. Be creative as possible: a song, poem, haiku, heartfelt message, the funnier the better. DEADLINE: On December 12 we will pick three winners from our favorites. * We will use your recording on the podcast. You can make it anonymous. GYMTERNET NEWS That Maggie Haney NYT puff piece. We have...a couple of thoughts. That video of the parents. We have...some additional thoughts Pauline Schäfer and the latest Gymnast Alliance news from Germany Rachael Denhollander ripped the SafeSport CEO a new one Larisa Iordache has been added to the Romanian team for this month's European Championship The GAGE elites showed off their upgrades, like this and this COVID News: It's bad! And Rebeca Andrade and Flavia Saraiva and multiple people from Rhythmic Euros have it! Shane Wiskus appeared on 60 Minutes and Jessica has many thoughts on men's college programs and their fundraising failures. Gymnastics dodged a gender equity bullet, but Olympic sports and the IOC requirements remain sexist Plus, your feedback on surprising twins and a Cheryl Hamilton face conspiracy JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES Gym Nerd School 101 449: Larisa's Back! 448: The SafeSport Hack Gymnastics International Episode 4: Russian & Italian Nationals 447: Butt Spins for Friendship 446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel
12/9/2020 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 25 seconds
450: Gym Nerd School 101
Video of today's podcast is available to ALL LISTENERS, Club Gym Nerd or not, because we have some critical visual aids as part of the lesson plan. Not a member? Join here. GYM NERD SCHOOL 101 Welcome to the first episode of Gym Nerd School, an educational series where we will explain rules, skills, myths, jargon, and important gym nerd history—all based on your questions! Today: What does it mean to be an "elite"? The Code of Points, leotard rules, and named skills Why don't they use the 10 anymore? Why are leaps named for animals, how do I tell them apart, and no really WHYYYYYY? How do I tell the difference between a split leap full and a switch leap full? How do I tell the difference between those one-arm pirouettes—the Ono, Healy, and Ling? Why do people yell, "IT WAS A DELTCHEV"???? JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes, video of us recording and Gym Nerd Cheat Sheets. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 448: The SafeSport Hack Gymnastics International Episode 4: Russian & Italian Nationals 447: Butt Spins for Friendship 446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel
12/2/2020 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 51 seconds
449: Larisa's Back!
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. MEET NEWS Larisa Iordache returned from a three-year hiatus to compete at the Romanian national championship! We discuss her performance and possible path to Olympic qualification. Silviana Sfiringu is the Romanian national all-around champion, new queen of beam saves, and possible bars savior; we're very into Ioana Stanciulescu's beam routine; and junior Ana Maria Barbosu might rule them all. Plus, the ways in which the Olympic qualification system has personally victimized Romania and how tentatively optimistic we should be about the future of the Romanian women's team. GYMTERNET NEWS The latest on December's European Championship that's still happening Leanne Wong's power move during NCAA signing week Who's canceling the NCAA season and who's still truckin' Shane Wiskus is moving on Plus, news on Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Maria Paseka's husband, Yin Alvarez, North Korean gymnastics defectors, and Jessica and Spencer losing their minds for a while JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 448: The SafeSport Hack Gymnastics International Episode 4: Russian & Italian Nationals 447: Butt Spins for Friendship 446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel
11/25/2020 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 36 seconds
448: The SafeSport Hack
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. Please login to your Club Gym Nerd account to listen and/or watch this episode. Not a member? Join here. THIS WEEK Riley McCusker is suing Maggie Haney. We discuss all the most horrifying parts of this story, including Haney's response. INTERVIEW: Gymnast activist Abbie Hillis and cybersecurity expert Dr. Betsy Cooper are here to discuss the Center for SafeSport being hacked almost two months ago and the lack of notification of athletes. This week's Skill of the Week segment that's actually like 4 skills, with analysis of the rollercoaster that is being a US junior champion. INTERVIEW: Coach Denis Vachon is here to discuss coaching an athlete through transition. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES Gymnastics International Episode 4: Russian & Italian Nationals 447: Butt Spins for Friendship 446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel 445: Xenophobic Bells Ringing Gymnastics International Episode 3: Chinese Individual Nationals 444: Friendship and Solidarity
11/18/2020 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 27 seconds
Russian & Italian Nationals
RUSSIAN NATIONALS Tatiana Nabieva is the national vault champion for 2020 and all is right with the world, Maria Kharenkova is the Russian beam champion despite no longer competing for Russia, everyone needs to leave Elena Eremina alone, Uliana Perebinosova delivered Derwael-Fenton realness to win the AA, Ekaterina Boeva showed us how to feel about wolf turns, whose floor routine was the most "pain of a nation," and a whole lot more. ITALIAN NATIONALS Asia D'Amato and Giorgia Villa tied for the national title, Giorgia Villa's Bhardwaj is still to die for, Stuttgart alternate Martina Maggio is stepping it up, we think we're really excited about Alice D'Amato's floor routine, and junior Angela Andreoli may have stolen the whole show. WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. What the full video podcast here. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! PAST EPISODES Gymnastics International Episode 3: Chinese Individual Nationals Gymnastics International Episode 2: Szombathely World Cup Gymnastics International Episode 1: Chinese and Japanese Nationals
11/11/2020 • 56 minutes, 49 seconds
447: Butt Spins for Friendship
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. MEET NEWS The Friendship and Solidarity Competition in Tokyo went off without a hitch! At least...if you don't count the gymnastics. We discuss: COVID protocols and fancy special spraying machines Japan just hosting all the gymnastics now and forever. We might be fine with it Angelina Melnikova is having a GREAT pandemic, and Nikita Nagornyy's is pretty good too Sophia Butler and Yana Vorona delivering our skills (well, combinations) of the week Kohei things and casual middle-school Yurchenko 2.5s The difference between a Tsukahara (Tsuk) and a Kazamatsu (Kaz) vault. Plus, the statuses of Shilese Jones and eMjae Frazier, comeback performances from Zhang Jin and Chiaki Hatakeda, whether we should be worried about Artur Dalaloyan, and which events are jinxed (all of them) Jessica and Kensley's feelings corner and international friendships and world peace and whatnot GYMTERNET NEWS Who's pulling out of Euros now, contingency plans for holding an Olympics with fans, Gymnast Alliance news from Switzerland, and a (shockingly non-ironic) coaching award for Bellu and Bitang. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel 445: Xenophobic Bells Ringing Gymnastics International Episode 3: Chinese Individual Nationals 444: Friendship and Solidarity 443: Gymnastics' Greatest Stars (Commissioned) 442: A European Saga
11/9/2020 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 32 seconds
446: Chellsie and Andy Memmel
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW The one and only Chellsie Memmel is here, with her coach-dad Andy, to discuss what really happened at 2006 worlds, the advantage of being a post-pubescent gymnast, periods and peeing, and whether she will do the routines we designed for her. It's Chellsie Memmel, everyone! GYMTERNET NEWS The Friendship and Solidarity meet is this weekend. We tell you how to watch. Russia (even Russia!) has withdrawn from Euros, along with a host of other countries. Plus, Poland got suspended Spencer's rage-o-meter about football This week's SKILL of the Week COVID FOR EVERYONE JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 445: Xenophobic Bells Ringing Gymnastics International Episode 3: Chinese Individual Nationals 444: Friendship and Solidarity 443: Gymnastics' Greatest Stars (Commissioned) 442: A European Saga 419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri CSI: Code of Points with Chellsie Memmel 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
11/4/2020 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 27 seconds
445: Xenophobic Bells Ringing
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. DEFYING GRAVITY In part 2 of our recap of the series, Spencer reviews and fact checks Jessica's performance and is a little too gleeful about it. We discuss Tracee Talavera's inside story from the 2000 selection process, the "controversy" about Grace McCallum, which team was really the favorite in 2008, the strength of the abuse episode, and the latest stop on the Nellie Kim ego tour. Plus, a listener has feedback on the xenophobia of the US gymnastics coaching-abuse narrative (and Jessica remembers that time Chellsie Memmel went to Italy for that gymnastics art exhibition/political statement). GYMTERNET NEWS Jessica reminds everyone to vote and be prepared in case a candidate does not concede the election. Big news in NCAA – Deanne Soza has retired, Elise Ray is leaving Washington, and Emma Malabuyo is deferring Larisa Iordache hopes to return at Euros in December! Helen Hu's beam mount! The Friendship and Solidarity meet is the greatest pressure in Watanabe's life Finally, a special rage-o-meter about a certain former USAG employee JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES Gymnastics International Episode 3: Chinese Individual Nationals 444: Friendship and Solidarity 443: Gymnastics' Greatest Stars (Commissioned) 442: A European Saga Gymnastics International Episode 2: Szombathely World Cup
10/28/2020 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 53 seconds
Chinese Individual Nationals
GYMNASTICS INTERNATIONAL Welcome to Gymnastics International! On this show, we take a deep dive into the latest competitions from around the world, covering them with the depth and detail they truly deserve. This week: Chinese Individual Nationals—not to be confused with Chinese Nationals. WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. What the full video podcast here. CHINESE INDIVIDUAL NATIONALS We discuss...chickenpox (?) and Tang Xijing returning to top form for the all-around title, nearly get into a fight about Shang Chunsong's beam routine, and gush about Gao Ning's future boxing career. We enjoy breakout star He Licheng, the title-winning bars performance of Wei Xiaoyuan, and the casual 6.6 D score on beam from Zhou Yaqin. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! PAST EPISODES Gymnastics International Episode 2: Szombathely World Cup Gymnastics International Episode 1: Chinese and Japanese Nationals
10/27/2020 • 40 minutes, 58 seconds
444: Friendship and Solidarity
GYMTERNET NEWS The US will compete in Japan on November 8. We discuss the meet format and team selections British Gymnastics head Jane Allen is conveniently retiring and gave one of the worst interviews ever about it. Not that we have any opinions or anything. Why do parents accept abusive coaching practices? More countries are withdrawing from Euros. When is a continental championship not a continental championship? We celebrate National Coming Out Day and Danell Leyva DEFYING GRAVITY We watched the first three episodes of the gymnastics documentary series Defying Gravity (we'll have our thoughts on the rest of the series next week) and present our highlights and lowlights. Jessica explains why she thinks it represents a paradigm shift and Spencer rolls his eyes during the extensive fact check portion. PLUS All the gymternet headlines, along with your feedback about Phoebe Mills erasure, the disprespect of Larisa Petrik, and...manual expressing. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 443: Gymnastics' Greatest Stars (Commissioned) 442: A European Saga Gymnastics International Episode 2: Szombathely World Cup 441: Gymnastics Commentary Hall of Shame (Commissioned) Gymnastics International Episode 1: Chinese and Japanese Nationals 440: Chinese Gymnastics Team Trainer: Annemarie Alf DPT, CSCS
10/21/2020 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 24 seconds
443 Gymnastics' Greatest Stars
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. This week's episode has been commissioned by Kim, who asked for an episode all about the 1991 VHS spectacular—GYMNASTICS' GREATEST STARS We discuss: Jessica's show-and-tell primary source artifacts Doris Fuchs Brause, meet interruptions, her skill, and alleged star-crossed Soviet lovers The Vera Caslavska protest (I mean, it is GymCastic...) Olga! Nadia! Nellie being all Nellie! Enthusiastic sexism...? Jessica's favorite broken kneecap Being personally victimized by the event order Elena Mukhina nightmares Why we don't talk about Tracee Talavera enough The Nancy Thies compromised cassette tape Tong Fei being the star of the whole thing Bart needing you to know that 1984 WAS NO FLUKE ...and a whole lot more, plus what we would include in GYMNASTICS' GREATEST STARS 2021 JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 441: Gymnastics Commentary Hall of Shame (Commissioned) Best of GymCastic: The FluffCast (Commissioned) 436: 2000 Women's Team Final (Commissioned) 433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned) 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned) 246 Kathy Johnson Clark Interview
10/14/2020 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 43 seconds
442: A European Saga
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. GYMTERNET NEWS European Championships are still on! (For some reason?) We discuss the move to Turkey, who's not attending, the change in Olympic qualification, and why this event happening at all. Gymnast Alliance: Amy Tinkler has the receipts, and the horrifying letter sent to the Australian juniors in 2000. Plus, the campaigns to save Alaska and Minnesota and William & Mary, how the Italian gymnasts may have been cursed by a sea monster, and the revolving door of NCAA coaching that just keeps revolving. MEET NEWS We discuss Mai's domination of Japanese Nationals, Kohei's new identity as a high bar specialist, Chinese Nationals confirming the greatness of Tingting, the importance of Guan Chenchen, and Wei Xiaoyuan's magic charm. At Szombathely, Marta Pihan-Kulesza. End of podcast. Plus, a blooper for the ages, a possible 2020 competition opportunity for the US, and Oleg updates. Check out our new imprint Gymnastics International for full episodes about recent meets! FEEDBACK The history of women in American gymnastics commentary, recovering assholes, EDUCATION, dying underwear, mesh lining, and whether there's a "witch hunt" of gymnastics coaches. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 441: Gymnastics Commentary Hall of Shame (Commissioned) 440: Chinese Gymnastics Team Trainer: Annemarie Alf DPT, CSCS 439: The Curious Case of the Extra Urine
10/6/2020 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 16 seconds
Gymnastics International Szombathely World Cup
Welcome to Gymnastics International! On this show, we'll take a deep dive into the latest competitions from around the world, covering them with the depth and detail we typically reserve for US women's elite competitions. Because national borders are stupid. This week: the Szombathely World Challenge Cup. WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. SZOMBATHELY We dissect every single little moment from the Marta Pihan-Kulesza Show, Starring Marta Pihan-Kulesza. Plus, a new skill in MAG, a full report on the level of mask-wearing (it was low), and CSI Code Edition takes on the issue Lopez/Podkopayeva credit. We celebrate when talls win the day and bemoan when falls win the day, celebrate when execution wins the day, and bemoan when sexism wins the day. And then watch Marta Pihan-Kulesza a few more times because duh. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! PAST EPISODES Gymnastics International Episode 1: Chinese and Japanese Nationals
10/5/2020 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 57 seconds
441: Gymnastics Commentary Hall of Shame (Commissioned)
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. This week's episode has been commissioned by AnnaMarie, who asked for an episode all about gymnastics commentators—the good, the bad, and the ugly. TBH, we mostly did the ugly part. HALL OF SHAME Sexually inappropriate comments about minors: Nope. Sexually inappropriate comments about adults: Double nope. Infantilizing adults and calling them little girls: Triple nope. Weight Shaming: The Monica Phelps Chapter Being weirdly obsessed with adoption: The Al Trautwig Chapter Tragic moments in college commentary Tragic moments in putting on accents GYMCASTIC'S OFFICIAL BROADCAST DOs and DON'Ts 18 Dos and (mostly) Don'ts for gymnastics broadcasts concerning comparing gymnasts to dented cars, being the smile police, "Bela's girls," and talking about a gymnast's "personality." BANNED WORDS AND PHRASES From "supple" to "weight" to "international look" to "ancient" to "4 inches wide," we have some words and phrases that are hereby banned from gymnastics commentary. The most important message for any commentator to reiterate before they begin broadcasts re smashing the patriarchy for the witches they couldn't burn. WE HAVE A NEW PODCAST On Gymnastics International, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest competitions from around the world, covering them with the depth and detail we typically only reserve for US women’s elite competitions. Because national borders are stupid. This week: Japanese and Chinese Nationals! JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes and video of our podcasts. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES Olly Hogben Interview Kathy Johnson Interview 440: Chinese Gymnastics Team Trainer: Annemarie Alf DPT, CSCS 439: The Curious Case of the Extra Urine
9/29/2020 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 25 seconds
Gymnastics International Episode 1: Chinese and Japanese Nationals
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the bloopers and blunders that don't make it onto the final show) and see video clips of the gymnastics while we discuss. GYMNASTICS INTERNATIONAL Welcome to the inaugural episode of Gymnastics International! On this show, we'll take a deep dive into the latest competitions from around the world, covering them with the depth and detail we typically only reserve for US women's elite competitions. Because national borders are stupid. This week: Japanese and Chinese Nationals! ALL-JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS From Mai's triumphant and dominant all-around performance (that might have been based on spite), to the return of Asuka Teramoto from her Achilles injury, to the surprise silver medal for Yuna Hiraiwa and the unacceptable Sae Miyakawa erasure, we break down everything that happened at Japan's return to competition. On the men's side, we discuss Kohei's self-reinvention as a high bar specialist, what that means for Hidetaka Miyachi, Kenzo smiling his way to vault credit, and Carlos Yulo's opportunity for comedy. CHINESE NATIONALS Another national title for Liu Tingting. Why we can't stop talking about Guan Chenchen (and rules about what dance you have to do any time you say the name Guan Chenchen). Wei Xiaoyuan and the magic hair bow. Qi Qi bringing floor back. All the side jumps. Horror at the stupid physical testing rules. New favorites. Old favorites. Medium favorites. Injured favorites. The fundamental repulsiveness of a white pommel horse. Sun Wei's surprise AA title. We've got it all. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too!
9/29/2020 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 15 seconds
440: Chinese Gymnastics Team Trainer Annemarie Alf DPT, CSCS
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. GYMTERNET NEWS The college COVID wars are raging. We discuss whether it's possible to have an equitable college gym season with such varying preparations. Gymnast Alliance: The latest in Amy Tinkler's saga, as well as what's been happening in Australia Simone posted some triple pikes and Yurchenko double pikes for national gymnastics day MEET NEWS At Japanese Masters, Shuko Uchimura (Kohei's mom) competed again at 53 and we were treated to the most important men's floor routine of the age Everyone is injured on the eve of Chinese WAG nationals and we're not OK INTERVIEW This week, Jessica speaks with Annemarie Alf, an American Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who has spent the last three quads working with the Chinese women's gymnastics team. We talk about strength training, why there are so few Achilles tears there, nutrition, medical treatments, what we can learn from the Chinese Olympic system, and her thoughts on SafeSport. Plus her descriptions of working with Cheng Fei, Yao Jinnan, Deng LinLin, ChenChen, Chen Yile. MINI COMMISSION Jyl has commissioned us to have a conversation about the trauma of leaving the sport. "How can we better prepare these young athletes for the 'after-life?' Offering quality training while still enabling them to be actual functioning people after the mats are gone?" JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 439: The Curious Case of the Extra Urine Best of GymCastic: The FluffCast (Commissioned) Best of GymCastic: Vanessa Atler Interview 432: #GymnastAlliance
9/23/2020 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 14 seconds
439: The Curious Case of the Extra Urine
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. HEADLINES Jessica talks about the Alyssa Beckerman episode Gymnast Alliance: Ellie Downie's weight-shaming complaint was "not upheld" and multiple gymnasts disclose issues at Cincinnati under MLT. Kensley has some thoughts on MLT's Bible defense. Gymnastics is Coming Back! Spencer previews what we're excited for at the upcoming Japanese Championships, Chinese Championships, and Szombathely World Cup. Meanwhile, Anastasia Motak's beam from Ukrainian Nationals is the new president. Spencer watched the Andreea Raducan documentary Golden Girl and is bursting to tell you everything about it The latest on men's NCAA gym and its slow march toward death: The Long Brewing Crisis in High Education. Higher education as hedge fund luxury brands Cutting sports to steal endowments: The myth of football-funded athletics GYMTERNET NEWS The weekly "Chellsie Memmel is our only hope" update Thoughts on USAG's tentative women's calendar for 2021 Maggie Haney is...still working with gymnasts? Jordyn Wieber won't attend the USAG Hall of Fame induction And a new gymnastics docuseries is coming! JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES Best of GymCastic: The FluffCast (Commissioned) Best of GymCastic: Vanessa Atler Interview 438: Agree to Disagree 437: Lineup Racism? 436: 2000 Women's Team Final (Commissioned)
9/15/2020 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 33 seconds
258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned)
This week, it's the commissioned episode you've all been waiting for...the FLUFFCAST! We jump into all the most insane, hilarious, horrifying, sexist, perfect, amazing, diva-tastic, butterfly-gazing, Romanian candle-holding fluff pieces in the history of gymnastics broadcasts. Thank you so much to Fluff Feels for commissioning the episode we were born to do, and thank you to everyone who sent in suggestions! Jessica and Spencer dissect: 2000 Olympic All-Around fluff NBC's Living-Parents Championship, starring Russian daddy issues and soldiers kidnapping Zamo. Prod's shaved eyebrow Prod's convertible flexing fluff, the only verifiably true fluff ever The legendary Romanian candle cups Elise Ray and the butterfly NBC's weird obsession with 1950s-style nuclear families 2000 Atler v. Dantzscher v. Beth Rybacki's tears How much resentment and blame? ALL OF IT! What's the deal with that wild west picture? And that helicopter-parent one? 1996 Kerri Strug lives in everyone's shadow fluff Is this the most sexist fluff of all time? Jessica's expletive parade Invention of the Bechdel Test for gymnastics fluff pieces "A diva is magical" That time Khorkina was perfect in every way Was saying, "I want to win as much as I want to mother my own child" really such a big deal? 1994 Romanian terrifying fluff of horrors The twist ending and the LITERAL DEAD BODY Trouble with keeping communist narratives straight NBC's fascination with Romanian people's eyes 1995 Moceanu fluff A creepy pedophile wonderland of a fluff piece Why is Bela so bad at boats? That insane 1997 "I Will Remember You" fluff Moceanu standing in a forest in a leo clawing that tree in 2000 1992 Bogi and her coach fluff How respectfully and maturely do we think NBC handled the issue of suicide? Bogi has no time for family or your sexist coach narratives Kim Kelly gets bumped Blurry smoke-filled rooms! Shadiness! “Who’d they drop?” “You, Kim.” Mohini delivers pizzas (1) (2) Why let fact get in the way of narrative? Important question: what are raffle bars? The most upsetting and bizarre fluff you will ever see A lesson on which issues should never be addressed in fluff pieces Elvire Teza 1998 More fun with racist Chinese music! Why we want to move to France and live with the French team SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. CONTEST WHAT: #BeerWithBetty: The Greatest Scavenger Hunt in the Galaxy! PRIZE: The winner will share a beer (or root beer if you are under 21) with the great Betty Okino, Olympic and World medalist, creator of the triple turn on beam, and a member of the Precision Choreography team. HOW IT WORKS: In August, we will release a list of 10 items on this photo scavenger hunt. Your mission will be to complete each one and post a photo to Twitter or Instagram tagging @GymCastic and @PrecisionChoreo and using #BeerWithBetty. The winner will be selected at random among everyone who completes all ten items. The hunt will start at 8am on Thursday August 17 and will end at 12pm on Saturday, August 19. The winner will meet with the Betty Okino at 3pm that day! If you enter, be READY FOR BETTY because winner will meet this gymnastics legend at 3pm that day! PLUS: We will give six additional prizes for Most Outrageous photos! The top three most outrageous photos on Friday will win a personal voice message from one of Precision Choreography's gymnastics stars (people like Chellsie Memmel, Alicia Sacramone, Houry Gerbesian, and Holly Vise)! The top three on Saturday will get a special shout-out on the GymCastic podcast. BUT WAIT: Before this contest starts, we need your help coming up with the scavenger hunt list! Please tweet us your suggestions using #BeerWithBetty from now until July 31. Something like socks with sandals, overused beam poses, someone over 50 doing the splits. We will give you full credit for any suggestions we use! RELATED EPISODES 257: The Daniels Report 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 200: Alicia Sacramone 197: Betty Okino 187: McKayla Maroney 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 31: Elise Ray 28: Kristen Maloney 19: Andreea Raducan 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
9/9/2020 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 20 seconds
Best of GymCastic: Vanessa Atler Interview
Originally aired in June 2017 BEST OF GYMCASTIC Originally released in June 2017. Vanessa Atler is an American treasure and fans have loved her from the moment they first saw her elegant power. She's a multi-time national champion, multi-World Cup champion, Goodwill Games event champion. She would probably have made the 1996 Olympic team had she been age eligible. She was one of those gymnasts for whom nothing ever worked out the way it should have and fans hearts broke along with her through the 1996-2000 quad. We discuss: Why she requested the interview with us Her thoughts on age limits and specialists (13:10) Elements she worked on but never competed (19:25) Dealing with emotions and tears of frustration The Comaneci-Salto & The Rybackis - (22:34) Why didn't she just take the Comaneci out of her routine and win all the things? Beth and Steve's differing opinions on bars What worked and didn't work with the Rybackis How being at Charter Oak effected her own coaching Did she seek counseling or therapy? (31:01) Her early online presence… and her mom's (32:50) Epic fluff from 1997 on Vanessa's online diary 1999 Goodwill Games and Sang Lan's vault accident (34:43) Why she left the Rybackis (39:00) The real story behind the ankle injury (47:57) Why she did not train with Bela Karolyi (50:47) The letter Larry Nassar said USAG received about him that caused him to be banned from the Ranch (52:16) Pre-2000 Olympics, moving to WOGA (1:00:01) What did and didn't work for her with Valeri How Valeri helped make her more confident on bars Weigh-ins (1:04:29) 2000 Olympic Trials When an agent gets into the mix: where the "you didn't make the team because you were fat" rumor came from (1:08:35) Bela told her he'd put her on the team Did she try and compete after 2000? What are her feelings toward gymnastics now? Being on the realty show "Starting Over" Outside influences: family members and agents The decision to turn professional Fibromyalgia after her motorcycle accident Dealing with anxiety and food Talking about her support for the defendants in the Larry Nassar case (1:36:00) Worlds in China: Nassar asking who wanted a cortisone shot without parental consent and alone in room (1:39:36) What she overheard during a coaches meeting through the walls of a hotel (1:44:11) Would she want her son to participate in elite gymnastics? What she does to keep gymnastics fun for her gymnasts What are her upcoming plans… is another book in the works? What are her thoughts on the Nassar situation and USAG today? How terrible the food was when she was at the Ranch for national team camp (2:00:11) The group message exchange asking for support for Nassar (2:02:04) Asking for help for her bulimia and being told to do what it takes (2:03:55) GUEST LINKS Witness her amazing beam skills. Her floor at the height of her awesomeness. Vanessa Atler blog and diary Vanessa Atler Children's Book: Let the River Flow SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA
9/2/2020 • 2 hours, 11 minutes, 49 seconds
438: Agree to Disagree
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. HEADLINES Alyssa Beckerman penned a Google Doc about the emotional manipulation, ostracism, pettiness, and mishandling of weight and injury that she experienced at UCLA under Miss Val What lessons other coaches can learn about the best ways to help athletes who experienced abusive club careers Does this change how we look at Miss Val's positive coaching tour? Thoughts on Miss Val's response and whether she should have said anything at all Discussed: International Socio-Cultural research group on Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (ISCWAG) research and interview Jenny Pinches explanation on August 7, 2020 before Alyssa's letter) of the #AthleteAlliance movement re coaches One Face: Project Gravitas Related articles on Beckerman : Beckerman questions dismissal Team supports Beckerman's dismissal Out of Balance: A look inside USA Gymnastics' culture of abuse More #GymnastAlliance news Cassidy Hyman's statement about elite development coordinator Dan Baker Athletes speak out about Amanda Reddin, WAG head coach at British Gymnastics The NCAA Gym is dying Alaska's women's program and Iowa's men's program will be shut down after 2021. We mourn. MINI COMMISSION Erin has commissioned us to bring back fluff pieces and reimagine the non-racist, non-condescending, non-awful versions we'd like to see. Obviously, we go right to Elena Produnova, Catalina Ponor's closet, and lesbians GYMTERNET NEWS Kensley's article on Female judges in MAG, Suni Lee's COVID scare, an exposé of the Brazilian club Pinheiros, and what we think of the survivors' attorneys asking the court to reject Terin Humphrey's claim JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 437: Lineup Racism? 436: 2000 Women's Team Final (Commissioned) 435: Let's Talk about Terin 434: Svetlana Khorcanceled 433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned) 432: #GymnastAlliance 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned)
8/27/2020 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 59 seconds
437: Lineup Racism
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. HEADLINES Texas Dreams Fallout Statements from more athletes about their Texas Dreams experiences, including Ragan Smith and Macy Toronjo Discussion: What responsibility do college coaches have to speak out about abusive coaching in the elite world? ESPN article on racism in college gymnastics The details on Alabama's Title IX investigation, and...Dana what are you doing? "Skin-tone" and the NCAA demographics database D-D Breaux retired Her epic legacy at LSU and what's next for the team MINI-COMMISSION Last week, Kennedy Baker discussed her experience with racism at Florida and mentioned the much-discussed history of Florida floor lineups. We use that as a lens for this week's mini-commission, in which Sophie asked us to discuss NCAA lineup strategy, what each of our strategies would be if we were making lineups, and whether there's a program that excels at lineup strategy. GYMTERNET NEWS Amy Tinkler's former coaches suspended by British Gymnastics, Memmel upgrade news, the Kathie Klages sentencing, USAG's 5-tier system for SafeSport reports, Donnell Whittenburg's piece for Team USA, Nina's new dismount, and more JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 436: 2000 Women's Team Final (Commissioned) 435: Let's Talk about Terin 434: Svetlana Khorcanceled 433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned) 432: #GymnastAlliance Best of GymCastic: The Leotard Episode 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned)
8/18/2020 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 43 seconds
436: 2000 Women's Team Final Commissioned
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubbubbs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. TEXAS NIGHTMARES Before we get to this week's commission, a few...erm...rage thoughts on what we've heard about Texas Dreams this week from Ashton Kim and Kennedy Baker. 2000 TEAM FINAL This week's episode was commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Casey because "it's all fun and games until Russia goes to beam." We discuss: Vault conspiracy theories. Was the vault also set incorrectly in the team final? Everything on beam is a Shushunova. We fight about it. The US team getting locked out of the arena and what it symbolizes Support, refute, or qualify: "Romania wins with boring gymnastics." The concept of Maria Olaru Khorkina's vaulting, Leonardo Da Vinci, and pumpernickel The importance of Liu Xuan and Ling Jie on floor Russia. Beam. It happened. We need to talk about it Dong Fangxiao's age and the stripping of China's bronze JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 435: Let's Talk about Terin 434: Svetlana Khorcanceled 433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned) 432: #GymnastAlliance Best of GymCastic: The Leotard Episode 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned) 430: Athlete A with Jennifer Sey
8/12/2020 • 2 hours, 11 minutes, 6 seconds
435: Let's Talk about Terin
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. THIS WEEK Mark Alesia, formerly of the Indy Star and part of the team that reported the Criminal Ex-Doctor story, joins us to discuss Athlete A and #GymnastAlliance The Dutch federation has shut down the women's elite program to conduct an investigation into coaching abuse. What does it all mean? Terin Humphrey is a survivor. We discuss reconciling that with her...other behavior and why her complaints about USAG removing her don't really add up. What Terin has to say about Steve Penny trying to influence team selection Chellsie's comeback – it's officially official! We talk about her skills and her interview with the Olympic Channel Sam Mikulak says he will retire after the Olympics, citing a chronic wrist injury and a desire to preserve his mental health MINI-COMMISSION Desirae asked us to come up with a gymnastics coaching qualification system for the US—what courses, information, and classes would we require? We have a lot of suggestions. GYMTERNET NEWS A story of abuse allegations coming out of New Zealand that we have some questions about Australia's Human Rights Commission is reviewing Australian gymnastics Some...unfortunate incidental translation issues from the FIG The Pac-12 football boys are making Jessica's dreams come true Plus, spending the day with Aliya JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 434: Svetlana Khorcanceled 433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned) 432: #GymnastAlliance Best of GymCastic: The Leotard Episode 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned)
8/5/2020 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 44 seconds
434: Svetlana Khorcanceled
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. GYMTERNET NEWS #GymnastAlliance is growing: We discuss the latest news out of Belgium and the Netherlands We have some THINGS to say on what we've now learned about Ellis O'Reilly's health How do we handle abusive coaches who admit their mistakes? SIGHx100000. Khorkina. Reflections on the Heavy Medals podcasts and what Geza Pozsar has been saying lately The Human Rights Watch report on sports in Japan MINI-COMMISSION We have been commissioned to add two events to women's gymnastics. Let's go. PLUS Wearing tights in gymnastics competition Riley's new bars dismount Feedback on majoring in gymnastics, smoking while tumbling, Sarah Jantzi and Rhonda, Spencer needing to figure skate, Jane Allen, and Khorkina things JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned) 432: #GymnastAlliance Best of GymCastic: The Leotard Episode 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned) 430: Athlete A with Jennifer Sey 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims
7/29/2020 • 2 hours, 4 seconds
433: Weirdest Gymnastics Exhibitions of the 90s (Commissioned)
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubbubbs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. COMMISSION! No, Spencer didn't self-commission this episode. Instead, an anonymous patron asked us for an episode all about the "professional" "gymnastics" "competitions" to "rock music" that populated the "1990s." And we are more than happy to oblige. We discuss: Queen Kristie Phillips, the only one who understood. Like when she did a Gianni Versace/Princess Diana tribute beam routine. Or when she did a Vietnam War protest routine. Or when she did a different Vietnam War protest routine. Or that time her genie pants came off during floor. Being too 90s to function: Dominique Moceanu's Titanic beam routine, and Chris Waller doing the Macarena Men taking their shirts off. Like all the time. And sometimes Alexei Nemov took his pants off. The award for most awkward – Shannon Miller's virginity floor routine, Valentin Moguilny's alcoholism floor routine, and Dmitry Bilozerchev's baby rings routine The MAG Seven: Who cared the least about this nonsense (a tough category!) and a conspiracy theory about Shannon That time Elena Produnova did an ill-advised floor routine to Who Let the Dogs Out That time May Lee Tracy had Kim Zmeskal do a beam routine to God Bless America That time Svetlana Khorkina went to Disney World, and that time Ukrainians did ALL the 1994 shopping JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 432: #GymnastAlliance Best of GymCastic: The Leotard Episode 431: 2003 Team Final (Commissioned) 425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commissioned) 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned)
7/22/2020 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 11 seconds
432: GymnastAlliance
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. GYMTERNET NEWS #GymnastAlliance British Athletes, like our queen Catherine Lyons and co-queen Lisa Mason, are speaking out about the coaching abuses they've suffered and culture of fear in British gymnastics. We discuss what makes this moment different. Athlete A Aftermath The influence of this documentary and Dave Tilley's must-watch reflection and analysis Moving the women's age limit to 18—how do we feel about it now? OK. But. We really need to unpack this narrative that Maggie was snubbed for a spot on the 2016 team. Spencer made a spreadsheet. Because of course. Feedback on what we make of Geza Pozsar, whether Sarah Jantzi bears the same responsibility as Rhonda Faehn, and how sportsball boyfriends reacted to the documentary Copenhagen withdraws Denmark will not host worlds in 2021. Jessica and Spencer are currently in different stages of grief. Simone is the first gymnast on the cover of Vogue And the twitters are NOT happy with the pictures More abuse news Terry Gray—formerly of Cincinnati, Browns, and SCEGA—has been arrested for 14 counts of "lewdness with a child under 14" Thierry Pellerin—Canadian pommel horse specialist—has been arrested for sexual offenses against minors. Plus Gymnastics survives the Stanford sports purge, all our favorite under-the-radar internationals are going to LIU—except international students might not be able to stay in the US (petition), everyone is coming out, and Jessica's mouth goes to sleep while trying to say Ana Padurariu, which is our cue to stop. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 366: Virtuous Value Parts 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 363: Five Is the New Four (...Is the New Five) 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe
7/15/2020 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 53 seconds
Best of GymCastic: The Leotard Episode
Club Gym Nerd member, Gym Coach Diana, has commissioned an episode all about the glorious leotard! Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about leos leos leos; biggest leotard fails, the most patriotic, custom theme leos, Australia, cut outs, crushed velvet, rules for leotard design, technology, sewn in underpants, leotard deductions, controversies and the most notorious leotards of all time. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LEOTARDS WE DISCUSS IN ORDER: https://gymcastic.com/?p=61421&preview=true This episode originally aired in November 2016.
7/9/2020 • 2 hours, 8 minutes, 39 seconds
431: 2003 Team Final Commissioned
This episode was commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Jasmine, who asked for an episode all about the 2003 worlds team final. Hollie's number. "Oh, that's too bad." Warming up on the podium. "So little talent." A truly iconic choice! WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and watch the videos of the routines we're discussing right along with us. BUT FIRST A little breaking news nugget: We discuss Shawn Johnson's latest YouTube video about being given Adderall for weight loss, not an approved therapeutic exemption, for this banned substance, and what the potential fallout could be, if any. 2003 TEAM FINAL US injury drama – and more questions about the US team medical care Jessica's behind-the-scenes story about Khorkina interacting with children! The birth of the legend of Chellsie Freaking Memmel A frame-by-frame dissection of Tasha trying to block Martha's head smack "So little talent" and what Shevchenko herself thinks of that comment Interpreting Khorkina's choreography Jessica's tale of spying on a US practice and Carly's crazy bars training Hollie's number: Was the US team given preferential treatment? China's neutral deduction for warming up on the podium "Ooooh, that's too bad" AND MORE! JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 430: Athlete A with Jennifer Sey 429: John Orozco Does Not Hold Back 428: Black Lives Matter This Week Too 427: The Gymnast Who Kneeled During The National Anthem 425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commission) 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned)
7/1/2020 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 29 seconds
430: Athlete A with Jennifer Sey
Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Jennifer Sey became the US national champion in 1986, just seven months after breaking her femur at the 1985 world championships, an injury that led to a change in rules about bars spotting. In 2008, she published her groundbreaking memoir Chalked Up and has since been an advocate for survivors and those fighting against abuse in gymnastics. She produced the documentary Athlete A about the failures of USA Gymnastics to deal with the criminal ex-doctor, which premieres on Netflix this week. We talked with her about what she hopes the general public learns about gymnastics culture from the film, whether the Maggie Haney suspension represents progress or not, why watching Kerri Strug vault in 1996 didn't feel like a glorious moment to her, and balancing the horror of Athlete A with hope by focusing on the triumphs of Maggie Nichols, Rachael Denhollander, Jamie Dantzscher, and the Indy Star journalists. Related Reading: Jen Sey's Op-Ed in the New York Times: How Gymnastics Culture Breeds Sexual Abuse Why Not Being Racist is Not Enough Chalked Up by Jennifer Sey Athlete A trailer GYMTERNET NEWS A vital episode dedication to Natalia Frolova URGENT: An email from someone who coached at the Karolyi summer camps Feedback on the John Orozco interview and Kensley's response Seattle Pacific eliminates its gymnastics program Major dumpster fire developments in bankruptcy court Germany (kind of?) did a gymnastics over the weekend Simone did a triple double off beam and we need to talk about it JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview 187: McKayla Maroney Episode 28: Kristen Maloney 420: Jamie Dantzscher Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience Aimee & Maggie Extended Interview Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 423: Little Dumpster Fires Everywhere 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 420: Jamie Dantzscher 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 429: John Orozco Does Not Hold Back 428: Black Lives Matter This Week Too 427: The Gymnast Who Kneeled During The National Anthem 426: Body Roll Abomination 425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commission) 424 Emotional Abuse: The Maggie Haney Eight Year Ban
6/24/2020 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 57 seconds
429: John Orozco Does Not Hold Back
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW John Orozco is here and ready to blow it up. In this interview, he discusses the Black Lives Matter movement and the racism he experienced from leadership in the US men's program, different standards applied to white and black athletes in national team selection and drug/alcohol enforcement, favoritism and score changing, the reality of a family situation that was far from what was painted by NBC, what really happened in the 2012 Olympic team final, the lawlessness of the post-Olympic tour, his nationality switch to Puerto Rico, and so much more. You don't want to miss this one. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 72: John Orozco (January 2014) 241: The Pittsburgh Incident (Legendre's accuse OTC coach of assault) 428: Black Lives Matter This Week Too 427: The Gymnast Who Kneeled During The National Anthem 420: Jamie Dantzscher 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 187: McKayla Maroney
6/16/2020 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 23 seconds
428: Black Lives Matter This Week Too
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. HEADLINES Kurt Thomas, 1978 and 1979 world champion, died of a stroke at age 64. We discuss his legacy. More athletes detail stories of racism in college gymnastics—what Alabama's Tia Kiaku, Auburn gymnasts Kennedy Finister and Telah Black, Florida's Kytra Hunter, and Nebraska's Ashley Lambert said this week Why the aggressively empty platitudes from coaches like Dana Duckworth and Courtney Kupets-Carter bother us so much—and why we love the statement from Sac State Plus, do we need to change our outro? And what should it be? GYMTERNET NEWS European Championships have been rescheduled for December in Baku. Jessica is concerned for COVID reasons. Spencer is concerned for rule-consistency reasons. Kensley is optimistic. No one is surprised by any of this. The FIG published the new, official Olympic qualification rules for 2021 The retirements of Courtney McGregor, Senna Deriks, and most of Romania Which US elites have decided to keep training for Tokyo NCAA transfer news for Addy De Jesus, Bailey Ferrer, and Mercedes Sanchez Problems with the FBI, NCAA, and Kathy Klages, as per usual, and a coach suspension at Chelsea Piers Nile Wilson released a documentary on his battle with addiction and mental health—we watched and have thoughts Plus, feedback on Alexis Brown, why the gymternet didn't come for Sam Mikulak like it did for Ashton, and sports' exploitation of black athletes JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 427: The Gymnast Who Kneeled During The National Anthem 426: Body Roll Abomination 425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commission) 424 Emotional Abuse: The Maggie Haney Eight Year Ban Behind the Scenes: Scott Bregman Behind the Scenes: May 15, 2020 Behind The Scenes: Denis Vachon
6/10/2020 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 57 seconds
427: Black Lives Matter with Alexis Brown
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Alexis Brown was a UC Davis gymnast, is the co-program record holder on beam, and knelt during the national anthem in the 2017 and 2018 NCAA seasons. We caught up with Alexis to hear her thoughts on kneeling now—two years on—and how she feels about the current protests against police brutality of black Americans. She tells us whether she feels more hopeful or disheartened about the experience in retrospect, what she makes of the NCAA programs who haven't made statements, and what she would like to see from white members of the gymnastics community. Resources For Action: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234 https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/media-center/dismantle-white-supremacy https://www.obama.org/wp-content/uploads/Toolkit.pdf https://www.obama.org/anguish-and-action/ GYMTERNET NEWS We round up the reactions (and occasionally lack thereof) to the protests from those in the gymnastics community, including Kennedy Baker, Tia Kiaku, and Steve Butcher. Plus, what we can do in the gymnastics community, obliviousness and defensiveness, reasons there might be silence, compassion fatigue, and how there's no better time to get rid of IOC's Rule 50 against demonstrations. JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. We have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 426: Body Roll Abomination 425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commission) 424 Emotional Abuse: The Maggie Haney Eight Year Ban Behind the Scenes: Gymnast Nicknames with Scott Bregman Behind The Scenes with coach Denis Vachon Behind the Scenes: May 15, 2020 Behind The Scenes: Exactly What is Going on With Gymnast's Special Underwear? Video Podcasts
6/3/2020 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 40 seconds
426: Body Roll Abomination
WATCH HERE Club Gym Nerd members can watch the podcast being recorded (pre-edits with all the flubbubbs and hiccups) and see video of the routines we discuss. GYMTERNET NEWS USAG cancels elite events for the remainder of 2020. Inevitable sigh. Some THOUGHTS about these new garbage Title IX regulations The latest steps toward NCAA athlete compensation and what it means for gymnasts NCAA gymnastics news, in which we discuss the sprouting of Long Island University and whether or not Nebraska is...OK? How various nations are handling a return to elite training Jessica has some feelings about priorities and the re-opening of gyms in the US Dumpster fire developments on the suspension of Amy Nyman, the dismissal of charges against Lou Anna Simon, and USOC getting sued for fraud Finally, how bad was the FIG's decision to use the qualification results from Baku as final? Score For Score has the numbers MINI-COMMISSION A mini commission from Nico T.L. asks us to go deep on three...shall we say remarkable?...floor routines from 2000—Elena Produnova's "Super Bitch Power Routine," Paloma Moro's "Cracked Out Spanish Hoedown Routine," and Alena Polozkova's "So Bad You Can't Look Away Routine." This is heavenly. FEEDBACK We conclude with some feedback about Li Li's culpability in the Maggie Haney situation, autism, Nazis (?), and our judging episode. BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here And we have masks too! RELATED EPISODES 425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commission) 424 Emotional Abuse: The Maggie Haney Eight Year Ban 423: Little Dumpster Fires Everywhere 420: Jamie Dantzscher Behind The Scenes: May 15, 2020 Behind The Scenes with coach Denis Vachon
5/20/2020 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 1 second
425: GymCastic Fixes Judging (Commission)
This week's episode has been commissioned by an anonymous Club Gym Nerd member and current gymnastics judge who said, "You complain about judging all the time." (WHAT, US??? NEVER!) "Tell us what you would do if you were in charge of women's officials for NCAA and JO meets." We shall gladly oblige! Surprise, surprise, we're not short of opinions. We tackle nasty problem areas like transparency, the Old Girls Network, "reputation," judging consistency, bias, and subjectivity, while answering questions about whether having been a gymnast makes you a better judge, appropriate processes for judge selection and evaluation, and how judges should get the $$$$$$$. We also make a list of the problems with college judging and what to do about them. So basically, we fix everything that's wrong with everything. You're welcome, gymnastics. GYMTERNET NEWS We couldn't not talk about the latest harrowing details on Maggie Haney's 8-year suspension, so we take a moment to be horrified about that as well. BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Behind The Scenes with coach Denis Vachon 424: The Maggie Haney Eight Year Ban 423: Little Dumpster Fires Everywhere 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 420: Jamie Dantzscher
5/13/2020 • 2 hours, 10 seconds
424: Emotional Abuse: The Maggie Haney 8 Year Ban
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEWS This week, Jessica speaks with attorney and Olympic Champion, Nancy Hogshead-Makar of Champion Women about emotional abuse (A.C.E score) and SafeSport rules, the 8-year ban for Maggie Haney, whether this counts as progress, what a culture of silent obedience looks like, and a new bill pending before Congress. Learn more usopu.info She also speaks with Robert Andrews, therapist and founder of the Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, about the long-term effects of childhood trauma and emotional abuse and what needs to change for USAG to be able to prevent abuse. As a child. Andrews was inspired by the book They Fought Back. His series Champions Mental Edge is available here. GYMTERNET NEWS We won the COVID-19 Feeding America fundraiser. Still time to donate if you can. Watch here. 8 Years: Maggie Haney has been suspended for 8 years. We discuss what Laurie said about her experience, the details of the suspension, the information we'd still like to know, why now and why her (because there sure are others...), how shocked we are that emotional abuse was actually taken seriously, and what emotional abuse actually means Maggie's Rules from The Skating Lesson Fantasy Floor Music: We finally learned the details of Dan Kendig's 2018 resignation for getting caught doing something that most college programs do—and rant about the stupid NCAA rules on paying for floor choreography JOIN CLUB GYM NERD Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Get discounts on awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview 187: McKayla Maroney Episode 28: Kristen Maloney 420: Jamie Dantzscher Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience Aimee & Maggie Extended Interview Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 423: Little Dumpster Fires Everywhere 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 420: Jamie Dantzscher 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 421: Tokyo Rule Change Mini-sode 419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri Behind The Scenes: Exactly What is Going on With Gymnast's Special Underwear? Behind The Scenes: Agina Simpkins Floor Interpreted Behind The Scenes: Pet Psychic Episode
5/6/2020 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 23 seconds
423: Little Dumpster Fires Everywhere
LIVE VIDEO PODCAST FUNDRAISER Attention! Dave Tilley of Shift Movement Science is hosting a FREE online gymnastics summit on Saturday May 2 to benefit Feeding America's COVID-19 hunger relief, and we're going to be part of it! The all-day video marathon will feature a bunch of people who know what they're talking about and then also us, with the GymCastic segment starting at 5:00pm ET sandwiched between Jordyn Wieber, Chris Brooks, Colin Van Wicklen, Kyla Ross, Madison Kocian, and Miss Val. Just like we were meant to be. Check out full details at the Event Info page and the Feeding America fundraising part at the GoFundMe page. THIS WEEK Gymternet News: Morgan's gym needs your help, the Netherlands and Italy are moving toward reopening gyms, there was a "calendar error" in the Maggie Haney ruling, and the Argentinian federation may have stolen USAG's dumpster title. Less Is More: We're taking a red marker to the rules and crossing out the things we don't like. Mini-Commission on Inbars: Why are they considered harder than the other entries? Why do they mess up everyone's backs? And why was Bridget Sloan's so different? Mini-Commission on Spencer's Weird Opinions: One time, Spencer categorically asserted that Huang Mandan was robbed on bars in 2000 and should have made the bars final over Ling Jie and Yang Yun. That was a weirdly specific take to be so passionate about, so...talk about that. Plus, some important feedback on Stick It pregnancies and Full Out 2. BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd and get access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 422: Stick It (Commissioned) 421: Tokyo Rule Change Mini-sode 420: Jamie Dantzscher 419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri Behind The Scenes: Agina Simpkins Floor Interpreted Behind The Scenes: Pet Psychic Episode Behind The Scenes: Neighborhood Cat Drama
4/29/2020 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 47 seconds
422: Stick It (Commissioned)
This week's group commission is brought to you by Vanessa and friends, who asked us to dedicate an entire episode to the iconic gymnastics masterpiece, Stick It. Your wish is our command. Since it's not called GymNICEtics, Jessica and Spencer begin by kind of getting into a fight about how Jessica truly, wholly, and unironically loves this movie, while Spencer...has some notes. No one is surprised by any of this. We discuss: Punk rock, feminist glory How Spencer is still mad at Hayley for walking out on worlds Inside jokes that only we would understand that are somehow IN A REAL MOVIE The Buttahara, the butt shelf, and the bra strap. Never forget. How and why is Jeff Bridges here? Protest-movement competition: Jessica's dream, Spencer's nightmare BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd here to commission your own episode. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Behind The Scenes: Pet Psychic Episode 420: Jamie Dantzscher 421: Tokyo Rule Change Mini-sode 419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri 418: American Anthem 417: Bye Bye Tokyo 2020
4/22/2020 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 27 seconds
421: Tokyo Rule Change Mini-sode
GYMTERNET NEWS We have news! The FIG announced the changes in procedure for the 2021 Olympic qualification process, so Jessica and Spencer pop in for a brief rundown of what they decided, breaking down the good (code of points! Copenhagen!) and the bad (age eligibility! Baku!) and how it will affect the process over the next 15 months. CALLING ALL JUDGES A friend of the show is writing a book on the psychology of judging gymnastics! Eeeeee! If you are a gymnastics judge of any level or nationality, we ask that you take this survey and share it with your judge buddies to do the same. BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES BTS: Neighborhood Cat Drama 419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri BTS: Why Diesel Forklifts and Indoor Arenas Don't Mix 418: American Anthem BTS: We Are All Athletes Right? 417: Bye Bye Tokyo 2020 BTS: Quarantine Party with Duchess 416: Everything Is Canceled
4/15/2020 • 23 minutes, 10 seconds
420: Jamie Dantzscher
IT'S JAMIE DANTZSCHER YOU GUYS In this full episode with Jamie Dantzscher, we discuss... Life with the Rybackis, why Jamie "left," and why she came back How Jamie feels about their coaching now (spoiler alert: NOT GREAT) How weird it is that we still care about her 1999 floor music The bonkers 2000 Olympic selection process Speaking out publicly about Bela—then, later, and now—and a current sense of vindication Why Bela took her off bars in qualification in Sydney The INSANE story about why she didn't salute after her team final floor routine Being awarded a retroactive Olympic bronze medal, how she feels about it, and that famous press conference The time a judge apologized to her for the corrupt scoring at nationals What skills she would have done if she competed in an open-ended code What her relationship with Vanessa Atler is like now BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Club Members get discounts on our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 254: Vanessa Atler 31: Elise Ray 28: Kristen Maloney 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 187: McKayla Maroney
4/15/2020 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 42 seconds
419: Sports Economist Dr. David Berri
HEADLINES MEMMEL: Like a beacon in the darkness, Chellsie Memmel came the closest she has ever come to announcing a comeback by saying she is kind of playing around and maybe training. We proceed to put her on 18 Olympic teams and give her all the world beam gold medals. Not sorry. SIMONE: Simone spoke for the first time to communicate her nuanced thoughts on Olympic postponement, not having a dumbbell (ADRIA!), and ugh having to deal with USAG more NEWLYMPICS: New Olympic dates have been announced. Spencer and Jessica break down what this means for meets and schedules, while taking different sides on Christine Brennan's editorial about this being disrespectful. GAME TIME How would a one-year delay have affected previous Olympic teams? We discuss what gymnasts would or wouldn’t have made Olympic teams if those games had been delayed a year. GYMTERNET NEWS COVID-19 fallout in Russia (featuring Khorkina and Valentina both being THE MOST), Tom Forster's questionable decisions, and [SIGH] the deal with Ashton... INTERVIEW (1:23:09) This week, Jessica chats with professor David Berri, an expert on sports economics, about COVID-19 and the NCAA, how much a gymnast is worth in actual dollars, and the realities of college athletes being allowed to profit from their likenesses. BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES BTS: Why Diesel Forklifts and Indoor Arenas Don't Mix 418: American Anthem BTS: We Are All Athletes Right? 417: Bye Bye Tokyo 2020 BTS: Quarantine Party with Duchess 416: Everything Is Canceled March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update BTS: March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update 415: American Cup of Coronavirus 414: American Cup Preview BTS: Morgan Hurd Interview & The Missing Episode 413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet BTS: Jade Carey, Grace McCallum, Kayla DiCello and Lilly Lippeatt Interviews
4/8/2020 • 2 hours, 36 minutes, 49 seconds
418: American Anthem
AMERICAN ANTHEM The year: 1986 The film: American Anthem The quality: low Spencer and Jessica spend way too long this week on a deep dive into what is perhaps the most significant film in the gymnastics pantheon, teen sports-drama-romance American Anthem. Jessica lovvvveeed this movie as a middle schooler. Spencer hates everything. It's gonna get good. We discuss it all: very excellent gymnast acting, backlit hair and 13-foot-wide denim jackets, THE TRIFFUS OF MURRRDERRR, an 11-week-old Jenny Rowland putting Daniela Silivas to shame, the lovely and sensitive handling of domestic abuse (jk it's monstrous), storing your grips IN THE LEAVES, excessive gymnastics grunting sounds, and the true hero of this story—Becky Cameron. Join us? BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES BTS: We Are All Athletes Right? 417: Bye Bye Tokyo 2020 BTS: Quarantine Party with Duchess 416: Everything Is Canceled March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update BTS: March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update 415: American Cup of Coronavirus 414: American Cup Preview BTS: Morgan Hurd Interview & The Missing Episode 413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet
3/31/2020 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 22 seconds
417: Bye Bye Tokyo 2020
NO MORE TOKYO 2020 Via the IOC's longest-serving member, Dick Pound, we learned that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed. It's been a long year this month, so Jessica has a list of Dick Pound jokes to get us through. It's most of the episode. After that, we discuss Why it was important to postpone Gymnastics implications Should the new 2021 seniors now become eligible for the Olympics? What code of points should be used? How should the unfinished qualification process be resolved? What of the 2021 world championships in Copenhagen? Which athletes are most affected by this, negatively and positively? Plus, McKayla Maroney opens up about the circumstances of her father's death and releases her debut single, a rundown of the dumpster fire news, Bart has an adult gymnastics challenge for you, and Full Out 2 has been released BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 416: Everything Is Canceled Breaking news mini-sode: COVID-19 Championships Update Behind the Scenes: March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update 415: American Cup of Coronavirus 414: American Cup Preview Behind The Scenes: Morgan Hurd Interview & The Missing Episode 413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet Behind The Scenes: Jade Carey, Grace McCallum, Kayla DiCello and Lilly Lippeatt Interviews
3/25/2020 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 35 seconds
416: Everything Is Canceled
GYMTERNET NEWS Everything has been canceled. We run through the events that have been canceled thus far (spoiler: it's all of them), and theorize what it might mean for Olympic qualification—if the Olympics actually happen. Note to FIG: We already figured out what you need to do, so just do what we say and you might survive. USAG has canceled events through May 10, but how much oversight does USAG have to tell clubs to stop training and classes? We discuss. Jessica uses the Olympic Spirit as a vehicle to tell people to stop being the absolute worst Spencer's favorite piece of news from the week, a (now-revised and no longer fun) real estate article that assumed Valeri Liukin and Yevgeny Marchenko were a couple. Plus, Shannon Miller knows about being Shannon F🤸cking Miller, Nia Dennis was on Ellen, and Jessica is really into all the gymnastics relationship goss while Spencer pretends to be above it. What's this? A federal investigation into Steve Penny potentially acting as an illegal agent for athletes? Oh tell us more. NCAA The NCAA season has come to a premature conclusion, likely spelling the end of gymnastics careers for this epic class of 2020 seniors. So, this week we have a fitting mini-commission about whether this is the greatest NCAA class of all time, and Jessica makes you have all the feelings about how the significance of this group of athletes goes well beyond gymnastics. We wrap up the season and call on you to help us with an end-of-season awards list. AND FINALLY Simone is the queen of Twitter. The end. BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd for access to Behind the Scenes episodes here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES March 12: COVID-19 Championships Update Behind The Scenes: March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update 415: American Cup of Coronavirus 414: American Cup Preview Behind The Scenes: Morgan Hurd Interview & The Missing Episode 413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet? Behind The Scenes: Jade Carey, Grace McCallum, Kayla DiCello and Lilly Lippeatt Interviews
3/18/2020 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 40 seconds
March 12 COVID-19 Championships Update
COVID-19 Watch: what's cancelled and what's not...yet. The drastic differences in policy from college to college.
3/12/2020 • 19 minutes, 32 seconds
415: American Cup of Coronavirus
COVID-19 NEWS Jesolo is officially canceled, Qatar has instituted a quarantine period, Vanessa Ferrari JUST got out of Italy in time, Colin Van Wicklen has withdrawn, and the FIG told USAG to wash its hands. We're diving right into the disease news and how this affects Olympic qualification. AMERICAN CUP We discuss Morgan Hurd's glorious return to her rightful place atop the podium, the DAMN BARS breaking, Jennifer Gadirova emerging as the future of all that is right and good, Ellie Black being the most delightful person, and...sigh...Giorgia Villa. Jessica delivers our annual Rage-o-Meter response to the NBC commentary Sam Mikulak hit 6-for-6 and won, plus the best opportunities for comedy in the men's field INTERVIEW Jennifer Iacopelli author of Break The Fall MEET NEWS The US women swept Gymnix, and MyKayla Skinner won gold on bars (BARS)...though maybe with the wrong D score...oopsies Emily Lee tore her fingernail off and needed stitched but still gymnastics-ed all over the place Jessica really enjoys MyKayla Skinner's YouTube channel Long Island University is adding a women's gymnastics team for the 2021 season Trinity got her 10.000 on floor And we choose our way-too-soon Olympic teams following American Cup LIVE SHOW FROM NCAAS Friday, April 17th - after the competition - Fort Worth Botanic Garden Auditorium Buy tickets now BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Get access to Behind the Scenes episodes by joining Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 414: American Cup Preview Behind The Scenes: Morgan Hurd Interview & The Missing Episode 413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet Behind The Scenes: Jade Carey, Grace McCallum, Kayla DiCello and Lilly Lippeatt Interviews 412: The Fall That Wasn't 411: Take Off on Gay, Split on Rights 410: Simone's Vault to the Rescue
3/11/2020 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 12 seconds
414: American Cup Preview
AMERICAN CUP It's happening! This Saturday! Russia has withdrawn from the competition for...murky reasons that may or may not be related to viruses. Do we have multiple conspiracy theories about it? YOU BETCHA. What we're looking forward to seeing from Morgan Hurd and Kayla DiCello—and who's more likely to win Other people who could legitimately win, like Ellie Black and Giorgia Villa Our Must-Watch Athlete of the meet: Jennifer Gadirova What Nikita Nagornyy's absence means for Sam Mikulak and the US men's hopes of an extra Olympic spot What are we going to see from Oleg Verniaiev? Only his glass shoulder and legs made of hope can tell. Gymnix and Jesolo team updates. Watch Gymnix here GYMTERNET NEWS Laurie Hernandez is not attending US women's camp but still plans to compete later in the year Simone had some THOUGHTS about USAG and USOPC's latest stonewalling John Orozco officially changed his FIG license from the US to Puerto Rico! Former CMU coach Jerry Reighard is suing ESPN, which seems productive Simone threw an axe for a bullseye, because of course she did Cassie Rice and Tasha Schwikert gave HARROWING accounts of their time in the elite world, including how Bela ripped Tasha's hamstring off the bone during the 2000 Olympics after by pushing her down in a split. A must-watch. NCAA news: the latest rankings, Nia Dennis's viral routine, Maggie Nichols being fine now (?), and the broken bars at Alabama BECOME A CLUB GYM NERD MEMBER Join Club Gym Nerd here for access to our Behind the Scenes episodes! Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet Behind The Scenes: Jade Carey, Grace McCallum, Kayla DiCello and Lilly Lippeatt Interviews 412: The Fall That Wasn't 411: Take Off on Gay, Split on Rights 410: Simone's Vault to the Rescue
3/4/2020 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 36 seconds
413: Is Jade Carey an Olympian Yet
MEN'S PROGRAM OOOPSIES (3:24) Between the all-around results mix-up and the World Cup...reassignments...the US men's program had quite the controversial week at Winter Cup. Kensley breaks it all down, with statements from USAG about both issues. USAG awarded the all-around medals to the wrong people. Great job. Yul Moldauer was under the impression he had 3 world cup assignments. Turns out, nope. We discuss the problems of miscommunication and having UNWRITTEN selection procedures for squads that have already been selected and meets that have already happened. How do we make sure things like this don't happen again? Live Blog: 2020 Winter Cup - Day 2 Live Blog: 2020 Winter Cup - Day 1 RAGE-O-METER (46:22) Details on the unacceptable "deal" USAG proposed to survivors, including four tiers of settlement money based on famousness and the release of Steve Penny, Marta, Don Peters, John Geddert, All-Olympia and others from all future claims W. T. (and we cannot stress this enough) F. Jessica has some choice feelings about it. MELBOURNE WORLD CUP OLYMPIC QUALIFIER (52:49) The 6th of 8 Olympic apparatus qualifiers has concluded in Melbourne. We answer pressing questions like Is Jade Carey an Olympian yet? Are we emotionally stable enough to talk about what happened on high bar and the latest developments in Japanese Gymnastics Jail? Could the US men actually earn an Olympic spot this way? Does Gymnastics Australia have it together? (Nope) Why is Jessica more interested in Tampax than in the results? PLUS... Winter Cup—actual gymnastics part! We discuss improvements on USAGs part (what?), some interesting decisions about who made national team especially re: Alec Yoder, Gage Dyer's floor, Spencer's favorite Winter Cuppy moments, and what it means now for athletes who didn't make national team. Women's NCAA news (1:29:18) Spencer is soooooo glad we had so much other stuff to talk about that we didn't have much time to discuss the scoring at UCLA/Utah because he physically cannot. Historic lead-iff 10 finally happened. Grace Glen got a 10 as the first person up on beam. Maggie Nichols is injured, Michigan set a program record, and why we need receipts! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here for access to our Behind the Scenes episodes! Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Club Gym Nerd Podcasts include: Behind The Scenes: National Team Training Camp: Jade Carey, Grace McCallum, Kayla DiCello, Lilly Lippeat Interviews Behind The Scenes: National Team Training Camp – Day 3 Laurie Hernandez Interview Behind The Scenes: National Team Training Camp – Day 2 Simone Biles Interview Behind The Scenes: National Team Training Camp – Day 1 Behind The Scenes: Journalism Spy Training, Thanksgiving, a Podcast Operations Q&A Behind The Scenes: Yulo, Cats & Musicals Behind The Scenes: Halloween Edition Stuttgart: Behind The Scenes Aimee & Maggie Extended Interview Video: Live Show with Kennedy Baker RELATED EPISODES 412: The Fall That Wasn't 411: Take Off on Gay, Split on Rights 410: Simone's Vault to the Rescue 409: Falling with Style 408: Jessica Goes to Camp
2/26/2020 • 2 hours, 20 minutes, 58 seconds
412: The Fall That Wasn't
IMPORTANT BUSINESS We're doing another live show from NCAAs this year in Fort Worth! We're doing another LIVE SHOW FROM NCAAs with special guest Jamie Dantztcher this year in Fort Worth! When: Friday, April 17, 2020 after prelims Where: Fort Worth BotanicGardenAuditorium (1.1 mi from Dickies Arena) Time: Doors open 7:30, Live Show 8-930 Tickets: Club GymNerd pre-sale Feb 26-March 4. On sale to public starting March 5. Join Club Gym Nerd here. Contest! We're giving away five copies of Break the Fall, Jennifer Iacopelli's YA novel from a true gym nerd who loves the sport. Find out how you can win one. Contest! We're giving away five copies of Break the Fall, Jennifer Iacopelli's YA novel from a true gym nerd who loves the sport. Find out how you can win one. GYMTERNET NEWS Riley McCusker announced she is now training at Arizona Sunrays (Jade Carey's gym). We discuss. There...might be...a...KERRI STRUG MOVIE. We already have 455 thoughts about what we need from this movie and how it could go very wrong. Kathie Klages was found guilty of lying to police. Hm. Look how that happened. Brooklyn Moors has signed with UCLA Chinese gymnasts are officially out of Melbourne Plus, Raj Bhavsar's new job, Jessica's Tokyo feelings, Arkansas's women's empowerment, Nile Wilson's gym switch, Shannon's scrunchie immortalized, and why college gymnasts love their teams MEET NEWS A preview of Winter Cup, starting Thursday Maggie 40 Watch and records being set all over the place by Oklahoma and Denver Spencer's Crack Den takes on that time Kennedi Edney fell on floor and got 9.600 A cornucopia of gymnastic excellence in all its forms from Cristal Isa, Gracie Kramer, Gracie Day, and Evanni Roberson We need justice for Khazia Hislop Melbourne is coming up this weekend—what will it mean for Jade Carey's Olympic spot journey? And finally—WE HAVE A CLIMATE CHANGE FLOOR ROUTINE SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here for access to our Behind the Scenes episodes AND live show presale tickets! Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Qualifying Score Outlook February 17, 2020 Things Are Happening – February 14, 2020 February 14, 2020 Keeping Up With the Cool GIFs – Week 6 February 11, 2020 The 10s of Week 6 February 11, 2020 RELATED EPISODES 411: Take Off on Gay, Split on Rights 410: Simone's Vault to the Rescue 409: Falling with Style 408: Jessica Goes to Camp 407: Crown Watch 2020 406: BRENNNNAAAAAAA!!!!
2/18/2020 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 49 seconds
411: Take Off on Gay, Split on Rights
This week, we open with rage (TV network-type), then switch to rage (dumpster fire-type), and go on to rage (Achilles injury-type), but then comes the fun part—Ellie Black's return and a brand new sass-filled Olympic year segment. UCLA's amazing Pride meet was the gayest thing ever to happen in gymnastics, and the Pac-12 Network pretended it didn't exist An SEC Network basketball commentator did a very very (very) bad one Following up on the Maggie Haney suspension and the Denis Abliazin racism A doctor is suing the USOPC for whistleblower retaliation Asuka Teramoto is out with a torn Achilles and nothing matters anymore Four-Year Headlines: Where we issue yellow cards to drive-by gymnastics coverage Olympic qualifier roster updates Sorting through what happened with rhythmic star Aleksandra Soldatova Elite Canada – Ellie Black is back, Shallon Olsen is a superhero, and we fangirl over Brooklyn Moors and Ana Padurariu exactly as much as usual NCAA News – Trinity Thomas and Maddie Karr got 10s, Hailey Poland wore blue lipstick, and we got some feedback about cat leaps FURTHER READING Week 6 Rankings February 10, 2020 Things Are Happening – February 7, 2020 February 7, 2020 Keeping Up With the Cool Gifs – Week 5 February 4, 2020 The 10s of Week 5 February 4, 2020 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here for access to special Behind the Scenes episodes! Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 410: Simone's Vault to the Rescue 409: Falling with Style 408: Jessica Goes to Camp Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview Behind The Scenes: Simone Biles Interview Behind The Scenes: Day One of the 2020 National Team Training Camp 407: Crown Watch 2020 406: BRENNNNAAAAAAA!!!!
2/12/2020 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 4 seconds
410: Simone's Vault to the Rescue
Today, a sort-of-depressing episode about suspensions and bankruptcy and the crimes of the criminal ex-doctor is saved by the beacon that is Simone posting a Yurchenko double pike video... Breaking: Maggie Haney has been suspended from contact with minors pending the results of the hearing and investigation – and what this means for Riley McCusker. Today's Interview: We're joined by John Barr and Dan Murphy, authors of Start By Believing: Larry Nassar's Crimes, the Institutions That Enabled Him, and the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster to discuss their book, that time they tracked down Kathie Klages, and what to make of USAG's latest settlement offer in bankruptcy court. GYMTERNET NEWS Simone posted a video of herself doing a Yurchenko Double Pike...into a pit. We get way too unrealistically excited and start talking about potential D-values and how many men's vault titles Simone is going to win. Will the coronavirus prevent Chinese gymnasts from going to essential Olympic qualifiers? And what can be done about it? Is Australia denying visas to Iranian gymnasts for the Melbourne World Cup? And what can be done about it? Dominique Dawes is opening a gym and is REALLY PISSED about how she was treated in gymnastics The Stuttgart World Cup roster is out, and we analyze the field Denis Abliazin is...um...super racist MEET NEWS Kensley went to the WOGA Classic and has information on the Blakely sisters, Sophia Butler, a new Russian junior who is going to be everything, and Karis German's Stalder Nabieva The latest NCAA news on LSU and UCLA getting upset at home, Minnesota coming for you, and the growing trend of two-pass routines Jessica pops off and goes all Ken Jennings on Kensley's men's NCAA quiz Kensley explains all of the men's college gymnastics rules to avoid favoritism and encourage transparency, exactly the opposite of women's college gymnastics. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Week 5 Rankings February 3, 2020 Keeping Up with the Cool GIFs – Week 4 January 28, 2020 The 10s of Week 4 January 28, 2020 RELATED EPISODES 409: Falling with Style 408: Jessica Goes to Camp Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview Behind The Scenes: Simone Biles Interview Behind The Scenes: Day One of the 2020 National Team Training Camp 407: Crown Watch 2020 406: BRENNNNAAAAAAA!!!!
2/5/2020 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 39 seconds
409: Falling with Style
OLYMPIC QUALIFIER NEWS The American Cup rosters are out. We delve into the crazy-deep men's field, some of the surprises of the women's field, and what this means for Olympic qualification. Jade Carey is going to Melbourne. How does this affect the race for the apparatus spots? COLLEGE MEET NEWS Kensley went to Metroplex. She shares how loud it was (very) and observations from a civilian gym viewer. LSU/Florida was INTENSE: We break down the 10s, amazing meets from Trinity Thomas and Ruby Harrold, and the injury to Sarah Edwards Plus, Lexy Ramler got a 10 again, what not to do when someone is trying to vault, and Derrian Gobourne showed everyone how to fall Crack or Correct takes on the phenomenon that is Michigan home scoring CLUB GYM NERD MINI-COMMISSION It's Jessica's dream come true: a commission about Cuba! We cover the highs (Artistic integrity! Originality! Annia! The Tamayo!) and the lows (federation mismanagement and funding issues) that characterize the history and legacy of Cuban gymnastics THERE'S MORE Gymternet News: The latest in Russia's Olympic ban saga, Kristina Baskett, the NCAA doing something good (???), and various dumpster fire developments Feedback: We weigh in on whether the price is worth it for the experience of going to Olympic Trials We're Still Doing This?: The argument is back on about the 10.0 in men's college gymnastics SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here for access to Behind the Scenes episodes from national camp. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Week 4 Rankings January 27, 2020 Things Are Happening – January 24, 2020 January 24, 2020 The 10s of Week 3 January 21, 2020 RELATED EPISODES 408: Jessica Goes to Camp Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview Behind The Scenes: Simone Biles Interview Behind The Scenes: Day One of the 2020 National Team Training Camp 407: Crown Watch 2020 406: BRENNNNAAAAAAA!!!!
1/28/2020 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 38 seconds
408: Jessica Goes to Camp
NATIONAL TEAM CAMP Jessica attended the first national team camp of the year in Indianapolis. We discuss: Simone's injury status, mental blocks, new book, and what grade she'd give USAG The most important upgrades...that we're allowed to talk about Olympic team predictions 6 months early and based on exactly two practices The best floor routine in the history of all the evers Laurie Hernandez Watch Atmosphere changes compared to the past Kitty litter boxes for some reason REMEMBER: Join Club Gym Nerd for three full Behind The Scenes episodes just from camp with interviews from Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Riley McCusker and Jordan Chiles. Plus, more to come. NCAA NEWS We break down the furor over Oklahoma's scoring this weekend Crack or Correct? (And a little Crack or Crack?) Spencer's Crack Den on "You need to have a name to get a big score." Plus, justice for Lexy Ramler (FINALLY), a Shchennikova update, the Stevens, and records for Minnesota, Cal, Rutgers, and Alaska GYMTERNET NEWS The Michigan AG and police raided Geddert's house and Twistars. Would you look at that. The sexual assault charge against Debbie Van Horn was dropped for insufficient evidence Maggie Haney's hearing was postponed again Plus, Sunisa's upgrade and Isabela Onyshko is going to Stanford! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING The 10s of Week 3 January 21, 2020 Keeping Up With the Cool GIFs – Week 3 January 20, 2020 Week 3 Rankings January 20, 2020 RELATED EPISODES Behind The Scenes: Laurie Hernandez Interview Behind The Scenes: Simone Biles Interview Behind The Scenes: Day One of the 2020 National Team Training Camp 407: Crown Watch 2020 406: BRENNNNAAAAAAA!!!! 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification
1/22/2020 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 6 seconds
Crown Watch 2020
Rage-o-Meters galore, a mini-commission about what college gymnastics is doing right, Spencer’s Crack Den featuring a meet so crazy that Kathy Johnson had to do a twitter thread about TAKING deductions, Terin Humphrey wrote a book, the Aurora Games has failed to pay the majority of the staff or athletes, Denver and Minnesota showed WHY WE LOVE COLLEGE GYMNASTICS! HEROES!Olympic Champion and holocaust survivor Agnes Keleti, just turned 99.
1/15/2020 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 55 seconds
BRENNA DOWELL
BRENNA DOWELL (4:00) Continuing our now two-year-old tradition of beginning the NCAA season by asking the final person to compete for last year's winning team to be our first guest of the new year, today we are delighted to be joined by Brenna Dowell! We discuss that vault from championships, leaving NCAA to pursue elite and coming back again, having that story depicted in a movie, GAGE and its GAGEness, Italian culinary adventures, her future plans, her thoughts on USAG's exposed corruption and that time she wasn't allowed to train with the team at 2015 Worlds. MEET NEWS (40:22) Jessica and Spencer attended the Collegiate Challenge in Anaheim, and we have a lot to say about Ragan Smith Joy Watch Crack or Correct: Alexis Vasquez's beam 10.000 The trend for 2020: walking off the floor in an extra fashion Obsessions named Samantha Sakti, Alma Kuc, Chloe Widner, and Nevaeh DeSouza A feelings moment that Jessica missed so Spencer has to talk about. UGH. Plus elsewhere: WTF happened to LSU, meeting the judges in the bathroom, injury news, and Spencer's Crack Den delves into why we saw some...9.6s?...even from top teams...? GYMTERNET NEWS (1:34:53) The FIG kind of actually did something helpful? Alexa Moreno and Simone Biles received some Best Person awards (duh) What's happening with the AG investigation of Michigan State USAG staffing news A gymternet marriage shout-out! FURTHER READING Week 1 Rankings January 6, 2020 SCORE WATCH 2020 December 31, 2019 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 405: The Best of 2019 404: 2008 Men's Team Final (Commissioned) 403: "Did Everyone Know But Me?" 402: 1984 NCAA Championships (Commissioned) 401: The Forster House Rules 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned)
1/9/2020 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 43 seconds
405: The Best of 2019
GYMTERNET NEWS The Simone Tour We discuss the Gold Over America Tour (Get it? The...GOAT? DO YOU GET IT?????) and why we love everything about this You know who doesn't love everything about this? Jon Horton. Spencer and Kensley go toe-to-toe about Horton's tour comments and the subsequent Twitter dustup. Jessica has some theories about why the men won't be on Simone's tour, which includes a homework assignment for you over the holiday break (because she's totally the mean teacher) Russia and 2020: What's Going on There? We dispel some myths and inaccurate news headlines about Russia's Olympic "ban" that definitely isn't a ban What it means for gymnastics (spoiler: nothing) College Intrasquads That time Jay Clark fell over while spotting, a mysterious bars routine that may or may not be exciting (?), and Jessica's celebrity-guest-judge experience at UCLA And the Rest Morgan Hurd and Sam Mikulak are going to American Cup, Amy White is no longer with USAG, Maggie Haney's hearing was moved, Raducan stepped down, Diego Hypolito retired, Kenzo is back, and Jordan Chiles wore a reindeer onesie for some reason? BEST OF THE YEAR/DECADE Quick hits on the year that was. We travel back in time month-by-month to relive the biggest news stories The 2019 Awards: Best Female Gymnast (non-Simone category); Best Male Gymnast; Comeback Gymnast of the Year; Worst Moment of the Year; Best Moment of the Year; Silliest Moment of the Year; The Olly Hogben Unintentional Dismount Award Our Decade Lists: We recount our moments of the decade. Jessica's list is 784 items long. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. 2019 Gift Guide BEHIND THE SCENES PODCASTS Behind The Scenes: Journalism Spy Training, Thanksgiving, a Podcast Operations Q&A Behind The Scenes: Yulo, Cats & Musicals Behind The Scenes: Halloween Edition Stuttgart: Behind The Scenes Aimee & Maggie Extended Interview Video: Live Show with Kennedy Baker RELATED EPISODES 404: 2008 Men's Team Final (Commissioned) 403: "Did Everyone Know But Me?" 402: 1984 NCAA Championships (Commissioned) 401: The Forster House Rules 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned)
12/19/2019 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 23 seconds
404: 2008 Men's Team Final (Commissioned)
This week's episode was commissioned by Anonymous, who requested an episode about the US men's bronze-medal performance in the 2008 team final, saying: “I would like to dedicate the commission to all of the females, be it as coaches, judges or fans, who have fled the WAG dark side to appreciate all of the joys, amazement and wonders on the extraordinary MAG side of the sport. The story of the 2008 US Men's Team Bronze is a perfect example of why we love MAG so much.” Setting the scene: The US men's fantastic 2004 Olympics and subsequent tragic start to the open-code era Most dramatic selection EVAH: We've got freak mat injuries, positive drug tests that USAG continues lying about on its website (FUN), injury petitions directly onto the Olympic team, mysterious demonstrations of readiness at camp, last minute-withdrawals, and a team of backups with absolutely no chance of winning a medal. First-hand accounts: Behind-the-scenes tales from Justin Spring and Jon Horton about what went on at trials and before qualification at the Olympics The competition: Baby Kohei Alert The turning point on vault when Horton stuck his double front (with a requisite side rant about vault scoring, especially in 2008) What the eff was going on with these rings positions? Horton and Spring sticking their HB dismounts back-to-back — and Fabian falling (WHAAA?) Last-minute replacement Artemev heroes out a bronze-sealing PH hit after a lead-off fall How narrative totally changes your memories Why this team won bronze: Complete with Kensley's feelings-heavy roadmap to success in 2020. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 402: 1984 NCAA Championships (Commissioned) 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned) 386: Things You Only Know If You’re a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Heading (Commissioned) 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
12/11/2019 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 30 seconds
Tokyo Olympic Gymnastics Qualifying Process Explained
Spencer is alone this week for a comprehensive explainer of this comically complicated 2020 Olympic qualification process, answering all the questions you were too afraid to ask because you didn't quite understand them. THE PROCESS How teams qualify to the Olympics from worlds How individuals qualify to the Olympics from worlds WTF the "Jade Carey route" is How the all-around world cups are different from the apparatus world cups and why they matter (AHHHHH) Why continental championships are so important in 2020 YOUR QUESTIONS Jade Carey? Sub-question: Jade Carey, Jade Carey, Jade Carey? How is the US going to qualify its fifth and sixth women to the Olympics? What will these non-team individuals even do at the Olympics? What should the US strategy be for that second individual spot? How does 2-per-country work at the Olympics with all these individuals? BUT WHAT HAPPENS IF THE US WANTS JADE CAREY ON THE TEAM OF 4?!?!?! Could the US send MyKayla Skinner and/or Sunisa Lee to apparatus world cups? Won't somebody PLEASE think about Becky Downie and Epke Zonerland??? (Yes.) What are the best chances for the US men to get extra Olympic spots? Which countries are going to end up with 6 athletes at the Olympics? How could this process be better? (All the ways?) FURTHER READING The Most Difficult Bars Routines in the World Things Are Happening – August 16, 2019 Simone Biles Difficulty Score Analysis The Scores: Post-Nationals Edition US Nationals: A GIFstory SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review 380: CSI: Code of Points with Chellsie Memmel 379: US Nationals Preview, Pan Am Games, Gymternet News 378: KONNOR MCCLAIN! US Classic Junior Review 377: CAPES! The US Classic Senior Review 376: US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019
12/6/2019 • 50 minutes, 28 seconds
403: "Did Everyone Know But Me?"
GYMTERNET NEWS We begin this week with a visit back to the land of dumpster fires. Louise Radnofsky has a piece for the WSJ on how information about the Nassar investigation was withheld from Simone—and information that Simone was a likely victim was in turn withheld from the FBI. We delve into the predictably terrible things we learn about Steve Penny and why information like this is still trickling out three years later, with further reporting from Scott Reid at the OC Register on the behavior of the FBI and how many holes there still are in our understanding of the FBI's failures. COTTBUS WORLD CUP Now to the fun part! The 5th of 8 events in the apparatus Olympic qualification series is now complete, and we discuss Does the FIG understand its own Olympic qualification rules? Andrea Maldonado debuted a FRONT TRIPLE FULL and got it named after herself Hidetaka Miyachi isn't real, and how the demon spirit of Epke's sinuses disrupted the HB final Yu Linmin, Maria Paseka, and the state of the "Jade Carey spot" Whose Olympic hopes are on life support, the return of Claudia Fragapane, sighRomania, and Spencer has some unacceptable, disgusting heresy to spout about Marta Pihan-Kulesza. Japanese gymnasts you might not know but need to: Urara Ashikawa (who beat Li Qi) and Kazuki Minami General weird observations about Hayden Skinner's floor run, Stephen Nedoroscik's devastating lack of goggles, justice for Emma Nedov, which MAG vaulter is "well hung," a unique Little Red Riding Hood performance, and that time Jessica thought Teja Belak did an Amanar which makes Spencer exhibit joy for the very first time. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING NCAA Gym Fix Cottbus Live Blog – Finals Day 2 Cottbus Live Blog – Finals Day 1 Things Are Happening – November 22, 2019 Cottbus Olympic Qualifier – Day 2 Review Cottbus Olympic Qualifier – Day 1 Review Freshman Feature: Secret Weapons Freshman Feature: Utah, Cal, Alabama Freshman Feature: UCLA & Georgia RELATED EPISODES 402: 1984 NCAA Championships (Commissioned) 401: The Forster House Rules 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned) 382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer
11/27/2019 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds
402: 1984 NCAA Championships
Today, we have an episode commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Helen, who asked for an episode about the 1984 NCAA Championships! That means we get to discuss sexism, a time when there were more than 16 men’s college teams, Baby Kathy Johnson commentary, Mitch GAYLORD and his GAYLORD, Timmy "The Bull" Daggett, a coach marrying a current athlete because 80s, and a time when Utah Gymnastics ruled the world! You guys: You had to have a mustache and giant glasses or you weren’t allowed to coach. Men had to wear little diapers on floor FEATHERED HAIR AND BIG BANGS AND LAYERS AND FROSTED BLUE EYE SHADOW The springboard might be made of rice paper An entire fluff piece about how hot Mitch Gaylord is and how cool it is that he rides a motorcycle "Tim Daggett style" How you dealt with a major injury in 1984 Fan-girling over Lisa Zeis and Heidi Anderson and Tami Elliott and (that's right) Elfi Schlegel Spencer has a coronary embolism over the state of NCAA scoring in 1984 The famous Greg and Megan fluff piece about their marriage SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned) 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
11/23/2019 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 19 seconds
401: The Forster House Rules
Attention! We have very, very many episodes for you this week! A new Behind the Scenes episode about cats and musicals (but not Cats: The Musical) is currently available for Club Gym Nerd members, who can find all of their special goodies at our Club Content page. Also this week, you'll be able to enjoy a commissioned episode about the 1984 NCAA Championships. But for now, Gymternet News. GYMTERNET NEWS On Facebook, International Gymnast provided some "problematic areas" in judging, presented by Tom Forster, in order to provoke discussion. And, boy, do we have some discussing to do. Because of course we are, we're going point by point and discussing why (almost) all of this is very bad. Plus, Jessica has feelings on the current state of NCAA rules for athlete compensation. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of SCSU gymnast Melanie Coleman An update on jump 1/2 to arabesque MANIA provoked by our 2024 compulsories episode Big NCAA signing news re: Morgan Hurd and Victoria Nguyen Shawn had the baby and Skinner got married! FURTHER READING National Signing Day 1999 Reese’s Cup GIF-Cap SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned) 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned) 398: Back from Worlds!
11/20/2019 • 59 minutes, 25 seconds
400: 2024 Fantasy Compulsories (Commissioned)
This episode has been commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Billy, who has used his commission to give a gift to you, the listeners, by commissioning a fan-idea episode—it's a special tribute to the most dedicated of gym nerds for our 400th episode! This is a super-extra gym nerdy topic submitted by Poor Lawyer who said, "spend one hour designing compulsory routines for 2024, if they returned." Eeeeeeee! (Spoiler alert: it's more than an hour.) We discuss the background of compulsories and why we love them (a segment for the young youthful youngs who may have grown up in a time without compulsories), celebrate Spencer's favorite part of any game—an extensive review of the rules before you start—and go event by event to design the definitely real and absolutely going to happen compulsory routines at the 2024 Olympics. It mostly consists of Spencer presenting awesome, carefully constructed routines and Jessica callously and viciously tearing them to shreds. You guys, it's on. We even have some ideas for men's compulsories (on the good events). FURTHER READING What the eff are these elements we're talking about? Find them—with GIFs, naming conventions, and background—in the Balance Beam Situation's clickable code of points. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 399: CHUSO! (Commissioned) Behind The Scenes: Halloween Edition 398: Back from Worlds! Stuttgart: Behind The Scenes 397: 2019 Worlds – Event Finals Day 2 396: 2019 Worlds – Event Finals Day 1 395: 2019 Worlds – Men's All Around Final 394: 2019 Worlds – Women's All-Around Final 393: 2019 Worlds – Men's Team Final 392: 2019 Worlds – Women's Team Final
11/12/2019 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 5 seconds
399: CHUSO (Commissioned)
This episode has been commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Britt, who asked for an episode all about the career of Oksana Chusovitina, saying, “I wanted to wait until she retired, but who knows when she will ever actually retire.” Correct. As we have established, she’s not allowed. Part 1 – What Is It About Chuso? Jessica takes us on a scenic tour of Chuso's life (and also the history of the internet?), from her start in Uzbekistan, to her time with the Unified Team, to her marriage and her son's illness, to the Germany years, and full circle back to Uzbekistan again. There will be some feelings. Chuso's longevity by the numbers — 7 Olympics, 17 world championships, and 13 combined medals. Plus, Spencer searches through the archives to find the first instance of a commentator being surprised that Chuso is still competing. Part 2 - The Big Fat Chuso Quiz Part 3 - The Early Years Chuso's successful junior career, her major international debut in 1990, and the fortuitous (for her) circumstances that leg to her breakout performance at the 1991 world championships and making the 1992 Olympic team. Part 4 - Eponymous Skills Chusovitina has 5 eponymous skills in the code of points across three events. We break down each one and discuss other skills Chuso could have had named after herself—as well as whose skills died so that Chuso could live Jessica doesn't care for the code's treatment of full-out elements or twisting pike elements, both of which have personally victimized Oksana Chusovitina Part Feelings - Pause for Love Story Jessica tricks Spencer into talking about love things or whatever by turning it into a test Part 5 - The Germany Years Chuso enjoyed the best all-around finishes of her career while competing for Germany in the mid-late 2000s. We discuss reasons, both mental and technical. And also the Jean Shorts Exhibition. Part 6 - Chuso By Event Chuso's constancy on vault — except for the Prod years. Because everyone makes mistakes No-grips bars, and how she made it work for herself in 2008 Chuso's best beam era came in her 30s, and what if she could do a routine of all punch fronts Our favorite Chuso floor - the split-leg DLO to punch front from 2002. FURTHER READING Gymnovosti – Chusovitina: Try to Catch Up with Me International Gymnast – Ageless Chusovitina Turns 33 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 398: Back from Worlds! Stuttgart: Behind The Scenes 397: 2019 Worlds – Event Finals Day 2 396: 2019 Worlds – Event Finals Day 1 395: 2019 Worlds – Men's All Around Final 394: 2019 Worlds – Women's All-Around Final 393: 2019 Worlds – Men's Team Final 392: 2019 Worlds – Women's Team Final
11/5/2019 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 39 seconds
398: Back from Worlds!
BACK FROM WORLDS Everything we still want to talk about from worlds! Because there was so much! But first, Club Gym Nerd members be sure to listen to our special behind the scenes episode just for Club Gym Nerd members with photo gallery (Login or join here) about what happened in Stuttgart, including tales of the woman who tried to move in on Jessica's husband. The stuff of gymnastics lore for decades to come Tang Xijing goes from missing the all-around final entirely to winning the silver medal. We speculate on theoretical fluff pieces about this dramatic feat. Team Italy qualified for the team final by only .034 before its run to the bronze medal, and it was unsung hero Elisa Iorio who delivered the critical beam routine. Roxana Popa's qualification floor routine and the best triple Y spin ever done. Tyson Bill making the high bar final and getting an Olympic spot! Noah Kuavita's triple back pike from high bar. Tingting's street snack hair and Chen Yile's "the birds that are angry...angry birds!" pig on Sun Wei's arm bands. Arthur Nory married his gold medal and tossed the bouquet to the Brazilian delegation. Floor pandering, and what we're going to do about it (NOTHING!) GYMTERNET NEWS Laurie Hernandez did a little tweet about going to camp, so Spencer and Jessica run with that and proceed to plan her whole life. NBD. Mihai is done in Australia. Thoughts on his tenure and what Australia should do from here. The affair of Danusia Francis, Twitter, and trans athletes. We discuss, and hopefully dispel some myths. Elsa Garcia and coach Eric Demay, with a look back at Eric Demay's dismissal from the Swiss team over a decade ago. The national anthem salute controversy at worlds that apparently existed. SKILLS: Fusuke Maeda's triple back over the high bar, and Konnor McClain's LOSO + back full. Dumpster Fire 1, Dumpster Fire 2, and Dumpster Fires 3 through 456. Plus: A Bart of many talents, Ana Padurariu's college plans, Chuso pretending she's allowed to retire, MyKayla Skinner's wedding, Simone's first pitch, Nina getting only what she deserves, upcoming gymnastics books, Jessica's obsession with self-driving cars and how it (doesn't) relate to gymnastics, and more. MEET NEWS Spencer's Olympic Corner: Counting down to the Olympics, where we stand with qualification after worlds, who still needs to qualify, and what upcoming paths they're going to take. Fun Meet Season: Mixed pairs meets where you get to gallivant around central Europe and do only some of the events and compete as teams and can dismount with a flyaway if you want. US Nationals dates have been announced for 2020. The Olympic season is beginning to come into focus! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Stuttgart: Behind The Scenes 397: 2019 Worlds – Event Finals Day 2 396: 2019 Worlds – Event Finals Day 1 395: 2019 Worlds – Men's All Around Final 394: 2019 Worlds – Women's All-Around Final 393: 2019 Worlds – Men's Team Final 392: 2019 Worlds – Women's Team Final 391: 2019 Worlds – Men's Qualification Day 2 390: 2019 Worlds – Men's Qualification Day 1 389: 2019 Worlds – Women's Qualification Day 2 388: 2019 Worlds - Women's Qualification Day 1
10/30/2019 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 31 seconds
397: 2019 Worlds Event Finals Day 2
EVENT FINALS DAY 2 It's overrrrrrrr! Worlds has come to a close for another year. We break down the stories from some of our most beloved and dangerous event finals (often the same one) on the final day of competition and reflect back on the journey that was Stuttgart 2019. PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/13/2019 • 25 minutes, 36 seconds
396: 2019 Worlds Event Finals Day 1
EVENT FINALS DAY 1 Men's FX, PH and Rings. Women's Vault and Bars. Could anyone dethrone Simone and Nina? Did Jessica and Spencer emotionally survive having to sit through an entire pommel horse and rings final, respectively? You'll have to listen to find out as the team recaps with special guest, Coach Rick from GymnasticsCoaching.com the first day of event finals from worlds. Plus some Dumpster Fire News because the light keeps shinning even during Worlds: Gymnastics Federation’s Payments to a Linked Foundation Is Under Scrutiny PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/12/2019 • 42 minutes, 55 seconds
395: 2019 Worlds Men's All Around Final
MEN'S ALL-AROUND FINAL We thought it would be the most wide-open competition heading into worlds. Did it play out that way? Did Russia and China keep Russia-ing and China-ing along? And how did Sam do on his big test? Jessica, Spencer, and very special guest, Olly Hogeben have all the news from the arena. PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/11/2019 • 39 minutes, 19 seconds
394: 2019 Worlds Women's All-Around Final
WOMEN'S ALL-AROUND FINAL The Simone Show continued its world tour in Stuttgart, and we have all the details. Who else was in the royal queen's court? We have all the news from the competition, and all the juicy details you didn't see on the live stream. Join us, won't you? PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/10/2019 • 38 minutes, 59 seconds
393: 2019 Worlds Men's Team Final
We have officially crowned the 2019 winner of the Best Men Competition! Did everything go to plan for Russia and China? What do we make of that US men's performance? Jessica, Spencer, and Kensley have much to say. Much much much. Plus details on the Fujitsu Robot Judging press conference. How it's been used so far during and after the competition so far, the other applications outside of gymnastics, monetization plans now and future and privacy concerns. E score capability and connection value questions answered! PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/10/2019 • 29 minutes, 21 seconds
392: 2019 Worlds – Women's Team Final
WOMEN'S TEAM FINAL It's our day of days! The women's team final! And our medal upset fantasies came true! We've got all the news, on the competition floor and off, as the US won another team title, followed by Russia with the silver, and ITALY with the bronze. FINAL 1. USA 2. Russia 3. Italy 4. China 5. France 6. Great Britain 7. Canada 8. Netherlands PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/8/2019 • 33 minutes, 55 seconds
391: 2019 Worlds Men's Qualification Day 2
MEN'S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 Jessica, Spencer, and Kensley dive into the second day of men's qualification, which began with a power-packed USA/Japan session and and ended with our dear Dutch men, sandwiching the Chinese men's team, which finally got to throw down. How did China's performance compare to Russia yesterday? And WHO MADE THE OLYMPICS?!?!?! We'll tell you. Plus a non-appology appology from USAG re Kara Eaker's beam inquiry. PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/7/2019 • 36 minutes, 58 seconds
390: 2019 Worlds Men’s Qualification Day 1
MEN'S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 Jessica, Spencer, and Kensley discuss all the happenings from inside the arena on the first day of men's qualification as the Russians got started and a bunch of countries fought for their Olympic team lives. Who's still living? Brazil after we were sure they wouldn't go! And what happened to all of our pommel horse princes? Let's dive in. PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/6/2019 • 36 minutes, 12 seconds
389: 2019 Worlds Women's Qualification Day 2
WOMEN'S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 Jessica, Spencer, and Kensley discuss all the happenings from inside the arena on the final day of women's qualification, featuring the US women getting their competition started, and INQUIRY DRAMA GALORE. We have many thoughts. Plus, who are you and what have you done with the Russians, Chuso Watch 2020, and the big upset in Olympic team qualification. We've got it all. PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 388: 2019 Worlds - Women's Qualification Day 1 387: World Championships Preview Special 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/5/2019 • 48 minutes, 29 seconds
388: 2019 Worlds Women's Qualification Day 1
WOMEN'S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 Jessica and Spencer discuss all the happenings from inside the arena on the first day of women's qualification. What happened to China and Canada, medal upset hopes France, the home nation of Germany, and the glory that is Nina? We're breaking it all down, along with the current state of Olympic qualification dreams with one day to go. Plus the Robot Judging transparency issue. PODIUM TRAINING VIDEOS Check out all of our routine videos and interviews from podium training on our YouTube page, brought to you by TumblTrak! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan?
10/4/2019 • 45 minutes, 58 seconds
387: World Championships Preview Special
US World Team Trials You can rewatch (or just watch) the replay streams on USAG's Youtube. The US worlds team has been announced! Jessica tries to make Spencer start with positives. It barely works. Spencer's Rage-O-Meter about uneven floor carpets, Microsoft Excel, and small sample sizes Why there's a disconnect between the team selection and the written selection procedures Riley McCusker withdrew from camp with mild rhabdomyalasis – what we know, and what we don't Breaking down the major performances from camp that earned worlds tickets Why doesn't Faith Torrez have an FIG license? World Championships Preview Women's storylines Is a team upset coming? We talk France and Italy Last-minute Russian team changes (of course) All-around medal possibilities for Melanie and Ellie Olympic qualification implications Breakout star nominees Li Shijia and Giorgia Villa Why bars and beam will be amazing and vault will be better than usual Jessica's feelings storylines Men's storylines What's the same and what's different from 2018? Kensley previews the bubble teams, the likely contenders for the all-around, the best event finals (pommel horse is one of them, just deal), and who can take advantage of the absences of Kenzo and Kohei for medals. Plus, Simone Medal Watch Count and your feedback SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Meet up in Stuttgart at Worlds! Details here. RELATED EPISODES 386: Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast, with Bram Verhofstad (Commissioned) 385: Follow the Money 384: But What about Allan? 383: Russians and Investigations 382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review
9/25/2019 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 20 seconds
Things You Only Know If You're a Gymnast
This week, we have a commission from Club Gym Nerd member Sara, who requested an episode all about the things you only know if you've actually done gymnastics. But that's not all! We have the pleasure of being joined by a special guest, Dutch elite gymnast and 2017 world floor finalist Bram Verhofstad, to help us in this vital mission. From how annoying it is when people ask if you're going to the Olympics (NO! SHUT IT!), to pit boogers and urban legends (or not so urban legends) about finding rats in the pit, to the only proper way to break in grips, to gymnast's gross cool and impressive hands, to favorite beams, to vault-step rituals, to awkward spotting accidents, it turns out there's a lot that gymnasts know that no one else could ever understand. Plus, you're going to learn what "tricky boys" are, and you won't be disappointed. Find Bram Verhofstad on YouTube Instagram SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Worlds Team Updates Paris World Cup Things Are Happening – September 13, 2019 The Race to Tokyo – All-Around Qualification The Race to Tokyo – The Bubble Teams RELATED EPISODES 384: But What about Allan? 383: Russians and Investigations 382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review
9/19/2019 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 16 seconds
385.5 Follow the Money
Heads up! We have a bonus, extra mini-episode this week because we really need to talk about the Department of Justice. GYMTERNET NEWS The Wall Street Journal and OC Register report that the Department of Justice is investigating sexual abuse claims AND financial and business misconduct within Olympic organizations Jessica has never been more excited about anything, ever Steve Penny, endorsement deals, and the post-Olympic tour. MMMM HMMM. Bruno Grandi, former president of the FIG, has died Comeback queens Chen Yile and Sanne Wevers are going to worlds! Polish gymnastics jail exists and is NOT OK California passed a bill that would let college athletes collect endorsement money. We discuss what this could mean for the NCAA (say it with us, "a multi-BILLION dollar organization!") and for college athletes. MEET NEWS Everyone chanted for Melanie at the Paris World Cup and also just screamed through the entirety of floor routines. Plus, what you need to know for following US women's selection camp this weekend. It's this weekend, you guys! AHHHHH! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. GymCastic Meet-Up in Stuttgart at Worlds, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11 AM UTC+02 RELATED EPISODES 384: But What about Allan? 383: Russians and Investigations 382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review
9/18/2019 • 33 minutes, 47 seconds
384: But What about Allan
US MEN'S SELECTION CAMP The worlds team has been named: Sam Mikulak, Yul Moldauer, Akash Modi, Trevor Howard, and Shane Wiskus. Allan Bower is traveling alternate. The drama before the drama: VP of the men's program Dennis McIntyre resigned on the eve of camp Who is Dennis McIntyre? How do we feel about him? What's with the timing? And what's with those Danell Leyva/Jon Horton tweets? What went down at selection camp Why Colin Van Wicklen didn't make the team, and why Donnell Whittenburg had to high five himself The US men (that's right, the US men) had a 97% hit rate. And Sam Mikulak (that's right, Sam Mikulak) has gone 24-for-24, along with Akash Modi and Shane Wiskus. WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE? Allan Bower is the alternate. Kensley talks us through what's going on feelings-wise. Why this was an impossible choice with no right answer, but also why the selected team makes sense GYMCASTIC GLOBAL The Netherlands friendly was LIT as the youths say. Do the youths still say lit? We gush about Lieke and Eythora on floor for a while. As is required. Giorgia Villa and that beam routine The World Challenge Cup in Szombathely brought us the return of Roxana Popa, history for South Africa, NECK TATTOOS OF LOVE, and the MAG comedy troupe—featuring Oleg and Shatilov and Spencer's new obsession, Sofus Heggemsnes and his salute and facial expressions) Ioana Stanciulescu's beam mount at Romanian nationals Nominative rosters for worlds are OUT! We discuss the risky strategy of leaving people off teams for Olympic qualification reasons Where is our Epke? NCAA women to worlds Why you need to stop freaking out about the US women. For now. GYMTERNET NEWS Gymnastics coach Joseph Lewin sentenced for molesting girls Our semi-regular update to use caution with backyard trampolines or trampoline parks--see image and story posted to our Twitters (warning, the image is graphic) A friendly reminder that everyone should be following Chellsie Memmel on the socials because she continues to do amazing things and share them. Ohashi’s ESPN Body issue is out. Svetlana Khorkina is expecting her second child In an interview Shawn Johnson East Says Day After the Olympics Was 'One of the Hardest Days of My Life' https://buff.ly/2HMxQp0 Mai Murakami has said she will call it quits after 2020 Michigan State University News MSU was fined a record $4.5 million for Larry Nassar sexual abuse MSU seeks to dismiss lawsuits filed by more than 100 Larry Nassar victims SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING US Men’s Selection – Day 2 Live Blog Women’s Nominative Rosters US Men’s Selection – Day 1 Live Blog US Men’s Selection Camp Preview Let’s Talk Worlds Teams – Netherlands and Italy Have Mersin! (Challenge Cup) Things Are Happening – August 30, 2019 2020 NCAA Roster Reveals RELATED EPISODES 383: Russians and Investigations 382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review
9/11/2019 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 36 seconds
383: Russians and Investigations
PLEASE TAKE OUR ADVERTISER SURVEY http://survey.libsyn.com/gymcastic GYMTERNET NEWS This week, we're discussing Russians and investigations (but not Russia investigations) as the USAG dumpster fire and Russian Cup dominate the headlines. Maggie Haney, coach of Laurie Hernandez and Riley McCusker, is under investigation for allegations of verbal and emotional abuse and pressuring athletes to compete while injured. Anna Li denied wrongdoing and came out as a survivor as well. We discuss that timing. According to new reporting, USAG has been aware of allegations against Anna Li and Wu Jiani since at least 2017. At nationals, Li Li Leung said they first learned of allegations in July of this year. Aliya Mustafina is out of worlds. Cancel it. Jade Carey is training a triple double (and there was a broke-ass article about it that we discuss) The qualification system for worlds in 2021-2023 is now official The FIG has approved the raising of the uneven bars by 5cm next quad. Is this a big deal? Junior worlds is officially a thing The French team went to WCC again for world peace GoFundMes for the Jamaican National Team, Marta Pihan-Kulesza and Roman Kulesza, and one we're not going to link to. The latest on robot judging at 2019 worlds Moving on from elite news: Juliette Bossu, Agnes Suto-Tuuha, and Alyona Shchennikova Read of the week: When athletes kneel, the rotten U.S. Olympic regime has no moral standing to object. A great column by Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post. Um...the Aurora Games RUSSIAN CUP Mustafina and Nabieva didn't compete but it was still a meet somehow Vladislava Urazbova is the queen of queens and everyone is dying about her triple Y. Gerasimova is another junior heiress (and had a hilarious wolf turn too) Melnikova is doing fine (no matter what Valentina says), Lilia Akhaimova is the star Russia needs, what is up with Maria Paseka, the Daria Spridonova renaissance, and worries that Simakova is going to get Seda-ed. Maria Kharenkova will compete for Georgia! Nikita Nagornyy is the champion of men and love, and other things about dudes SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Things Are Happening – August 23, 2019 The Most Difficult Floor Routines in the World The Most Difficult (Attempted) Beam Routines in the World The Most Difficult Bars Routines in the World RELATED EPISODES 382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review 379: US Nationals Preview, Pan Am Games, Gymternet News 378: KONNOR MCCLAIN! US Classic Junior Review 377: CAPES! The US Classic Senior Review 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 371: European Games 2019
8/28/2019 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 15 seconds
382: 2020 Olympic Qualification with Prof. Spencer
Spencer is alone this week for a comprehensive explainer of this comically complicated 2020 Olympic qualification process, answering all the questions you were too afraid to ask because you didn't quite understand them. THE PROCESS How teams qualify to the Olympics from worlds How individuals qualify to the Olympics from worlds WTF the "Jade Carey route" is How the all-around world cups are different from the apparatus world cups and why they matter (AHHHHH) Why continental championships are so important in 2020 YOUR QUESTIONS Jade Carey? Sub-question: Jade Carey, Jade Carey, Jade Carey? How is the US going to qualify its fifth and sixth women to the Olympics? What will these non-team individuals even do at the Olympics? What should the US strategy be for that second individual spot? How does 2-per-country work at the Olympics with all these individuals? BUT WHAT HAPPENS IF THE US WANTS JADE CAREY ON THE TEAM OF 4?!?!?! Could the US send MyKayla Skinner and/or Sunisa Lee to apparatus world cups? Won't somebody PLEASE think about Becky Downie and Epke Zonerland??? (Yes.) What are the best chances for the US men to get extra Olympic spots? Which countries are going to end up with 6 athletes at the Olympics? How could this process be better? (All the ways?) FURTHER READING The Most Difficult Bars Routines in the World Things Are Happening – August 16, 2019 Simone Biles Difficulty Score Analysis The Scores: Post-Nationals Edition US Nationals: A GIFstory SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 381: I'm Just Pissed Off Already—US Nationals Review 380: CSI: Code of Points with Chellsie Memmel 379: US Nationals Preview, Pan Am Games, Gymternet News 378: KONNOR MCCLAIN! US Classic Junior Review 377: CAPES! The US Classic Senior Review 376: US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019
8/23/2019 • 45 minutes, 55 seconds
I'm Just Pissed Off Already US Nationals Review
US NATIONALS TAKE OUR SURVEY http://survey.libsyn.com/gymcastic SENIOR WOMEN The saga of 6-time national champion Simone Biles From GOAT leos to badass quotes to "piece of shit" routines to the triple double and the double double to winning...a bowl, we dissect all things Simone But also...this meet was weird you guys What happened to Riley McCusker on day 2? Was this whole Pan-Ams-right-into-nationals thing a bad idea? Morgan Hurd's floor routines—from day 1 bizarreness to day 2 triumph Queen Sunisa rises above LI LI LEUNG The media had a 45-minute Q&A session with Li Li Leung and Kensley tells us everything she learned about new positions, the Daniels Report, bankruptcy, decertification, the Legacy Elite investigation, the Edward Nyman debacle, and the future of USAG SENIOR WOMEN CONTINUED Some CSI: Code of Points Unit with Leanne Wong's floor, NCAA triumph for Trinity Thomas and MyKayla Skinner, Jordan Chiles winning the E score crown, Jade Carey Olympic qualification implications, and much more MEN The MOST IMPORTANT stars of the meet, like Donnell Whittenburg's sweatband and Gage Dyer's full-twisting butterfly Sam Mikulak hit 12-for-12 you guys. Sam Mikulak. At nationals. Also, his pommel horse warmup is a penguin dance. FYI. Updates on Colin Van Wicklen and Alec Yoder, our ideas for Akash Modi sponsorships, Shane Wiskus's one-arm Cassina, why Brody Malone was left off the national team, and what the worlds team outlook is now. Kensley talked to Brett McClure about how the Pan Ams performances were compared to nationals performances for the purposes of selection and which athletes want to go the individual world cup route Which MAG athletes want to do floor with music Asher Hong finally competed at nationals, and Colt Walker and Taylor Burkhart were junior champions JUNIOR WOMEN Kayla Di Cello and Konnor McClain in an epic fight to the finish This meet was oddly consistent for juniors Highlights including the unintentional soundtrack to Konnor McClain's beam, Ariel Posen's sissone, Sydney Morris's back full on beam, and the beam-coach reaction cam. Which juniors might be in the mix for Tokyo SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Moving Forward: A Conversation with Li Li Leung Junior WAG and MAG Podium Training Interview Simone Sparkles With a GOAT on Her Leo & Expresses Frustration With USAG US Nationals: A GIFstory US Nationals – Senior Women Day 2 Live Blog Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Women Finals, August 11th US Nationals – Junior Women Day 2 Live Blog Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Men Finals, August 10th US Nationals – Senior Women Day 1 Live Blog US Nationals – Junior Women Day 1 Live Blog Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Women Day 1, August 9th Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Men Day 1, August 8th RELATED EPISODES CSI: Code of Points with Chellsie Memmel 379: US Nationals Preview, Pan Am Games, Gymternet News 378: KONNOR MCCLAIN! US Classic Junior Review 377: CAPES! The US Classic Senior Review 376: US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019
8/14/2019 • 2 hours, 11 minutes, 32 seconds
CSI: Code of Points with Chellsie Memmel
CSI: Code of Points with Chellsie Memmel Post-prelims code trends and common deductions with Brevet Judge, World Champion and Olympic medalist, Chellsie Memmel of My Gym Judge SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Men Finals, August 10th Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Women Day 1, August 9th Moving Forward: A Conversation with Li Li Leung Junior WAG and MAG Podium Training Interview Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships – Men Day 1, August 8th Simone Sparkles With a GOAT on Her Leo & Expresses Frustration With USAG 379: US Nationals Preview, Pan Am Games, Gymternet News Live Blog: 2019 U.S. National Championships - Podium Training, August 7th 378: KONNOR MCCLAIN! US Classic Junior Review Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
8/11/2019 • 12 minutes, 26 seconds
379: US Nationals Preview, Pan Am Games, Gymternet News
GYMTERNET NEWS (7:46) Valeri Liukin opened his mouth and garbage popped out. Stefane is here with a special editorial comment. Anna Li and Wu Jiani are being investigated by USA Gymnastics for alleged verbal and emotional abuse Jessica has an Aurora Games update What we learned from the Senate committee's damning report and the proposed legislation The new Olympic Channel series All Around is out!!!! Universal Gymnastics is closing PAN AMERICAN GAMES (1:20:14) Queen Ellie Black was unfazed by the nonsense that was this meet and won FIVE medals Deconstructing the US performance – successful and full of drama? Sounds about right. We discuss the team competition lineup, the AA final performances, Kara Eaker's emergence as a four-event gymnast, the Aleah Finnegan concussion situation, do some serious CSI: Code of Points Unit work, and break down the "Riley McCusker is inconsistent" narrative Arthur Nory broke the high bar and got to go again—but should he have? Plus, an impressive competition for the Canadian men and a mixed bag for the US that nonetheless ended with three event medals US NATIONALS (1:45:18) It's the national championship, people! We have your schedule and watching assignments covered Senior women What do we expect from the Pan Am Games athletes? How does one reconcile the apparent allowance to take it easy at nationals with this intense race to make the worlds team and the national team? It's a battle for second place, and we delve into the top contenders and what we need to see from them at nationals The big questions: What was up with Leanne Wong not doing AA at Pan Ams, is Sunisa Lee ready to do four events, and how have Skinner and Chiles progressed since Classic? Also a scrappy little nobody named Simone Biles The race for the national team spots is going to be SERIOUS. Senior men Kensley gives us an update on the US men if, for instance, perhaps, maybe you haven't been following them since worlds last year Is Yul Moldauer repaired enough to reclaim his rightful second place position? Does Colin Van Wicklen's vault make him a lock for worlds? Is this the moment Allan Bower's consistency will pay off? Donnell Whittenburg is returning to the AA. How will that work out? Alec Yoder's Hugo Boss commercial. Also pommel horse. The return of Eddie Penev Junior women We should (actually!) have a tight race for the title in the junior women. Spencer breaks down the top six contenders and what each has going for her. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DUTCH Announcing the return of the So You Think You Can Dutch contest (with PRIZES!) at nationals, hosted by Like a Champ! and Precision Choreo & Camps. When: August 9, 2019 Where: Percheron Hotel Rooftop, 2101 Central Street, 4:00-5:30 Get the opportunity to hang out with Alicia Sacramone, Jason Gatson, and more of the "Like a Champ!" and Precision Choreo & Camps crew in a casual setting. This is a rare opportunity to chat, joke, high five, and let your Sac-flag fly. ALSO!!!!!! There is an online contest to win VIP seating at this meetup as well as FOUR TICKETS TO SENIOR WAG FINALS!! Post a pic of your most creative arabesque and tag @likeachampcamps and @precisionchoreo with the hashtag: #precisionposetix. The winner will be announced at the meetup! 5:15 pm Individual and Team Registration for "So You Think You Can Dutch!" We will only be accepting the first 20 registrants! 5:30pm Nicole Langevin from Precision will be leading the WORLD FAMOUS Precision Warm Up (with LIVE video) so learn it because it will be recorded live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD-17RVyyVc The best "Warm-Uppers" will receive actual "Like a Champ!" Medals that are reserved for standout athletes at Like a Champ! camps! 5:45 pm SYTYCD Competition Begins!!!! 6:15 pm Award Ceremony We all go watch senior men! HOORAY! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 378: KONNOR MCCLAIN! US Classic Junior Review 377: CAPES! The US Classic Senior Review 376: US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019
8/7/2019 • 2 hours, 11 minutes, 25 seconds
378: KONNOR MCCLAIN US Classic Junior Review
JUNIOR US CLASSIC Reminder: You can watch all the individual routines from the competition on USAG's Youtube. KONNOR MCCLAIN. Jessica screams KONNOR MCCLAIN for a while. Konnor McClain. Queens of E: Konnor McClain VT, Kayla Di Cello UB, Nola Matthews BB (plus special mention of FX), Sydney Barros FX A theory on why the juniors are better performers than the seniors right now Ancient Bostonian Sign Language 101, with Professor Jessica Opportunity for comedy award: Skye Blakely, with honorable mention to Kailin Chio and motorcycle handles The Wolf Turn Karmic Nightmare. It happened. Plus: Karis German, Lilly Lippeatt, Sydney Morris, and others who impressed GYMTERNET NEWS AND FEEDBACK The world championships draw is out, and we need to see receipts before we see your complaints Full Out 2: The Oklahoma Story Feedback on how awesome we are (oops, how did that get in here?), Gymkata, 2-per country ideas, pain catastrophization, GYMNASTICS MONKEY MOVIES, and more You can listen to the demo recordings of the Mag 7 musical! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 377: CAPES! The US Classic Senior Review 376: US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019
7/26/2019 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 45 seconds
377: CAPES The US Classic Senior Review
US CLASSIC Overall impressions This meet was goooooooood. It's Classic. It's not supposed to be this good. Jessica talks about happiness and feelings and a kinder, gentler gymnastics The broadcast: Tim said "dickmount," the Tim Daggett/Tom Forster passive-aggressive showdown about over-competing that we wanted to last forever, and much more Listen. The WCC gymnasts walked out in capes. Simone had BILES on her back. All of our dreams are coming true. Obviously this has given us other signature leo ideas. Simone's floor upgrades. I mean. Guys. We need to talk about this. For a while. Event Queens of E: Simone's vault, McCusker's bars, Simone's beam and McCusker's beam, and McCusker's floor Honorable mention to Hurd's bars, Trinity's bars, and Gilstrap's next-level floor leaps Scoring records and our problems with the execution evaluation The Pan Ams team has been named. Spencer has some concerns about the selection approach, and we need to commune about the absence of Sunisa on the team despite this. Our pre-meet mysteries: How MyKayla Skinner, Jordan Chiles, Faith Torrez, and Gabby Perea answered the questions we had going in, and our theories about Skinner's floor You heard right: We're gushing about something Jade Carey did choreographically Plus, the GAGEs did GAGE things, Morgan is right on track, and TRINITY TRINITY TRINITY Emma Malabuyo pulled out with a broken tibia. We discuss the Texas Dreams injury situation. We invented a new term "MenCAA" please adjust your phrasing accordingly from now on. GYMTERNET NEWS OK, there's not that much time for gymternet news this week, but we just had to discuss the Maria Caire/UCLA story. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Did You Mean Mariah Carey? US Classic – Senior Live Blog US Classic – Junior Notes US Classic – Junior Live Blog RELATED EPISODES 376: US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019
7/23/2019 • 2 hours, 4 seconds
US Classic Preview and Mag 7 Musical Review
The Magnificent Seven: The Musical (51:26) There's a musical about the Magnificent Seven. It's real. It exists. Your dreams have come true. Lindsey Green was there, and it was...good, you guys. She and Spencer fangirl about it for a while as Lindsey tells us all about her favorite moments, the fluff piece realness, what needs to be improved, and the part when Tim, Elfi, and Tesh get drunk in Atlanta (!!). US Classic Preview Everything you need to know: When it's happening, who's competing, and what's on the line here—not a lot, but more than usual. Your annual reminder not to take the results of Classic seriously, complete with historical (i.e., from 2018) examples How the Pan Am Games team will be decided, who's in the running for it (not Trinity, Jessica), and what the approach to team selection should be How gymnasts can qualify from Classic to nationals and all of the problems we have with that What we're most excited to see from the seniors: Potential UPGRADES Unknown factors like MyKayla Skinner, Jordan Chiles, and Gabby Perea Jessica's Official Superstars of Dance and Form What we're most excited to see from the juniors: The #JusticeforKonnorMcClain moment of truth Jessica's obsession named Sienna Robinson The Sydney Barros floor routine we DIDN'T GET TO SEE at junior worlds (not over it) Olivia Greaves' ridiculous bars routine and much more The deets July 19-20th, Louisville Kentucky - KFC Yum Center (which is the name of a place) Hopes Championship - July 19th, 2:30pm ET, streaming on USAG Youtube Junior session - July 20, 1:00pm ET, streaming on USAG Youtube Senior session- July 20, 6:30pm ET, on Olympic Channel and streaming on olympicchannel.com SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019 370: #FreeMai 369: 2019 American Classic
7/18/2019 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 36 seconds
375: Double Kovacs to Low Bar
GYMTERNET NEWS There is a MAGNIFICENT SEVEN MUSICAL, and Spencer will never be the same We discuss 82-year-old badass gymnastics, some dude who doesn't deserve a link, Simone granting wishes while being short, BYU's bottle cap challenge, and Katelyn Ohashi not doing DWTS because phew USAG's tentative women's calendar for 2020 and what we think of it Someone did a list of best gymnastics movies. We discuss the actual, correct list. Like Gymkata and the country of Parmesan And Spitfire which...just...you need to see this to believe it The deal with the Chris Riegel story Spencer cares a lot about the ESPYs you guys. Like a lot. GYMCASTIC GLOBAL We trot around the globe to deliver news about Ana Perez, Courtney McGregor, why Poland is being very disappointing this month, Cuba actually having its act together, and how everyone is in Japan for a training camp MINI-COMMISSION World Champion-level Club Gym Nerd member Karla asked us to discuss the most tragic examples of getting two-per-countried with hypotheses about whether the person who got knocked out could have medaled. We talk about Wieber and Douglas and also pull a few nuggets out of the archives (like Justice for Huang Mandan). FEEDBACK Adult gymnastics, Nellie Kim's curses, a faux-thongatard debacle, USAG not having its act together, RESPECT for T&T, SafeSport and forgiveness, how sexism against men doesn't exist, the dangers of not moving the springboard, and what's really going on with Mexico and the cheek kissing, JESSICA! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING The Scores: Pre-Classic Edition Things Are Happening – July 12, 2019 The Race to Tokyo – July 2019 Update US Classic Rosters The University of Nabieva RELATED EPISODES 374: GymCastic Podcast—Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned) 373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019 370: #FreeMai 369: 2019 American Classic 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned)
7/16/2019 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 15 seconds
374: Where We've Been and Where We're Heading (Commissioned)
In the second episode commissioned by the Participation Sisters, we talk about...ourselves? They've commissioned an episode called The GymCastic Podcast: Where We've been and Where We're Heading, saying very nice things like: “GymCastic has given gym fans everything we always knew we always wanted but weren't getting from major news outlets: Weekly in-depth updates, impassioned and informed stances on both serious and trivial topics, interviews with past and former athletes and coaches, Rage-O-Meters, and more. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, GymCastic is ushering in a new paradigm for gymnastics reportage -- authentic, humorous, and hard-hitting. Many of us are curious about the evolution of the podcast. We'd love you to give us a "behind the scenes" look into how you got started, and where you hope to be in the future.” We answer questions like How did you get started? How did Jess meet Spencer? How do/did you juggle your day job with your podcast? What was your first interview like, and how has your interview style evolved based on lessons learned? How did you fall in LOVE with gymnastics? What has been the most challenging interview? If you had an unlimited budget, what would GymCastic evolve into? What does your "realistic" road map look like for the future? If you like this episode you will also enjoy, Episode 100. This is the shamelessly vainglorious episode where we answer all of your questions about our irrelevant personal lives, and the origins of show, includes hosts Dr. Uncle Tim, Blythe, Evan and Jessica. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
7/11/2019 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 17 seconds
373: Nabieva Returns and Morgan Hurd Special Announcement
BUM-BUM-BUMMMMMMMM To start things off this week, we are joined by a little someone you might have heard of named Morgan Hurd, who has a special announcement about an exciting new project (WATCH HERE) she's been working on. The sound you hear from coast-to-coast is Jessica screaming (literally). Then Scott Bregman chats with us about how this project came to be and all the deets you need to know. What is it? “All Around” launches on Tuesday, 6 August with new episodes each month for the next year. Where can I watch? “All Around” can be watched on the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Channel which is available worldwide at olympicchannel.com, its mobile apps and on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon and Android TV. It is subscription-free so you do not need a television subscription. In addition to the online episodes, we will be creating and posting exclusive content such as diaries and personal photos on social media in between episodes. What about TV? In the United States, episodes will be available on the cable network “Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA” in 2020. UNIVERSITY GAMES NAAABBBBSS. Nabs Nabs Nabs. Nabs. Did we mention Nabieva is back? Spencer breaks down her every move like a stalker, including the amazing (medaling on everything she did), the neutral deduction on bars because Nabieva, the slow-motion replay of her beam scratch, the muttering magical spells for 7 hours, and the high-five she intercepted because it was probably for her Do we celebrate when other athletes make mistakes? A gymnastics etiquette controversy Cause of death: Lilia Akhaimova Plus, UNACCEPTABLE shushing and springboard use and PBars inquiry drama MEN'S NATIONAL QUALIFIER News on who qualified, what happened to Donnell Whittenburg, the dumb-ass points system, and Sam Mikulak's high bar upgrade A special vicarious rage-0-meter from Kensley about coverage of US men's gymnastics Should the national governing body have to give equal time to all its disciplines, or should it follow the audience size? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News 371: European Games 2019 370: #FreeMai 369: 2019 American Classic 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 366: Virtuous Value Parts 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe
7/9/2019 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 34 seconds
372: Junior Worlds and Gymternet News
JUNIOR WORLDS Athletes from around the world gathered in Hungary for the inaugural junior world championship. Thoughts on the concept of this meet: Does it undermine the purpose of an age limit in women's competition? Is it just a front for an elaborate conspiracy and other agendas (YES)? We didn't get to watch the team/AA competition because the FIG is terrible at this Coronation of the Russian junior amazing brilliant amazingness: with a special attention to Listunova's floor and important facial expressions China's surprise team silver medal, with love for Ou Yushan's floor routine and China's competitive floor scores. You heard that right. The US won bronze in the team competition and Jessica has a RAGE-O-METER for those of you who might have a problem with this. Spencer has a QUIETER-O-METER about pretending competitions were amazing even when they were OK Jennifer. Gadirova. End of lesson. Romania...might survive? Words for that googly-eyed chicken and its focus-pulling chicken baby GYMTERNET NEWS AND FEEDBACK Alyona Shchennikova's Achilles The James Hall Body Hair Removal Service NCAA coaching hires US Olympic NGBs received a...you guessed it...F for self-governance University Games and Men's National Qualifier this week Feedback on what you call a group of kids, body type and judging bias, toes definitely not hurting, and more SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING European Games and Junior Worlds – Day 4 European Games and Junior Worlds – Day 3 Junior Worlds – Day 2 European Games and Junior Worlds – Day 1 RELATED EPISODES 370: #FreeMai 369: 2019 American Classic 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 366: Virtuous Value Parts 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 363: Five Is the New Four (...Is the New Five) 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe
7/3/2019 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 37 seconds
371: European Games 2019
EUROPEAN GAMES In our first episode of the week (look out for a junior worlds/gymternet news episode later in the week where we tell you all to GET A GRIP about the US performance), we take on the events of the second-ever European Games, which is definitely not the European Championships, you guys. Don't even think that it is. Because it's not. Complaining about the format: 18 people in the AA final? Six in event finals?? One per country??? Top women's AA qualifiers starting on bars???? This is not how it goes, European Games. Not how it goes. Fangirling the queen: Angelina Melnikova edition. She had kind of an amazing meet and even hit beam all of the times. Success for France, Ukraine being too Ukraine to function, and why the splatfest of an all-around final was definitely the fault of that damn personal-space-violating fox. The case of the last-minute allergic reaction Nina's rollercoaster from bars fall to all-time ANGER BEAM Why 80-hour, mid-meet medal ceremonies are not OK Oh also Putin was there (???????) Kick-ass things to do with your medals Where does all-around champion Belyavskiy currently fit in the Russian hierarchy? Oleg is back...right...RIGHT? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING European Games and Junior Worlds – Day 4 European Games and Junior Worlds – Day 3 Junior Worlds – Day 2 European Games and Junior Worlds – Day 1 RELATED EPISODES 370: #FreeMai 369: 2019 American Classic 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 366: Virtuous Value Parts 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 363: Five Is the New Four (...Is the New Five) 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe
7/2/2019 • 1 hour, 55 seconds
370: Free Mai
In our second episode of the week covering the gymternet news only. Earlier this week we took a deep dive into the events of the American Classic, the first "big" elite meet of the summer. Let us know if you like the new format. STORIES OF THE WEEK Japan has gone crazy — Mai Murakami is not on Japan's worlds team, despite being healthy and MAI. Spencer explains how this travesty has been allowed to occur because of Japan's unnecessarily intransigent, early, and all-around-focused selection process Kohei and Kenzo are ALSO not on Japan's worlds team (pause for gasps), though it's kind of a different situation going on there USAG is making rules again — Jessica takes us inside the world of the Leotard Cut Debacle and new USAG leo rules that had the gym-parent community up in arms this month The new Safe Sport regulations are out, which are good in theory but we have some questions about grooming, practicality, and spelling New selection procedures — changes to the women's Olympic team selection, the Simone Clause, the independent observer, and WHAT ON EARTH is going on with the athlete rep situation The junior worlds team has been named, and the Pan Ams training squad is official The US men went to Japan – Kensley has an update on the US men's journey to Japan and what the US can learn from Japan's approach to MAG GYMTERNET NEWS Depression news: Rebeca Andrade has suffered another ACL injury, Parkettes coach John Holman has been restricted, Bailie Key has retired, and more Skill news: Yeo Seojeong has a new front handspring 2/1 vault that she landed successfully at Korea Cup, and Keisuke Asato is training a piked Ri Se Gwang Squeal news: Jessica has things to say about wrestling, littles overcoming obstacles, and gymnastics babies SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 366: Virtuous Value Parts 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 363: Five Is the New Four (...Is the New Five) 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe
6/26/2019 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 42 seconds
2019 American Classic
AMERICAN CLASSIC In our first episode of the week (look out for a gymternet news episode where we fight for justice for Mai Murakami later in the week), we take a deep dive into the events of the American Classic, the first "big" elite meet of the summer. You can rewatch (or just watch) the replay streams on USAG's Youtube. General "what even is this meet" thoughts about...what even is this meet...and whether USAG needs to try to make it an actual event, with a gentle reminder that it's verrrrry early Fangirling the queens: Faith Torrez and Ciena Alipio — why Faith Torrez was so much better than everyone else here, and what Ciena Alipio has in common with Ukrainians Opportunities for comedy: Thank you to Emily Lee, Mia Heather, Ciena Alipio, and little Hopes gymnast for fulfilling the true prophecy and point of gymnastics by delivering the moments of the meet Sunisa Lee's Nabieva + Bhardwaj. YOU GUYS. I MEAN... The new juniors we're now officially obsessed with. Spoiler: it's all of them. Spencer's opportunity to stop all this insufferable, deflating positivity and fill his metaphorical chalk bucket with refreshing negativity about some unpleasant trends What we noticed from the seniors, including an episode CSI: Code of Points GYMCASTIC GLOBAL Dutch Nationals gave us a fight between Casimir Schmidt and Bart Deurloo on the men's side for who has the best (most) tattoos, while Naomi Visser continues to be the talk of the town, and LIEKE WEVERS IS BACK Nina Derwael upgraded her bars routine again at the FIT Challenge, adding a casual new Stalder Tkatchev piked. To her Nabieva. And Derwael-Fenton. History for Taiwan at the Asian Championships FURTHER READING American Classic – Live Blog Things Are Happening – June 20, 2019 The Race to Tokyo – Women’s Team Qualification SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned) 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 366: Virtuous Value Parts 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 363: Five Is the New Four (...Is the New Five) 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe
6/25/2019 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 14 seconds
368: No-No-Nunnoisms (Commissioned)
This episode has been commissioned by Club Gym Nerd members The Participation Sisters, who requested an episode called No-No Nunnoisms: The Era of Larger-Than-Life Coaches (and why it needed to end). Disclaimer: We're going to laugh about some of this stuff, and we also know Bela is horrible. Is Bela Karolyi patient zero for this kind of gymnastics coaching? Inside the belief that you needed an impassioned man to coach you to Olympic success (barf barf barf barf barf), and then the times when that was (sigh) actually true. NBC's obsession with Bela Karolyi That horrific 1996 fluff piece on Kerri Strug — His defeat? The only man who could make her dreams come true? That boat-rowing methodology? OH HELL NO. "Bela's girls" Obviously, Spencer can't resist talking about that creep-burger 1995 Moceanu fluff or crazy 1992 articles Exaggerating the important of coaches by minimizing the athletes as "little girls," even when they're adults Bela and Nunno and the 1992 Trials war of words What have we (or should we have) learned from that era about the culture of the sport Have we come out of the era of larger-than-life coaches? FURTHER READING Things Are Happening – June 14, 2019 I Don’t Like Sheep – The Downgraded Elements American Classic Rosters The Japan Problem SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 367: Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned) 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
6/19/2019 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 38 seconds
Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship (Commissioned)
This week's episode has been commissioned by Brad, who commissioned this very special edition of GymCastic as a surprise gift for his girlfriend Tricia. We present...Shawn and Nastia: From Feud to Friendship. All the makings of a classic rivalry—the preordained champion with OLYMPIC DNA LEGACY OMG, versus the little upstart from Iowa corn-fed-doo-dee-doo who just bounced along bouncily The context of the new open-ended code and the BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT Who ultimately won that battle? The narrative of Nastia as "form" and Shawn as "power"—the aspects in which that holds up, and the aspects in which it definitely doesn't. Enough time has passed that we can get real about some of these skills. "Nastia won the 2008 all-around because the Olympic judges loved her international look." We dive into that garbage barge and burn it from the inside. The fan feud: Team Nastia or Team Shawn. You must pick a side. The culture war imposed on Shawn and Nastia. The "all-American girl next door" versus "the foreigner" and how that influenced THE FEUD. And then Jessica officially pops off about the constant adjudication of whether prominent women are "best friends" or in a "catfight." (Psychology Today) FURTHER READING The Japan Problem Things Are Happening – June 7, 2019 No Skill For You Live, Laugh, Nabieva SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
6/11/2019 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 39 seconds
366: Virtuous Value Parts
GYMTERNET NEWS Simone's upgrades! (EEEEEE) That Sarah Finnegan abortion broom internet scam Terin Humphrey was fired from USAG What exactly is the virtuous performance of a value part? NCAA coaching developments and rule proposals Aliya's injury (NOOOOOOO) Nabieva is back on national team (Spencer has a tribute here) Ashton Locklear retires A rousing game of "The British Call It What?" hosted by Kensley (56:56) MEET NEWS (1:14:18) Canadian Nationals The Ellie Black/Ana Padurariu rivalry delivers another classic Brooklyn Moors tore her heart out for our sins Shallon Olsen has never slept ever, apparently World Challenge Cups Vault debacles—stopped runs and ad-board headbutts Rhys McClenaghan is back and recording huge PH scores Tomas. Gonzalez. Spencer needs some smelling salts. Trends in women's floor composition for fans of dance elements Goksu Uctas Sanli is everything we want in women's gymnastics Bars, er, um, didn't go great Australian Nationals - updates on national champion Georgia Godwin, the state of Australia's chances to make the Olympics, and Heath Thorpe PLUS MAN DRAMA! (1:51:18) Kensley updates us on the proposals (they're just proposals, you guys) for drastic changes in men's college gymnastics, the suspect claims being made about how wonderful they're going to be, and the twitter fight that ensued. DEVO CAMP! (1:04:53) We are joined by Lauren Stevens of the Chalk Warrior who attended the most recent developmental camp at Flip Fest and is here to give us all the inside scoop, what she was surprised by, and encouraging news about tonal and cultural changes in the USAG system. FURTHER READING Koper World Challenge Cup Things Are Happening – May 31, 2019 Canadian and Australian Nationals That’s Not My Name SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition (Commissioned) 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 363: Five Is the New Four (...Is the New Five) 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe 361: 2019 NCAA Nationals 360: European Championships & NCAAs Preview
6/5/2019 • 2 hours, 19 minutes, 37 seconds
365: 1988 Olympics Team Competition Commissioned
The hair Olympics! And also gymnastics. But mostly hair! This week, we have a commissioned episode from Club Gym Nerd member Billy, who asked for an episode all about the team competition at the 1988 Olympics saying, “have fun with all the 80s styles and music." We don't need to be told twice. Setting the scene Check out last week's 80s FIGHT episode for all the Romanian/Soviet lead-up drama to the 1988 Olympics Updates on the age falsification discussion from last week, featuring Soviets who were underage too Jessica finds an excuse to talk about another HBO show she's obsessed with Here is a video of then-FIG President Yuri Titov lying about Elena Mukhina being paralyzed (Thank you, Boris for sending us this video) Compulsories - perfection and politics We gush about the wonders of compulsories and pick out the skills from the 1988 compulsory routines that we would put in our dream 2019 compulsories Because of being an insufferable form queen, Spencer freaks out about people's leg positions and fake 10s for gymnasts from famous countries A fluff piece about acid wash jorts. Also Chelle Stack and Bela and weight and EVERYTHING'S FINE HERE. The 0.5 deduction for the US team What was the actual rule? Was the deduction for the US an appropriate reading of that rule? How did the Bela/Ellen Berger feud play into the deduction? Whose fault was it really? (Spoiler: it's Bela's) Team optionals Do the Bulgarians have the biggest gripe? A mild divorce over whether a tucked tkatchev would be hard EAST GERMANY WAS OVERSCORED Mullets. A deep controversy about the proper physics of a mullet. The imperfect 10. Is it acceptable or not? Which floor routine best encapsulates the 1980s—Silivas or Kersten? Interpreting Romania's intended wiggles on beam, here and here East German leos - pleather or rubber or substance not of this earth? The Strazheva Moment Why didn't Silivas save the double double for finals? Spencer says something very controversial about the US beam rotation The Soviet Cowboy: An Analysis Creepy things that happened after the competition FURTHER READING Osijek World Challenge Cup Things Are Happening – May 24, 2019 The Kims Zhaoqing World Challenge Cup Interview with Kathy Johnson Clarke SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned) 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
5/29/2019 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 32 seconds
364: 80s Fight! (Commissioned)
The greatest rivalries of the 1980s! This week, we have a commissioned episode from Club Gym Nerd member Kimo, who asked for an episode all about the 1980s rivalries between the Romanians and the Soviets, both team and individually. We are oh so happy to oblige! Setting the scene A history of Soviet dominance Romania’s 1976 emergence The 1977 Europeans Romanian WALKOUT! The first great Romanian/Soviet rivalry—Nadia vs. Nellie and how it may or may not have influenced the future of gymnastics Romania wins in 1979, the “Nadia Infected Wrist” worlds The true story of Nadia’s fake injury and government control The Rivalry The 1980 Olympics of crazy judging Nadia vs. Davydova and the case of the 30-minute delay Nadia vs. Nellie and the case of the “computer malfunction” Mukhina’s paralysis and the race for innovative difficulty 1981 Worlds The silliest scores of 1981 (oh, it’s 9.800 for this) The case of the Szabo/Agache impersonation of 1981 Romania ends up 4th. That’s right 4th. 1983 Worlds Innovation from an all-star Soviet team—YURCHENKO vaults, the SHISHOVA Just fangirling about Mostepanova for a while More fun with bonkers scoring 1984 boycott gives us an opportunity to talk about China 1985 Worlds Soviet Union casually adds Omelianchik and Shushunova to its already stellar 1983 team The Soviets were so deep that Shushunova placed FIFTH on her own team in qualification The evolution of Romanian floor to be less “chicken dance” and whether it contributed to what happened next 1987 and THE TIDE TURNS Silivas wins the European AA title in Moscow, and the Soviets (gasp) fall Romania gets its first world team title in 8 years How the addition of Aurelia Dobre changed the game for Romania Pro-Soviet bias in skill naming Dobre vs. Shushunova vs. Silivas vs. Baitova vs. Omelianchik. This was no two-way rivalry The 1988 Olympics and how timing is everything FURTHER READING Firsts, Named Skills, and Innovators in Women's Artistic Gymnastics Zhaoqing World Challenge Cup 2019 JO Nationals 2019 Spring/Summer Schedule SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
5/22/2019 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 19 seconds
363: Five Is the New Four ...Is the New Five
ALL GYMTERNET NEWS, ALL THE TIME Dumpster fire news It has been yet another terrible month for USAG (a theme???) The Li Li Today interview disaster The further mess of the botched hiring of Edward Nyman Whose side are we on here? And is it no one's? (It's no one's) A deep dive into the unprofessional incompetence of everyone ever Seriously Terin? The Terin Humphrey Facebook nonsense. The disastrous, unacceptable debacle that was Mary Lou's latest TV appearance NCAA Coaching Musical Chairs (41:20) Jordyn Wieber is the new head coach at Arkansas What do we think of this move? Is 23 too young to be a head coach? And most importantly, should Chris Brooks be her assistant? Chris Waller has been named head coach at UCLA What does a successful Chris Waller tenure look like? We discuss both results and bras. Guess who brought up which topic. More from the NCAA coaching carousel, including all the changes at Utah Olympic and World Championship news (55:30) Olympic teams are returning to FIVE (count 'em five) members in 2024. We have extensive thoughts and further proposals, some of them radical World championships will cap the number of competitors and introduce a qualification process starting in 2022. There are really strict leotard rules for team and individual competitors in 2020 for some reason. DRAH-MAAAAAA in the awarding of 2023 worlds. It involves taking people to court over a lack of numerical specificity in deadlines. Spencer is in heaven. Important robot judging news. PLUS At the Heart of Gold is now available on HBO. Jessica tells us about the premiere, and we discuss overall thoughts and play "what we've learned since." Olympic. Channel. Svetlana. Khorkina. Documentary. New recruiting rules in NCAA (finally!) Diego Hypolito comes out Jordan Schwikert, Alyssa Baumann, and Tasha Schwikert have testified in TX about a MeToo bill Simone does her second SI Swimsuit Shoot, and Jessica explains to Spencer why it actually matters Chinese Nationals!!! (1:36:32) Tingting is the national AA champion and UB champion—and is also brilliantly Netherlands-ing the crap out of floor The craziness of event finals, where Fan Yilin missed on bars, everybody fell on beam, and Zhang Jin had the most sad-larious floor leap miss-save in history. SHANG CHUNSONG won the floor title, but the true winner was her shirt World tumbling champion Jia Fangfang has made huge strides on floor We have three new perfect junior obsessions: Ou Yushan, Luo Rui, and Guan Chenchen, who is a silly little goose who is dancing constantly Plus, the most perfect PBars routine ever. FURTHER READING The Only Gymnast That Mattered: The Svetlana Khorkina Story Things Are Happening – May 9, 2019 Perfect Chinese Beamers Who Never Saw the Light of Day Gymnastics GIFs for All Occasions: Part 2 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 362: Morgan Hurd & Heath Thorpe 361: 2019 NCAA Nationals 360: European Championships & NCAAs Preview 359: Sudden Death Regionals & Morgiboo Magic 358: Regionals Preview, Shire Brown, Olivera, Ruddock
5/14/2019 • 2 hours, 10 seconds
362: Morgan Hurd and Heath Thorpe Interview
MORGAN AND HEATH! This week, Jessica and Spencer chat with gymnastics royalty—2017 world all-around champion Morgan Hurd and 2018 Australian national floor champion and worlds squad member Heath Thorpe—about being the undisputed monarchs of the gymternet and much more, including How they became friends and whether they're accepting applications for new members Behind the scenes stories from 2018 worlds Which apparatuses are the stupidest and least stupidedest Forcing Morgan to try to come up with the names of MAG skills Heath's gymnastics idols, and his decision to be out publicly on the internet Embarrassing fan tales about the time Morgan met Aliya Mustafina The story behind Morgan's new floor routine, and if there are any other secret upgrades she can reveal to us The deal with Morgan's crazy elbow and her most recent surgery The Morgiboo Book Club – what are we reading this month? Favorite movie genres, escape rooms, how 3 out of 4 of us don't care about Game of Thrones, and all kinds of nonsense What's next? You can catch Heath competing at the Australian National Championships, May 24-26 in Melbourne! FURTHER READING Gymnastics GIFs for All Occasions: Part 2 Things Are Happening – May 3, 2019 Drug Murder at Le Club Gymnastics State of the National Teams Address Things Are Happening – April 26, 2019 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 361: 2019 NCAA Nationals 360: European Championships & NCAAs Preview 359: Sudden Death Regionals & Morgiboo Magic 358: Regionals Preview, Shire Brown, Olivera, Ruddock 357: It's the Freakin' Lighting! 356: Vallapalooza 284: Morgan Hurd
5/8/2019 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 26 seconds
2019 NCAA Nationals
NCAA Championships! Live show – Thank you to everyone who came. It was AHMAZING! We recap our favorite moments. Oklahoma won the thing with a dominant performance Jessica takes you through all the FEELINGS moments from the press conference—with the trainer, and the team, and the crying, and YOU GUYS and BRENNNNAAAA Maggie Nichols wins AA for 2nd year in a row. How it happened, plus thoughts on that floor routine composition LSU performed excellently to finish 2nd. Which is good. That tweet. Oh, we have thoughts. Sarah Finnegan won the AAI Award because correct An off day for UCLA put the Bruins in 3rd Thoughts on Marz Frazier’s absence from the floor lineup How will a new coach balance maintaining UCLA’s identity with his/her own personal style and approach? Denver’s 4th place is the team’s best-ever result. By a LOT. Coach Linas has taken the bars coaching showmanship up yet another notch Discussion of how much we missed 6-team sessions with byes. It’s zero. Semifinal thoughts Hello Oregon State! Beam caught up to Georgia, plus Suzanne rumors and important white fanny pack updates Michigan was one of the 4 best teams on the semifinal day Megan Marsden has announced her retirement UCLA’s semifinal leotard. It was... Individual champions – Guess how we feel about ties! Spencer tries to force Jessica to break the ties, and she won’t do it Dude Nationals — STANFORD WHAT?????? Our best Texas stories SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 360: European Championships & NCAAs Preview 359: Sudden Death Regionals & Morgiboo Magic 358: Regionals Preview, Shire Brown, Olivera, Ruddock 357: It's the Freakin' Lighting! 356: Vallapalooza 355: Montreal Floor Part 2: Revenge of the Floor 354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion
4/24/2019 • 1 hour, 27 minutes
360: European Championships and NCAAs Preview
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (1:54) Gymnastics journalist and (now) broadcaster extraordinaire Blythe Lawrence joins us to talk all about the European Championship! WOMEN MELANIE DE JESUS DOS SANTOS - she is the official queen of Europe, and the happiest person about it is Coline Devillard in the stands Alice Kinsella's rollercoaster meet, where no British women fell on beam Maria Paseka's Cheng. We have a necessary emergency therapy session about it. The rise of the new Italian seniors, Ukraine, and Belarus (!) Just talking about Eythora for a long time because WE NEED TO MEN Russian dominance and Nagornyy's dethroning of Dalaloyan Dalaloyan almost fell on a man wipe in the FX final. You know, the important stuff MARIOS succeeds with execution Breaking down the insanity of that vault final, moment by moment Updates on the Dom Cunningham injury and Oleg's current status The REAL stories of Euros (47:14) Luba got the scoop behind Nekrasova's unitard from Baku Spencer starts an entire sub-podcast about Nicola Bartolini's tattoos, and it's going to be long. The usher kids and the couches and the hand holding—a deep dive Lankin's Wakanda Forever Pauline Schäfer's double turn save What do we do about Alice D'Amato's bars walking? We tackle the issue of Luigi the Monkey, the bananas, and Melanie NCAA NATIONALS PREVIEW (1:11:34) Remember: GYMCASTIC FLIPPING FOUR AFTER PARTY LIVE SHOW PRESENTED BY TUMBL TRAK, Saturday April 20th, 8:00 CT - everything you need to know, including what types of "cowboy dancing" Spencer will not be doing We announce the winners of the ticket giveaway Semifinal preview - Assessing every team's chances to advance from the semifinal of death and the semifinal of life Team final preview - Jessica makes the argument for Oklahoma; Spencer makes the argument for UCLA Individuals preview - Who might actually win the titles, who has already won the titles in Jessica's heart, and who should bring a bonkers upgrade just cuz (1:40:31) USAG Nationals - Lindenwood wins the team title, and there was a feelings thing that happened with UIC NAIGC Nationals is "like I opened a secret door into an underground group of people who get the purpose of gymnastics." GYMTERNET NEWS (1:14:06) L10 proposal to get more event qualifiers to nationals Mark Cook is retiring When the phone sex operator is the hero of the story Lou Anna Simon can't recall Reminder: The deadline to Take Legal Action in USA Gymnastics Sexual Assault Cases is April 29, 2019 FURTHER READING National Championship Preview: Semifinal of Life European Championship – Event Finals Day 2 National Championship Preview: Semifinal of Death European Championship – Event Finals Day 1 European Championship – All-Around Finals European Championship – Women’s Qualification European Championships – Men’s Qualification Things Are Happening – April 9, 2019 Onward to Fort Worth! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 359: Sudden Death Regionals & Morgiboo Magic 358: Regionals Preview, Shire Brown, Olivera, Ruddock 357: It's the Freakin' Lighting! 356: Vallapalooza 355: Montreal Floor Part 2: Revenge of the Floor 354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion
4/16/2019 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 50 seconds
359: Sudden Death Regionals, Morgiboo Magic
LIVE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Remember: Tickets to our live show from NCAA nationals—the Flipping Four After Party presented by Tumbl Trak —are on sale now, and there are only 15 left! Get 'em while they exist. TICKET GIVEAWAY: Plus, we're giving away 2 pairs of tickets! How to enter: Finish this sentence on Twitter or Instagram: “If I were in charge of the college code I would....” including #JudgeMeChellsie #GymCasticLive and tagging @precisionchoreo. Deadline: Sunday, April 14th at midnight (PST). Grand Prize: At the live show, the two ticket winners (or their selected representatives) will do a Memmel impression-off to win the grand prize—a My Gym Judge session with Chellsie Memmel. Compliments of Precision Choreography. Attendees: Make sure to go straight to the event after the Flipping Four to put your name in for the amazing giveaways. NCAA REGIONALS (9:20) It all went to plan...until it didn't Oregon State A forensic investigation, with historical reference points, of the Florida beam disaster and elimination Artistic gymnastics alert: Denver coach Linas Gaveika's bars performance Oregon State's magical beam levitation, and How To Give Birth Under a Double Layout: The Regional LSU Brace yourself: MyKayla Skinner fell on bars, ending a streak of 161 consecutive hit routines Auburn's amazing semifinal performance, the injury to Sam Cerio, and the delicate politics of covering gruesome injuries—plus a shoutout to Ella Douglas, who had to go on floor right after that Lexy Ramler and Ivy Lu. Done. Michigan From the lack of television coverage, to this regional being behind a paywall, to the unreliable and nonexistent live scores, we have a serious access problem for regionals that needs to be fixed Alabama is eliminated. This will be the first national championship without Alabama since 1982, the first year women existed Kyla Ross got three more 10s, meanwhile Taylor Houchin got zero 10s, and we have a problem with that Penn State got two individuals qualifiers to nationals and we're taking all the credit. Sorry, gymnasts Georgia Spencer calls for a judging intervention after this preposterous regional Oklahoma recorded the highest road score in NCAA history, and Cal and Kentucky both set program records while being eliminated Shoutout to Alma Kuc, Emi Watterson, and Cal's best bars rotation ever en route to the strongest performance to be eliminated from any regional final Marissa Oakley's 10 was a thing of beauty and a joy forever, and Rachael Lukacs BROUGHT IT Um. So. We need to talk about some leotards Gymnasts are ninjas — regionals edition Erin Castle (Iowa) - Vault Hannah Cohen (George Washington) - Bars What we still need to work on with this new regionals format, including meet timing and schedule, team distribution, and those stupid team prisons—now even stupider than ever! TOKYO WORLD CUP (1:29:10) Morgan Hurd won the AA title by less than a tenth over Ellie Black, proving she is a sorceress on vault and beam, while also debuting her new floor routine. We interpret. Ellie Black and Asuka Teramoto were on fire, though Teramoto's true meet highlight had nothing to do with gymnastics Sam "Consistency" Mikulak hit an entire meet, including HB, to take the all-around title Plus, Giarnni Regini-Moran beat Kenzo on floor, why we're excited to be concerned for Kenzo's safety, and while we're definitely not excited to be concerned for Bart's safety GYMTERNET NEWS (1:40:00) Former gymnastics coach in Brazil, Fernando de Carvalho Lopes, banned Everyone is pulling out of Euros, even Mustafina Gymnastics coach Jerry Reighard not fired from CMU, has two weeks to respond to investigation findings Shawn is having a baby FIG Parkour World Cup series set to begin Marz + TRUTH = yes. Flippin' 5K Race & Festival (1:49:43) FURTHER READING Onward to Fort Worth! Regionals Live Blog – Regional Finals Regionals Live Blog – Round 2 Regionals Live Blog – Round 1 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 358: Regionals Preview, Shire Brown, Olivera, Ruddock 357: It's the Freakin' Lighting! 356: Vallapalooza 355: Montreal Floor Part 2: Revenge of the Floor 354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion
LIVE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Remember: Tickets to our live show from NCAA nationals—the Flipping Four After Party presented by Tumbl Trak —are on sale. In addition to gifts for every attendee, t-shirts (while supplies last), and door prizes from our store, you can win a My Gym Judge session with Chellsie Memmel. Compliments of Precision Choreography. Get ’em while they’re hot. Regionals Preview (3:30) NCAA Regional Championships begin this Thursday with the new play-in meets and end on Saturday, when the 8 teams advancing to nationals will be decided. Spencer gives the rundown of what to expect—while trying to fit in as many SYTYCD, Madonna, and Laura Linney references as possible. You know, gymnastics content. Schedule here. Interviews Galore! Sarah (of the Shire) Brown (8:12) In her second season as head coach at Penn State, Sarah Brown joins us to talk about her time at GAGE, what it's really like there, and what happens if you're not turned out in the airport. Plus, the changes she tried to institute at Penn State after taking over at a program in turmoil, how transferring during her own college career informs her perspective on the athlete experience now, when we're going to see a four-element beam series in the Penn State lineup (spoiler: it's never), and whether Jessica is still allowed to call her Sarah of the Shire. Lieve Olivera (49:31) Lieve Olivera was a Brevet judge from 1985 to 1996. She judged at world championships and world cups, has owned her own gym, was the media liaison at the 2000 Olympics, and has authored articles and given presentations on controversies in judging. So we obviously need to talk a lot about college gymnastics—the differences between college and international, how judges go about trying to reconcile their deductions with the need to rank routines, how best to improve college gymnastics judging, and the deductions she would have for an example routine. PLUS, behind the scenes stories about what happened in 2000 after the vault debacle and after Raducan was stripped of her medal. Nick Ruddock (1:19:36) Nick was a national coach for British Gymnastics who worked with everyone fro Ellie Downie to Amy Tinkler. He is now a consultant who has worked with 18 federations around the world, including Japan and the Netherlands (drink!). He emphasizes an athlete centered approach for longevity and high performance. Each year he shares his knowledge via GymCon which you've heard Jessica talk about one million times. Jessica asked him all of her burning technical, cultural and code questions. FURTHER READING Regionals Preview Part 4: LSU Regional Regionals Preview Part 3: Michigan Regional Regionals Preview Part 2: Georgia Regional Regionals Preview Part 1: Dual-or-Die GIFCap: Superstars of Gymnastics SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 357: It's the Freakin' Lighting! 356: Vallapalooza 355: Montreal Floor Part 2: Revenge of the Floor 354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion 353: The Carol Address and Olly Hogben 352: The Rachel Borden Appreciation Episode (and other things about gymnastics) 351: Rosé Then Slay 350: There Are No Rules in This House
4/3/2019 • 2 hours, 30 minutes, 52 seconds
357: It's the Freakin' Lighting!
LIVE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Remember: Tickets to our live show from NCAA nationals—the Flipping Four After Party presented by Tumbl Trak —are on sale. Get ’em while they’re hot. Want a hint about our secret special guest? Go to the 41:36 minutes. MEET NEWS Birmingham World Cup (2:11) Why did everyone fall on everything? Try the crazy spotlight lighting! Measure your lumens, yo! Aliya is the champion and is going to Euros now—called it! Riley McCusker is the women's team answer to Sam Mikulak ...and the FIG still can't tell any of the Chinese gymnasts apart. Great. Superstars (or Stuperstars) of Gymnastics (14:54) Jessica loved it and Spencer was like [sigh]—obviously We discuss Danusia's new vault family, Simone stealing the show with the best line of the night, Ellie Black going ALL IN on this craziness, Casimir Schmidt's pink broccoli boxers, how Laurent was one of the celebrity judges, Jessica's feelings moments, and more NCAA Conference championships (43:24) LSU beats Florida in an intense SEC Championship that came down to floor Denver almost beat Oklahoma at Big 12s, you guys The three-way AA tie in the Big Ten made Jessica's dreams come true, though the camera work...didn't UCLA won Pac-12s as both UCLA and Utah broke 198. We discuss the 10s and the "coincidental" change in Ohashi's floor music Plus, is the one-routine-at-a-time, 2.5 hour format of Pac-12s working? Regionals! (1:11:44) George Washington and Lindenwood claim the last two spots on a dramatic final day. We discuss the heartbreaking finish for UIC and the beautiful Cinderella story of Lindenwood gymnastics The regionals draw—what are the juiciest matchups to watch, and how did the committee screw up the team distribution? Oh, in several ways! Doha Apparatus World Cup (1:25:00) The day the Australia broke High bar is fulfilling all our hopes and dreams for this qualification method NINA! Jade Carey, Maria Paseka's best-ever Amanar, and the race for the Perfect 90 FURTHER READING 2019 Regional Championships Draw Conference Championships Live Blog – March 23, 2019 Friday Live Blog – March 22, 2019 Things Are Happening – March 22, 2019 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 356: Vallapalooza 355: Montreal Floor Part 2: Revenge of the Floor 354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion 353: The Carol Address and Olly Hogben 352: The Rachel Borden Appreciation Episode (and other things about gymnastics) 351: Rosé Then Slay 350: There Are No Rules in This House
3/27/2019 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 19 seconds
356: Vallapalooza
LIVE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Remember: Tickets to our live show from NCAA nationals—the Flipping Four After Party presented by Tumbl Trak —are on sale. Get ’em while they’re hot. ATHLETE ASSISTANCE FUND (2:30) The Athlete Assistance Fund has partnered with the New York Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children to provide child sexual assault prevention training to national gymnastics programs. We discuss what the Athlete Assistance Fund is and what this partnership is going to do. We will continue to support Saving Our Survivors Fund via our store. COLLEGE NEWS (10:03) The Miss Val farewell meet was as extra as you knew it would be The Valorie Kondos Field Floor was unveiled. We have some other ideas for coach-naming tributes Jessica tells us about what we didn't see on TV, and it involves flash mobs and ice sculptures and math problems We've been given a challenge to talk about college meets without discussing the judging. Jessica accepts the challenge. Spencer passes. Why that ridiculous roller coaster of a meet was the perfect tribute to Miss Val Madison. Ward. Sessions. But that broadcast, you guys... Kyla got a Perfect Fall 9.500 from one judge. Has anyone ever scored a Perfect Fall before? Should it be possible? Other college developments including Cal's program-record score of 197.575 and Bridgeport upping the game for next season in terms of celebrations (49:53) We announce the Pac-12 Championship ticket winners. (50:15) Regionals Watch: Who's in, who's out, and who desperately needs a score at conference championships this weekend ELITE NEWS (55:06) Stuttgart all-around world cup Simone wins with "downgrades," Ana Padurariu is a dream, Elisabeth Seitz upgrades back to the DTY for the first time in forever, and Aliya's beam features wobbles on everything except her acro series because of course Stuttgart team challenge Brazil is coming for all your titles, and Andrade scored 56.932 (!) in the all-around (1:02:08) Jessica provides a moment-by-moment art-historical interpretation of Eythora's brilliant beam routine Baku Jade Carey unleashes her Cheng upon the world and wins vault in a field that was RIDIC Spencer breaks down the qualification rules, including what happens if two people tie for a spot, and what happens if Jade Carey wins more than one event Floor competition brought us the BODYSUIT LEO HEARD ROUND THE WORLD Controversy on beam: Anastasia Bachynska loses the bronze medal because her coach was on the podium. We have many problems with this. Emma Nedov is the real deal, and Jessica and Spencer basically get a divorce while trying to compare Tingting and Li Qi. Man-notes about high bar (eeeeee!) and the return of Yang Hakseon. GYMTERNET NEWS Gymnastics is for grown-ass women Nassar Accusers Sue U.S Olympic Committee For Failing To Prevent Sexual Abuse OU men's gymnastics 111th straight win Japan submits bid for 2023 Worlds — yea or nay? The AAI Award Finalists are in — who's winning? (1:41:09) British Championships update from Katie Steele FURTHER READING Final NQS Scenarios Sunday Live Blog – March 17, 2019 Not Remotely Live Blog – Stuttgart Women’s All-Around Saturday Live Blog – March 16, 2019 Friday Live Blog – March 15, 2019 Things Are Happening – March 15, 2019 Spring 2019 Elite Schedule Only the Best – NCAA Week 10
3/20/2019 • 1 hour, 48 minutes
355: Montreal Floor Part 2 Revenge of the Floor
LIVE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Remember: Tickets to our live show from NCAA nationals—the Flipping Four After Party presented by Tumbl Trak —go on sale to the general public on Wednesday March 6th. Get ’em while they’re hot. MEET NEWS (2:30) L'International Gymnix — the Montreal floor strikes AGAIN We break it down moment-by-moment, try to get a redo for special Belgians, and discuss Alyona Shchennikova almost tumbling into some dude Kara Eaker wins the AA, Shchennikova does the best DTY she has ever done, and what happens when a front tuck on beam is too high to function Lilly Lippeatt's WOW floor combo (19:18) Russian Nationals! Luba from Gymnovosti is here to fill us in on all the goodies from last week's Russian Championship of Splats—who won, who fell, who won AND fell Who made the European Championships team (for now), and why it wasn't Aliya despite ALIYA The returns of Paseka and Eremina, how Daria Belousova made Jessica into a prophet, and the most important news of all—our annual Tatiana Nabieva update What happened to Artur Dalaloyan on the men's side, Nikita Nagornyy's near sweep, and that time the Rodionenkos retired Kuksenkov without his permission because of course they did All the horrible things Valentina said this time (47:18) Liubou Charkashyna, president of the FIG Athletes Commission, said American abuse survivors are in it for the money. Well fab. Meanwhile the FIG suspended a coach for behavior toward an athlete for the first time (we think) That time Aliya gently ushered a furry out of the way (54:59) GYMTERNET NEWS Rebeca Andrade's bars routine is everything USAG is now using professional security as chaperones for the women's team Jessica has homework assignments for our listeners The Treatment from Terrible, Thanks for Asking Rachel Haines' book Abused: Surviving Sexual Assault and a Toxic Gymnastics Culture Leaving Neverland on HBO The Landis haven't been paid from Doha, GreatCoach.com has a full list of banned coaches, 2 MSU trainers lied to police, and the Michigan AG has taken over the Geddert investigation The coaching news out of Bowling Green and Central Michigan (1:21:42) NCAA A rankings update (DENVER?!) and the race for the evening sessions at conference championships. Plus, the important ranking echelons in the new postseason format—and who's on the cusp of missing out All the scoring records (and there were a lot) broken this weekend The senior day 10: Sweet or condescending? Nothing is a deduction anymore: The UCLA/Stanford meet FURTHER READING Ranking Watch: Week 10 Sunday Live Blog – March 10, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – March 9, 2019 Friday Live Blog – March 8, 2019 Things Are Happening – March 8, 2019 Team-by-Team Scoring Records Only the Best – NCAA Week 9 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion 353: The Carol Address and Olly Hogben 352: The Rachel Borden Appreciation Episode (and other things about gymnastics) 351: Rosé Then Slay 350: There Are No Rules in This House 303: Pac Rims and Mustafina's Return!
3/13/2019 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 53 seconds
354: American Cup and Jesolo Explosion
LIVE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Remember: Tickets to our live show from NCAA nationals—the Flipping Four After Party presented by Tumbl Trak —go on sale to the general public on Wednesday March 6th. Get 'em while they're hot. Men's Program Clarification (4:55): Paul Ruggeri is the new athlete representative on the USAG Board of Directors. Steven Legendre is still the athlete advocate representative for the men's team. THE MEETS! American Cup – Women (7:39) LEANNNEEE WONNNNG THE END Fact-checking Jessica's feelings, brought to you by Uncle Tim (!!!!) Why someone needs to get Armine a Spotify subscription Kim Bui is a bars NINJA and Jessica has a plan to get her an Olympic medal Grace McCallum will do Grace McCallum every single Grace McCallum for Grace McCallum points. How she rode being Grace McCallum to the E-score title TIE FOR BRONZE between Black and Murakami There were four whole world-medal-level gymnasts at the top of their games fighting for medals. At AMERICAN CUP. You guys. The true winner of the meet: the NBC trio's Night of Honesty during commercial breaks (27:45) American Cup – Men (32:42) MATH NERD RAGE: Spencer discusses how Moldauer and Mikulak really should have tied, except the FIG doesn't know how to math good. It's the strongest he's ever felt about anything. Moldauer did Moldauer, and Mikulak did Mikulak Jessica scores Ma Yue's stick celebration and has a theory about Bart's performance that involves Bambi Jesolo – Seniors (50:17) Sunisa Lee is HERE! She won the AA with 56.466—WITH A FALL In which we learn what led Jessica to scream "THEY'RE DOING IT" in the middle of a Best Buy and then start crying. Ting Ting for silver. We break down her NCAA-performance floor routine and her most glorious beam Emma Malabuyo took bronze as the most consistent competitor of the whole meet, making us forget all about the back problems of 2018 Qi Qi is everything, and Italy has one allowable bars composition, but it's AMAZING Jesolo – Juniors (1:07:10) AHHHH KONNOR MCCLAIN AHHHH She won the junior AA title and proved an understanding of slapstick comedy far beyond her years Everyone is obsessed with Guan Chenchen on floor We have a moment about the Russian juniors. More like seven moments (1:11:46) Vladislava Urazova won the hairstyle award again — and also like the AA silver or whatever Elena Gerasimova's fantasy gymnastics video game beam routine is EVERYTHING Viktoria Listunova is the people's floor champion and has set a new standard for getting into a wolf turn position NCAA (1:20:51) Perfect 40 Watch What kept Kyla "Kayla" Ross from a Perfect 40 on Sunday, and a discussion of whether she will get it before the end of her career We have national championships sign plans involving one Brenna "McDowell." When your floor routine makes your coach break into a spontaneous college salute, you know it was a win FURTHER READING Ranking Watch: Week 9 Sunday Live Blog – March 3, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – March 2, 2019 Elite Live Blog – American Cup/Jesolo Friday Live Blog – March 1, 2019 Things Are Happening – March 1, 2019 National Team Rankings – March 2019 Best NCAA Team Scores SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 353: The Carol Address and Olly Hogben 352: The Rachel Borden Appreciation Episode 351: Rosé Then Slay 350: There Are No Rules in This House 349: The Stick Stick and the Money Gun 348: Break the Beam, Literally 347: The Michigan Mess & the Viral Queen 346: Peng Is Here!
3/6/2019 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 37 seconds
353: The Carol Address and Olly Hogben
NCAA NEWS How to get your early release tickets for our live show at NCAAs. A little something called the UCLA/Utah meet. We have many thoughts about how crazy the internets are being about MyKayla Skinner and newspapers. Also gymnastics isn't cotillion, and you all got overscored. (10:22) The Carol Address. An email about the sudden phenomenon called bias in judging (which just started now) was sent to the NCAA judges this week. We perform a dramatic reading. (24:10) By popular demand, the Oklahoma fish net leotard discussion (27:35) Trinity Thomas went to national team verification directly after the Florida meet. We discuss what the elite program can do to encourage more athletes to do both college and elite at the same time. (29: 47) A shout out to Sarah Finnegan's right leg for its unwavering support during these troubled times. Crack or correct: The trouble with DIII scoring, when this Y1.5 gets 9.600. Plus Natalie Wojcik's make-up 10 and the inconsistent application of "form forgiveness" in evaluating DTYs. (40:44) MELBOURNE WORLD CUP (47:38) Vanessa Ferrari returned with a new floor routine that has Jessica soaring to the heavens. Plus, missed opportunities presented by the small women's field, how China is cleaning up and coming for all your spots, Chris Remkes and the 6.9 D, our new favorite beam dreams, and a rundown of all the events, EVEN MEN'S. OLLY HOGBEN Interview (1:12:22). Jessica chatted with our favorite Olympic Channel maestro about how he went from drama teacher to gymnastics commentator extraordinaire, unintentional dismounts, puns, and other genius rules for being a kind commentator. THIS WEEKEND (1:36:47) Clear your schedules! No lives please! This weekend you have American Cup, Jesolo, the Nastia Cup, and UCLA/Oklahoma. We discuss the announcement of the US rosters for Jesolo and Gymnix following national team camp. FURTHER READING NCAA Week 8 Rankings and RQS Update Saturday Live Blog – February 23, 2019 Friday Live Blog – February 22, 2019 Things Are Happening – February 22, 2019 Gymnastics GIFs For All Occasions All-Time NCAA All-Around Leaders SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. It's almost time for our annual NCAA CHAMPS LIVE SHOW in Fort Worth—after the NCAA finals on April 20th. Listen for instructions on getting tickets. RELATED EPISODES 352: The Rachel Borden Appreciation Episode (and other things about gymnastics) 351: Rosé Then Slay 350: There Are No Rules in This House 349: The Stick Stick and the Money Gun 348: Break the Beam, Literally 347: The Michigan Mess & the Viral Queen 346: Peng Is Here!
2/27/2019 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 59 seconds
352: The Rachel Borden Appreciation Episode (and other things about gymnastics)
LI LI LEUNG (1:38) The new USAG President and CEO is Li Li Leung formerly a vice president at the NBA. We evaluate whether or not she is the right choice for USAG (another *cough* marketer *eye roll* and of course analyze, her actual gymnastics. Here are some of the former junior elite and University of Michigan gymnast's routines FX, BB. NCAA NEWS (19:40) Crack or correct The mega-controversial Georgia/Kentucky meet A perfect 9.950 from Sarah Finnegan, and what should have been one from Sarah Shaffer The latest UCLA 10s from Kyla Ross and Katelyn Ohashi Gymnasts are NINJAS (37:40) Anna Warhol's epic vault save Jessica pens a love ode to her new wife, Rachel Borden of Illinois Womp womp news The Toni-Ann Williams injury that's NOT FAIR Spencer takes issue with UCLA's alleged pride meet Safety (59:45) The NCAA responds to our questions about safety and equipment failures GYMTERNET NEWS (1:06:19) Dan Purvis announces his retirement GYMNASTICS IS FOR EVERYONE, screams Jessica Utah Gymnastics: Red Rocks Retrospective Kenzo can do a piked Arabian double to a punch front double full. OF COURSE! Gymnastics Canada launches probe after former coach acquitted in sex assault trial The Tokyo 2020 Olympic medals will be made from recycled electronics, a.k.a. our chance to get excited about the 2020 opening ceremony WINTER CUP (1:16:53) Day 1 and the WINTER CUP OF SPLATS - we relive the best falls Who made national team? Was it based on reality and results, or...nah? Kensley and Spencer discuss NT snubs (Levi Anderson! Eddie Penev!), the epic importance of athletic goggles, tired old pommel horse narratives, and what the point of having a points system is if you just ignore it because it's so dumb What is the criteria for being sent to individual Olympic qualification world cups? (Spoiler alert: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯) CHRISTY LINDER AND DEANNA HONG We talk to Christy (1:56:33) and Deanna (1:39:43) about becoming a professional photographer/videographer in gymnastics, what they've learned on the job, the specific coverage challenges gymnastics presents, how to be athlete respectful, and how we stop gymnastics articles from choosing the WORST photos of leaps. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Monday Live Blog – February 18, 2019 Sunday Live Blog – February 17, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – February 16, 2019 Friday Live Blog – February 15, 2019 Things Are Happening – February 15, 2019 Only the Best – Week 6 Week 6 Ranking Notes
2/20/2019 • 2 hours, 14 minutes, 4 seconds
351: Rosé Then Slay
MEET NEWS It's a party! Jessica and Spencer are joined by Kensley AND Evan to discuss all of the many, many (many) gymnastics-related events of the past week. WOGA Classic (1:18): Kensley was there and discusses Ashton Locklear's return, the Blakelys, and the presence of the entire Brazilian women's team NCAA news (6:38) How the mid-season blues affected LSU, Georgia, and apparently shorted out live stream and live score capabilities across the country The bars drama at Denver and why Brenna Dowell did not compete Evan needs you to know that if you're not Lynnzee Brown's double layout, you're doing it wrong George Washington's best meet promotion ever Trinity Thomas is too perfect for this code Nebraska's entirely non-pusillanimous vault rotation, and the floor-side throne that brought out peak-narcissism Spencer The worst commentary disasters of the weekend Why Missy Marlowe and Jenny Hansen reigned as heroes Crack or correct—10s edition (56:45) Lynnzee Brown's tumbling AND dance element brilliance, Katelyn Ohashi's split-leg DLO is back, and Jessica takes Spencer (a.k.a., the 10.0 Grinch) to movement science school over Kyla Ross's vault landing 67% of the 10s awarded this season have gone to UCLA. What's up with that? Do teams with meets against UCLA, Oklahoma, and Florida get crack-by-association? Mini-commission - the "bubble" teams (1:29:38) A mini-commission from Mohini Bhardwaj Forever has us profiling the bubble teams for regionals qualification like Utah State, North Carolina, Bowling Green, and UIC, plus thoughts on the new play-in format for NCAA postseason competition (spoiler alert: we likey) GYMTERNET NEWS (1:43:30) Skinner 2020? Related: Maile O'Keefe is heading to Utah a year early and competed L10 in Las Vegas this weekend Larisa Iordache has been cleared to return to training, and guess who's out of retirement (again) to coach her. A rundown of the latest DUMPSTER FIRE news (it's a dumpster fire) Katelyn Ohashi was on Busy Tonight and Jessica has feelings about it. Plus, Ohashi's parents gave great quote in the Seattle Times. It was Svetlana Boginskaya's birthday, so celebrate by listening to our 2015 interview with her. FURTHER READING Jessica's interview with physical therapist-gymnastics coach, Dave Tilly on the Shift Show Week 6 Ranking Notes Sunday Live Blog – February 10, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – February 9, 2019 Friday Live Blog – February 8, 2019 Things Are Happening – February 8, 2019 Roster Notes – Week 5 2019 RQS Calculator Only the Best – Week 5 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 350: There Are No Rules in This House 349: The Stick Stick and the Money Gun 348: Break the Beam, Literally 347: The Michigan Mess & the Viral Queen 346: Peng Is Here! 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
2/13/2019 • 2 hours, 18 minutes, 57 seconds
350: There Are No Rules in This House
NCAA NEWS (5:22) An extended crack or correct about basically every routine at that insane Oklahoma/Florida meet A fall is a fall is a fall is a fall is a fall Confusion about the code of points and rules used to judge NCAA (also from the actual judges, apparently) Rules Modifications for NCAA The deductions that should have been taken in an example routine from this preposterous display of scoring More Hall of Fame crack with UCLA and Oregon State The worst crime of the whole weekend: UCLA's leotards Sad crack: the underscoring of Sarah Shaffer's perfect Y1/2 Anger come-down: Oregon State's death by hugging, Emily Muhlenhaupt's 9.975 on bars, and Lexy Ramler's perfect beam The SHOCKING TRUTH about NCAA scores in 2019 Bowling Green wins this week's random stick-themed nonsense award MINI-COMMISSION The Anti-Wolf Turn (1:09:41) Abzug has commissioned a segment all about turns, asking most crucially, do any less ugly turns have the same difficulty as wolf turns? Oh my yes. We discuss. Jessica talks about backspins. A good time is had by all. MEET NEWS (1:26:21) Ana Padurariu is the new all-around champion of Elite Canada, Ellie Black has a million floor pass options just because she can, and junior Zoe Allaire-Bourgie competed with the seniors due to awesomeness and took 3rd AA. Kristal Uzelac Bodenschatz competed at the Buckeye Elite qualifier after five months of training, and we highlight all the newest qualified elites News on Maile O'Keefe and Adeline Kenlin GYMTERNET NEWS (1:37:52) Annie Heffernon is the permanent senior vice president of the women's program Michigan Radio NPR: Federal Regulators release report citing 21 instances of Clery Act violations by Michigan State North Korea is considering participating in the Korea Cup in South Korea New York has passed the Child Victims Act Oleg had all the surgeries again Diego Hypolito says, "it seems that the Brazilian athlete has no value" Jessica makes Spencer talk about a feel-good story and he barely knows what to do Simone Biles is a badass (duh) Updates on post-birth college gymnastics, leadoff 10s, and beam music FURTHER READING 2019 NCAA Rules Modifications 2019 NCAA Judges Cheat Sheet Week 5 Ranking Notes Sunday Live Blog – February 3, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – February 2, 2019 Friday Live Blog – February 1, 2019 Things Are Happening – February 1, 2019 Roster Notes – Week 4 Only the Best – Week 4
2/5/2019 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 39 seconds
349: The Stick Stick and the Money Gun
NCAA NEWS Oklahoma extends its national lead at Metroplex, and Maggie is back Jessica has a moment about Stanford, featuring a story of public embarrassment from her college years (yay!) Auburn has a stick stick, Washington has a money gun, and Maryland has a sparkly turtle shell. The real heroes. Weekly feelings alert: The Ari Guerra story Or, does gymnastics fetishize and celebrate risking your future health too much? Example, Kim Hamilton's excellent book starts with her post-gymnastics crawling on the floor, in too much pain to stand. The problem with scoring the rotation order—and what's the best lineup strategy if you know Carol is coming to town? Crack or correct: The Natalie Wojcik problem and the most WTF vault score ever for Penn So that happened: John Roethlisberger, the Auburn dudes, and we'll never be the same A sexism Rage-o-Meter from...Spencer? Stop listing the names of the parents like that's a stat, and maybe hire some more women for these jobs GYMTERNET NEWS We discuss how much money USAG is paying Steve Penny, Mary Bono, and Box of Scarves. NOT GREAT, BOB. The Senate has an "AHEM, HEM" moment re: decertification and the USOC's tax-exempt status. Katarzyna Jurkowska-Kowalska is retiring Getting ready for Elite Canada and the Buckeye Kristal Uzelac qualifier this weekend Updates on Amy Tinkler, Ashton Locklear, Roxana Popa, Beth Tweddle, and the potential for world peace The latest on Jessica's quest to become an arm scientist Why doesn't the high bar have padding on it? Nina gets another...oddly shaped award SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING Safeguarding: A Checklist for parents and coaches Week 4 Ranking Notes Sunday Live Blog – January 27, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – January 26, 2019 Friday Live Blog – January 25, 2019 Things Are Happening – January 25, 2019 Roster Notes – Week 3 Only the Best – Week 3 RELATED EPISODES 348: Break the Beam, Literally 347: The Michigan Mess & the Viral Queen 346: Peng Is Here! 345: So Long 2018 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 343: The Andrade Cup & the Dumpster Fire of Lies
1/30/2019 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 52 seconds
348: Break the Beam, Literally
COLLEGE GYMNASTICS (03:36) SEC excitement won the day on Friday. We ask: is there actually a way to make wins and losses matter in college, or is it just a nice idea? Plus, Ruby's shriek of joy, Alexa Al-Hameed's Tkatchev, the Priessman/Hundley friendship featurette for people with feelings, Finnegan being all Finnegan, and Baumann being all Baumann Crack or correct: Lexie Priessman's 9.825 VT (8:08) and Trinity Thomas's 9.950 FX Sabrina Vega literally broke the beam in Georgia (or it bowed to her greatness) Spencer has no words for the insane scoring at the UCLA/Arizona State meet. Oklahoma scores 197.000, which is like 193.000 for Oklahoma Maggie Nichols out with a bruised heel Crack or correct: Anastasia Webb's 9.950 on beam (45:20) McKenna Merrell-Giles wins the hilarious beam fall award, and what's the deal with Skinner's scores? Random stick-themed nonsense of the week: Oregon State's stick chainsaw, and Illinois' stick STICK Shout outs to Arden Hudson of Ball State for vaulting a handspring repulsion 2/1, and Sophia Hyderally of Alaska for her magical floor. Crack or correct: Ona Loper's 9.750 vault, New Hampshire's 49.425 beam rotation ((1:24:00) ADVICE CORNER (1:08:59) What is proper meet etiquette? Jessica and Spencer have some...differing views about how one should behave in the audience at a gymnastics competition. As you might imagine. GYMTERNET NEWS (1:26:44) John Engler finally resigned from MSU Kathryn Carson has a board update. Everything is great apparently, unless you ask anyone US women have national team camp at EVO this week, and there's drama over who got invited and who did not TRIGGER WARNING: The trouble with SafeSport Rosters are out for the Stuttgart AA world cup (SIMONE AND ALIYA) and Melbourne event world cup FURTHER READING Monday Live Blog – January 21, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – January 19, 2019 Friday Live Blog – January 18, 2019 NCAA Week 3 Preview NCAA Week 3 – Schedule and Links Roster Notes – Week 2 Only the Best – Week 2 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 347: The Michigan Mess & the Viral Queen 346: Peng Is Here! 345: So Long 2018 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 343: The Andrade Cup & the Dumpster Fire of Lies 342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents
1/22/2019 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 43 seconds
347: The Michigan Mess and the Viral Queen
CONTEST: Prize: University of Denver hat, shirt and sweatshirt. How to Enter: Tell us why you love Denver gymnastics and use the #DenverGymCastic on Twitter or Instagram. Deadline: Sunday, Jan 20th at midnight Pacific. Do I have to be a Club Gym Nerd member? No! Open to all. IN THE NEWS The Rhonda debacle: Michigan hires, then fires, Rhonda Faehn in the span of a single weekend. Because gymnastics totally has its life together. What the team members are saying, what Rachael Denhollander is saying, and how we navigate the politics of whose voice gets to matter—especially when people we agree with happen to disagree with each other Why gymnastics fans largely have a better impression of Rhonda than of the other USAG employees involved How the University of Michigan royally screwed this up in every way Dan Baker replaced MLT as the developmental program head coach (from what we can tell), and USAG didn't say a word about it COLLEGE GYMNASTICS Auburn upsets LSU Derrian Gobourne is a star (1:14:15) The entire Auburn bars lineup is taking Abby Milliet pills What happened to McKenna Kelley How DD handled the dudes in the front row Denver defeats Michigan and Alabama Gushing about Alexis Vasquez for all eternity (15:40) Jessica's inside stories from visiting Denver during the preseason Alabama has a stick bedazzled Thor's hammer Plus... We're desperately worried about Maggie limping after floor Trinity Thomas debuts for Florida (1:16:56) and Kathy is everyone Anaheim quad meet College meets are playing the national anthem before the athletes enter Ohashi goes viral for her floor routine again (our first interview with Ohashi in 2013) Special appreciation for Kelley Hebert and Sarah Liddle of UC Davis, Alma Kuc and Sofie Seilnacht of Cal for NOT BEING BASIC Why Jessica cried over Marz Frazier's floor routine Spencer rants about the competition's horrible strip club poster "Splashdown"-gate How would an Olympic team of Nichols, Ross, Finnegan, and Skinner do? Crack or Correct: Justice for Lexy Ramler, leo scoring is real, and more bizarre judging in Alabama GYMTERNET NEWS The American Cup roster is out! We break it down gymnast by gymnast USAG hasn't been paying the men's national team. RUH ROH. Update: They've now been paid for January—why it's too late and way too little Plus: USAG finally suspends internet troll Don McPherson, Geddert case updates, Aly broke a bone, and rules about FIG nationality changes FURTHER READING Nancy Armour asks: whose voice counts? Week 2 Ranking Notes Sunday Live Blog – January 13, 2019 Saturday Live Blog – January 12, 2019 Friday Live Blog – January 11, 2019 Things Are Happening – January 11, 2019 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 346: Peng Is Here! 345: So Long 2018 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 343: The Andrade Cup & the Dumpster Fire of Lies 342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition
1/15/2019 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 58 seconds
346: Peng Is Here!
COLLEGE GYMNASTICS WEEK 1 Jessica and Spencer are joined this week by a special guest, the legend that is Peng Peng Lee, to recap the first weekend of the college gymnastics season RECORDS: Oklahoma sets a first-weekend record and BRENNA DID BEAM, breaking Jessica Peng reveals the secret to perfect beaming INJURIES: Bailie Key is going to miss another season and Lexie Priessman is coming back from her 9th surgery Peng takes us through the roller coaster that has been her injury history, from back injuries that could have left her paralyzed, to stopping gymnastics for a year, to her multi-season ACL drama Plus, how Peng's sixth year came about, why bridges are stupid and no one should do them, and where you can find her now OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMEDY: Arkansas has a hog nose on a chain, Alex Hyland has Fresh Prince of Bel-Air floor music, and Maya Bordas wins the beam save award HIGHLIGHTS: Natalie Wojcik is our freshman of the week, Gracie Kramer's floor is Spencer's favorite because of weird, and Claire Gagliardi from Ohio State has the most fantastic Yezhova (14:38) CRACK OR CORRECT: Rachel Dickson's mathematically impossible beam score Maddie Desch (1:05:55) receives 9.250 for a beam routine with no fall—we discuss what's right and what's wrong about this score Were any of the vaults really 10s? GYMTERNET NEWS (1:33:30) KENZO DID MAI'S FLOOR ROUTINE AHHHHHHH KRISTAL UZELAC IS RETURNING TO ELITE AHHHHHHH Jessica has been reading too many spy novels: Russian doping conspiracy theory edition USAG and Safesport news: USA Gymnastics' former coach Sergio Galvez accused of sexual misconduct Indiana AG: USA Gymnastics' policy for handling sex abuse allegations falls short of law Olympian Maroney Stays Nassar Case For USAG's Ch. 11 “Believed” Podcast Named Best Coverage of a News Story by The A.V. Club MELANIE AHHHHHHHH LINKS Seth Delbridge has developed a MAG and WAG Code of points app Week 1 Ranking Notes Saturday Live Blog – January 5, 2019 Friday Live Blog – January 4, 2019 Things Are Happening – January 4, 2019 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 345: So Long 2018 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 343: The Andrade Cup & the Dumpster Fire of Lies 342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents
1/9/2019 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 7 seconds
345: So Long 2018
INSPIRATION NEWS (1:58:00) We're going to Tokyo! Rachael Denhollander and Maggie Nichols are inspirations (duh) Simone is dominant (also duh) ROPES & GRAY (9:10:00) The Ropes and Gray Investigation released its report What we learned about Scott Blackmun and Alan Ashley Nassar's unsatisfactory score in 2012 and unpacking Martha's not wanting "the gymnasts to be with the boxers" comment The FBI...what were you even doing? Kathy Kelly and Renee Jamison were in charge of handling abuse reports...so nope THEY KEPT THE RECORDS IN A BARN What do we do with this information? What was the point? What do we need now? GYMTERNET 2018 – A Year In Review (1:08:46) The GymCastic Indictment Draft – As we review the events of the year that was, yell DRAFT every time you want to put someone (or something, or a concept) on your all-indictment fantasy list BRING ON 2019 (1:37:07) New seniors we're too excited about (ITALY) Giorgia Villa - Youth Olympic Games Champ - Bars Elisa Iorio - Bars D’Amato twins, Asia and Alice - Asia Floor Ksenia Klimenko (Russia) - Bars Anastasiya Bachynska (Ukraine) - Beam, Floor Qi Qi (China) - Beam Tang Xijing (China) - 4th AA at Youth Olympics - Floor Amelie Morgan (Great Britain) - 2nd AA at Youth Olympics - Floor Emma Slevin (Ireland) - Bars All the elites heading to college competition in 2019. Next time we meet, the college season will have started! (1:43:25) Marz Frazier and Norah Flatley (UCLA) Trinity Thomas, Sydney Johnson-Scharpf, Leah Clapper (Florida) Emily Gaskins (Alabama) Alexis Vasquez (Denver , another Chow-baby in college!) Olivia Trautman (Oklahoma) Bailey Ferrer (LSU) Molly Frack (Auburn) Grace Quinn (Cal) International Elites in the college: Canada: Shallon Olsen (Alabama), Megan Roberts (Georgia), Madeline McLellan, Meaghan Ruttan (Washington), Meixi Semple (Iowa State) Great Britain: Abi Solari (Cal), Phoebe Turner (Iowa State) Spain: Ana Palacios (Iowa State) Czech Republic: Anna-Maria Kanyai (Bowling Green), 2014 world Study proves adult gymnastics is the foundation of youth : "People in their 70s who have been exercising regularly for decades seem to have put a brake on the aging process, maintaining the heart, lung and muscle fitness of healthy people at least 30 years younger... As for muscle health, the findings were even more significant... researchers were surprised to find the 75-year-old muscles of lifelong exercisers were about the same as the muscles of the 25-year-olds." SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. 2018 GymCastic Gift Guide FURTHER READING 2019 Preview – Pac-12 Roundup 2019 Preview – SEC Roundup 2019 Preview – Alabama Crimson Tide 2019 Preview – Georgia Bulldogs 2019 Preview – LSU Tigers Things Are Happening – December 11, 2018 RELATED EPISODES 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) 343: The Andrade Cup & the Dumpster Fire of Lies 342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 187: McKayla Maroney 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 322: Mary Lee Tracy Truth & Reconciliation
12/19/2018 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 24 seconds
344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned)
The tie that wasn't a tie! This week's episode has been commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member RayRay, who requested an episode on "An Abundance of Shushunovas (TM Jessica) - The 1988 battle between Shushunova and Silvas." Thank you for letting us do this, RayRay! Psst: Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about the dumpster fire, so just a few words on that before we begin. We'll get into it in detail next week, but you can read the entire Ropes and Gray report here. WATCH: UK Coverage; US Coverage We discuss: Who won the AA battle, event by event, routine by routine Silivas's own thoughts about the hardest mats of all time Perms and shorterall leos and mullets — the big 3 THERE IS AN OUTLINE OF A BUTT ON THIS SPRINGBOARD Classic (i.e. horrifying) US fluff pieces Floor whisperers: We interpret the floor choreography with 100% accuracy The most 80s thing that has ever happened in history ever The SHOVE of victory Where are they now? Checking in with the main characters FURTHER READING 2019 Preseason Coaches Poll 2019 Preview – Utah Utes Things Are Happening – December 7, 2018 2019 Preview – Cal Golden Bears 2019 Preview – Nebraska Cornhuskers 2019 Preview – Michigan Wolverines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy some of our awesome clothing and gifts here. Plus, the 2018 Gymcastic Gift Guide is here! Be sure to order by December 18 for delivery by Christmas! RELATED EPISODES 342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
12/12/2018 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 33 seconds
343: The Andrade Cup & the Dumpster Fire of Lies
THIS WEEK (1:30) First, Scott Bregman of the Olympic Channel joins us to talk about his fantastic interviews with Simone Biles and John Orozco and handle Jessica's request for a naked interview with a bunch of Japanese men, or something IN THE NEWS (19:50) We discuss what we learned about THE DOCUMENTS from Scott Reid's report on the depositions in Aly's lawsuit against USAG and the USOC – it ain't good. The FIG Congress approved creating a Gymnastics Ethics Foundation — is this anything? The FIG has proposed changes in the way athletes qualify for worlds — we like! The USAG board has a new chairwoman – is there a secret golf cabal we should know about? Lou Anna Simon has been charged with lying to police – oh, that's too bad. Alex Naddour has been removed from the suspended members list. COTTBUS (56:50) Jessica's thoughts on the crowd, swimming naked in Germany, Milad Karimi's crib, white boards, and genetically modified Ukrainians Spencer jabbers endlessly about the Olympic qualification points rules, what this means for 2020 (not so much yet) and Jade Carey's strategy The Rebeca Andrade Cup – THAT DTY YOU GUYS The beam final was a mess, but Flavia got 2nd even with a fall because perfection Jade Carey did...OK. She took 2nd on VT and 5th on FX with 3 OOBs Marta Pihan-Kulesza has brought back her Pink Panther routine, and it was AH-MAH-ZING Pros and Cons of how the Olympic rules have changed the apparatus world cup Pros: This is the most we've ever cared about an apparatus world cup Cons: Some of these finals were better than worlds: Cough, cough MIYACHI UNCLE TIM ALERT (14:34) Uncle Tim attended Cirque's show Volta and has an extra special review for us SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. December 18th is the last day to order and get your goodies by Christmas! And we have themed albums! The 2018 Gymcastic Gift Guide is here! FURTHER READING National Team Rankings – December 2018 Things Are Happening – November 30, 2018 2019 NCAA Roster Notes Cottbus World Cup – Finals Live Blog Day 2 Cottbus World Cup – Finals Live Blog RELATED EPISODES 342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 339: Doha Worlds Event Finals Day Two 338: Doha Worlds Event Finals Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview 324: The Jade Carey Situation a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game
12/4/2018 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 9 seconds
342: A Quitter's Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned)
This episode has been commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Taylor, Princess of Sex Data, who requested a deep dive into the infamous CNN Parkettes documentary, Achieving the Perfect 10, that we can all quote by heart. We discuss Background What's the deal with Parkettes? The legacy of this piece Jessica's experience going to the Parkettes camp as a youth (!) Why we think Parkettes agreed to this Part 1: A 7-year-old with a broken ankle TOPs testing gives Spencer a panic attack How NOT to sound like a creeper when talking about a 7-year-old Everyone says "suck it up" 100,000 times because healthy We root for everyone to quit and go to a pool party Part 2: Get confident, stupid Demeaning people definitely makes them more confident The Mrs hates everyone, especially gymnasts, and teenagers, and you Jessica is still fawning over Nicole Harris to this day Part 3: Annie, are you OK? "Do you just think it's more important to have bobbles so people will give you attentions?" Why we're obsessed with deadpan comedy genius Annie Fogerty OH GOOD THE WEIGHT PORTION, THIS WILL GO WELL "Way to give up, Annie, way to give up" "Was that a try, what you just did? What kind of a try? Is there such a thing as a quitter's try, like lackadaisical?" What exactly is a quitter's try? The Kristie Phillips cautionary tale Part 4: Aftermath Where are they now? What this says about elite gymnastics, and why USAG learned all the wrong lessons from how horrified we are by it The problem with typical American parents' view of sports FURTHER READING Meet the Freshmen – Oklahoma & Arkansas Meet the Freshmen – Florida & Kentucky Things Are Happening – November 16, 2018 Meet the Freshmen – LSU & Georgia NLI Week 2019-2020= SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
11/21/2018 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 55 seconds
341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House
GYMTERNET NEWS The latest on...bum-bum-bum...decertification Mary Bono was submitted by THE USOC Is decertification inevitable...or not? THE DOCUMENTS We're being asked to believe some pretty ridiculous things right now... ...so we performed a play about what might maybe have happened Save your applause until the end Rules Clarifications. At worlds, the FIG held a forum to clarify rules and it was eventful. We CODE NERD OUT about: The messy chalk crackdown "No face painting. This is sport, not theater" No choreography onto the floor No soccer flopping The swing ring police (YES!) The two-foot-layout police (YES!) The side jump police (YES!) The beam rhythm police (YES!) THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW The myth, the legend, actual real-life big-boy sports reporter Will Graves of the AP joins us to discuss his experience in Doha and the current state of US gymnastics, including If he floated away in a flood Crowd size, and whether worlds should ever go back to Qatar His secret meeting with the country's #2 (and interest in the rainbow leotard) How he approaches USAG differently than in, say, 2015 Whether Simone is the greatest thing ever to be, ever, in the history of time and the universe, ever ever ever The current state of men's gymnastics in the US SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents 339: Doha Worlds Event Finals Day Two 338: Doha Worlds Event Finals Day One 337: Doha Worlds Women's All-Around Final 336: Doha Worlds Men's All Around Final 335: Doha Worlds Womens Team Final 334: Doha Worlds Men's Team Final Day Five 333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview 328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire
11/14/2018 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 25 seconds
340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents
THIS WEEK'S This week Jessica is joined by Scott Reid from the Orange County Register. We discuss: Why All Olympia (AOGC) Mckayla Maroney and Mattie Larson's gym is closing. Why the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) is moving to decertify USA Gymnastics (USAG) now. Did USAG suddenly find the "missing" Ranch medical documents? Whether or not the USOC is decertifying in order to force USAG into bankruptcy. What effect a USAG bankruptcy will have on the evidence gathering in the lawsuits. Will USAG really be decertified? Here's a link to his most recent article, "All Olympia agrees to pay Nassar survivor Mattie Larson $1 million" CONTEST WHAT: Norbert’s are giving away a 6' Long Sectional Beam. Model SB-402, $120 value and of course they pay shipping in the 48 continuous states. HOW: Twitter tag us and use hastag norbertsbeamgiveaway and tell us your favorite beam skill or post a GIF of it. DEADLINE: November 12th at noon Pacific WATCH ALONG WITH US ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney 328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition 245: Steve Penny is GONE 241: The Pittsburgh Incident
11/9/2018 • 27 minutes, 42 seconds
339: Doha Worlds Event Finals Day Two
WOMEN'S BEAM, FLOOR and MEN'S PARALLEL BARS, VAULT AND HIGH BAR EVENT FINALS Simone Biles won her back her gold crown on Floor. She also tied Khorkina's record for total World medals and broke Khorkina's all-around record by winning her fourth World all-around title. Simone, Morgan Hurd and Mai gobbled up the floor medals like champs but we have some questions about Melanie de Jesus dos Santos floor score and obviously Brooklyn Moors should have won all the medals because she is ART! Ri Se Gwang was allowed out of his secret training dungeon to grace us with his bionic ankles and crazy difficulty for the vault win. As expected the man should be given 10's for execution on P-Bars won gold and Oleg Verniaev hung in for silver. High bar was controversial with Epke winning with his huge D and improved form, but Kohei's better E earning silver. Sam Mikulak won his first EVER individual World medal with the highest execution of the final. WATCH ALONG WITH US ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE FURTHER READING Just the Good Stuff - Event Finals Day 2 Worlds 2018 - Event Finals Day 2 Just the Good Stuff - Event Finals Day 1 Worlds 2018 - Event Finals Day 1 Just the Good Stuff - Womens All-Around Final Worlds 2018 – Women’s All-Around Final Just the Good Stuff: Men’s All-Around Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s All-Around Final Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Team Final Worlds 2018 – Women’s Team Final Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Team Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s Team Final SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here.
11/3/2018 • 40 minutes, 39 seconds
338: Doha Worlds Event Finals Day One
WOMEN'S VAULT AND BARS, MEN'S POMMEL HORSE, RINGS AND FLOOR EVENT FINALS Simone Biles breaks Scherbo's event medal record with her bazillianth vault gold. Nina did it! She won the bar world championship gold! NINA DERWAEL!!! But do we agree with third and fourth place? NBC things The best stag jump on men's floor won gold and Kenzo was more excited for Yulo than himself. Pommel horse tie-breaker between Max Whitlock and Xiao. Why can't there be ties!? Eleftherios Petrounias (Greece) doesn't need no stinkin' shoulder tender to win rings! Duh! WATCH ALONG WITH US ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE FURTHER READING Just the Good Stuff - Event Finals Day 1 Worlds 2018 - Event Finals Day 1 Just the Good Stuff - Womens All-Around Final Worlds 2018 – Women’s All-Around Final Just the Good Stuff: Men’s All-Around Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s All-Around Final Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Team Final Worlds 2018 – Women’s Team Final Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Team Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s Team Final SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 337: Doha Worlds Women's All-Around Final 336: Doha Worlds Men's All Around Final 335: Doha Worlds Womens Team Final 334: Doha Worlds Men’s Team Final Day Five 333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview
11/2/2018 • 38 minutes, 10 seconds
337: Doha Worlds Women's All Around Final
WOMEN'S ALL-AROUND FINAL Simone wins her 4th world championship AA title—but how do we feel about someone winning with two falls? We break down the tight race for the remaining medals among Mai Murakami, Morgan Hurd, Nina Derwael, Angelina Melnikova, and Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos Mai and Nina make ALL THE HISTORY Plus, all the things that made Jessica well up with tears, scream at the world feed, hit Spencer in the leg, and sometimes all three WATCH ALONG WITH US ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FURTHER READING Just the Good Stuff: Women’s All-Around Final Worlds 2018 – Women’s All-Around Final Just the Good Stuff: Men’s All-Around Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s All-Around Final Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Team Final Worlds 2018 – Women’s Team Final Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Team Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s Team Final SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 336: Doha Worlds Men's All Around Final 335: Doha Worlds Womens Team Final 334: Doha Worlds Men’s Team Final Day Five 333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview
11/2/2018 • 45 minutes, 13 seconds
336: Doha Worlds Mens AA Final
DOHA: WOMEN'S TEAM FINAL Kensley, Jessica and Spencer talk about the 2018 men's all-around final! Sam Mikulak was third going in to the finals but high bar got him again. Why the all around tie-breaker of dropping the lowest score is the stupidest thing ever. Artur Dalaloyan's come back from team finals was so heartwarming. Xiao, Kenzo and Nagorny all the hearts and so did Nastia who hates the world feed and tie-breakers as much as we do. TELL 'EM Nastia! Watch along with us on YouTube here CONTEST WHAT: Norbert’s are giving away a 6' Long Sectional Beam. Model SB-402, $120 value and of course they pay shipping in the 48 continuous states. HOW: Twitter tag us and use hastag #norbertsbeamgiveaway and tell us your favorite beam skill or post a GIF of it. DEADLINE: November 12th FURTHER READING Just the Good Stuff: Mens's AA Final Worlds 2018 - Men's AA Final Worlds 2018 – Men’s Team Final Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Qualification Day 2 Worlds 2018 – Women’s Qualification Day 2 Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Qualification Day 1 Worlds 2018 – Women’s Qualification Day 1 Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Qualification Day 2 Worlds 2018 – Men’s Qualification Day 2 Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Qualification Day 1 Worlds 2018 – Men’s Qualification Day 1 (Russia) SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 335: Doha Worlds Womens Team Final 334: Doha Worlds Men's Team Final Day Five 333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview
10/31/2018 • 39 minutes, 47 seconds
335: 2018 Doha Worlds Womens Team Final
DOHA: WOMEN'S TEAM FINAL Jessica and Spencer talk about the women's team final! The US won by the largest margin of victor by a male or female team ever! Tom Forster actually told us the criteria for the lineups, asked for the gymnast's opinions and even told us the team goals which are completely reasonable! Russia and US rotation world peace. Historic finish for Canada. Don't worry Japan will be safe. The World feed might be ever worse than NBC with Trautwig. Our hearts broke for Brazil and China. How the French and German teams won our hearts. EVEN SPENCER'S! FURTHER READING Worlds 2018 – Men’s Team Final Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Qualification Day 2 Worlds 2018 – Women’s Qualification Day 2 Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Qualification Day 1 Worlds 2018 – Women’s Qualification Day 1 Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Qualification Day 2 Worlds 2018 – Men’s Qualification Day 2 Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Qualification Day 1 Worlds 2018 – Men’s Qualification Day 1 (Russia) SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview
10/31/2018 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
334: Doha Worlds Men's Team Final Day Five
DOHA: MEN'S TEAM FINAL Kensley, Jessica, and Spencer talk about this super exciting disaster of a men's team final! China vs. Russia – China wins by 0.050! How it all went down, shock by shock, rotation by rotation Was the result fair? How do we feel about this new alternating-routines format? Plus, good-luck hickies and nose-hair close-ups Japan and the US and the fight for bronze Kohei comes through! Duh. But even Japan was not immune to the splat-monster How should the US feel about this 4th place finish? Terry, Tim, and Nastia were NOT having the world feed (then maybe NBC should open its WALLET instead of whining about it!!!!!!) RAGE THE FIG HAS MADE A RULE BANNING CELINE VAN GERNER'S CAT MAKEUP AND WE ARE NOT HAVING IT RAGGGGGEEEEEEEEE FURTHER READING Worlds 2018 – Men’s Team Final Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Qualification Day 2 Worlds 2018 – Women’s Qualification Day 2 Just the Good Stuff: Women’s Qualification Day 1 Worlds 2018 – Women’s Qualification Day 1 Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Qualification Day 2 Worlds 2018 – Men’s Qualification Day 2 Just the Good Stuff: Men’s Qualification Day 1 Worlds 2018 – Men’s Qualification Day 1 (Russia) SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview
10/30/2018 • 41 minutes, 25 seconds
333: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Four
DOHA WORLDS: DAY THREE WOMEN'S PRELIMS Spencer, and Jessica chat about the results of the final day of women's prelims at the 2018 Doha Artistic Gymnastics World Championships: The team final is set. We discuss: US, Russia rough vault, will they bring in the alternate? China lots of room for improvement but TingTing and Zhang made beam finals. Canada were all Ellie Black and fantastic. Brazil won the leo competition and hit like beasts. Japan still hanging in for finals. France and Melanie de Jesus Dos Santos. Germany and their killer bars. Which event final is going to be the most competitive. Hint IT'S BARS. Why new Romania is Jessica's new favorite Romanian team ever. Brooklyn Moors is in floor finals so the completion is legitimate. The latest from behind the scenes and things women can get arrested for in Qatar. FURTHER READING JUST THE GOOD STUFF: WOMEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 JUST THE GOOD STUFF: MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 JUST THE GOOD STUFF: MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 (USA, JPN, GB, CHN) WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 (RUSSIA) Women's Podium Training Update WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION PREVIEW SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome merch here. RELATED EPISODES 332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three 331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview U.S. Men's Team Conference Call 328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game
10/28/2018 • 42 minutes, 5 seconds
332: Doha Worlds WAG Prelims Day Three
DOHA WORLDS: DAY THREE WOMEN'S PRELIMS Spencer, and Jessica chat about the results of women's prelims at the 2018 Doha Artistic Gymnastics World Championships: Simone's kidney stone (which she has nicknamed, "The Pearl of Doha") couldn't stop her leading by almost five points and making the Biles Vault official. We rave about Morgan Hurd peaking at exactly the right time to make AA finals. Kara Eaker's glorious beam, Riley McCusker's bars, Grace McCallum being money, and Ragan Smith being able to be part of the team on the floor. Nina Derwael (BEL) winning bars so far and probably making floor finals! Grown Ass Women news: Chuso, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. Plus Marta Pihan-Kulesza (POL) bringing her baby Pink Panther, Jagna into the mixed zone and Jurkowska-Kowalska (POL), 26 making the laid-out gainer DOUBLE full beam dismount officially called the Jurkowska-Kowalska! Storms, falcons and the positive side of Doha hosting a world championships. FURTHER READING JUST THE GOOD STUFF: WOMEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 JUST THE GOOD STUFF: MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 JUST THE GOOD STUFF: MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 (USA, JPN, GB, CHN) WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 (RUSSIA) Women's Podium Training Update WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION PREVIEW SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome merch here. RELATED EPISODES 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview U.S. Men's Team Conference Call 328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game
10/27/2018 • 38 minutes, 19 seconds
331: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day Two
DOHA WORLDS MEN'S PRELIMS DAY TWO Spencer, Jessica and Kensley chat about: THE POMMEL-POCALYPSE claimed many lives, almost every favorite is out. ALKASS.NET is streaming non-geoblocked but mostly video of people in the stands China was amazing. Sam Mikulak is in four event finals plus the AA final. First American man to do that since 1979! Team qualifications: Russia, China, Japan, US, Great Britain, Brazil, Netherlands, Switzerland Non-PH event finals are promising. Simone has kidney stones. FURTHER READING WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 2 (USA, JPN, GB, CHN) WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 (RUSSIA) Women's Podium Training Update WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION PREVIEW SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak! Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome merch here. RELATED EPISODES 330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview U.S. Men's Team Conference Call 328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game
10/26/2018 • 33 minutes, 55 seconds
330: Doha Worlds MAG Prelims Day One
DOHA WORLDS MEN'S PRELIMS DAY ONE Spencer, Jessica and Kensley chat about: The Russia show Heartbreak of Igor on vault, Belyavskiy missing all-around and Manrique Larduet not even trying for AA. Netherlands kicking ass, especially on HB even though Epke didn't do his full difficulty . New star Yulo Carlos Edriel from Philippines. Vault E scores are still wrong. Updates from the pool to women's start lists. FURTHER READING WORLDS 2018 – MEN’S QUALIFICATION DAY 1 (RUSSIA) Women's Podium Training Update WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFICATION PREVIEW SUPPORT THE SHOW Thank you Tumbl Trak Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome merch here. RELATED EPISODES 329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview U.S. Men's Team Conference Call 328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game
10/25/2018 • 22 minutes, 26 seconds
329: Steve Penny Arrested & Doha Worlds Preview
THE NEWS Steve Penny got arrested Indicted on felony charges of tampering with evidence Oh. That's too bad. What are these alleged documents allegedly that he allegedly tried to remove from the ranch allegedly? Some things about this arrest...don't add up. What's really going on? Steve Penny has now been banned by USAG. LOLOLOLOLOLOL. The FBI emails We discuss the totally inappropriate-seeming emails exchanged between Steve Penny and an FBI agent Why everything about this is SOOOO Steve Penny Tasha Schwikert comes forward "Steve had always manipulated all of us really...he and USA Gymnastics made me feel like if it wasn't for them..." The clearest example of the semi-ambiguous "toxic culture at USAG that silences athletes" How this clarifies the infamous USAG 60 Minutes tweet WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS How to watch In the US, select qualification sessions will be streamed on NBC sports. Finals will be on the Olympic Channel and streamed on the Olympic Channel website. Women’s AA and event finals will be tape delayed on NBCSN. Men’s qualification - Thursday and Friday Women’s qualification - Saturday and Sunday Men’s and women’s team finals - Monday and Tuesday Men’s and women’s AA finals - Wednesday and Thursday Event finals - Friday and Saturday The latest from Doha Everyone drowned in a flood on the first day Inevitably equipment controversy. The floor is...hard. The pommel horse is...wrong? The latest news from Sexism Land (it's not that bad this time!) The US women watched the men's podium training (WHAT?) PREVIEW TIME Can anyone break through the US/Russia/China trio? Are the Japanese men in trouble in the team competition? Jessica previews the over-30s rocking the competition What non-Simones might win AA medals? KOHEI IS OUT OF THE ALL-AROUND What are Sam Mikulak's medal chances really? Which event final fields are good, which are bad, and who you need to look out for FURTHER READING Worlds 2018 – US Women’s Podium Training Men’s Podium Training Update World Championships Qualification Preview World Championships Viewing Guide SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Doha merch now available! It's not too late!
10/24/2018 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 50 seconds
328: The US Worlds Team & CEO Dumpster Fire
IN THE NEWS BREAKING TUESDAY UPDATE: Mary Bono has resigned. We perform a dramatic reading of her resignation letter. Now, to the show. USAG appoints Mary Bono as its interim CEO, and Jessica and Spencer have no opinions about that. Oh wait, the opposite. The Nike tweet and why that (and her fake apology) is so, so bad She worked for the damn USAG law firm Meanwhile, Simone is being a CHAMPION Has USAG learned NOTHING? (Spoiler: yes) On what planet was a politician the right person right now? ACTUAL GYMNASTICS The US women's worlds team has been named! And it makes sense! SIMONE DEBUTED A NEW VAULT YOU GUYS But seriously. This vault. I mean...come on. Just... Streaming the selection competition — good for everyone! Kara Eaker's beam score - how realistic is this? BUT WHO IS THE ALTERNATE? WHAT SHOULD THE TEAM FINAL LINEUPS BE? WHO DOES BEAM IN QUALIFICATION? We discuss. A taste of next week's worlds preview as we discuss medal prospects for the US women's team GYMTERNET NEWS Tom Forster did a Twitter Q&A that exceeded expectations and provided some actual information! What is the Ted Stevens Act, how is it influencing US Olympic qualification decisions, and does that even make sense? USAG released the Jade Carey Rules about individual Olympic qualification. We break them down, with comments. MEET ROUNDUP Youth Olympic Games — Italy has an all-around champion, Simone Biles wins meets she doesn't even enter now, and we dork out about the future for Ireland and Finland Romanian nationals — Denisa Golgota withdrew, sending the gymnastics world into a state of panic, but things look good for the 2020 seniors FURTHER READING Things Are Happening – October 13, 2018 US World Championships Team Named Selection Camp – Live Blog Things Are Happening – October 9, 2018 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. The DOHA GEAR is ready for you! Boycotting and watching from home? We have that covered. Posters? That too! RELATED EPISODES 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) 326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game 323: Miss Val Retires, Inside Men's Doha Selection, and the MLT Debrief 322: Mary Lee Tracy Truth & Reconciliation 321: Consequences, Felonies, and Tumblers 320: USA Gymnastics Is an Exploding Garbage Monster
10/17/2018 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 29 seconds
327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned)
This episode has been commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Kerry, who requested an episode all about the 1993 NCAA Nationals, saying “This was the first NCAAs I ever watched as a kid growing up in Georgia, so this obviously got me hooked!” Setting the scene - what was college gymnastics like in the ancient year of 1993? A new format called "Super Six" was taking the college gymnastics world by storm Bonkers scoring and unrealistic 10s dominated the conversation (we wouldn't know anything about that) The competition - watch along with us HERE. Press play when Jessica tells you The Great Marsden Billboard Incident of '93 We get distracted by the extremely 1993 fashions for a while Jessica is not having these pirouettes But seriously the fashion, you guys Agina Simpkins is the best thing ever to happen I MEAN THESE CLOTHES Dee Foster's vault still holds up today Greg Marsden hates the format (Shocked, I tell you!) LONG LIVE GYM ACRO SERIES Hope Spivey-Sheely puts everyone else's difficulty to shame The legend that is Jenny Hansen Questions about the Georgia All-American murals Stanning Dana Duckworth Georgia, Georgia, Georgia, Georgia Post-competition discussion Whose personal style best encapsulated the year 1993? What could the 2019 NCAA code learn from the 1993 code? What did we see in 1993 that you are SO GLAD is gone? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. We have DOHA GEAR. RELATED EPISODES 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
10/11/2018 • 57 minutes, 31 seconds
326: The Great Individual vs. Team Debate
THIS WEEK We have TWO episodes this week, so be sure to catch our 1993 NCAA Nationals commission as well on Thursday! Updates on some of the other difference makers we could have talked about last week but didn't. Like idiots. Plus, many more American collegiate medalists. More on the Jade Carey situation Jessica thinks it's AWESOME, Spencer thinks it's strategically unsound, and they both think USAG botched it (but whaaaaa?) The great INDIVIDUAL vs. TEAM debate, years in the making In the individual corner, Jessica O'Beirne, who gives two giant steaming turds about team medals In the team corner, Spencer Barnes, who finds a way to make this about math homework somehow We create some much better rules for how the US should be handling individual Olympic spots The Youth Olympic Games have started! We need to talk about the "mixed multi-discipline team event" Jessica tells us about Shawn Johnson's interesting appearance on Freakonomics FURTHER READING The Jade Carey Problem Strong Opinions About Every Single Nation’s Worlds Team SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Including DOHA GEAR RELATED EPISODES 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) 324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game 323: Miss Val Retires, Inside Men's Doha Selection, and the MLT Debrief 322: Mary Lee Tracy Truth & Reconciliation 321: Consequences, Felonies, and Tumblers 320 Spencer Blogcast: USA Gymnastics Is an Exploding Garbage Monster 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals
10/10/2018 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 26 seconds
325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned)
This week, we have a special episode commissioned by InterGalactic Champion level Club Gym Nerd member Matt who, inspired by Queen Alexandra Raisman, requested an episode about athletes who were bold enough to make a difference in the quality of life for others. He said, "Thus, for my commissioned episode, I would like for you to name your All-Olympic team of difference makers. Honorees must be Olympic gymnasts from any country or era who made a positive impact." Let's do this! Here are the athletes we're naming to our Olympic team of difference makers. Team Captain Vera Caslavska, who bowed her head in the 1968 medal ceremony to protest Soviet incursion in Czechoslovakia Hong Un Jong and Lee Eun Ju—The North/South Korea selfie heard 'round the world The Kuwaiti gymnast who came to worlds in 1991 just after documenting the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait Sub-discussion - the Japanese leotard in 2012 Farah Ann Abdul Hadi and daring to (GASP) wear a leotard Agnes Keleti, who survived WWII by posing as a Christian maid to return to gymnastics and become the most decorated Jewish Olympian (to that point) Emilia Eberle, Jennifer Sey, Marcia Frederick, Dominique Moceanu, the 2011 Dutch team, and all others who have spoken out against abusive coaching 1996 Canadian Olympian Kris Burley, who came out after retiring in 1999 and later joined the COC's program to combat homophobia in sports Jeffrey Wammes, who came out in an interview with Linda Magazine in 2011, and continued competing until 2016 Alexis Brown of UC Davis, who kneeled during the national anthem during the 2017 season Mirabella Akhunu, who changed what you thought of when you thought Ukrainian 1968 beam champion Natalya Kuchinskaya, who said obvious things about coaching the person rather than the gymnast before people were ready to hear it Firsts from Dianne Durham and Wendy Hilliard All those responsible for the introduction of the vaulting table Olympians who spoke up during a major competition about safety: Allana Slater and Bart Deurloo FURTHER READING Chalking Up: My Life in Elite Gymnastics, by Jennifer Sey Nike is a Goddess: A History of Women in Sports, by Lucy Danziger (Agnes Keleti's story) SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Worlds designs are available now! RELATED EPISODES 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) CONTEST What: 5 winners get a copy of Miss Val’s book: Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance Grand Prize: Book and 15 minute personal phone call with Miss Val. How to Enter: Using the #DontWaitToDance on Twitter or Instagram tag us @GymCastic with a 5 second video doing your favorite UCLA floor choreography. Doesn't have to be you, use your dog, fingers, make a friend do it. Bonus entries: Link to the book. Enter as many times as you want. When: Now to October 5th, 2018 *Conflict of Interest Disclaimer: Jessica's husband co-authored this book.
10/4/2018 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 49 seconds
324: The Jade Carey Situation & a Miss Val Book Interview Drinking Game
IN THE NEWS The roster for the US worlds selection camp has been named—and Jade Carey isn't on it! What the LKJDF;LKSJDF is going on around here? Why this doesn't make strategic sense for the US women's program Why this might make strategic sense for Jade Carey herself We foresee several dozen cans of worms this could open The Paris World Cup and the Case of the Missing Touch Warmup Why that's bad and also probably against the rules Ellie Black and the French dominate Igor was so incredibly Igor that we cannot even begin It took over 5 damn hours, and Jessica is not having it The requisite amount of Russian team drama MISS VAL INTERVIEW Miss Val's book Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is available now in print or audio form! Jessica chatted with Miss Val, her co-author Coop (conflict of interest disclaimer: who also happens to be Jessica's husband), and our potentially overqualified sound engineer for the evening Aimee Boorman, and things may have descended into a Netherlands drinking game. So, normal GymCastic stuff. What came first, deciding to retire or writing the book? Why Miss Val really retired from ballet dancing. What Suzanne Yoculan and Miss Val have in common when in comes to leotard feelings. Why American Olympic gymnasts are all the same personality type but foreign Olympians are not. How this book will change your life! CONTEST What: 5 winners get a copy of Miss Val’s book: Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance Grand Prize: Book and 15 minute personal phone call with Miss Val. How to Enter: Using the #DontWaitToDance on Twitter or Instagram tag us @GymCastic with a 5 second video doing your favorite UCLA floor choreography. Doesn't have to be you, use your dog, fingers, make a friend do it. Bonus entries: Link to the book. Enter as many times as you want. When: Now to October 5th *Conflict of Interest Disclaimer: Jessica's husband co-authored this book. FURTHER READING National Team Rankings – October 2018 Reese’s Cup 1996 – A GIFcap Things Are Happening – September 26, 2018 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Worlds merchandise now available! RELATED EPISODES 323: Miss Val Retires, Inside Men's Doha Selection, and the MLT Debrief 322: Mary Lee Tracy Truth & Reconciliation 321: Consequences, Felonies, and Tumblers 320 Spencer Blogcast: USA Gymnastics Is an Exploding Garbage Monster 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals
10/4/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 4 seconds
323: Miss Val Retires, Inside Men's Doha Selection, and the MLT Debrief
CONTEST What: 5 winners get a copy of Miss Val’s book: Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance Grand Prize: Book and 15 minute personal phone call with Miss Val. How to Enter: Using the #DontWaitToDance on Twitter or Instagram tag us @GymCastic with a 5 second video doing your favorite UCLA floor choreography. Doesn't have to be you, use your dog, fingers, make a friend do it. Bonus entries: Link to the book. Enter as many times as you want. When: Now to October 5th *Conflict of Interest Disclaimer: Jessica's husband co-authored this book. THE BIG STORIES Miss Val will retire after the 2019 season (3:30) Nostalgia for the age of larger-than-life coaches What does UCLA do now? And is it a knife fight for the head coach position? MLT interview - the aftermath (20:20) How Jessica feels about it now and why she never wants to do it again “This is a sense in which reconciliation can serve as a powerful force for societal healing. But at the same time, these negative consequences on the individual psyche are still there." Reactions, regrets, impressions, hopes, frustrations, and feedback What Jetter and her dad had to say Kensley attended US men's selection camp and has ALL THE SCOOPS (59:40) Mikulak, Moldauer, Yoder, Modi, and Van Wicklen will go to Doha Why Whittenburg was left off the national team Marvin Kimble drama-things Why Brett McClure is scared of the Olympic tour The trashy gym and mismatched equipment the US men have to use MEET NEWS Pan American Championships (1:31:13) Dominance from the US women (duh) Grace McCallum's world championships chances Trinity Thomas makes history Don't sleep on Team Mexico JUSTICE FOR THE WOMEN OF CUBA The US men won with consistency Manrique was the Manrique of the meet Becky Downie is doing a 6.6 BARS ROUTINE GYMTERNET NEWS (1:46:29) Ropes and Gray is delayed until the end of 2018 Mary Lou Retton is on Dancing with the Stars ...... Lobbied Senator Feinstein against the SafeSport bill Alyssa Beckerman with Inside Gym: “You hear a lot that Larry Nassar was a tumor on an otherwise perfect system and… NO! Larry preyed upon a broken system.” Note to MLR FYI: World Championships is canceled Celine Van Gerner and Eythora Thorsdottir will not compete Bram Verhofstad didn't make the Dutch men's team Coline Devillard is out for France The Thema Williams trial has begun Peyton Ernst is retiring Stacey Ervin did a WWE something or other FURTHER READING US Men – World Championship Selection The Miss Val Show Pan American Championships – What Happened There? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Our worlds merchandise is HERE! Check it out! RELATED EPISODES 322: Mary Lee Tracy Truth & Reconciliation 321: Consequences, Felonies, and Tumblers 320: USA Gymnastics Is an Exploding Garbage Monster 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals
9/26/2018 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 32 seconds
322: Mary Lee Tracy Truth & Reconciliation
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Mary Lee Tracy (MLT) has coached two Olympic gold medalists (four Olympians total) and has had over 25 national team members. Mary Lee was recently hired as USA Gymnastics Developmental Coordinator, only to be asked to resign after survivor backlash and "contacting a survivor." She was joined by Valorie Kondos-Field (Miss Val), UCLA head coach and advocate for culture change at USAG. This interview was conducted on September 9th 2018. We discuss: Criticism of MLT's coaching methods, including: nutrition, weigh-ins, injuries and tone-deaf social media posts. What both coaches have done wrong in the past and understanding victim shaming. Her thoughts on Marta Karolyi and the culture at the Ranch. Her defense of Nassar interview. If she ever stood up to Martha Karolyi or asked for changes at the Ranch. Her social media posts and comments, including Kelli Hill's response to Aly Raisman on our Facebook page. What she has learned from talking to survivor, Amanda Jetter. Prevention of grooming behavior and why banned coach, Steve Elliot, was fired from her gym. And some fun stuff about artistry, like Martha vetoing Lexi Priessman's floor routines over and over. FURTHER READING GYMNASTICS; Being Good Isn't Always Enough for U.S. Team OUT OF BALANCE: A Look Inside USA Gymnastics' culture of abuse USA Gymnastics changes course amid heavy criticism, asks coach who defended Nassar to resign Tracy Takes Over as Elite Development Coorindator Miss Val Time's Up USAG Miss Val Together We Rise The End of Kerry Perry The Balance Beam Situation on MLT's hiring. Kelli Hill vs. Aly Raisman the Ranch soap metaphor. BOOK CLUB CONTEST*: What: 5 copies of Miss Val’s book: Life is Short, Don’t Wait to Dance Grand Prize: Book... plus a 15 minute personal phone call with Miss Val. How to Enter: Using the #DontWaitToDance on Twitter or Instagram, post a 5 second video doing your favorite UCLA floor choreography. Bonus entries: Link to the book. Enter as many times as you want. When: Now to October 5th *Conflict of Interest Disclaimer: Jessica's husband co-authored this book. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 257: The Daniels Report 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
9/19/2018 • 2 hours, 10 minutes, 19 seconds
321: Consequences, Felonies, and Tumblers
GYMTERNET NEWS Jessica spent the day with Mary Lee Tracy. WHAT???????? Dumpster Fire News A post-mortem on the Perry Years (year) (nine months). Where does USA Gymnastics go from here? The DOJ is investigating why the FBI didn't open a formal investigation for nine months. MMMhmmmm. Debbie van Horn was arrested upon returning to Texas from China. Kathie Klages is being charged with lying to investigators and could face jail time Reflections on the interview with Aly and Lynn Raisman The sad story of Sae Miyakawa, the abusive coach, and the federation. (There is video of the coach hitting Sae. Warning: it's awful.) The first women's national team camp at EVO concluded over the weekend Help save UIC Gymnastics MEET NEWS Asian Games North Korea shines with Kim Su Jong and Jon Jang Mi We debate whether Pyon Rye Yong's Amanar is terrifying or not Yeo Seojeong is your new vault queen We complain about the "0.000" rules on vault (again) Lighting candles for Dipa Rifda Irfanaluthfi is a home-nation HERO We all need to talk about Jia Fangfang, the tumbling world champion who is trying WAG floor Fan Yilin is back, and Zhao Shiting has a very unfortunate name but very fortunate beam potential SUPPORT THE SHOW Vote for us in the People's Choice Awards Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING The End of a Kerry Asian Games – What Happened There? National Team Rankings – September 2018 The Saga of Mary Lee Tracy NCAA Roster Reveals RELATED EPISODES 320: USA Gymnastics Is an Exploding Garbage Monster 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals 317: 2018 US Nationals Preview 316: CATS – European Championship Edition 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition 305: Kerry Perry Lights Dumpster Fire
9/12/2018 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 6 seconds
320 Spencer Blogcast: USA Gymnastics Is an Exploding Garbage Monster
This week, it's a special Spencer Blogcast all about the latest USA Gymnastics disasters, from the appointment of Mary Lee Tracy, to the resignation of Mary Lee Tracy, to the resignation of our least favorite scarf model, Kerry Perry. It's been quite a little week. ESSENTIAL ARTICLES AND SCREENSHOTS -Mary Lee Tracy defends Larry Nassar as "amazing" (Dayton Daily News) -Mary Lee Tracy defends the ranch as "a learning environment" -Dominique Moceanu and Alyssa Beckerman recall MLT's coaching -Tom Forster and Lori Forster defend Mary Lee Tracy -Mary Lee Tracy says she's being cyber-bullied (WCPO) -Mary Lee Tracy says she has to resign because she tried to contact "Ali" -USA Gymnastics announces the resignation of Mary Lee Tracy -Mary Lee Tracy un-resigns and is seeking counsel -Mary Lee Tracy actually isn't seeking counsel (NYTimes) -Lynn Raisman says Aly Raisman was never contacted by Mary Lee Tracy -Votes of no confidence from the US Elite Coaches Association for Women's Gymnastics (1, 2) and the US Athletic Club Owners Association -The USOC has nothing but disappointment (USA Today) -Kerry Perry has resigned (USAGym) SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 319: Aly and Lynn Raisman 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals 317: 2018 US Nationals Preview 316: CATS – European Championship Edition Spencer BlogCast: American Classic 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition 305: Kerry Perry Lights Dumpster Fire
9/4/2018 • 19 minutes, 50 seconds
319: Aly and Lynn Raisman
THE ALY INTERVIEW Aly's experience, in her own words. On August 19th, the morning before the women's final at US Championships, Jessica had the opportunity to visit the amazing Raisman vegetable garden and spend the morning with Aly and Lynn Raisman, speaking about...well...everything—from USAG's insane official policies about abuse, to Steve Penny's shady business dealings, to what Aly really thinks about Martha. Plus, How Aly feels about being victim-shamed by coaches on social media Why she decided to come forward in a book, and getting misquoted in the media The less-than-warm welcome she received from USAG and Ron Galimore in 2017 A mysteriously canceled NBC interview Why it's impossible to trust SafeSport How USAG treated Mattie Larson at 2010 worlds What happened at 2015 worlds, and the need to impress Martha Extreme weight pressure and the lack of dietary and medical education in US gymnastics The monetary exploitation of US Olympic gymnasts, featuring crazy Steve Penny sponsorship stories What she thinks of Rhonda Faehn's role and responsibility Solutions - what needs to happen to make US gymnastics safe and healthy before we can move forward LINKS 2013 NBC Interview at American Cup in Worchester, MA Boston Globe: Forster said he wants gymnasts to feel they can voice complaints without fear of retaliation.“Some of the fear — I don’t know if it was real, but it was certainly perceived, and we want to change that,” he said. In May, the Indianapolis Star reported that a USAG lawyer and Ron Galimore helped Larry Nassar provide a cover story rather than tell the truth about being suspended from USAG for sexual abuse. Aly's speech at the 2017 USAG Hall of Fame Induction International Gymnastics Camp’s booth at 2017 USAG Congress “Alliance for Accountability” USAG Sexual Abuse Reporting History and Changes USAG III. PROFESSIONAL MEMBER BEHAVIOR POLICY (unknown date) C. Such above described behavior will be penalized as follows: 1. First Offense: Verbal warning will be issued by the Meet Referee/Technical Director and/or designated representative of USA Gymnastics. 2. Second Offense: Withdrawal of floor credential, necessitating ejection from the competitive floor area (or possibly the entire competitive arena) USAG Policies 2015 B. Enforcement of Code USAG Bylaws 2013 10.02 Filing a Complaint Get Trained: Darkness to Light Flip The Switch free online training Get Help: Darkness To Light SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 257: The Daniels Report 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
8/29/2018 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 36 seconds
318: 2018 US Wonder Woman Nationals
2018 US NATIONALS (8:35) Feelings Corner: Starring Jessica O'Beirne and TEAL WONDER WOMAN GUARDIAN ANGEL HUGS Discussion: This was a historically well-hit nationals. Does it undermine the notion that the women need regular national team camps? And is it weird how much credit we give the coaches instead of the athletes? Gushing: Simone, Morgan, Riley. Duh. Err: What was the deal with Ragan Smith? Plus: Jade Carey sticking a Moors, justice for Kara Eaker, TRINITY, some love for Jaylene Gilstrap, and Jordan Chiles' attempt at Wolfkino Part 2 didn't really work out. Twice. RAGE (36:04) We're very concerned that Tom Forster doesn't understand the Olympic qualification process 2020 Olympic Qualification Explained Kerry Perry deigned to address the media, and it was awful Ron Galimore: STILL THERE What change can really happen when people who DON'T EVEN BELIEVE THE SURVIVORS are being given positions of power in the women's program? OK, BACK TO NATIONALS (1:06:56) All the behind the scenes goodies from the So You Think You Can Dutch meet-up contest Juniors (1:11:50) Leanne Wong is the junior national champion because of EXECUTION An update on Jordan Bowers' status Jessica is putting Konnor McGregor-McClain on all the Olympic teams MEN! (1:26:36) Where does champion Sam Mikulak fit in the international all-around scene? Day 1 was....bad. But it's all going to be OK. LEAVE. POMMEL. HORSE. ALONE. (It's the good event now.) Team conundrums Kensley and Spencer debate Allan Bower's place on the team Donnell Whittenburg wasn't even named to the national team, and John Orozco has some thoughts. Is there racial bias in the men's program dressed up as concerns about "work ethic"? Should Colin Van Wicklen be doing this Dragulescu? Massive conflicts of interest and judging favoritism aren't just a women's thing! Most importantly: Taco Bell sponsorship ideas GYMTERNET NEWS (2:05:00) Kyla and Madison appear on CBS This Morning Yelena Shushunova has died at 49 due to complication from pneumonia More athletes and other coaches come out about abuse from Han at Everest. The Tayo Fakiyesi story FURTHER READING US Nationals, Senior Women Day 2 Live Blog US Nationals, Junior Women Day 2 Live Blog US Nationals, Senior Women Day 1 Live Blog US Nationals, Junior Women Day 1 Live Blog SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 317: 2018 US Nationals Preview 316: CATS – European Championship Edition 315: The Simone Is Back Classic 314: US Classic Preview with Mary Wise Spencer BlogCast: American Classic 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311.5: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned)
8/22/2018 • 2 hours, 20 minutes, 9 seconds
317: 2018 US Nationals Preview
US Championships Preview SENIOR WOMEN Hurd, Smith, McCusker, and the quest to be the #2 all-arounder Spencer has already decided the worlds team. Jessica tells him why he's wrong Explaining the Marz Frazier UCLA/Parkettes situation Getting excited for Trinity Thomas and Maile O'Keefe Jessica's very realistic predictions and anticipated miracles JUNIOR WOMEN (42:25) The Big Four battle it out, and we pick who's going to win among Sunisa Lee, Jordan Bowers, Leanne Wong, and Kayla DiCello More discussion of Levi Jung-Ruivivar because duh. We're 99% sure she invented the violin. Don't worry about it. SENIOR MEN (48:45) Mikulak vs. Moldauer will be the best clash of nationals Who's injured, who's coming back, and who needs a big meet A period of mourning for Eddie Penev's ACL Is Yoder the new pommel prince? Will Modi keep getting Brenna'd? Who are the NCAAers to watch? Are the guys just going to phone it in because they're too cool for school? Men's European Championships (1:01:30) That bonkers team final and the unexpected ending on high bar We break down the British team reaction and assign roles Italy's vault disaster is all of us Event Finals: Rhys is King, Smart Rings is making our robot judging dreams come true, and no one even fell on high bar (?!?!) Gymternet News Paul Ruggeri is engaged. You've both done very well. Jeff Thompson is suing Penn State (LOL) EVO Athletics (aka Aimee Boorman Athletics) is the new temporary home of the US women's national team training camps We have more info about how the International Elite Committee changed the qualifying rules for nationals AFTER US Classic, and we rant about the IEC. And Remember Watch CBS This Morning on Thursday We have NEW SWAG available in the GymCastic store! So You Think You Can Dutch? Listen for details on our Boston meet-up and and Precision Choreography contest at The Greatest Bar from 4:30-5:30 on Sunday before women' finals! Join Club Gym Nerd here. FURTHER READING AT BBS Dude Week 2018: US Men’s Nationals Dude Week 2018: Euros Team Final Dude Week 2018: Euros Event Finals Things Are Happening – August 10, 2018 RELATED EPISODES 316: CATS – European Championship Edition 315: The Simone Is Back Classic 314: US Classic Preview with Mary Wise Spencer BlogCast: American Classic 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311.5: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned)
8/15/2018 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 10 seconds
316: CATS European Championship Edition
CODE FOR LIBSYNC HERE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS THE BIG STORIES Celine van Gerner and her CATS floor routine makeup are the talk of the town. We break it all down in detail, featuring a special interview with choreographer Daymon Jones on how the routine came about. Russia hit 12-for-12 in a major team final to take gold. WHAT. Belgium pulled out of the team final after qualifying in 3rd. WHAT. THE TEAM FINAL France takes a historic silver medal, the country's best-ever team result Netherlands wins team bronze, even without Eythora Great Britain's beam woes continue UKRAINE is back and finished 5th MORE MEDALS Boglarka Devai wins vault gold, as well as Best Reactions In a Vault Final, Melnikova takes silver, and Golgota's bronze keeps a streak alive Nina Derwael wins bars, and Adlerteg is awesome again. Will Sweden notice? On beam, the queen stays queen. Also, Nina is a beamer now! On floor, Melanie takes gold, and Axelle's Harry Potter routine is a crowd favorite. Was this one of the better choreographic finals in recent years? PLUS It's only five months until the victorious Italian juniors become seniors Amelie Morgan is a thing Spencer expresses his love for Sir Punford Punnington-Punsworth III, Duke of Punsbury We need to discuss the beam overtime sound, you guys GYMTERNET NEWS The 2008 US women's Olympic team will have a reunion after all, but will the men? Is the USAG Hall of Fame...still a thing? The women's field for US Nationals has been announced. We explain why Deanne Soza is included, seemingly without qualifying, and why Marz is repping UCLA. Plus, your feedback on the judging shortage, JUSTICE FOR MORGAN, being less creepy, and OFFENSIVE BEACH SEXINESS. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING European Championships Event Finals European Championships Team Final European Championships Qualification August National Team Rankings US Classic in Review – Life in a Day RELATED EPISODES 315: The Simone Is Back Classic 314: US Classic Preview with Mary Wise Spencer BlogCast: American Classic 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311.5: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O'Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned)
8/8/2018 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 18 seconds
315 The Simone Is Back Classic
US CLASSIC Simone won, duh We detail all the quad records she set. With a fall. And a shattered toe. The upgrades – Moors, Fabrichnova, Van Leeuwen Thoughts on the weird floor scoring and her new choreography Riley McCusker was FANTASTIC Morgan Hurd's floor is a dream Why does Texas Dreams (almost) never compete AA at Classic? Shilese Jones is a silent assassin that NBC didn't show at all A little...social media drama...you might have heard about... All the times Jessica screamed internally Jordan Chiles' wonder woman Egyptian goddess leotard Luisa Blanco's side roll Madelyn Willians musicality clinic Deanne Soza and her Yezhova PAGING CAROL: We have some bonkers scores to discuss Tom Forster's excellent performance Kerry Perry pulled a Steve Penny The bizarre, stupid USAG judge shortage The good and bad of the NBC/Olympic Channel broadcast THE ARTFUL JUNIORS The GAGE gymnasts put on a beautiful, perfect show Kayla Di Cello and Jordan Bowers are the real deal Sunisa Lee casually won beam without a dismount All the times Jessica screamed internally, junior edition Olivia Greaves on bars Skye Blakely on floor Levi Jung-Ruivivar's PAIN OF A NATION Sophia Butler's non-background music Zoe Gravier's floor music, a deep discussion Trista Goodman's gold leotard and Beauty and the Frickin' Beast routine Cassie Rice's epic bars spotting Plus, what's infuriating us right now in US routines GYMTERNET NEWS Kerry Perry went back to Congress and got BURNED — #ItWasThursday Aly tried to meet the new CEO of the USOC, and it went...not great John Engler continued to be an actual monster The presentation to the survivors at the ESPY Awards The Daniels Report progress page and the web of lies it reveals What's going on with Ashton Locklear, her coach, and those bullying reports A preview of the European Injury Championships, beginning this Thursday SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. Buy Miss Val's new book, Life is Short Don't Wait to Dance co-authored by Jessica's husband here RELATED EPISODES 314: US Classic Preview with Mary Wise Spencer BlogCast: American Classic 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition
8/1/2018 • 2 hours, 6 minutes, 44 seconds
314: US Classic Preview with Mary Wise
U.S. CLASSIC PREVIEW This week, we are joined by Mary Wise of Iowa Gym Nest, coach of Adeline Kenlin, to give us some updates on Adeline's progress and help us preview the U.S. Classic! Jessica has many thoughts on IGN's decoration options How Adeline is doing in her injury recovery and preparation for Classic The IGN coaches asked questions of Kerry Perry at the Region 4 Congress. Were they satisfied with the answers, and what kind of information do the coaches want to be getting from USAG leadership? Her thoughts on Tom Forster and what we, as fans, should know about him. A Club Gym Nerd mini-commission from Sophie asks what the fans should do about this summer's competitions and how to reconcile fury at USAG—and unwillingness to give money to the organization— with a desire to ENJOY GYMNASTICS and support the gymnasts. Plus, the meet. Simone's Return AJLKJWS:LDKJS:LDKHJ:LSHLKSJHFLJSAHD Did we mention that Simone is back? Simone. The new seniors you must watch Jade Carey – all-around star? Who has the best opportunity to swoop in and win while the big girls only do bars and beam? Who desperately needs a score from this meet? Must-watch routines from Madelyn Williams, Emily Lee, Shilese Jones, and Olivia Dunne 50 juniors who are all definitely going to win the meet simultaneously Previewing the new baby juniors who are about to become your obsessions SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O'Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition
7/24/2018 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 12 seconds
Spencer BlogCast: American Classic
This week, it's a special Spencer Blogcast about the American Classic—and all associated streaming controversies. What happened? Why was it weird? And why is this nonsense entirely unsurprising coming from USAG? Plus, some routines or whatever! Playlist Jade Carey - bars Shilese Jones - vault Kara Eaker - beam, bars, floor Audrey Davis - bars Isabel Mabanta - floor Alyona Shchennikova - bars, beam Emily Lee - bars Deanne Soza - beam Madelyn Williams - bars Kayla DiCello - floor Aleah Finnegan - beam, bars SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O'Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition
7/18/2018 • 16 minutes, 23 seconds
313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned)
This week, we have a special episode commissioned by InterGalactic Champion level Club Gym Nerd member Dee, who requested an episode all about our favorite floor routines ever! We're so, so happy to oblige. HERE is the YouTube playlist of all the routines we will be commenting on in the episode. We'll tell you when to press play, so you can watch along with us as we die of pretty (or hilarity). Plus... The word "artistry"—how we feel about using the A word and how we personally define artistry in gymnastics floor routines What qualities characterize our favorite floor routines Why we won't shut up about Netherlands floor The importance of keeping floor exercise weird How subjective qualities like artistry can be evaluated numerically when determining scores Why aren't choreographers the stars of gymnastics? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. FURTHER READING ON THE BALANCE BEAM SITUATION European Championships Team Selections National Team Rankings - July 2018 Quad Records RELATED EPISODES 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) 311: Tom Forster Is the New Martha 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
7/11/2018 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 33 seconds
312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned)
This week, we have a special episode commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Queen Heather, who requested an episode all about memorable gymnasts and teams who finished 4th! Part 1: The official induction of the inaugural class of the 4th Place Hall of Fame, recognizing their lifetime achievement in the 4th place arts. Aly Raisman and the London tiebreak Yelena Produnova and the travesty of the 1999 vault final, where Prod finished behind Olaru and Amanar. Shang Chunsong, Anna Pavlova, Vanessa Ferrari, Beth Tweddle, and Eva Bosakova Part 2: 4th place heartbreaks Dominique Dawes and her 1993 vault (and 1994) Jordyn Wieber Jade Barbosa's 2011 vault final ankle-tastrophe Part 3: When 4th place is awesome The Japanese women's team in 2016 That time Sacramone got 4th. In the ALL-AROUND. Part 4: 4th place debates The 2008 Olympic vault final–Sacramone v. Cheng The 2000 Olympic floor final–Justice for Moya Part 5: 4th place men Kyle Shewfelt and the 2004 vault final debacle The 2012 men's team final and Kohei's phantom handstand Part 6: A round of 4th place trivia, some fun 4th place factoids, and an important discussion about what award should be given to those who finish 4th. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 309: Perfect Form – The O'Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
7/4/2018 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 48 seconds
311: Tom Forster Is the New Martha
GYMTERNET NEWS A mini bonus episode this week in which we discuss the latest urgent, somewhat crazy USAG developments that can't wait another moment! Thoughts on the Kerry Perry WE HAVE GREAT INSURANCE keynote from last week's episode (HOLLA Iowa Gym Nest!) and the part that...doesn't really add up? Tom Forster is the new High-Performance Team Coordinator for the US women Who is Tom Forster? Initial reactions to the announcement (like "phew" and "hrmm") The positive tone he's attempting to strike What the elite coaches think about the move How does someone who has been involved with USAG for decades convince the public that he can make change? The changes we would like to see made to the camp system (they are many and extensive) Why aren't the 2008 Olympic teams getting the traditional 10-year reunion at nationals? The "Cowboy Hat Indictments" coming out of Texas Nassar and van Horn are indicted We revisit Debbie van Horn's role Martha seems totally off the hook. Why? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 310: Suspension and Sabotage 309: Perfect Form – The O'Beirne Code (Commissioned) 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 305: Kerry Perry Lights Dumpster Fire 301: Peng Gets a 20, Martha Gets a Zero 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification with Rhonda Faehn 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney
7/4/2018 • 49 minutes, 44 seconds
310: Suspension and Sabotage
IN THE NEWS To listen to audio recording of Kerry Perry's keynote address with Q&A's from Region 4 Congress go to timestamp 1:40:00 Alex Naddour has been added to the USAG list of Suspended Members (1:50) Bylaws 9.3 and 10.5 What we know from the OC Register What we make of the timing and Naddour's response Our current multitude of frustrations with USAG Brazilian Nationals SABOTAGE! (17:35) Guys. You guys. Someone cut the power lines to the venue before the second day of Brazilian Nationals so that the rest of the competition had to be canceled. We have conspiracy theories. They're excellent. National Team Coordinator (28:13) Jessica has the latest on the search for a new NTC, and it's slightly horrifying. What happened when Kerry Perry gave the keynote address at Region 4 Congress (35:02) Gymternet Things (53:46) Larisa Iordache: 50% chance to continue with gymnastics Laurie Hernandez to Gym-Max Marcia Frederick is suing USAG, USOC, Richard Carlson, and Muriel Grossfeld USAG appoints new Board of Directors MEET NEWS (1:07:38) Junior Pan Ams Some actual gymnastics! Team selection drama and temperature drama steal the show Guimaraes World Cup Maisie and Manrique dominate Jorge Vega Lopez has a new, terrible nickname Yeo Seojong does a handspring front double full! Guess who's back this week! It's Riley McCusker, Eythora Thorsdottir, and Sophie Scheder! News roundup Eddie Penev and Sam Mikulak are working a 1.6 pass on floor — back 2.5 + front 2/1 + double front Jessica wants Spencer to guess how much Oleg makes and Spencer is no fun at all and the worst about it Khorkina is a coach for the Russian speed skating team. Because sure. Why would that be weird? Rhys McClenaghan has been left with no choice but to get his Vera Caslavska on and train outside like a folk hero Full Audio Recording of Kerry Perry's Keynote Address/Q&A from Region 4 Congress (1:40:00) Regional SafeSport directors, decentralized approach for policy interpretation (1:49:11) Daniels Report 80% implemented (1:56:47) Investigations "we need to know, what are the facts" (1:58:57) How will USAG pay for settlements and remain financially viable? (2:18:20) Chief Legal Officer, Chris Tebo discusses insurance coverage and filing declaratory judgment action for defense costs. INTERNATIONAL HANDSTAND DAY CONTEST Congratulations to our winners! Jeannie Weir - Leaning Tower of Pisa Handstand Christine Traversa - Singing Handstand! Emily Hewitt - Baby's first handstand SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 309: Perfect Form – The O'Beirne Code 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 307: SHAME – Congressional Hearings Edition 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 305: Kerry Perry Lights Dumpster Fire 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 302: St. Louis live show with Kennedy Baker! 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney
6/27/2018 • 2 hours, 31 minutes, 38 seconds
309: Perfect Form The O'Beirne Code
This week’s episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd Member Anna, who requested an episode entitled "Perfect Form," saying, "Please discuss all your favorite gymnasts with execution according to the O'Beirne Code." O'Beirne Code, you say?!?!?! Don't mind if we do. Excuse us while we casually fix all of gymnastics in a single day. You're welcome. The O'Beirne Code, defined: The intent behind the rules and integrity beyond the code Is execution a synonym for aesthetic beauty? Should it be? What is the perfect O'Beirne Code vault? Yang Yun McKayla Maroney Simone Biles Shannon Miller 1992 Compulsory, Optional DEBATE: Is it possible for an Amanar to have "perfect" form? DEBATE: The difference between a deduction and a mistake. What is the perfect O'Beirne Code bars? Alma Kuc Ma Yanhong Courtney McCool Brittany Rogers' Stalders, with Vanessa Zamarripa's handstands, and Alaina Johnson's Ray DEBATE: What is the more aesthetically pleasing technique for a double layout? Dumb deductions in The Code .03 for walking under the bar after saluting. What is the perfect O'Beirne Code beam? Fan Ye Bai Yawen Sarah Finnegan Kristin Furakawa Yang Effing Bo DEBATE: If we have deductions for leg and foot form, should we have deductions for arm and hand position? What is the perfect O'Beirne Code floor? Daniela Silivas' 1988 compulsory floor Lilia Podkopayeva DEBATE: Jessica says something critical about Lilia Podkopayeva and it WILL NOT STAND DEBATE: Why are certain things deductions and certain things not? Do deductions need to have a good reason to exist? READ ON 2020 Olympic Qualification Explained Junior Pan Ams Day 1 Junior Pan Ams Day 2 Guimarães World Cup Day 1 Guimarães World Cup Day 2 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
6/20/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 43 seconds
308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned)
This week’s episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd Member Emily, who asked for an episode all about the 2004 Olympic All-Around final: "This meet made me fall in love with gymnastics. SO. MANY. TEARS." We begin this week with our 100% live, real-time commentary on the competition itself, AS WE WATCH IT. So, if you want to sync up and watch the meet along with us like the cozy little family we are, follow THIS LINK and press play when we tell you to press play. We have a heaping pile of thoughts about Khorkina (obviously), Carly, Pavlova, Romania, China, Ukraine, Le Pennec, Slater, and some of the worst leotards...just ever. After the commercial break we pick up the broadcast at the 58:17 time stamp. But that's not all! We'll also break down the epic NBC fluff (Deva castle, Round Lake-Chernobyl, Khorkina inventing hallways, reality show opening credits, a diva is magical—the usual), one of Trautwig's worst moments ever, and poor Carly's cringe-worthy appearance on Letterman following her gold medal (Part 1, Part 2). SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
6/13/2018 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 23 seconds
307: SHAME Congressional Hearings Edition
DUMPSTER FIRE NEWS Steve Penny, Rhonda Faehn, and former MSU president Lou Anna Simon appeared in front of the Senate. You can check out the searchable transcript of the hearing, Rhonda Faehn's opening statement and submitted documents, and "Martha's" written statement. Steve Penny takes the 5th a hundred million times and then hobbles out (SHAME!), but it doesn't really matter because now we have the emails What we learned from Rhonda Faehn's answers and submitted documents 15 people within USAG knew about Nassar (IndyStar) Who the eff is Amy White and where does she fit into the medical records moving/destroying allegations? Sarah Jantzi's submission clarifies the timeline, and the timeline is BAD for Steve Penny How everyone was kept in the dark about Fran "Some Random Lady" Sepler The very telling texts between Rhonda and Gina Nichols Rhonda was never interviewed for the Daniels report, for the FBI, for any other internal USAG investigation, or for the INDEPENDENT ROPES & GRAY report. Wait...what? Lou Anna Simon can't figure out how to turn on the mic after 150 tries and it perfectly summarizes everything about her statements. A ghost named Martha Karolyi She did not appear because of medical reasons. YOU GUYS. We laugh about how she clearly wrote 0 words of her written statement and has the gall suddenly to recommend athlete chaperones. Important ideas about the USOC charter Plus... Kerry Perry, the interim president of the USOC, and other representatives of NGBs appeared in front of the House, and it was terrible. We talk about how terrible it was. WTF is the Athlete Task Force, and did Perry lie to Congress about it? We have a statement from USAG. Why has Ron Galimore escaped consequences, especially after the Nassar-cover-story report (IndyStar), remaining COO of USAG and on the FIG executive board. We have a statement from the FIG below. It's not good. FIG Statment on Ron Galimore: "The FIG cannot specifically comment on the article or its contents, insofar as the allegations deal with events that took place nearly three years ago at a time when Mr. Galimore was not an FIG member. All events which occurred during the summer 2015 fall within the scope of an ongoing investigation; one mandated by the US Olympic Committee. This investigation, which is in progress at this time, is being undertaken by the independent law firm of Ropes & Gray. USA Gymnastics is cooperating fully with the investigators. It is our sincere hope, that when the investigation concludes, that all the facts relevant to not only the recent article, but the entire matter at issue will be fully brought to light by this investigation." USAG is "reorganizing" its board, and the FIG is being sued. Whoopsie! Some far-too-late resolution (OCRegister) in the Marcia Frederick case. MEET NEWS We have actual gymnastics to talk about as well! Osijek (full broadcast) Varinska dominates, winning UB, BB, and FX golds. We swoon about her bars. Sighs for our cursed darling Zubova in the beam final. Yamilet Peña's vault...whaaaaaat was it? Koper Steingruber pulls out an awesome rudi to win vault, shocking exactly one person DR. EPKE IS HERE Oliver Hegi and his coach really wanted to be in our Gymnastics Fails episode Ellie Black and Shallon Olsen dominate Canadian Nationals, and Brooklyn Moors brings the necessary amount of comedy. Plus a round-up of major stories from other national championships, including NINA'S BARS. The American Classic and Hopes Classic are coming to a Utah near you. FUN STUFF An important Bart Deurloo nut-injury update from BART HIMSELF Gymnastics Greatest Stars is on YouTube! Nastia did INVERTS on Ninja Warrior SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) 305: Kerry Perry Lights Dumpster Fire 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 302: St. Louis live show with Kennedy Baker! 301: Peng Gets a 20, Martha Gets a Zero 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification with Rhonda Faehn 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney
6/6/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 18 seconds
306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned)
This week’s episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd Member Ryan, who asked for an episode all about GYMNASTICS FAILS—“the craziest, jaw-dropping-est, and most importantly hilarious instances when it simply wasn’t someone’s day—the most ridiculous falls, the wardrobe malfunctions, and infamous equipment fails. No one is off limits for gymnastics blooper reels. I want this episode to be lighthearted, nostalgic, and a reminder that gymnastics is a struggle for basically all of the human race at one point or another.” Time Stamps Gymnastics Fail Challenge (2:43) Vault and Bars (12:36) Bart Deurloo and The Case of The Wondering Nuts (34:39) Beam (38:10) Floor (55:27) Hilarious Saves (1:02:38) Wardrobe Malfunctions including Stacey Ervin and the Case of the Escaped Nut (1:06:52) Equipment Fails (1:13:20) Oops I Forgot (1:17:51) WATCH LIST Follow along as we discuss each magnificent fail, which are linked in the order in which we discuss them. Martina Rizzelli Michelle Kenney Laura Mitchell Margret Kristinsdottir Purvising the judges Sydney McGlone Toni-Ann Williams Lisa Panzironi Catalina Ponor Ana Derek Shayla Worley Chair 1, Zamo 0 Zamo and Khorkina Shang Chunsong Bart Deurloo and the case of the wandering nut Tracie Ang Flavia Saraiva Kerri Strug Kennedy Baker Tatiana Nabieva Zamo pull-ups Alyona Shchennikova and Leah Clapper Lauren Beers Seda's spiders Viktoria Karpenko Kaitlyn Clark Chris Brooks Sara Berardinelli Trinity Thomas Danusia Francis Aljas Pegan Ludmilla Tourischeva David Henderson Ekaterina Kramarenko SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
5/29/2018 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 6 seconds
305: Kerry Perry Lights Dumpster Fire
USAG DUMPSTER FIRE NEWS Last week, Kerry Perry laid off a number of USAG employees, including Senior Vice President Rhonda Faehn in the middle of the only national team camp of the year. We dedicate this episode to Scott Bregman, savior of the gymternet, champion of transparency and live streams who was laid off this week as well. Watch Kerry Perry testify before Congress on May 23rd and 10am Eastern here A blow-by-blow of everything that went down—and why it was carried out so terribly We break down the argument against Rhonda, the argument for Rhonda, everything in between, the inconsistencies that abound, and the questions we still have LISTEN—Episode 293: Inside Elite Verification with Rhonda Faehn What would you have done in Rhonda's position? What was with the timing of this move, and why it's so revealing Why the athletes felt they had no choice but to turn to social media Why we feel Kerry Perry has failed in her most important job What we know and still don't know about the Nassar timeline GYMTERNET NEWS (1:07:26) Better news: Survivors will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs on July 18 Worse news: Aliya has a minor meniscus injury and will miss Osijek Chinese Nationals - featuring Luo Huan's gorgeous toe point, Chen Yile's world-leading beam score, Liu Jinru's terrifying opening pass, the epic return of the Tingting, and the surprising reappearance of Shang Chunsong with a round off tuck full. NHK Trophy - Mai dominates everyone as usual, Kohei regains his throne, and we hold an intervention for Sae Miyakawa's floor US upgrades - When in doubt, upgrade. Leanne Wong has an Amanar, Olivia Dunne has a Moors, and TRINITY might not be real. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) 303: Pac Rims and Mustafina's Return! 302: St. Louis live show with Kennedy Baker! 301: Peng Gets a 20, Martha Gets a Zero 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification with Rhonda Faehn 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney
5/22/2018 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 56 seconds
304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned)
This week's episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd Member Alison and her Gym Boys, Foster, Quint, Valis, and Aaron, who commissioned an episode all about THE GYMCASTIC OLYMPICS. It's our Olympics, and we can cry if we want to. We also get to select our all-time, all-star Olympic teams without any stupid limitations like geographical borders or the concept of time—don't worry, the power goes immediately to our heads and turns us crazy—and decide where it's going to be held, how much AI is involved (a lot), what extra medals will be awarded that are definitely better than bars or whatever, and exactly which acts will be performed in the super tacky gala. You know, the important stuff. Come for us drafting our all-time personal Olympic teams, stay for the fight about whether Phillip Boy is sexy enough to be in a promotional rap video for our Olympics. So yeah, it goes off the rails right quick. If you have half as much fun listening to this episode as we had recording it... Time Stamps: The Draft (7:33), The Event (39:21), Special Teams (1:00:54), Gala (1:22:44) WATCH LIST Li Li - BB - 1993 Casey Jo Magee - BB - 2011 Olga Strazheva - FX - 1989 Yelena Produnova - BB - 2000 Svetlana Boginskaya - FX - 1989 Catalina Ponor - facial expression - 2005 Li Yuejiu - FX - 1981 Raymond White - FX - 2014 Ioannis Melissanidis - FX - 1996 Chinese beam - Fan Ye, He Xuemei, Chen Cuiting, Li Yifang SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
5/16/2018 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 6 seconds
303: Pac Rims and Mustafina's Return!
MEET NEWS This week, we are joined by Luba from Gymnovosti (become a patron of Gymnovosti on Patreon here) to tell us all about the Mustafina Championship. We mean Russian Championship (7:00). But....MUSTAFINA IS BACK! And she finished 4th! And gave a fantastic interview that every gymnast and coach should read: "Pregnancy was my vacation." Do Mustafina and Komova look on track for Euros and worlds teams this year? Is Angelina Melnikova...like...consistent now?!?!?!? How did Irina Alexeeva do in her Russian debut? How did the Russians commentators react to her Americanness? Plus: Nabieva is coming out of not-retirement to be officially not retired, tears for Seda, Abliazin's Olympic strategy, obligatory Oleg Stepko drama, and the Russian commentators are even worse than Al Trautwig with some Rage-o-Meter-worthy things to say about Simone. Plus, the Pacific Rim Championship (44:31) —because if you're not on the Pacific, you can't sit with us, unless you're Argentina or Cuba. Jessica says the words "suns out, buns out" Morgan Hurd's terrifying beam dismount to her head Our initial thoughts and fears How does Jessica "Concussion Test" O'Beirne feel about Morgan being allowed to compete floor right afterward? The positives we take from the whole situation CUBA THINGS That Sunisa Lee beam save! We break it down in detail. Spencer is obsessed with Canadian junior Zoe Allaire-Bourgie and gets a little CAPS LOCK about what the US elites could learn from her Sam Mikulak hit all six events. In the same meet. And recorded the highest AA score in the world this year. We're living in a brand new age. Lee Chih Kai does pommel horse for people who hate pommel horse A deep dissection of the Sam Mikulak/Asher Hong dynamic, and why Asher Hong will one day rule us all. GYMTERNET NEWS (1:24:56) Aly and Rhonda Aly names Rhonda Faehn as someone to whom she reported abuse but we already knew that Rhonda knew in June 2015 so we are kinda like *head scratch* We discuss what we still don't know about the situation, where you draw the line in terms of retribution, whether there should be different categories of culpability, and where we currently stand on decertification and burning things to the ground Sabrina Vega is suing the Karolyis and USAG The Karolyis are suing USAG over the failed ranch sale YOU GET A LAWSUIT, and YOU GET A LAWSUIT, and YOU GET A LAWSUIT Looks like someone couldn't keep her lies straight...... Kerry Perry will have to testify before the House on May 23. How many times will she say "empowered"? Ho the Nassar crimes are playing in the Russian gymnastics community (spoiler alert: it's not great), and we discuss the awful way Olga Korbut is being treated after publicly accusing her coach of rape. At least 42 gymnasts were abused by Brazilian coach Fernando de Carvalho Lopes. Among them, Petrix Barbosa. Jessica and Uncle Tim went to The Foundation for Global Sports Development Humanitarian Awards and learned about their $1 million grant to Child USA to partner with survivors for athlete sexual abuse prevention training. GASP: Kohei didn’t win Japanese nationals. And neither did Kenzo. Kakeru Tanigawa is the new All-Japan all-around champion for 2018, breaking Kohei’s 10-year winning streak. Depressing German injury news NCAA awards, firings, and FAREWELL TTYs! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES Episode 302 VIDEO: St. Louis live show with Kennedy Baker! 301: Peng Gets a 20, Martha Gets a Zero 300: Jesolo and Tokyo for the Brave 300 299: When Sabrina and Rhys Became Legends 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 297: The Jig of Victory 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney
5/9/2018 • 2 hours, 12 minutes, 35 seconds
302: Kennedy Baker Live Show in St Louis
Preview of NCAA's and interview with Texas Dreams elite and Florida Gator great, Kennedy Baker! If you are a Club Gym Nerd member, you can watch a video of the live show here by logging into your account.
5/2/2018 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 10 seconds
301: Peng Gets a 20, Martha Gets a Zero
MEET NEWS Live Show with Kennedy Baker and our overall impressions of the weekend (3:58) UCLA wins its 7th national title in remarkable upset fashion! (Super Six 13:19) Peng. Peng Peng Peng Peng Peng. Peng. Oklahoma finishes less than a single deduction behind UCLA. It's the Gutsu/Miller of our time. We break down the small, tiny, minuscule, infinitesimal differences that decided the title Jessica and Spencer argue over how to count to 4. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT. Most exciting Super Six EVAH? BYES ARE OVER. Why this was the best possible advertisement for a four-team final, and why it's going to get even harder next year. Important Moments about Feelings with Jessica (28:56) Cereal gobbling, romance, wedgies, hot dads, crying, car accidents, positivity, red pants, hype planes, chariots, dino buns, Disney World, EEEEEEEEEEEEE...you know how it goes Probably too much discussion of coach fashion and hot random staff members (just kidding) (it's never too much) (Suzanne's heels, you guys) Special New Segment: Crack or Crack? The answer is Crack. Why Ebee transcends teams and stole the show in the semifinal for multiple standing ovations and Jessica tears (Semifinals 52:29) Just Maggie Nichols things Alabama misses Super Six for the first time since 2007, without counting a fall Cursed floor mats and lights flickering (1:24:50) Spencer has a random complaint about the rules. We're all shocked. GYMTERNET NEWS (1:42:30) WSJ published a chronology of the sexual abuse of McKayla Maroney The hour-long Dateline with Maroney and the Karolyis. We have some......notes. Was it too charitable to the Karolyis? Is over-focusing on the Karolyis missing the point and diverting attention? NBC fails to acknowledge its own role in perpetuating the Karolyi system Martha doesn't think the gymnasts were afraid of her, was never verbally abusive, and never called them fat. Mmmmmm. Mmmhmmm. Sure. We believe you. Except we don't. Here are the receipts. "I don't see any other way." Let us show you. Maroney calls out the "silent abuse," the "torture camp," and the system of fear and punishment that opened the door for grooming behavior We ask: Why isn't anyone investigating AOGC? “You knew what I ate, you knew what I wore, you controlled what I said—how could you not know?” Gina Nichols staring angrily out a window is our spirit animal More trouble with Fran, a.k.a. Some Random Lady. Aly has the texts. SIMONE TRAINING VIDEO DISTRACTION (2:42:46) Double double on bars, double double on beam, SHAP HALF, Moors, TTY. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 300: Jesolo and Tokyo for the Brave 300 299: When Sabrina and Rhys Became Legends 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 297: The Jig of Victory 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 190: Maroney's Coaches Respond, Do-Overs, Drug Tests, Glasgow and Gymnix 187: McKayla Maroney
4/25/2018 • 2 hours, 49 minutes, 8 seconds
300: Jesolo and Tokyo for the Brave 300
MEET NEWS Jesolo! (3:00) Emma Malabuyo is the new queen of Italy Ragan Smith returns for first competition since worlds qualification Adeline Kenlin is officially a national treasure BRAZIL! Flavia is back and being so perfectly Flavia that line judges just ignore OOBs Jade Barbosa is partying like it's 2007 Romania had two whole people (neither named Larisa) who hit bars at the same time Elena Gerasimova has speed, backward shoulder rolls, and a wolf turn fake-out for the ages Vladislava Urazova's asymmetrical braid took the juniors by storm SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMEDY Liu Jinru with the most preposterous 3/1 + punch front in Chinese history Perebinosova got caught in a twister and Eleonora Afanasyeva body slammed herself Lara Mori's vault run is a victory in itself Desiree Carofiglio's Popeye shuffle is the highlight of the whole competition The Jesolo award ceremony is a psychotic meltdown with surreal fever-dream trophies Tokyo! (53:48) When the Olympic Channel freaked everyone out for a second Jackson Payne injured himself on floor and then vaulted a handspring rather than withdraw from the meet. We discuss why MAI IS NOT MESSING AROUND Trinity Thomas is confident and consistent even though gymnastics isn't her whole life (WHAA?) Simakova's unexpected vault and super, mega extra pre-floor wind-up doll presentation Kenzo is back in Japan and Sam Mikulak has a new Achilles, so everything is OK again RAGE-O-METER ABOUT NIPPLES GYMTERNET NEWS (1:23:20) Is MSU interim president John Engler even worse? (Yes.) Norah Flatley and Rachel Baumann have officially signed with NCAA teams! NCAA nationals are this weekend! Who are the favorites, who's going to pull off the upset, and what are our wild dreams for the competition? We discuss. The best possible thing a dad has ever cheered from the stands in a meet. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 299: When Sabrina and Rhys Became Legends 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 297: The Jig of Victory 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out
4/18/2018 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 41 seconds
299: When Sabrina and Rhys Became Legends
MEET NEWS NCAA regional competition has narrowed 36 teams down to 12. We break down the goodies and baddies from all six meets. (6:25) Tuscaloosa – Georgia upsets Michigan! Beam Hero Sabrina Vega's long road from 2011 worlds (which was SEVEN years ago you guys) Illinois's against-the-odds amazing season ...what's the deal with Michigan? Minneapolis The beauty Olympics! Kentucky makes nationals as a team for the FIRST TIME EVER The NCAA writing staff got the individual all-around qualifiers exactly right this season Salt Lake City PHEW! Elizabeth Price qualified for the all-around The legacy of Jenny Hansen and Kelly Garrison Auburn's unfortunate record of missing nationals with really high scores Columbus OK. We HAVE to talk about that 0.1 ND for UCLA on vault Bowling Green! Jovannah East qualifies to nationals and India McPeak makes history Feedback about how you should be able to CHEER at a damn SPORTING EVENT like a NORMAL PERSON Raleigh The one that was supposed to be close and exciting. And then Nebraska was like, "No." Is being the parent of a former team member a judging conflict of interest? Morgan Lane and Cami Drouin-Allaire qualified and it's all because of us. You're welcome. University Park In which Jessica gets distracted by the hotness of the Florida coaching staff. Again. The US women's elites gathered at World Champions Centre for another verification competition to decide the team for Pac Rims. (1:10:08) The team: Grace McCallum, Morgan Hurd, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, Kayla DiCello, Jordan Bowers How we feel about selecting the team based solely on AA standings at verification Why live video and releasing scores leads to less criticism of the athletes, not more Why Ashton and Simone did not participate The future of a national team training center Not to be ignored...Commonwealth Games! (1:25:53) The Canadian women erase the pain of 2016 (and 2014) The dream of an all-Georgia bars final is alive Which Pixar movie Australia reminds Spencer of this week Marios Georgiou is Cypriot Yul Moldauer Rhys McClenaghan won pommel horse and dismounted in tears and made history and it's all too much for Jessica to handle GYMTERNET NEWS We play another rousing game of "What Lie Was USAG Caught In This Week?" (1:35:10) How USAG is trying to wriggle out of intentionally omitting the truth to the Senate in February about not using non-disclosure agreements because turns out...it did. Two women were horrifically sexually abused by a coach, who was banned, and then USAG did its thing: “Instead of protecting me, they fought me. Instead of believing me, they harassed me. They were trying to discredit me, trying to shame me, saying I was just after USAG’s money.” RAGE-O-METER: USAG's absolutely unconscionable response And then better news! Irina Alexeeva is out of citizenship purgatory and is going to compete at the Russian Championship! Trinity Thomas is going to Florida and announced it in the best way possible (at the age of 17). SIMMMMMONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE. But, like, SIMONE. Simone. VAULT UPGRADES WHAT???? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special 297: The Jig of Victory 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out
4/11/2018 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 11 seconds
298: Geddert and Karolyis Rage-O-Meter Special
GYMTERNET NEWS A CNN investigation into John Geddert spoke with seven gymnasts/families about their experiences with him, and it wasn't pretty Physical abuse, verbal abuse, suicide attempts Police complaints dating back to 1986 A letter to USAG in 2013 detailing the problems Steve Penny KNEW and chose to do nothing. Because publicity. CNN also has the May 2017 Karolyi depositions. They aren't pretty either. Apparently the Karolyis had very little to do with the ranch and barely ever met or talked to Larry Nassar. Huh? It was all USAG's and Kathy Kelly's fault "I wanted them to be safe, but..." Nassar's boss, William Strampel, has been arrested for insane 1970s sexual misconduct. That's the official charge. Those two MSU trainers who were informed about Nassar and did nothing still work there MSU spent $500K in January monitoring social media accounts of Nassar survivors and journalists. We definitely can't think of a better use for that money USAG Athlete Assistance Fund application and the Saving Our Survivors Fund And in actual gymnastics developments: (1:05:38) The drama over the English Commonwealth Games team deepens Cuba is in the Pacific now, and we're all for it Giulia Steingruber is playing around with a Yurchenko double back MEET NEWS (49:08) We break down the key storylines to watch at this Saturday's NCAA regionals and rage about the scheduling and individual qualification rules, as per usual Professor O'Beirne, PhD brings us a history lesson on the origins of the Commonwealth Games, and we get excited about Wales and dragons. FEEDBACK (1:11:13) Why can't women do NCAA and elite at the same time? Primary source material about the sound in the Georgia Dome When a floor routine might also be a tornado warning A long-time brevet judge on how we can fix NCAA (and USAG) judging 2-hour awards ceremonies (WHATTTT??) and plans for a parent revolt! Live Show at NCAAs Seats limited. Get your tickets here SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 297: The Jig of Victory 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out 289: 175 Years 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis
4/4/2018 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 21 seconds
297: The Jig of Victory
This week, Jessica and Spencer are joined by Craig Zappa from ENA in Paramus, the coach of US national team member Olivia Dunne, who is here to tell us all about Olivia's progress and preparations for Jesolo, how that whole Jesolo-as-individuals thing came about, how he felt about the live stream of verification (total scores), and to join our discussion of all the major news of the week—while Jessica definitely oversells Olivia's new floor routine and loses it about the cuteness of Cory the Gym Dog. MEET NEWS NCAA Conference Championships! The Pac-12 and SEC Championships were...not great? Crack or Correct: Was UCLA held up by the judges? Beam perfection—Kiana Winston and Alyssa Baumann edition Peng Peng Lee continues to make history (Six more years! Six more years! Peng 2024!) The SEC Network Gymnerd dream feed (and what NBC could learn...) Conference Championships RAGE-O-METERS Gun sound effects. Other sound effects exist, people. Jessica has suggestions Always change the camera angle to the FRONT of the gymnast. #ButtCloseupsNever Don't just pick a hot woman in the stands and constantly show her over and over Spencer pleads for basic addition skills on broadcasts because he cares more about math than artistry Fun fact: He is the only one and is wrong The season of highest-ever scores. Is it the judging? Or is the gymnastics just better than five year ago? Spencer and Craig disagree NCAA Regional draw This is the last year we have to deal with byes! HOORAY! We break down all the regionals and assess which ones are going to be crazy-hard (Minnesota! NC State! Alabama!) Individual competitors we desperately need to qualify to nationals (Lane! Hislop! Chan! Mitchell!) for reasons including artistry and tattoos Birmingham World Cup Revolving stage and live band! Entertainment PLUS opportunities for comedy? Yes please MELNIKOVA HIT FOUR WHOLE EVENTS. IT'S A MIRACLE Marz Frazier and her fist pump heard 'round the world That British guy on the world feed broadcasts and the important history lesson he teaches all of us Doha World Cup Craig discusses what the US approach to qualifying individual Olympic spots from world cups will be HIGHLIGHT OF ALL TIME: Marina Ulyankina dancing a jig after Perebinosova hit bars The North Korea contingent brings expressive floor (what???) and an absolutely terrifying vault Chuso is ready to medal at worlds Men's gymnastics heartwarming moment of the week GYMTERNET NEWS Olga Korbut credits herself with ending the Cold War (duh), and Aliya is being coached by her ex-boyfriend. Just Russia things. Aly Raisman gave a talk in Minnesota and mentioned that Kerry Perry still hasn't reached out to any survivors. International Gymnastics Camp wanted to require shorts or leggings during workouts in response to sexual abuse. UHHHHHHH...nope. Related: Check out the Darkness to Light Flip the Switch campaign USAG Safe Sport has a new twitter account tweeting out suspensions and bans Williams Strampel, Nassar's boss at MSU's college of Osteopathy, has been arrested for committing abuse himself. "How did Nassar get away with it for so long?" asked no one anymore. This is how. Amy Tinkler is out of Commonwealth Games with an ankle injury because all of England is broken. Louis Smith weighed in on the controversy over her potential replacement (Fellows? James?) because of course he did. The latest on the Dragulescu/Raducan drama that entirely encapsulates the current state of Romanian gymnastics SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy of our awesome clothing and gifts here. Shop WarbyParker.com/gymcastic RELATED EPISODES 296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out
3/28/2018 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 31 seconds
296: Komova in Stuttgart, NCAA Crack, and the Ranch Incident
MEET NEWS (6:23) STUTTGART! Komova is back and as gorgeous as ever on bars and beam "It's all fun and games until Russia goes to beam" Nina Derwael has a 6.4 D on bars and is ridiculous Axelle Klinckaert has the insane Harry Potter floor routine we've been waiting for all our lives. Spencer breaks it down second-by-second because he needs medical help. World Cup The winner is Zhang Jin like everyone predicted! Jordan Chiles took bronze with big vault and floor sets. Now, about that routine composition... Melnikova wins the hilarious save competition Our favorite skills: Tisha Volleman's Arabian beam mount! Sarah Voss's Delladio! Brinn Bevan used a medical emergency to warm Jessica's heart A special tribute to Danusia Francis's floor save from the British Championship The Baku World Cup restored our fervor for a CHUSO AA 2020 campaign. GYMTERNET NEWS (58:05) In a Washington Post article, Aly Raisman and trainer Melanie Seaman detailed the poor conditions at the ranch. Then, all hell broke loose on our Facebook. We discuss The key criticisms leveled by Raisman and Seaman and why they really are serious Why the reactions of Kelli Hill and Mary Lee Tracy were so disappointing and show that no lessons have been learned What a preposterously inappropriate facility the ranch was in every respect USAG is now publishing a list of suspended members in addition to the list of permanently ineligible members Yet another hole in the USAG story—Jordyn Wieber says she witnessed an unnamed “high-profile USAG employee” learning about Nassar pre-2015 Another tragedy at Cirque, which makes three in less than five years Simone and Stacey are the new celebrity power couple NCAA NEWS (01:32:50) Real 10s, fake 10s, and the problem with legs-apart-on-landing deductions The phenomenon known as Senior Day Crack: Is it OK? (Spoiler alert: No) Another CAMERAMAN INTERFERENCE RAGE-O-METER YOUR FEEDBACK (1:53: 47) HAS ASHTON MOVED TO SIMONE'S GYM?!?!?!?!?!?! The problem with TOPs camp culture Bringing posters to competitions (in which Jessica gets immediately distracted and starts talking about Judge Aquilina costumes again) When the WHOLE TEAM GETS SUSPENDED Where are the verification camp scores?!? Being more considerate and thoughtful when discussing male body types Live Show at NCAAs We have added a few more seats to our St. Louis live show, but they're already almost gone again! Get your tickets here SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. 2018 Design Contest Winners available now! RELATED EPISODES 295: Elvire Teza and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 187: McKayla Maroney
3/20/2018 • 2 hours, 15 minutes, 20 seconds
295: Elvire Teza & Cecile Canqueteau-Landi
ELVIRE AND CECILE! Get excited. This week, Jessica had the pleasure of chatting with legendary daredevil beam queen and two-time Olympian Elvire Teza and her partner in French greatness, Cecile Canqueteau-Landi, 1996 Olympian and coach of 2016 Olympic gold medalist for team USA, 2015 bars world champ, Madison Kocian and—now—Simone Biles! How training has changed from the 80's and 90's. Being part of the French superstar era of firsts with Isabelle Severino, Ludvine Furnon and Eloidie Lussac. Stereotypes of French training vs. American training: cigarettes, boyfriends, wine, baguettes, artistry, etc. Adriana Pop and Laurent Landi bringing the makeup to the French-style performance game. How Teza learned her crazy eponymous skills and dealing with her constant fear. Why Cecile chooses to stay in the United States for the "more rewarding" gymnastics, especially NCAA and level 10s. What they think of the current Code of Points and how they'd do under todays code. What it's like coaching Simone Biles and which crazy skills we can convince Simone to do. The 1996 Olympic Games in the loud Georgia dome, AKA the butter-smell arena. How to avoid burnout the French way: All the naughty things they did to get a break from their grueling schedules. Why Cecile and Laurent took a long break after Rio. Required Viewing Cecile Canqueteau-Landi floor 1996 Olympics, and beam from 1998 featuring "tusk mount" jump half-turn to handstand from side Elvire Teza fluff from 1998 American Cup, floor 1996, beam 1997, bars 2000 Live Show at NCAAs Seats limited. Get your tickets here T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST OVERVIEW The college gymnastics season is in full swing, and we’re on the hunt for designs to put on t-shirts and swag that celebrate our love of this amazing sport. That’s why we’re bringing back our GymCastic design contest bigger and better than ever before (think Ebee’s DTY). Submit your best college-themed designs and you could be one of 5 winners whose art will be seen on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere. THE PRIZE Your design and name/website featured on our page Your artwork made into merchandise to be sold in the GymCastic store A free t-shirt of your choosing from our merch store. THE MISSION Create an college gymnastics-centric design that will make us moan like Kathy Johnson-Clarke. Submit your original design by posting it on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram with hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest and email it to us. Bonus points for collage-style images! We use a site called TeePublic to print our merchandise. They do a great job of explaining their artwork requirements on their website. The most important thing is that if you win you will need to submit your art as a PNG file with a transparent background. Check out their Design FAQ at www.teepublic.com/faq WARNING: This art must be your own original design. Directly using an image of a person (or the logo of a team or word NCAA) without their consent is frowned upon, and also a intellectual property violation. We can’t use your design if you do. Silhouettes are a gray area, and are usually acceptable. Deadline: Saturday, March 17 (St. Patty’s Day!) Questions? Email us at [email protected]. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 133: Interview - Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA 200: Alicia Sacramone Episode 5: Growing up at WOGA 294: American Cup 2018 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 254: Vanessa Atler 223: Tasha Schwikert 200: Alicia Sacramone 197: Betty Okino 187: McKayla Maroney 186: Amanda Borden 148: Shannon Miller 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
3/15/2018 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 59 seconds
294: American Cup 2018
AMERICAN CUP (5:00) We get to talk about actual gymnastics this week! UNCLE TIM, Jessica, and Spencer discuss the big headlines Morgan Hurd won all the everythings and has improved SO MUCH, even since worlds Mai Murakami had the best performance by a non-American since 2011 Yul Moldauer's form (and hair) is the entire point of gymnastics Kenzo had a no good, very bad day Mao Yi broke her femur on an UNSAFE VAULT, but Morinari Watanabe brought her 100,000 bags of chips so it's all OK Maile O'Keefe's ankles might have special powers, and we should look into that From Petro Pakhniuk to Lorette Charpy to BROOKLYN'S FLOOR to Sun Wei's vault height, we pick our special highlights of the meet. Jessica has five. (32:16) It didn't all go...great, so we select our un-highlights from this year's American Cup, including "The People's Republic of Japan" and why the PA announcer made Spencer feel unsafe Brooklyn Moors breaking everyone's hearts/it does't matter because Brooklyn Moors The failures of E score in the current quad (there are a lot) Unacceptable behavior from cable-holders and camerapeople (48:27) And then there was the broadcast A certain someone was missing from the broadcast team, and it was AMAZING The way NBC handled addressing all the...everything...that has been happening. Yea or nay? All those commercials for SafeSport and the USAG "athlete assistance fund" And of course the Kerry Perry commercial. Oof. We have some thoughts. NCAA NEWS (1:14:20) Why the vault judges need to PULL IT TOGETHER The crackiest 10s in NCAA over the weekend The important existence of Tyra McKellar The Nastia Cup—who is going to take NCAA by storm in the near future? Haleigh Bryant's handspring pike 1/2 is Rachel Slocum-good Andrea Li's forward stalder should be in a museum Ways we can get Rachael Lukacs into Georgia's vault lineup...like now? Jaedyn Rucker's floor GYMTERNET NEWS (1:34:57) The FBI opens an internal review into why it took A YEAR to do anything "The gymnasts are very aware of everything going on" Aly will GET YOU, has filed a lawsuit against the USOC, USAG Jacob Moore is the first male victim of Nassar to come forward Luan Peszek is no longer employed by USAG. We discuss whether a total purge is the right way to go and consider Aimee Boorman's letter Simone is back on the national team Claudia Fragapane has torn her Achilles We finally get to talk about diarrhea. Jessica has a special story to share. Oh and also good coaching practices or whatever. Mostly diarrhea. We break down the latest announcements from the FIG executive committee T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST OVERVIEW The college gymnastics season is in full swing, and we’re on the hunt for designs to put on t-shirts and swag that celebrate our love of this amazing sport. That’s why we’re bringing back our GymCastic design contest bigger and better than ever before (think Ebee’s DTY). Submit your best college-themed designs and you could be one of 5 winners whose art will be seen on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere. THE PRIZE Your design and name/website featured on our page Your artwork made into merchandise to be sold in the GymCastic store A free t-shirt of your choosing from our merch store. THE MISSION Create an college gymnastics-centric design that will make us moan like Kathy Johnson-Clarke. Submit your original design by posting it on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram with hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest and email it to us. Bonus points for collage-style images! We use a site called TeePublic to print our merchandise. They do a great job of explaining their artwork requirements on their website. The most important thing is that if you win you will need to submit your art as a PNG file with a transparent background. Check out their Design FAQ at www.teepublic.com/faq WARNING: This art must be your own original design. Directly using an image of a person (or the logo of a team or word NCAA) without their consent is frowned upon, and also a intellectual property violation. We can’t use your design if you do. Silhouettes are a gray area, and are usually acceptable. Deadline: Saturday, March 17 (St. Patty’s Day!) Questions? Email us at [email protected]. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out 289: 175 Years 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler 187: McKayla Maroney
3/6/2018 • 2 hours, 6 minutes, 38 seconds
293: EXCLUSIVE Inside Elite Verification
ELITE VERIFICATION Jessica was at LSU for elite verification! (5:00) Much like Santa Claus, Jessica Claus arrived in the middle of the night to bring us All the inside scoop we could ever ask for Trinity Thomas, Margzetta Frazier (43:30), and Jordan Chiles (50:13) reacting to the new verification experience in their own words An exclusive interview with Rhonda Faehn where she discusses (59:20) What her job actually is, especially now The search for a new NTC: whether the position will be split into different jobs, who will be making that decision, and what USAG is looking for from its new NTC Why people should trust her, a former Karolyi gymnast, to bring a change in culture The search for a new national training center, and much more Plus, Jessica answers all of our (so, Spencer’s) questions about verification like What was the atmosphere? And more importantly, was it weird? How is Safe Sport being employed in the national team system now? What was the parents’ reaction to being invited in? What do those involved think about the changes and the future of USAG? WHY WHY WHY were so many gymnasts not shown on the live stream? Is there still a selection committee? Who is on it? How involved were they in the verification? Were they giving feedback? Were the international assignments based directly on the results of verification? For how long will this temporary system be in place? Did anyone give a big dramatic speech addressing all the elephants in the room? What is the new LSU gymnastics palace like? Were other NCAA coaches there? What happened that would NEVER have happened at a Martha camp? Also, the gymnastics (1:22:24) ! Detailed news on all the various perfections (Riley McCusker! Shilese Jones! Olivia Dunne! Adeline Kenlin! Jafree Scott! Kara Eaker! Kayla DiCello! Leanne Wong! Audrey Davis! Jordan Bowers! Konnor McClain! Alyona Shchennikova!) that you didn’t see on the live stream. GYMTERNET AND MEET NEWS Kensley joins in to keep everyone vigilant about what’s going on with the men’s program and why it’s not being held to the same standards of change as the women’s program. AKA, welcome to the “conflicts of interest” portion of the show! (1:46:59) A period of mourning for Kennedy Baker’s Achilles and a story about Kennedy Baker bringing old nemeses together and basically single-handedly creating world peace because Kennedy Baker (1:52:40) Cal beat Utah for the second time ever and set ALL THE RECORDS in the process Exciting US MAG World Cup assignments, and why they kind of don’t make sense (1:59:58) All the big developments from the Melbourne World Cup including Chen Yile, Georgia Godwin, Milad Karimi, Aruna Buddy Reddy, and Hidetaka Miyachi (2:03:24) British Gymnastics has officially fired Eddie van Hoof, who led the MAG team from 2005-2017, for very vague reasons following an independent investigation (2:09:00) More Stacey Ervin WWE news! LIVE SHOW AT NCAAs We’re doing a live show at NCAA nationals this year, featuring Jessica, Spencer, and maybe some very secret, very special guests! Details and tickets here. WHEN: Thursday, April 19th from 7:30-9:00pm in St. Louis. T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST OVERVIEW The college gymnastics season is in full swing, and we’re on the hunt for designs to put on t-shirts and swag that celebrate our love of this amazing sport. That’s why we’re bringing back our GymCastic design contest bigger and better than ever before (think Ebee’s DTY). Submit your best college-themed designs and you could be one of 5 winners whose art will be seen on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere. THE PRIZE Your design and name/website featured on our page Your artwork made into merchandise to be sold in the GymCastic store A free t-shirt of your choosing from our merch store. THE MISSION Create an college gymnastics-centric design that will make us moan like Kathy Johnson-Clarke. Submit your original design by posting it on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram with hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest and email it to us. Bonus points for collage-style images! We use a site called TeePublic to print our merchandise. They do a great job of explaining their artwork requirements on their website. The most important thing is that if you win you will need to submit your art as a PNG file with a transparent background. Check out their Design FAQ at www.teepublic.com/faq WARNING: This art must be your own original design. Directly using an image of a person (or the logo of a team) without their consent is frowned upon, and also a intellectual property violation. We can’t use your design if you do. Silhouettes are a gray area, and are usually acceptable. Deadline: Saturday, March 17 (St. Patty’s Day!) Questions? Email us at [email protected]. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out 289: 175 Years 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler 187: McKayla Maroney
2/28/2018 • 2 hours, 17 minutes, 56 seconds
292: Winter Cup 2018 and FIG official statement on hosting World Championships in anti-gay country
GYMTERNET NEWS (2:05) The Preventing Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act has been signed into law! What it says, why it's important, and also GO TO THE POLICE! USAG probably lied to the Senate, and MSU's dog ate its homework In "not just gymnastics" news, USA Swimming may be even worse in scope and duration Aly, McKayla, and others refuse to participate in the USOC investigation and lay the smackdown on Scott Blackmun We rage about those HORRIBLE local news fluff pieces where coaches proudly proclaim that none of their gymnasts were abused. Dave Chapelle on imperfect allies in part two of his Netflix special, The Bird Revelation. USAG will be STREAMING the LSU verification meet. Is this meaningful transparency? A whole bunch of US individuals will be competing at Jesolo, just like we told them to! Skinner is entertaining the possibility of going for 2020 (39:48) A rundown of how that would work in the super-complicated 2020 qualification format Thoughts on Megan Marsden's less-than-enthusiastic reaction to the idea Elena Eremina had back surgery, so life is canceled for six months The official response from the FIG regarding LGBT gymnasts and staff in Qatar for the world championship (1:08:57): "We understand your concerns with regards to LGBT gymnasts and staff at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Doha.However, as a FIG member and by hosting the championships, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation adheres to the FIG Rules that does not allow any kind of discrimination or any violation of human rights as per Article 2.2 of the Statutes and Article 1. of the Code of Ethics.During the last ten editions of the Doha World Cup no incident has become known, where a gymnast, coach, official or fan has faced any mistreatment in this regard. The same applies to World Championships of other sports that have been held in Doha, including the 2015 IHF Handball World Championships, the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships and the 2016 UCI Road World Championships as well as the annual ATP and WTA Qatar Open tennis tournaments.As long as the participants, coaches, officials and staff, irrespective of their race, sex, language or religion, respect the law of the host country and abide by the rules, there is no reason to fear imprisonment." NCAA NEWS (50:46) Arizona put up only 2 on vault and 3 on floor this week, and we are FASCINATED Breaking down the week's 10s from Sydney Snead, Ivy Lu, and Elizabeth Price Crack or Correct: The weekend's stuck DTYs (9.975 for Price, 9.950 for Skinner) and how they compare to other DTYs—and other vault scores from the same meets. Yeah, we talk about that Nia Dennis vault. WINTER CUP (1:21:45) Jessica is joined by Kensley to discuss this year's Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas. They break down Sam Mikulak's dominant victory, how it wasn't the most terrifying competition in the history of gymnastics (WHAT?), and a gymnast who stole the whole show by the name of Asher Hong. Who made the National Team and changes to the national team selection process and the dreaded point system (link to Day One points) Our theories on why this meet wasn't terrifying this year Should 18-year old NCAA athletes be allowed to compete with true juniors? Sam Mikulak, a fall in the all-around and it doesn't matter. Marvin Kimble goes 12 for 12 and shouts it from the rooftops Highest D and E winners SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. MY GYM JUDGE MyGymJudge bridges the gap between you and the judges! It’s simple. Go to www.mygymjudge.com, submit a video of your routines, and receive detailed analysis from one of our incredible judges. My Gym Judge sets out to empower athletes, coaches, and parents with the knowledge to both UNDERSTAND their scores and HOW to improve upon them. Their certified judges include judges who judge at Olympic Trials and World Championships, like Chellsie Memmel and Loana Cruz! RELATED EPISODES 291: Not a Good Look 290: Valeri Is Out 289: 175 Years 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler 187: McKayla Maroney
2/23/2018 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 40 seconds
291: Not a Good Look
GYMTERNET NEWS First, Jessica has two op-eds out, one in HuffPo and one in the LA Times—which you MUST read otherwise we can't be friends anymore. Also, we explain why you might see that Nassar interview showing up in your feeds this week. BUT THEN: Clarifications about the February verification at LSU regarding chaperones, compensation, and reimbursement WOGA is in trouuuuuuuuble for its handling of sexual abuse complaints Aly says Geddert might have known in 2011. He's also facing a criminal investigation. Oh, look how that worked out. The House of Representatives is initiating an investigation into all the major players. Spencer and Jessica have dreams about what comes next. GUH. FRAN. COME ON. MSU might actually fire someone. Whaaaaaaa? The FIG president issues a plan to address sexual abuse. What Jessica thinks his fashion choices tell us about his intentions. The Oleg Verniaiev interview that must be read to be believed. MEET NEWS Is UCLA for real? Is Florida...going to be for real? Ivy Lu is the best bars worker you've never seen Kennedy Baker got a 10! We compare her "piked" Dos Santos to the OG "layout" Dos Santos. Crack or Correct: Should Myia Hambrick be getting 10s? The most hilarious overscore of the week. Plus, Alex McMurtry's DTY scores. Brenna Dowell did beam exhibition, and it was AMAZING. Could Romania have a bars solution? Aliya did bars and beam exhibition in France, and we're making 1700 plans for her life. English Championships! Ellie Downie is back! Amy Tinkler and Claudia Fragapane are basically bars specialists now Georgia-Mae Fenton is bringing throwback Valdez realness on beam FEEDBACK Triceratops hair The overtraining epidemic among the littles A new listener (you might recognize) is almost, kind of obsessed with us Stacey Ervin tries out for WWE. Jessica dies. JESSICA LIES The virtues of the national camps Hypocrisy from college coaches?!?!?! Never! Mother Earth tries to sabotage Khorkina A special Jessica RAGE-O-METER about broadcasting gymnastics SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. MY GYM JUDGE MyGymJudge bridges the gap between you and the judges! It’s simple. Go to www.mygymjudge.com, submit a video of your routines, and receive detailed analysis from one of our incredible judges. My Gym Judge sets out to empower athletes, coaches, and parents with the knowledge to both UNDERSTAND their scores and HOW to improve upon them. Their certified judges include judges who judge at Olympic Trials and World Championships, like Chellsie Memmel and Loana Cruz! GO to www.mygymjudge.com today and use the code GC20 to receive a 20% discount! NORBERT'S This episode is brought to you by Norbert’s athletic products. February's special deal is a Pink and Purple panel mat, delivered to you with free shipping for $199. Check out that and all their other equipment at norberts.net. RELATED EPISODES 290: Valeri Is Out 289: 175 Years 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 232: Conflict of Interest 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
2/14/2018 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 20 seconds
290: Valeri is Out
GYMTERNET NEWS (03:28) Valeri Liukin has RESIGNED as National Team Coordinator! Our reactions Was Valeri forced out, or did he decide this himself? Who should succeed him as NTC? The state of the current WAG program We discuss the new verification competition being held at LSU ...and the ensuing, totally predictable NCAA coach freak out The 180 USAG just did on the family chaperone issue, along with our concerns #WST Larry Nassar's FINAL sentencing (37:33) We might never have to look at him again! The dad who lunged at him in court. Yea or Nay? Michigan State offices raided by law enforcement The USOC failed to act on Nassar's abuse for a full year (Shock! Surprise!) Senator Gillibrand calls for the DOJ to investigate the USOC The New York Times says at least 40 people were abused by Nassar AFTER the FBI already knew about him. What an ACTUAL FBI agent told Gina Nichols, and why it sort of blows up USAG's party line THE. SIMONE. MOVIE. (52:38) Ironically amazing or actually amazing? WHAT WAS THAT RANCH? That thing where Aimee has to explain to Martha what gymnastics is The Biles is really just a whip 1/2, you guys Why the casting of the national team maybe needed some work And SO MUCH MORE. MEET NEWS (1:08:57) All about THAT Oklahoma/UCLA meet We find out how many times Jessica cried Why this meet perfectly encapsulated everything about college gymnastics and everything sport should be Spencer has to ruin the mood by whining about the scores Charlie Tamayo is out at Georgia Alex McMurtry explains why she opted out of elite Brooklyn Moors won Elite Canada and has a new, UPGRADED floor routine (1:34:18) SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. MY GYM JUDGE This episode is brought to you by MyGymJudge. MyGymJudge bridges the gap between you and the judges. It’s simple. Go to www.mygymjudge.com, submit a video of your routines, and receive detailed analysis from one of our incredible judges. My Gym Judge sets out to empower athletes, coaches, and parents with the knowledge to both UNDERSTAND their scores and HOW to improve upon them. Their certified judges include judges who judge at Olympic Trials and World Championships, like Chellsie Memmel and Loana Cruz! GO to www.mygymjudge.com today and use the code GC20 to receive a 20% discount! RELATED EPISODES 289: 175 Years 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 232: Conflict of Interest 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
2/7/2018 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 48 seconds
175 Years
GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Victim Impact Statements and why everyone should go to USAG meets dressed as Judge Rosemarie Aquilina. Mattie Larson made a big impact talking about how USAG created an abusive environment. McKenzie Wooford backed her up. Rachael Denhollander gave a speech to go down in the history books, "What Is A Little Girl Worth?" Who should play her in the Oscar-winning movie? We explain why Judge Aquilina was legally allowed to be partial so everyone can calm down. USOC cracking down...now...suddenly. We have feelings. Why the Daniels Report wasn't enough. Aly Raisman hit the USOC back with her own demands for an independent investigation. We want a Truth and Reconciliation hearing with Valeri Liukin. Congress passed Senate Bill 534 Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. Next step is Trump's signature. These three voted against the bill. Feel free to vote them out of office: Justin Amash, Michigan’s 3rd congressional district Thomas Massie, Kentucky’s 4th congressional district Mark Sanford, South Carolina’s 1st congressional district John Geddart of Twistars was suspended, then hilariously announced he is going to retire. He moved the gym into his wife's name, if/when he is banned by USAG, he will have to be entirely unaffiliated with the gym if the gym wants to retain its membership. Jessica called the police on him and it didn't go well. MSU Lou Anna Simon resigned. Still no one fired at MSU except for Nassar. MSU produced two different Title IX investigation reports. The the version not given to the victim said Nassar was “exposing patients to unnecessary trauma…” Joel Ferguson, a trustee and vice-chair of the MSU board, has not stepped down. Instead he supported Simon: “There’s so many more things going on at the university than just this Nassar thing.” Miss Val on radio last week said, ex-USAG President, Steve Penny, told her he let Marta get away with being abusive because she won. NCAA RECAP! (1:24:43) The week of CRACK! Even Kathy Johnson had to take to Twitter to complain! The judges gave Alex McMurtry's upgraded DTY, doesn’t stick, a 10 The judges gave OU's beam rotation 9.9s, even Bre Showers Florida needed 9.925 to win, judges gave it to Baumann Maggie Nichols didn't get a 10 on vault, Kennedy Baker no 10 on floor Stanford/Oregon State bars scoring was ridiculous UCLA beat LSU at Metroplex with 197.625 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome clothing and gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead 287: Simone and Maggie Too 286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 232: Conflict of Interest 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
1/31/2018 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 58 seconds
288: Ding Dong The Ranch Is Dead
IN THE NEWS Victim impact statements in the sentencing for Larry Nassar began last week and continue this week. You can continue to watch it live here. Update: Upon order of USOC, Paul Parilla resigns. John Geddert suspended ! Kyle Stephens: “Little girls don’t stay little forever. They grow into strong women that return to destroy your world.” Lindsey Lemke: “Larry, I hope you, Lou Anna Simon, Kathie Klages, John Geddert, and all of USAG are scared, because you have pissed off the wrong army of women.” The awfulness of Geddert, quote by quote, story by story 14 were warned of Nassar abuse at MSU, at least one of whom is still working with the gymnastics team! WHAT?! Jordyn Wieber: "Larry Nassar is accountable. USA Gymnastics is accountable. The U.S. Olympic Committee is accountable. My teammates and friends have been through enough and now it's time for change." Aly Raisman: “Imagine feeling like you have no power and no voice. Well, you know what, Larry? I have both power and voice, and I am only beginning to just use them." That insane letter Nassar wrote to the judge Miss Val opens can of Whoop Ass on USAG What you can do: S 534 Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 — Make sure it passes. USAG announces that it will no longer be using the ranch. What do we make of this? Is it progress or just cynicism? A listener asks: Why can't the women just use the Olympic Training Center? Plus, is decertification an option? What does that actually mean? And what was the deal with Nastia's apology? MEET NEWS A rundown of the current leaders in NCAA gymnastics All of Elizabeth Price's accomplishments over the last three weeks (there have been a lot) insane floor save from MyKayla Skinner Sabrina Vega scores 9.950 on floor Our obsession with the Toni-Ann Williams slip-and-slide vault warmup Stella Savvidou's one-arm floor routine: amazing, dangerous, or both? FEEDBACK We respond to your questions and comments all about Piked Arabians on beam? The difference between moral duty and legal duty Clarification on what "the Liukin" actually is Does the US train too hard leading up to competition? (Hint: YES) Why can't we just get rid of camps entirely? Bad coaching vs. good coaching Little Girls In Pretty Boxes Episode 15 NCAA gymnasts as possible individual competitors in 2020 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. CASPER This episode is brought to you by Casper. Casper is a sleep brand that makes expertly designed products to help you get your best rest, one night at a time. Get $50 toward select mattresses by visiting Casper.com/gymcastic and using gymcastic at checkout. Terms and conditions apply. RXBAR This episode is brought to you by RXBAR. For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.com/gymcastic and enter promo code gymcastic at checkout. RELATED EPISODES 287: Simone and Maggie Too 286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream 284: Morgan Hurd 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto 77: Aly Raisman 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
1/23/2018 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 8 seconds
287: Simone and Maggie Too
GYMTERNET NEWS Jessica and Spencer discuss Simone Too Shutting down the ranch and options for an athlete and parent association Karolyi Ranch PTSD is real Maggie Nichols is Athlete A Maggie and her coach Sarah Jantzi reported Nassar to USA Gymnastics in June 2015 Complaint states that Steve Penny discouraged her parents from reporting to law enforcement Nassar was allowed to see patients for two years while under criminal investigation by MSU USAG's awful reaction statement reveals not a web of lies, but a web of stupid We break down USAG's commitment to "well, actually"-ing the survivors, while simultaneously admitting misdeeds The trouble with Fran. When is an "investigator" actually an "investigator"? USAG claims it did not identify interviewed athletes by name. Really, though? At what point is it time to close down USAG and start over? Geddert In motion to dismiss, he claims Rachael should really be suing her own mom Survivor statements indicate he knew as early as 1997 A listener asks why we seem to hate Geddert so much on this show. We explain. Read the details of police investigations into Geddert here. MSU follows suit Marcia Frederick, first US Gymnastics world champion, shares story of abuse Paul Ziert asks who approved the Maroney settlement and where the money came from NCAA NEWS (50:00) Actual gymnastics! The week that vault turned impossible The Maddie Desch vault debacle, explained The difference between elite and NCAA vault rules, and why NCAA is SAFER Why is everyone trying to vault when their steps are off? "Persistedness" — a deep dive Suzanne's back and she's already being SO Suzanne Lauren Rice is amazing and life is unfair The triumphant return of CRACK OR CORRECT? Emma McLean's floor 9.975 The beam start-value massacre at the Elevate the Stage quad Would Denelle Pedrick have scored higher for a "name" school? The GymCastic seal of approval goes to Khazia Hislop of UNC for floor (at 1:30:00) SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. HELLO FRESH This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. For $30 off your first week of HelloFresh, visit hellofresh.com and enter promo code GymCastic30 SIMPLE CONTACTS This episode is sponsored by Simple Contacts. Get $30 off your contacts at simplecontacts.com/gymcastic or enter code gymcastic at checkout. RELATED EPISODES 286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream 285: Bring on 2018! 284: Morgan Hurd 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto 77: Aly Raisman Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH
1/17/2018 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 3 seconds
286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream
MAGGIE NICHOLS IS ATHLETE A 2015 US Team World Champion, floor bronze medalists and 2017 Oklahoma NCAA Team Champion, Maggie Nichols has come forward as a survivor sexual abuse by Larry Nassar. "Up until now, I was identified as Athlete A by USA gymnastics, the US Olympic Committee and Michigan State University. I want everyone to know that he did not do this to Athlete A, he did it to Maggie Nichols." OC Register: Maggie Nichols, first Nassar whistle-blower, goes public Time: He Violated Our Innocence.’ Maggie Nichols Says She Was Abused by Team Doctor Larry Nassar Sports Illustrated: Says John Nichols, “After Maggie reported [in June of 2015], we were told to be quiet, don’t say anything to anybody, that USA Gymnastics was going to handle it. Later on, we would ask what’s happening and they’d say they were contacting the FBI. I was led to believe that the FBI was going to be handling this.” USA Gymnastics has not responded to SI’s requests for comment. You can read Maggie's statement in its entirety here Take Action Tell Maggie how much you appreciate her on her twitter Sign up for Champion Women's action alerts. Support Feinstein's Senate Bill 534 Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 by contacting your legislator. Find your representative here. NCAA SEASON BEGINS The first weekend of the NCAA season is in the books, and the theme was endurance. (Or lack thereof.) Michigan upsets Alabama. The Oscar-worthy tearjerker that was everyone's facial expressions before their third pass. Bailie Key's stress dream of a debut beam routine, how it gets better, and how Jess still gives her a 10. Kennedy Baker's flu-cramp sets the tone for Florida's rough performance. When Amelia Hundley is falling, something is very wrong indeed Alyssa Baumann is back from the health wars and looks like she never left Was...was UCLA the most prepared team on floor this weekend? Do any of these first-week problems even matter? Kyla going up second on bars: A way-too-deep discussion. The change in beam requirements and the problem with forward + backward "series" SARAH. FREAKING. FINNEGAN. Denver is coming for everyone, and Lynnzee Brown is about to be a star. Why Peng's bars score of 9.975 was exactly correct GYMTERNET NEWS USA Gymnastics struck a deal with McKayla Maroney to keep abuse quiet Confused about who's arguing what, what arguments makes sense, what arguments definitely don't make sense, who's lawsuiting whom, who knew what when, and what the timeline for all this was? We break it all down simply enough that even we can understand. USOC CEO apologizes Fran Sepler made some statements. And they were a PROBLEM. To summarize, the investigator for USAG just—hypothetically—admitted that she didn't report to police or CPC a child molester who was still working with kids. USAG did... after 5 weeks. Deanna Hong's phenomenal documentary piece, Why I Spoke Up: Rachael Denhollander WHAAAAA? A new team-final format was slipped into the FIG's updated technical regulations, and we love it. We have some questions about the characterizations (and accent situations) unveiled in the trailer for the Simone movie. Voronin Cup Komova is back and nailing her Arabian. She is the bars execution queen (because everyone knows giant swings don't count). We break down Nabieva's floor drama (because Nabieva) in detail. Oleg had surgery on his everything FEEDBACK We discuss your questions and comments, including Is it possible to do a Pak double back? More about undies and tinkling when tumbling Episode 222: Advice from pelvic floor specialist Are puppies sexist? (One of us still doesn't understand the question.) Here are the ice skaters with puppies at Olympic Trials. A tiny complaint that we need to do more episodes (we agree!) What NCAA gymnastics can learn from lacrosse about early recruiting VAULTING ON TOP OF ACTUAL HORSES SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Today’s episode is sponsored by HelloFresh for $30 off your first week of HelloFresh, visit hellofresh.com and enter promo code GymCastic30 RELATED EPISODES 285: Bring on 2018! 284: Morgan Hurd 283: Catalina Ponor Says Goodbye 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto 77: Aly Raisman
1/10/2018 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 51 seconds
285: Bring on 2018
GYMTERNET NEWS This week, we get all the yucky parts out of the way at the beginning. It was a bad week (month) (year) to be USA Gymnastics What USAG told the athletes in Rio about Nassar P&G and Kellogg’s (then Under Armour and Hershey’s) drop sponsorship of USAG USAG’s hideous motion to dismiss in the Denhollander case The Maroney birthday tweet Athlete reps can still serve on selection committees, counter to the Daniels Report But, progress made at the Board of Directors meeting Nassar Sentenced to 60 Years The letter Aly wrote to read at his sentencing. Where are the consequences for Michigan State? Dave Brubaker, director of Canadian women’s national team, charged with 10 sexual offenses. Todd Gardiner from IGI placed on permanently ineligible members list for violating provisions concerning a sexual relationship with an athlete. BUT ALSO (42:00) Simone participated in the most hilariously un-fact-checked local news piece ever. Maria Paseka will miss 2018 with back surgery Our thoughts on the Russia Winter Olympics "ban" and Khorkina's bonkers response A 12-year-old verbally committed to Georgia Max Whitlock is learning air flares on pommel horse, just like Jess prophesied! Morgan Hurd, Yul Moldauer (and Brooklyn Moors!) are going to American Cup BRING ON 2018 NCAA season is soon upon us! We discuss (01:12:11): Florida or Oklahoma as the #1 team Suzanne is back. How does one explain Suzanne? We try. Former elites we're excited to see (Bailie! Jazzy! Nia! Alyssa!) All the exciting new friends who are about to turn senior, like (01:31:00) Li Qi, queen of connection bonus and our favorite Chinese gangsta floor routine All the US juniors who will take the world by storm, with special attention to Kara Eaker's beautiful beam Martina Dominici, the gymnast who will put Argentina on the map Plus Chen Yile, ZUBOVA, Simakova, Du Siyu, Sydney Saturnino, Denisa Golgota, Ana Padurariu, and a special Egyptian gymnast who might be Aliya Mustafina in disguise. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies in our store here. ZOLA Since people now get ENGAGED on this show, we have a the perfect sponsor. Zola is the wedding company reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding and decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to ZOLA.com/gymcastic RELATED EPISODES 284: Morgan Hurd 187: McKayla Maroney 257: The Daniels Report 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar
12/20/2017 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 32 seconds
284: Morgan Hurd
INTERVIEW This week, we have a very special chat with new world all-around champion, expert zombie-worm escaper, official badass woman, and favorite gymnast of young-adult authors the world over, MORGAN HURD. We discuss: Whether we're still allowed to call her Morgiboo Which gymnasts she fangirls out over If she's totally sick of people talking about her glasses yet All the behind-the-scenes scoop from worlds What she thinks about camp secrecy and possible SPIES What she thought about the lighting in the arena and training gym What happened when Ragan got injured before the AA final Who cried the most when she won Current training and TOP-SECRET upgrades Ideas for getting "the Hurd" in the code of points (we have a lot) Upcoming competition plans HARRY POTTER Which house Morgan would be in Morgan and Spencer throw down about Hagrid's teaching abilities Statues of Dobby and fuzzy sock tributes Which song from Hamilton would make the best floor music Nastia's obsession with her Getting confused for a child literally all the time How she decided on Florida What she thinks about NBC's "China would really love to have her" comments SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Store full of gifts for gym nerds here. RELATED EPISODES 274: World Championships Day 5 — Women's All-Around Final 276: World Championships Day 7 — Event Finals Part 2 271: World Championships Day 2 — Men's and Women's Prelims 283: Catalina Ponor Says Goodbye 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience
12/13/2017 • 57 minutes, 22 seconds
283: Catalina Ponor Says Goodbye
SIMONE-TERNET NEWS Simone casually has all her skills back because Simone. Do we think the Aly/Gabby/Simone twitter victim-shame debacle compelled Gabby to come forward with her story? And does it change how we view her comments? Simone will be 23 in 2020. Gasp. What journalists are STILL getting wrong about age and women's gymnastics! MEET NEWS IT'S THE MEXICAN OPEN GALA EVERYONE!!!!!!! Ponor gives her farewell gala performances on beam and floor and they're AH-MAZING If this truly is the end for Ponor, what is her legacy in gymnastics? But also: Manrique twerks and Jessica expects more LOTS of innuendos about working poles. LOTS. Ahmet Onder, Joel Plata, and the importance of men stripping for our enjoyment, even when it's a #stripteasefail Michael Jackson impersonations. Like you do. That thing where you have a shirtless cowboy duel and then sit astride the pommel horse and slap it so hard chalk flies off The award for worst/best use of Kevin Cerda in a Lucha Libre tribute An elaborate satire of white people Jessica details how to make Yesenia Ferrera into a world floor champ. (Hint: it's conditioning) Elite Gym Massilia The Russian juniors and their rudis will soon rule us all Axelle Klinckaert's insane/amazing must-watch floor routine, starring sound effects Cottbus World Cup Miyachi, Bretschneider, calculated risk, and the triumph of Marvin "NO LONGER HOT MESS" Kimble on high bar China has another one on PBars, and his name is Tan Di. Chuso wins her 11th Cottbus vault title because obviously Wang Cenyu is gorgeous on beam, but why such a short routine? The future of Russian floor is Lilia Akhaimova's huge, strong tumbling and Maria Kharenkova's rebirth! GYMTERNET NEWS Larry Nassar pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault and his statement was just as despicable as his everything else about him. Up next: MSU. British Gymnastics suspends men's technical director Eddie van Hoof Laura Jurca is leaving Romania for Germany The FIG finally comes to its senses about naming skills after women! Fabian Hambiceps stuck a high bar dismount for the last time Chiaki Hatakeda is doing a QUAD on floor. A QUAD YOU GUYS! Plus, we answer your feedback about college fantasy gymnastics, gymnerd dating services, and positive changes at TOPS camp! LOVEPOP This week's show is brought to you by Lovepop. Unlock special pricing for 5 or more cards AND get free shipping on any order by going to Lovepop.com/gymcastic. TUMBL TRAK We have a winner in our $200 Tumbl Trak gift certificate giveaway! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. Use our Amazon link to shop for anything! December 4th - December 8th: TeePublic Sitewide Sale! All Tees $14! RELATED EPISODES 282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 280: Comeback Season! 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 277: Post-Worlds Therapy Session
12/6/2017 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 32 seconds
282: GymCastic Book Club – Fierce, by Aly Raisman
IN THE NEWS The Gabby Tweet Heard 'Round the World (1:00) What was wrong with Gabby's response to Aly's post about victim shaming and why so many people are angry about it How her teammates responded Gabby's apology Our thoughts on the whole mess And then just as we were about to post, late breaking news: Gabby Douglas came forward as Larry Nassar victim. FIERCE (13:13) Aly Raisman’s book, Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything, was released last week. We talk through all of our feelings about it as a gymternet family. Why this is the best gymnastics book ever written for this age group USA Gymnastics does not come off well. At all. It's awesome. The post-Olympic tour is a hellscape Aly's experience with Larry Nassar is quite telling about exactly how this went on for so long and the very understandable reasons that victims don't speak about their experiences We need to talk about this mysterious Fran character Why the section about nutrition is a MUST-READ for all elite and NCAA coaches and gymnastics parents. Seriously. Read it right now. GO! Also check out Episode 230 to learn about the WellnessFX program All the other sweetest, funniest, standing ovation moments we loved GYMTERNET NEWS (1:26:45) British Gymnastics athletes are taking a stand against the organization! Why a group of athletes, including Max Whitlock, Ellie Downie, Amy Tinkler, is currently declining to sign new contracts with British Gymnastics The athletes have some very familiar concerns about lack of transparency in terms where the money is going and an overall culture of fear and favoritism Why gymnastics needs a union TUMBL TRAK GIVEAWAY Send in your story of a funny or embarrassing handstand moment (the more embarrassing the better), and you could win a $200 Tumbl Trak gift certificate! Open to Club Gym Nerd members only Deadline: December 3rd Send your story to [email protected] with the subject line: Tumbl Trak Handstand Story The person with the funniest or most hilariously embarrassing handstand story will be chosen as the winner NORBERT'S GIVEAWAY Norbert's is giving away a four-foot sectional beam! To win, just email us at [email protected] with the subject line "I want the Norbert's beam" and tell us...that you want the Norbert's beam Deadline: November 25th While you visit norberts.net to fantasize about that glorious little beam, check out NORBERT’S Gifts For Gymnasts Feature. Order by Dec 1st to receive your item by Dec 24th. For a 10% discount enter code "Gymcastic" at checkout when you visit norberts.net. SIMPLE CONTACTS This episode is brought to you by Spencer's literal obsession, Simple Contacts. To renew your contact prescription online (in five minutes, without visiting the eye doctor) and order your new contacts, visit simplecontacts.com/gymcastic and use the promo code "gymcastic" to save $30 off your purchase. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 77: Aly Raisman 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 187: McKayla Maroney 230: The Good News 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 257: The Daniels Report 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
11/22/2017 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 39 seconds
281.5 Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim
IN THE NEWS Aly Raisman appeared on 60 Minutes this week, relating her own story of abuse by Larry Nassar and making known her dissatisfaction with USA Gymnastics' handling of abuse at the time, as well as now. We discuss: How awesome Aly Raisman is How awesome Aly Raisman is And how awesome Aly Raisman is The need for education and communication among children, adults, coaches, and administrators about what is acceptable behavior and what is not Why many of the victims didn't know they were abused until years later What a stupid question "Isn't the timing just a book sales ploy?" is Plus, USAG has a new president, and we have concerns SAFESPORT has a new board, and we have concerns The USOC has experienced no consequences, and we have concerns And finally, Jessica O'Beirne presents the O'BEIRNE MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE. Six areas in which USA Gymnastics must improve immediately, otherwise nothing will ever get better and they will never gain back the trust of the members. Transparency: Daniels Report compliance list link on the USAG homepage. Gymnast Union: Athletes and parents need to start a union to eliminate the conflicts of interest inherently built into any National Governing Body system and to end the fear of retaliation. Consequences: Debbie Van Horn, Paul Parilla and the rest of the board need to go, immediately. Comprehensive Training: Every employee from president, Kerry Perry to the receptionist and all board members of USAG need in-person, day-long abuse prevention training on an annual basis. Alcohol: One drink when coaching duties are over with a meal, per day. Period. No Grey Areas: All national team staff, parents, athletes and coaches need to be educated and empowered to enforce SafeSport rules. And to call eachother out for violations. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. RELATED EPISODES 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 77: Aly Raisman 257: The Daniels Report 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
11/15/2017 • 34 minutes, 39 seconds
281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned)
This week's episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Beth, who commissioned a sequel to our first show all about the biggest myths, legends, and unexpected moments in gymnastics history because there were just too many to pack into a single episode the first time around. Thank you for letting us do this, Beth! But first, Jessica's greatest dream has FINALLY come true in this week's Club Gym Nerd episode dedication!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE x100000000. MYTHS AND LEGENDS Myth Un-Busted??? The latest, secret information about Soviet pregnancy doping Is there really a real-life skill called the Miller? Or did NBC lie to us? (BOTH!) Did Verona van de Leur really leave gymnastics to become a porn star? Bonus: More gymnastics nudity "scandals" than you ever wanted to know about! Did Title IX really kill men's college gymnastics? Is there really such a thing as the international look? Or did NBC lie to us? Did Armine Barutyan really do a double layout beam dismount? Is the American Cup really the SCAMerican Cup? Will she really "never get those scores internationally"? Did a Soviet gymnast's tampon really fall out during her floor routine? Did Cristina Bontas's saliva really make Yang Bo fall in the 1992 beam final? UNEXPECTED MOMENTS When the pommel breaks off in your hand When Bela was so obsessed with pissing off Ellen Berger that he almost costs Mary Lou her gold medal Bonus: Which barnyard animal did Bela compare Ellen Berger to in 1988? The many (many) (many) fractures of the 1992 Olympic team Dominique Moceanu gets emancipated from her parents, and her dad hires a hit man to kill her coach Gymnastics in the bath? The magical changing age of Hong Su Jong TUMBL TRAK GIVEAWAY Whether a gymnast from birth or starting at age 50, a handstand is something most gymnastics enthusiasts have at least tried. Send in your story of a funny or embarrassing handstand moment (the more embarrassing the better), and you could win a $200 Tumbl Trak gift certificate! Open to Club Gym Nerd members only Deadline: December 3rd Send your story to [email protected] with the subject line: Tumbl Trak Handstand Story The person with the funniest or most hilariously embarrassing handstand story will be chosen as the winner HELLO FRESH This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh! Visit hellofresh.com and use promo code “Gymcastic30” to save $30 off your first week of deliveries. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gifts here. RELATED EPISODES 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments Part 1 (Commissioned) 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
11/15/2017 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 42 seconds
280: Comeback Season
GYMTERNET NEWS Check out the behind the scenes video from the unicorn of gymnastics, concurrent elite and college gymnast, New Zealand/Boise State's Courtney McGregor. It's comeback season! November 1st was National Simone Biles Is Back In The Gym Day. How did you celebrate? The Alexei Nemov show Mustafina did almost-real beam and Komova did even more almost-real bars Spencer the Khorkina Whisperer breaks down the true meaning of her exhibition performance Khorkina also sticks her foot in her mouth again. All the surprise. Tatiana Nabieva continued being retired by winning the St. Petersburg Championship NCAA news Bailie Key is back and beaming for Alabama Madison Kocian had successful labrum surgery Sabrina Schwab has medically retired Maggie Nichols and Kyla Ross are still pulling out new tricks because of badassdom Mixed gender gymnastics Is mixed-gender team competition the future of gymnastics? We discuss the merits of the mixed team format at the Swiss Cup. Kenzo is the greatest uneven bars worker of our day The #manbeamwar is in full swing! Trigger warning section Larry Nassar's trial will not be moved. Plus, his child porn charges cannot be used in the assault trial. Is this horrible or normal law things? Tatiana Gutsu went on a Russian TV show, spoke about her rape in detail, and was treated horribly. She is the bravest ever. FEEDBACK What really happened with the redo vaults in 2000 The truth about Raducan and Amanar's positive tests in 2000, and what we're going to do about it! Other gymnasts who could potentially "Ray" (perform three eponymous skills in the same routine) Thoughts for making floor exercise less sexist More ideas for how to fix worlds Why we're wrong for wanting to move worlds out of Doha RX BAR This week’s show is brought to you by RxBar. For 25% off your first order, visit rxbar.com/gymcastic and enter promo code gymcastic at checkout. NORBERT'S Norbert’s has Gifts For Gymnasts! Holiday prices include shipping within the 48 contiguous states. Don’t be fooled by other manufacturers’ lesser quality “home use” lines of equipment. These are the same exact products found in gymnastics schools across the country and are made to last for years. Order by December 1st to ensure delivery by December 24th. Visit Norberts.net and click on the Gift Season is Here picture to find the perfect gift. RELATED EPISODES 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 277: Post-Worlds Therapy Session 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 276: World Championships Day 7 — Event Finals Part 2 275: World Championships Day 6 — Event Finals Part 1 274: World Championships Day 5 — Women's All-Around Final 273: World Championships Day 4 — Men's All-Around Final 272: World Championships Day 3 — Women's Prelims 271: World Championships Day 2 — Men's and Women's Prelims 270: World Championships Day 1 — Men's Prelims
11/8/2017 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 8 seconds
279: Svetlana Khorkina The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Commissioned
This week's episode was commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Bella, who asked for an episode about all things Svetlana Khorkina: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Part 1: Getting philosophical with the question, who is Svetlana Khorkina? The height. The hair. The diva. The queen. The drama. The "villain." Part 2: The good The champion – 7-time Olympic medalist; 20-time world medalist; 47 medals across Euros, worlds, and Olympics The innovator – 7 eponymous skills, at least one on each event. We pick favorites. The artist – all-time favorite Khorkina floor routines. Carmen from the 1996 Olympics The 2004 choreographed kiss THIS very special, very bonkers ghost/snowman exhibition routine. A diva is magical All-time best Khorkina moments The scream heard 'round the world during the 2000 all-around final The 1996 Olympic gala dismount Giving the vault final spot to Zamolodchikova That time Zamo did the worst bars routine of all time and Khorkina died of hilarity Part 3: Chatting with Luba Luba from Gymnovosti gives us the inside scoop on Khorkina's new book "The Magic of Winning" and the cultural and social context in which the legend that is Khorkina is situated. She has translated all the details and best quotes from "The Magic of Winning" on her site. Part 4: The bad and the ugly The 2000 Olympic Team Final meltdown The definitely real, vast international gymnastics conspiracy against Svetlana Khorkina Why Khorkina is basically if tumblr were a person Her not-great reaction to the AA silver in 2004 Khorkina wisdom On how success feels: "I didn't feel anything, apart from maybe when I was on the top podium and they were underneath." On modesty: “I changed people's attitudes. It's very good to be sexy. My career made it clear that tall girls can do incredible things. I opened the way. Now I'm famous all over the world.” On dealing with disappointment: ''I will leave what happened on the vault far behind me, like the North Pole.'' On ewww: ''Age isn't important to me. 'You know they say a man sometimes prefers older women because they can satisfy him more. It's the same in gymnastics.'' On losing graciously: "I've seen a much tougher opposition than her. Let's see how long she can remain on top. Can she keep going and compete in two more Olympics like myself?" Part 5: Is Svetlana Khorkina the greatest gymnast of all time? The all-time world/Olympic medal chart FURTHER CRAZY-QUOTE READING Khorkina's 2007 interview with The Guardian. New York Times on Khorkina's reaction to the 2000 Olympic debacle Khorkina's tirade after the 2004 all-around from ESPN New York Times on Khorkina's 2004 swan song Slate's tribute to Svetlana the Great SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
10/31/2017 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 3 seconds
278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned)
This week's episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Courtney, who commissioned an episode all about the Sydney women's all-around final saying simply, "Because I know the gymternet has feelings." We sure do. Thanks for letting us do this, Courtney! Pre-meet Russia drama! (Because of course.) Produnova is pulled from the final in favor of Zamolodchikova. Jessica doesn't have feelings about it at all. Watch along with us here competition video NBC's fluff and obsession with father figures and male influence. (See: The Fluff Cast.) The vault is probably fine. This trash competition Why the meet was cursed right from the start. Several minutes discussing Kristen Maloney's shiny silver leotard, because of deep and important thoughts. Elise Ray's SCARIEST vault warmup of all time. Why did some people struggle with the low vault and others not? We have theories. KHORKINA and the difference between artistry, elegance, carriage, and actual execution. Maria Olaru, how she's basically treated like garbage, and NBC's super inappropriate comments. Jessica and Spencer disagree about a certain vault and whether it's hideous or not. The improvement in Chinese floor routines from 1996 to 2000. Elise Ray doing all three Rays in one bars routine. Why Viktoria Karpenko is one of the greatest gymnasts ever to live. The vault Extensive feelings about what SHOULD have happened when the problem on vault was discovered, and why what actually happened was very, very wrong. Should the entire meet have been redone? Should everyone have been made to vault again? How do we account for people making other mistakes after vault? Are there any actual, better rules in place should this situation happen again? Khorkina's post-vault bars routine and whether the vault issue made her fall on bars. One woman with the scariest job in the entire world. The meet continues Yang Yun's beautiful foot-ography and a very rare, very special Spencer Rage-o-Meter about Al's racist floor music comments. Everyone who's leading has to collapse Part 7: Yelena Zamolodchikova. The most bizarre score of the entire meet (spoiler alert: it's a Romanian bars routine). Everyone who's leading has to collapse Part 8: Viktoria Karpenko. Al rooting for Lisa Skinner to chuck a dangerous vault she's never done before. Andreea Raducan's glory rising to the top above this trash heap. The aftermath Andreea Raducan stripped of her medal for testing positive for a substance found in cough medicine that is no longer even banned. Whether we recognize the stripping of Raducan's medal. (We don't). In 2010, Dong Fangxiao was found to have been underage and her results nullified. The ridiculous inconsistency in the application of age rules. The big question If the vault had been set correctly, who would have been on the podium? HELLO FRESH This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh! Visit hellofresh.com and use promo code "Gymcastic30" to save $30 off your first week of deliveries. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome gym nerdy merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 19: Andreea Raducan 31: Elise Ray 28: Kristen Maloney 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/25/2017 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 20 seconds
277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar
We have two episodes for you this week. This is a quick update on the latest sexual abuse allegations by McKayla Maroney and Tatiana Gutsu. A separate episode, our commissioned recap of the 2000 Sydney women's all-around final, is also out right now. McKayla Maroney's statement Response from USAG Response from teammates Our interview with McKayla Maroney, where she discusses the toxic environment at USA Gymnastics, under Martha Karolyi and alleges neglect and emotional abuse by her personal coaches. That interview was recorded in October of 2015. Our thoughts, and Aly's thoughts, on the Terin Humphrey response What you can actually do USAGym is looking for individuals to serve on Standing Committees of the Board of Directors Call your senators to tell them to support SB 534 or thank them for already doing so Tweet at the gymnasts to show your support Tatiana Gutsu's statement The horrifying backlash from Russia Why efforts to defend "your friend" undermine support of the victim and discourage others from speaking out RELATED EPISODES 257: The Daniels Report 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes 60: The Second Most Powerful Woman In Gymnastics,Terin Humphrey
10/25/2017 • 21 minutes, 29 seconds
277: Post-Worlds Therapy Session
IN THE NEWS Spencer and Jessica detox from worlds by working through their feelings about SIMONE IS COMING BACK! AND SHE'LL BE COACHED BY THE LANDIS! Aly Raisman's book comes out November 14th and is available for preorder. We have many hopes and dreams for it. The NCAA has fulfilled Greg Marsden's vision and approved a no-bye postseason and four-team championship Our latest crusade: Why worlds must be moved out of Qatar The Huang Family case Qatar Sports Minister says he probably won't imprison gay soccer fans Polish social media marketer arrested at airport for being identified as gay Our proposals to fix the format of world championships in order to improve the level of competition and condense the length GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet includes: Russian drama! Seda is in trouble, but Spencer's not having it Paseka knows about her vault form, YOU GUYS Aliya is skipping her checkup in Germany to go to the national team camp Dalaloyan competed injured in the vault final. Should he have given up his spot to Eddie Penev? We definitely don't cause any international incidents while discussion the Kabaeva/Putin relationship. International Gymnast magazine is in trouble for what it said about Gabby. Norway is on the forefront of gender equality, and we have some recommendations for the IOC and FIG. Samir Ait Said wants to become an MMA fighter. Because of course he does. High school boys are being barred from joining the women's gymnastics team and we are NOT having it. Kenzo can do a Mustafina turn. Should he put it in his routine? SafeSport updates about Dominque Moceanu, Mary Lou Retton, Michigan State, Jeena Nelson (a sex offender volunteering at Altius Gymnastics Club in Utah, not the one in WI) and 1992 Olympic Champion, Tatiana Gutsu has accused Vitaly Scherbo of rape. YOUR FEEDBACK Is having bizarre donut-shaped medals with holes in them really that weird? Excellent proposals for how to integrate robo-judging Do we have a double standard when it comes to calling out racism? STOP PICKING ON JADE CAREY Tales of crazy-ass vault runs, plus a gymternet assignment! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. NORBERT'S Our friends at Norbert's want you to know about the new Victory Tumbler handspring trainer. Go to norberts.net and enter coupon code "Gymcastic" for a 10% discount. RELATED EPISODES 276: World Championships Day 7 — Event Finals Part 2 275: World Championships Day 6 — Event Finals Part 1 274: World Championships Day 5 — Women's All-Around Final 273: World Championships Day 4 — Men's All-Around Final 272: World Championships Day 3 — Women's Prelims 271: World Championships Day 2 — Men's and Women's Prelims 270: World Championships Day 1 Men's Prelims 269: 2017 World Championships Preview 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/18/2017 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 27 seconds
276: World Championships Day 7 — Event Finals Part 2
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 7 Spencer, Lauren, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Men's Vault The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Beam The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's PBars The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Floor The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's HBar The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES What to do if you tinkle while you tumble? Advice from a pelvic floor expert for gymnasts here. 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/9/2017 • 2 hours, 15 minutes, 47 seconds
275: World Championships Day 6 — Event Finals Part 1
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 6 Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Men's Floor The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Vault The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's Horse The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Bars The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's Rings The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/7/2017 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 5 seconds
274: World Championships Day 5 — Women's All-Around Final
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 5 Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Results The medals Who won the D and E score races Surprises and upsets Full recap of all the greatness in the final: details, scores, and moments we loved What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/7/2017 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 14 seconds
273: World Championships Day 4 Men’s All-Around Final
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 4 Spencer, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Results The medals Who won the D and E score races Surprises and upsets Full recap of all the greatness in the final: details, scores, and moments we loved What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/6/2017 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 3 seconds
272: World Championships Day 3 Women's Prelims
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 3 Spencer, Lauren, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Women's Results Larissa's injury, Cata's retirement Official qualifiers to finals Who won the D and E score races Surprises and upsets Favorite moments Subdivision 3 - Iordache, Ponor, Eythora, Wevers, Steingruber Subdivision 4 - Alt, Seitz, Boyer, Devillard, Ferrari, Kovacs, McGregor Subdivision 5 - US team, JPN team, CHN team, Andrade, Fidelis, Ferrera, Varinska What went on inside the arena State of our pre-competition storylines Any reason to doubt Smith v. Iordache now? The Tabea Alt new-skill parade? Is it Japan's time? Andrade as AA threat? Yesenia Ferrera China Olympic low-balling - now in final session? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/5/2017 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 37 seconds
271: World Championships Day 2 — Men's and Women's Prelims
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 2 Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Men's Results Official qualifiers to finals Who won the D and E score races Top moments of final subdivision? Epke, Calvo, Zanetti, Nory, McClenaghan, Arican, Pornstache, Yang Hakseon, Women's results Two subdivisions down today, three to go tomorrow including the US, China, Japan, Romania, Netherlands, Germany, and France, so we know nothing Surprises and upsets Favorite moments Subdivision 1 - Fragapane, Tinkler, Fenton, Mizzen, Rodriguez, Toni-Ann Subdivision 2 - RUS team, CAN team, Derwael What went on inside the arena State of our pre-competition storylines Fenton/Derwael race for the stalder tkatchev 1/2 Cintia Rodriguez toe shoot 1/1 Paseka's vaulting Moors on floor being all Moors SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/4/2017 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 18 seconds
270: World Championships Day 1 Men's Prelims
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 1 Spencer, Lauren, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Watch all of our video coverage from Worlds here. Results Reminder: There's still one more subdivision for the men tomorrow featuring Brazil, South Korea, and the Netherlands among others, so things will change. Who's definitely making finals Who definitely isn't making finals Surprises and upsets Favorite moments Subdivision 1 - Oleg, Igor, Manrique, Bretschenider, Nguyen, Davtyan, Merdinyan, Petrounias, Beckford Subdivision 2 - US team, British team, Hegi, Braegger, Yusof, Ude, Seligman Subdivision 3 - JPN team, CHN team, RUS team, Dragulescu, Zapata, Ait Said, Tommasone, Bertoncelj What went on inside the arena State of our pre-competition storylines Oleg v. Kohei – is it a rematch? Is Kenzo an all-around gymnast now? Miyachi and Bretschneider – race for the "Bretschneider II" Possible US upgrades - Penev TTY, Mikulak triple back 1/1 Max Whitlock pommel horse upgrades SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
10/3/2017 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 45 seconds
269: 2017 World Championships Preview
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: All the exciting GymCastic goodies you can expect from us at worlds!!! Lots of video clips and video analysis from us starting with PODIUM TRAINING this Friday! A podcast every single day of competition starting with men’s prelims on Monday through finals on Sunday . We might try something else we’ve never done before for Club Members, so if you haven’t made sure you can login and get to the extended version of the Maggie Haney, Aimee Boorman interview, please do so now. How to watch Full competition schedule and USAG live streaming schedule available at www.usagymworlds.com. US team selection (7:30) WE GOT VIDEOS FROM SELECTION CAMP!!!! #ScottandRhonda4ever Why a Smith, Hurd, Carey, Locklear team is weird, unexpected, and controversial Why a Smith, Hurd, Carey, Locklear team makes total sense That time Italy looked at the US's "controversial" selection and said, "Hold my beer..." (18:44) Women's All-Around (23:53) True or false: It's Ragan Smith v. Larisa Iordache for the all-around title Who else should we be watching in the medal hunt? (Hint: lots of people) We preemptively award the Longines Prize for Elegance to at least six people (36:16) NEW SKILLS ALERT (41:16) Why it's extra, extra important to pay attention to Nina Derwael, Georgia-Mae Fenton, Tabea Alt, Cintia Rodriguez, and Aiko Sugihara this year. Event Finals (48:00) The major players on each apparatus Questions we still have heading into the competition Is Paseka...good? Does Ashton Locklear have the execut...BUT HER INBARS Will Nina Derwael make history for Belgium Will Iordache get that giant 6.7 D? Will the floor final be Japan's time? Our 100% accurate, definite, guaranteed podium predictions The part where we remind you to pay attention to other gymnasts for reasons like being in their 20s or being tall or having a good backstory (1:20:26) This year's submissions: Jonna Adlerteg, Farah Hussein, and Courtney McGregor Letters to Bogi What the three of us want for Gymnastics Christmas this year. It's a lot. Men's competition storylines (1:27:12) Kohei v. Oleg: The Rematch? Is Kenzo becoming a real boy? (i.e. all-arounder?) Samir Ait Said's return from the Rio leg snap Yul Moldauer bringing the pretty back to USA Gymnastics The Marvin Kimble resurrection The return of Dr. Epke Men's super-duper exciting skills to watch TTYs from Artur Dalaloyan and (maybe now) Eddie Penev Sam Mikulak's possible triple back 1/1 on high bar Whittenburg's triple pike on rings Hidetaka Miyachi's MOST AMAZING HIGH BAR EVER and the race for the double twisting layout Kovacs Max Whitlock's MI6, classified, top top secret new pommel horse skills UMMMMMM, the mascot for worlds?!?!?!?! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)
9/26/2017 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 5 seconds
268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney on The Olympic Experience
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Aimee Boorman, lifelong coach of 2016 Olympic Champion and bazillion time World Champion, Simone Biles; and Maggie Haney, coach of Olympic team gold and beam silver medalist, Laurie Hernandez, joined us to discuss their Olympic experience: Advice for other coaches on how to survive an Olympic year Why having a thigh gap is no good for gymnasts Culture changes at the national team camps that made the system work How camps are different under Valeri Liukin than they were under Martha Karolyi Standing up to Martha All the skills Simone could have had named after her if Aimee and Simone hadn't decided on the bubble wrap policy. How Riley McCusker got her Chinese bar dismount. RELATED EPISODES Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 254: Vanessa Atler 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles 218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One 216: Rio Women's All-Around Final 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Photo Gallery: Olympic Trials Day 2 205: Day Two 2016 Women's Olympic Trials Photo Gallery: 2016 Olympic Trials Day 1 204: Day One 2016 Women's Olympic Trials SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
9/20/2017 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 36 seconds
267: Growing Up In Cuba Charlie Tamayo
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Creator of the laid-out double arabian, Charlie Tamayo, is here. The first male gymnast to win a World medal for Cuba tell us what it was like to grow up in the Cuban gymnastics system. We discuss: Being selected for a special sports school Daily life at the National School of Gymnastics, including ballet classes Conditions in Cuba, from power to food to the politics of getting a phone What gymnasts were told when they weren't allowed to compete internationally The vault that he thought would change his life What happened to his competition and gala earnings Learning a full twisting double back vault before it was named for Ri Se-gwang Competing with a broken ankle Defecting Learning to coach in the United States Some videos of Charlie Tamayo training the Tamayo and inside his gym in Cuba WE ARE GIVING AWAY TICKETS TO WORLDS! Prize : One ticket to all four all finals, including the sold out Women’s All-Around Final Deadline: September 18th at midnight Pacific Who Can Enter: Club Gym Nerd members only. Join here. How to Enter: Tell us who you want to win at Worlds in Montreal. Email: [email protected] using the subject line GymCastic Worlds Tickets OR Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #GymCasticWorldsTickets SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES Episode 5: Growing up at WOGA Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin 72: John Orozco 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 164: Marian Dragulescu Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt Episode 13: Justin Spring 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback Episode 35: Jake Dalton 98: Eddie Penev the Bulgarian-American Bullet 115: Kenzo Shirai 39: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee 164: Marian Dragulescu 151: Danell Leyva 254: Vanessa Atler
9/13/2017 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 33 seconds
266: Screams of Joy
IN THE NEWS Spencer and Jessica chat about: Chinese National Games Jiang Tong's scream of joy after hitting floor Retirements, including Bai Yawen and Shang Chunsong Chen Yile killer beam, TingTing is the top senior in AA qualification - beam Fan Yilin rocking a new Huang Huidan/Riley McCusker dismount Wang Yan’s brush-your-shoulders-off floor routine China announced Worlds Team: AA -Liu Tingting, Luo Huan; VT, BB, FX - Wang Yan; UB - Fan Yilin Romanian Championships The craziest scoring of any national championship in the World. Larissa Iordache had a very head-shakey E score on beam, but upgraded to a Fabrichnova on bars We enjoy Catalina Ponor's death-stare-down at the beam after an unusual two falls in a row. Then we interpret Ponor’s new floor routine Varna World Cup, Italian and Swiss Nationals Andrade Amanar We seethe about Brazil's decision to only send two athletes to Worlds this year. SEETHE! Deisree Carofiglio of Italy has a Dowell and so.much.drama. in her floor routine! The official roster for US Worlds Training Camp is: Carey, Chiles, Frazier, Gaskins, Hurd, Locklear, McCusker, Schennikova, Smith, Thomas. GYMTERNET NEWS (46:56) Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Aliya Mustafina has returned to training at Round Lake with her baby. John Geddart got caught in what seems to be a big fat lie about disgraced ex-MSU coach, Kathie Klages working at his gym. Simone's therapist, Robert Andrews has written the best article ever on why gymnastics has found itself in hot water; the culture of disempowerment: USAG Sexual Abuse Scandal Is A Symptom Of Deeper Issues Danell Leyva will be on Danell Leyva Mira Quem Baila GAT Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to help gymnastics clubs impacted by Harvey. Houston warned in August 2016 of rain bombs FEEDBACK (46:56) 1996 Olympic commentary and what gymnastics was like in the 70's Accidental upgrades like the WolfKino: Stella Nistor accidental double pirouette Katelyn Ohashi speaking up Where is Gabby Douglas? Bone Density and gymnastics feedback from a Bioengineer How far can the bars be spread apart in FIG competition? Competing back-to-back from Floor to Vault WE ARE GIVING AWAY TICKETS TO WORLDS! Prize One: A of pair tickets (so you can bring a friend!) for every final, including the sold out Women's All-Around Final. Deadline: September 11th at midnight Pacific Prize Two: One ticket to all four all finals, including the sold out Women's All-Around Final Deadline: September 18th at midnight Pacific Who Can Enter: Club Gym Nerd members only. Join here. How to Enter: Tell us who you want to win at Worlds in Montreal. Email: [email protected] using the subject line GymCastic Worlds Tickets OR Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #GymCasticWorldsTickets SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview
9/6/2017 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 6 seconds
265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback
All of our good thoughts and leotard sparkles are going out to the people of Texas, as we give 10 Khorkina glares to Hurricane Harvey. Here are the NY Times recommendations for how you can help. MEET NEWS Spencer and Jessica tell you everything you need to know about The Russian Cup of Valentina Crazy Scores How Melnikova won the all-around and hit beam (!), and it was all because of that sad Instagram post from Euros Elena Eremina's 57.900 from qualification is the highest AA score in the world this year Jessica explains why having a baby makes you better at floor, like Eleonora Afanasyeva Maria Kharenkova is back with confidence! (And the highest scores of the meet on beam and floor) Is she challenging Anastasia Ilyankova's spot on the worlds team? Uliana Perebinosova wears white socks on bars and is the next coming of Beth Tweddle The Larisa Iordache University Games Starring Larisa Iordache Iordache's massively risky beam that could be a 6.7 D score, and that she can fall on and still win the all-around. Canada's team was NCAA strong and put the US to shame Daria Elizarova is 26, has the most impressive tumbling in the meet, and didn't get the memo about not smiling Southeast Asian Games Rifda Irfanaluthfi of Indonesia is the Simone of Southeast Asia Farah Ann doesn't need a last name anymore and is made of pizzazz and jazz hands Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines aren't sending anyone to worlds. We have feelings. ATTENTION CLUB GYM NERD MEMBERS We are giving away tickets to worlds. That's right: Tickets to the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in Montreal this October, including the sold-out women's all-around final. Check your email in September for details. Plus, Club Gym Nerd members will receive exclusive access to the loooooong version of September's upcoming Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney interview. (We basically imprisoned them in a sweltering hotel room for 78 hours and made them answer all of our questions—like torture but with snacks.) Note: Everyone will get to listen to the episode when it is released, but only Club Gym Nerd members will get the extended producer's cut. MINI COMMISSION This week's mini-commission—GAME OF WOLF TURNS—is brought to you by Slothanova. Thanks for supporting the show! She asked us to rate the wolf turns from P&Gs in the following categories: Comedic Genius, Doesn't Make Me Want to Burn Down the Building, Close to Perfectly Executed, and Transformative Life-Changing (Jordan Chiles Wolfkino) Art. It's what we were born to do. For GIFs of the horror-larity we discuss, check out The Wolf Turns of Nationals. GYMTERNET NEWS It was a good week for hilarious falls Cristina Onofre of the Philippines Purvises onto the judges and breaks everything Oleg Verniaiev damaged some sensitive cargo Katelyn Ohashi wrote about cruel, unwanted body remarks she received and how body shaming has affected her life in Dear Standards. How do these actions compare with Valeri's comments after the Atler interview? Kathie Klages, deposed Michigan State head coach who did not report concerns about Nassar, is filling in at Geddert's Twistars. Geddert is also named in suits along with Klages for failing to report concerns about Nassar. Geddert denied this to the Lansing State Journal. And now it looks like someone's caught in a lie. OOPSIE. Lindsey Lemke's piece for Cosmopolitan NCAA coaching news Tabitha Yim is going to save Stanford! Chris Brooks is going to bring Cheeseburgers On Beam to Nebraska McCool and Husband McCool are heading to Arkansas FEEDBACK Clarifications and additions to our coverage of nationals Aly Raisman = hero Jessica explains inbar skills Genius ideas for women to get the same number of medals as men Why it's very good that USAG is not buying the ranch Details on the famous Sho Fujimoto kneecap incident of '76 Why the men don't do step-out passes A heartwarming story about removing the board from the 1988 Olympic Trials How to advocate for gymnastics and reconcile all of the problems with our love for the sport SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 254: Vanessa Atler 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 257: The Daniels Report 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships 157: The 2015 Secret Classic 156: Pan Am Games Event Finals and Secret Classic Preview
8/29/2017 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 11 seconds
264: 2017 PG Championships Mega Recap
2017 US Elite National Championships Results, the stick and vault bonus disclaimer, plus E and D winners. (1:48) Award Ceremony (6:11) The 2017 Jessica O'Beirne Pussilanimouses Will Never Be Heroes Award to Sienna Robinson The Best New Accidental Skill Award to Jordan Chiles The Living Legend Hero Team Captain Award to Aly Raisman The Wrong Answer Award to Nastia Liukin and Tim Daggett The Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Fall Award to Leah Clapper once, and twice The Funniest How I Learned This Skill Award to Emily Gaskins The What Could Possibly Go Wrong Award to John Macready. Again. Women's junior competition (37:35) Maile O'Keefe is a hit machine with room to upgrade Emma Malabuyo is the real deal in the competition floor and off "THE GAGE JUNIORS" is the new "hello." Kara Eaker's 9.250 beam E is the highest non-vault E score of the whole meet Leanne Wong held her L turn position for 88 minutes and it was breathtaking JaFree Scott shows how to Arabian on beam Adeline Kenlin did her Podkopayeva! Or is it a Faux-dkopayeva? Jay Jay Marshall has all the skills and is planning an upgrade revolution Anya Pilgrim's casual Patterson Gabby Perea has the highest bars D score in the world Olivia Hollingsworth and how to do a double Arabian Fake inbar skills and fake dismounts: an oncoming epidemic? Women's senior competition (1:04:27) Ragan Smith only won by 3 and a half points. Simone would be so disappointed The Smith Floor Controversy of '17 The problem with using "Dixie" The problem with using wolf whistles Did we like it anyway? Jordan Chiles comes back from Classic with a triumphant second place Riley McCusker hit a lovely 8 for 8 and got third even with downgrades The epic greatness of Trinity Thomas on floor, with a 2.5 stepout, a butterfly, and swashbuckling! Did Morgan Hurd really have a "bad" meet? The problem with NBC's adoption obsession Her BRILLIANT floor-routine theme (everyone else, take notes) The latest entry in the Morgiboo Book Club. Marissa Oakley's phenomenal bars Jade Carey The best she has looked on floor so far this year Did Amanar problems hurt her worlds chances? Ashton Locklear – where does she fit right now? Our WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS dream teams We found the nation of feelings, so that feelings can send a team to worlds Men's senior competition (1:37:15) The US men's worlds team is Moldauer, Mikulak, Whittenburg, Penev, Naddour and Kimble Alternates are Modi, Bower, and Van Wicklen And Spencer would like to know what's the meaning of all this!!!! Jessica has the inside scoop from Brett McClure on his process Our highlights Sam Mikulak's high bar and 0.5 neutral deduction Marvin Kimble's comeback story of the century Colin Van Wicklen's day 1 Dragulescu Whittenburg nailed his Ri Se Gwang on the second day Eddie Penev did one of his best floor routines ever and made the worlds team This month at Norbert's For the month of August, our dear friends at Norbert's have a case of 36 1-lb boxes of Taiwanese Gymnastic Chalk for $275, shipping included. #BEERWITHBETTY Thank you to everyone who participated in Beer with Betty! https://twitter.com/GymCastic/status/899326036957028352 SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 257: The Daniels Report 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships 157: The 2015 Secret Classic 156: Pan Am Games Event Finals and Secret Classic Preview
8/22/2017 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 13 seconds
263: PG Championships Preview with Jon Horton
MEET NEWS It’s P&G Championships this week, and we’re joined by two-time Olympic medalist, two time World medalist, high bar ninja Jon Horton for our very special national championship preview episode. How to watch Live podium training – Wednesday, August 16 – USAG Youtube Junior webcasts, starring Jon Horton, Sam Peszek, and Jordyn Wieber – USAG Youtube August 17 - Junior men day 1 - 4:00 ET/1:00 PT August 18 - Junior women day 1 - 4:00 ET/1:00 PT August 19 - Junior men say 2 - 3:00 ET/12:00 PT August 20 - Junior women day 2 - 2:00 ET/11:00 PT Senior TV coverage August 17 - Senior men day 1 - 10:30 ET/7:00 PT - Olympic Channel August 18 - Senior women day 1 - 11:00 ET/8:00 PT - NBCSN August 19 - Senior men day 2 - 9:00 ET/6:00 PT - NBCSN August 20 - Senior women day 2 - 7:00 ET/4:00 PT - NBC Senior men (9:00) The changing of the guard in US men's gymnastics Why Jon ultimately decided to announce his retirement Yul Moldauer is bringing pretty back and fighting with Akash Modi for the title of best man Why the Olympic experience made Alex Naddour the best he's ever been Eddie Penev's magical floor and insane acrobatics Donnell Whittenburg is half CGI and breaks all the rules on rings Darkhorse Allan Bower who might surprise everyone Is the US better on pommel horse than high bar now? WHAT???? What the selection committee values most in choosing a worlds team Junior women (28:16) Can Maile O'Keefe and Adeline Kenlin challenge Emma Malabuyo? The scores say yes. Is Gabby Perea going to win bars without a dismount because of awesome again? Difficulty brigade Is Jay Jay Marshall going to hit all her insane acrobatics and challenge for the top floor D in the world? Will Adeline Kenlin show her Podkopayeva? Will Sunisa Lee get her Nabieva? Leanne Wong is doing a couple JO routines and still beating all the people because of execution Senior women (36:00) Ragan Smith has brought a sack of upgrades this summer. Is the title hers to lose? Battle Royale: Riley McCusker and Morgan Hurd for the second all-around spot Is Ashton Locklear still the queen of bars? Can Jade Carey do it every meet? Will Marz Frazier show us her new Amanar? Did everyone get the memo about floor leaps? GYMTERNET NEWS (46:07) Kristen Smyth has "stepped down" as Stanford's head coach. Jessica brings the inside scoop, and Jon tells us what qualities make for a successful college gymnastics coach versus club coach Ellie Downie is going to miss worlds, so worlds is canceled. Sorry. Thais Fidelis of back handspring + Arabian fame on beam is the new Brazilian champion The case against USAG, MSU, Geddarts, etc. over Nassar abuse has been sent to arbitration. GOOD NEWS! It means the case should settle and victims won’t have to tesitfy. Brooklyn Moors is the Pan Am floor champion, and Jon discusses what's so difficult about front tumbling, half out skills (spoiler alert: it's everything about them). The Russian worlds team has kind of, sort of been named, and a certain Olympian isn't on it. Training videos galore! Carl Meader showed a stretched Gaylord. Because that's a thing now. Evangelina Plyta does a Maloney to Deltchev and Tkatchev to Gienger. Taeja James is working a front triple full! Jordyn Brent is training a YURCHENKO DOUBLE BACK. WHAT THE WHAT. FEEDBACK (1:10:35) We get to your emails about Crying in gymnastics and Jon's perfect response Elfi's completely different personality when she's commentating in Canada Conflicts of interest in judging and the messed-up system of Brevet judging More advice about Congress, including the MUST-SEE speakers who dish all the dish Clarifications about gymnastics drag queens, the Swedish worlds spot, Rayderley Zapata's floor, the MO salto, the Rio leos, and something Jessica forgot to be outraged about from 1996 event finals. Plus, Jon tells us how he feels about his gay teammates. BEER WITH BETTY Beer With Betty: The Greatest Scavenger Hunt in the Galaxy STARTS THURSDAY! Here are the 10 tasks you must complete. Submit video OR photo by tagging BOTH @gymcastic and @precisionchoreo with hashtag #beerwithbetty on Twitter or Instagram by noon on Saturday August 19th. Man Wipe Pose in front and of P&G Championships sign. The more ridiculous your interpretation of poses on the sign the better! A coach watching bars (or any routine) with their head tilted to the side Someone casually waiting in line in wolf turn position Pretend to mount a piece of non-gymnastics equipment mouthing “I got this” a la Laurie Hernandez Find mustached person (doesn’t have to be real) and recreate Bela carrying Kerri. (Bonus! Precision will choreograph a free beam routine for anyone who does this with Steve Nunno playing the part of Bela) 5 folks strumming tummy guitar a la Boguinskaya’s 1989 FX routine A leotard that needs a seizure warning Simone’s ending pose amongst a group of unsuspecting people Gather 10+ people to do their best gymnastics salute (bonus for college style) Help us out by numbering your entries. You must tag both @gymcastic AND @precisionchoreo STARTS: 8am on Thursday, August 17 and will end at 12pm on Saturday, August 19. The winner will meet with THE Betty Okino at 3pm in Anaheim on August 19th! Remember: You don't have to do them in order! As long as they are completed between Thursday, August 17 and Saturday at NOON. There are daily awards so be creative! Anyone or anything can be in the photos. It doesn’t have to be you. Make sure you are following us and Precision so we can message you with details of the TOP SECRET LOCATION right after the deadline of noon on Saturday so you can be there right on time to meet Betty at 3pm in Anaheim. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 257: The Daniels Report 254: Vanessa Atler
8/16/2017 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 10 seconds
262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals Commissioned
This week, we bring you the final installment in our epic 1996 Olympics TRILOGY: the event finals. This episode is brought to you by Club Gym Nerd member Kris (who also commissioned the 1996 all-around final because of legendary status—the rest of us could never), who thought it only fitting that we leave no stone unturned and no competition un-dissected when it comes to the glory and wonder and pageantry of the 1996 Olympics. Correct. Thank you for supporting the show, Kris! You can watch the 1996 Event Finals along with us here. Spencer and Jessica discuss: VAULT Round-the-clock Kerri Strug ankle coverage Why the vault format at the 1996 Olympics was...weird Jessica's plan to institute martial law at gymnastics meets MO FREAKING HUILAN. END OF STORY. Spencer has a problem with certain vaults having certain 10.0 starts (because of course he does) Who should have won bronze: Gogean or Galieva? (Or Boginskaya!) Shannon Miller's death-trap Tsuk of death GroshevaEarringSituation.com ARE THERE NO RULES FOR JOURNALISTS AT THIS MEET? Amanar's controversial-ish victory BARS Fun with casual sexism! Is the current code inhibiting our appreciation of Podkopayeva's bars? Dominique Dawes and the age-old question of over-scoring stuck landings Svetlana Khorkina and the low-bar clip heard (but not seen) 'round the world Level 4 transitions in an Olympic event final Are Tim and Elfi unnecessarily/undeservedly harsh on the Romanians compared to the other nations? The INNOVATIVE DIFFICULTY of co-silver medalists Amy Chow and Bi Wenjing. Aggressive American bias in commentary Who really should have won which medals? URGENT: What is Khorkina drinking? And is it a special bars potion? BEAM How many VHS tapes does it take to measure a beam? Moceanu's terrifying head-crash onto the beam KOCHETKOVA WAS ROBBED. THE INJUSTICE WILL NEVER DIE. Shannon Miller's perfect, difficult, intergalactic champion routine Lilia Podkopayeva's almost-as-perfect, difficult, intergalactic champion routine Gina Gogean's "unexciting" routine, whether it really was "unexciting," and the etiquette of scary-fall replays That shot of Shannon's face immediately after Galieva fell The only medal ceremony we got to see (look how that worked out) and the outfits these poor women were put in FLOOR China's editorial comment on American trash dancing Everybody in the entire world starts with a floppy, bent-knee double layout Kochetkova's score and whether it was an apology for the beam result Should Simona "nutrocker" Amanar really have scored better than Dawes? We discuss. Moceanu's best routine of the Olympics and why it should be a lesson for all future codes of points Even Lilia Podkopayeva's uncontrolled landings are more artistic and more deserving of gold than anything anyone else has ever done The 100% true story behind Mo Huilan's floor routine (it involves roller-scoring and It's A Small World) Did the judges actually get it right? CONTEST WHAT: #BeerWithBetty: The Greatest Scavenger Hunt in the Galaxy! PRIZE: The winner will share a beer (or root beer if you are under 21) with the great Betty Okino, Olympic and World medalist, creator of the triple turn on beam, and a member of the Precision Choreography team. HOW IT WORKS: In August, we will release a list of 10 items on this photo scavenger hunt. Your mission will be to complete each one and post a photo to Twitter or Instagram tagging @GymCastic and @PrecisionChoreo and using #BeerWithBetty. The winner will be selected at random among everyone who completes all ten items. The hunt will start at 8am on Thursday August 17 and will end at 12pm on Saturday, August 19. The winner will meet with the Betty Okino at 3pm in Anaheim on August 19th! If you enter, be READY FOR BETTY because winner will meet this gymnastics legend at 3pm that day! PLUS: We will give six additional prizes for Most Outrageous photos! The top three most outrageous photos on Friday will win a personal voice message from one of Precision Choreography’s gymnastics stars (people like Chellsie Memmel, Alicia Sacramone, Houry Gerbesian, and Holly Vise)! The top three on Saturday will get a special shout-out on the GymCastic podcast. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 186: Amanda Borden 148: Shannon Miller 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
8/8/2017 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 16 seconds
261: 2017 U.S. Classic
U.S. CLASSIC Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica discuss everything important and unimportant that happened at Saturday's U.S. Classic. JUNIORS Our favorite, favorite, favorite future presidents Emma Malabuyo basically Simone-ed the entire junior and senior fields The glory of Kara Eaker on beam Annie Beard wins the performance award of the meet Gabby Perea won bars WITHOUT EVEN DOING A DISMOUNT Jay Jay Marshall channeled Kennedy Baker with her Dos Santos Surprises who rocked our worlds Audrey Davis unites the magic of China and Ukraine on bars Madelyn Williams has presence on floor and a bars that's ready for seniors Lilly Lippeatt and Love Birt are tiny adults made of perfection Moments of the meet Brooke Butler is the QUEEN OF SAVES on beam and floor Adeline Kenlin did the most perfect beam routine Konnor McClain's beam dismount that broke everyone (and the non-coach, non-controversy that ensued). Sienna Robinson, with a wink and a dab JaFree Scott did justice to her Terin Humphrey tribute leo Shilese Jones saves a Pak and might be a bodybuilder Lauren's inside scoops from the Hopes competition, including the girl who threw off her crutches and tried to do a bars routine and the newborn baby who will soon rule us all on beam. Want to commission a mini-discussion? Club Gym Nerd members can do just that! We'll answer your burning questions or passionately discuss your favorite topics, anything and everything even tangentially gymnastics related. This week, a loyal Club Gym Nerd member asked us to talk about the National Gymnastics Congress in Anaheim this year: whether it's scary (it isn't!), how to act, what to do, and the best way to get the most out of the experience. Plus, a bonus discussion featuring our definitely expert and unimpeachable advice on how to handle conflict in the workplace! SENIORS Jessica is NOT HAPPY about gymnasts being allowed to pass compulsories and compete elite when they don't have the foundation to compete safely. The big winners of the meet Ragan Smith is ready to dominate and is great at bars now Jade Carey needs to go to worlds right this minute Alyona Shchennikova isn't just making up the national team numbers Gymnasts that made us burst into a standing ovation Morgan Hurd, duh Deanne Soza doing happy gymnastics again Marz Frazier winning the "NOT a quitter's try" award for one-handed Pak saves Kalyany Steele's BIG ASS standing arabian Trinity. Effing. Thomas. And her perfect beam routine Luisa Blanco's super solid 2nd-place beam routine Emily Gaskins' Cincinnati renaissance and valiant victory over the standing-in-the-corner rule We give out the Simone Biles 2013, Classic Doesn't Really Matter awards Riley McCusker and her hilarious tucked tkatchev, but should she have competed? Ashton Locklear almost did her best beam routine ever Jordan Chiles has a LEGIT Amanar, but what about the other events? Major trends we noticed in routine composition and judges doing their job GYMTERNET NEWS Russia repeats as champions at EYOF (European Youth Olympic Festival) Ksenia Klimenko channeled her inner Liu Tingting on beam Varvara Zubova even hit beam once! Elisa Iorio redeemed Italy's competition with a brilliant title-winning endo full The Olympics are coming to LA in 2028. Yea or Nay? We discuss. The FIG Executive Committee announced the JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP How many people should be on each team? And is it 50? That video of Simone getting her wisdom teeth out. We translate. There's going to be a SIMONE BIOPIC. Memo to producers: we've already cast all the parts. GIVEAWAY The winner of the Norbert's sectional beam is Laura Dahlin! Thanks so much to Laura and to Norbert's for supporting the show! CONTEST WHAT: #BeerWithBetty: The Greatest Scavenger Hunt in the Galaxy! PRIZE: The winner will share a beer (or root beer if you are under 21) with the great Betty Okino, Olympic and World medalist, creator of the triple turn on beam, and a member of the Precision Choreography team. HOW IT WORKS: In August, we will release a list of 10 items on this photo scavenger hunt. Your mission will be to complete each one and post a photo to Twitter or Instagram tagging @GymCastic and @PrecisionChoreo and using #BeerWithBetty. The winner will be selected at random among everyone who completes all ten items. The hunt will start at 8am on Thursday August 17 and will end at 12pm on Saturday, August 19. The winner will meet with the Betty Okino at 3pm in Anaheim on August 19th! If you enter, be READY FOR BETTY because winner will meet this gymnastics legend at 3pm that day! PLUS: We will give six additional prizes for Most Outrageous photos! The top three most outrageous photos on Friday will win a personal voice message from one of Precision Choreography’s gymnastics stars (people like Chellsie Memmel, Alicia Sacramone, Houry Gerbesian, and Holly Vise)! The top three on Saturday will get a special shout-out on the GymCastic podcast. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 260: U.S. Classic Preview 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 257: The Daniels Report 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships 157: The 2015 Secret Classic 156: Pan Am Games Event Finals and Secret Classic Preview
8/2/2017 • 2 hours, 39 seconds
260: U.S. Classic Preview
MEET NEWS Lauren, Jessica, and Spencer preview this weekend's U.S. Classic! How to watch Hopes - Friday, July 28, 2:30 CT - USAGym Youtube Juniors - Saturday, July 29, 1:00 CT - USAGym Youtube Seniors - Saturday, July 29, 6:30 CT - Olympic Channel & USAGym Youtube Juniors (3:30) Reasons why Emma Malabuyo, Adeline Kenlin, Maile O'Keefe, Ellie Lazzari, and Sunisa Lee are all going to win the meet simultaneously Special routines that will win your heart, including Brooke Siter's starting pose Grace McCallum's beam mount Breaking inside scoop about Gabby Perea! Jay Jay Marshall's ridiculous potential Shilese Jones' special floor Vika Smirnov's Russian realness Leanne Wong, Kara Eaker, and JaFree Scott leading the GAGE renaissance Nominees for the Olivia Dunne Award for baby junior you will be instantly obsessed with Youtube babies Konnor McClain and Sienna Robinson Leader of the Hill's children Anya Pilgrim and what she really needs to wear to the competition (hint: it's a pilgrim costume) Little Lilly Lippeatt and her tiny, sassy beam Seniors (27:23) New seniors we're most excited to see at Classic, including Morgan Hurd, Jordan Chiles, and Trinity Thomas. Gymnasts who are going to surprise the pants off everyone and win all the things Sleeper workhorse Elena Arenas and her fantastic bars The long-missing Marissa Oakley and her triumphant return The newly upgraded Marz Frazier Kayla-Williams-2017-edition, Jade Carey Routines you are ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED TO MISS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES The re-Cincinnati-ing of Emily Gaskins and her lovely floor work Ex-cheerleader Laney Madsen on floor Victoria Nguyen's China-inspired beam routine Deanne Soza's most-perfect basics Abby Paulson sliding in to steal all your medals Luisa Blanco's SIDE ROLL Sydney Johnson-Scharpf, and the quest to find her a nickname Alyona Shchennikova and her Shchennikova-family bars Abi Walker's Texas Dreams uniqueness GYMTERNET NEWS (53:15) By popular demand, Spencer and Lauren literally fight to the death about the Canadian worlds team: Ellie Black, Isabela Onyshko, Shallon Olsen, Brooklyn Moors. Norah Flatley retires from elite. She plans to drop to L10 and then go to UCLA. Christina Desiderio is going to LSU this year. Cuba is going to worlds after all!!!!! The team will be Manrique Larduet, Randy Leru, Yesenia Ferrera, and Marcia Videaux. Lieke Wevers is working on a Erceg mount! Her sister, Olympic BB champ Sanne, is working on an Onodi mount. Adrian Stoica will not run for another term as head of Romanian federation. But guess who is being put forward as a possible replacement...ANDREEA RADUCAN. Lauren previews all the D'Amato twins and other juniors we need to know about competing at the European Youth Olympic Festival this week. An item-by-item dissection of screenshots from the WEIRDEST FREAKING GYMNASTICS APP in the known universe. (1:17:33) But really, WHAT THE MOTHER OF CRAP IS THIS THING?!?!? And last, but certainly not least, we read the best letter we've ever, ever, ever received. It should hang in the Smithsonian. GIVEAWAY Thanks to the good people at Norbert’s, we’re giving away a beam! It’s a 4-foot long sectional beam, valued at $79, covered with beam suede and filled with solid (but very light weight) crosslink foam, perfect for learning those jump or acro skills that might be a little ouchy to try for the first time on the hard beam. This giveaway is for Club Gym Nerd members ONLY. Just enter by email at [email protected] with the subject line "I WANT THE NORBERT'S BEAM." You just may be the lucky winner selected at random. In honor of the month of July, Norbert's also has a red, white, and blue folding panel mat for just $150, shipping included. CONTEST WHAT: #BeerWithBetty: The Greatest Scavenger Hunt in the Galaxy! PRIZE: The winner will share a beer (or root beer if you are under 21) with the great Betty Okino, Olympic and World medalist, creator of the triple turn on beam, and a member of the Precision Choreography team. HOW IT WORKS: In August, we will release a list of 10 items on this photo scavenger hunt. Your mission will be to complete each one and post a photo to Twitter or Instagram tagging @GymCastic and @PrecisionChoreo and using #BeerWithBetty. The winner will be selected at random among everyone who completes all ten items. The hunt will start at 8am on Thursday August 17 and will end at 12pm on Saturday, August 19. The winner will meet with the Betty Okino at 3pm in Anaheim on August 19th! If you enter, be READY FOR BETTY because winner will meet this gymnastics legend at 3pm that day! PLUS: We will give six additional prizes for Most Outrageous photos! The top three most outrageous photos on Friday will win a personal voice message from one of Precision Choreography’s gymnastics stars (people like Chellsie Memmel, Alicia Sacramone, Houry Gerbesian, and Holly Vise)! The top three on Saturday will get a special shout-out on the GymCastic podcast. BUT WAIT: Before this contest starts, we need your help coming up with the scavenger hunt list! Please tweet us your suggestions using #BeerWithBetty from now until July 31. Ryan on twitter is already owning the suggestion game. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates! 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 257: The Daniels Report 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships 157: The 2015 Secret Classic 156: Pan Am Games Event Finals and Secret Classic Preview
7/25/2017 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 44 seconds
259: The Nassar Plea, Parkour Responds to FIG, and Ranch Updates
IN THE NEWS Jessica speaks with John Manly of Manly, Stewart, & Finaldi, who represents Olympic and world medalists in the cases against Larry Nassar and USAG, about The plea deal offered to Larry Nassar last week The mistakes made in communicating with victims about the deal Who the real bad guys are here How settlement agreements can be used to change a culture and make an organization safer MEET NEWS Jessica and Spencer chat about: American Classic Jade Carey's star turn (that no one has seen) WHY SPENCER DOESN'T WATCH GAME OF THRONES OMG Margzetta Frazier's new Amanar The triumphant returns of Elena Arenas and Deanne Soza National Team Camp Jordan Chiles is back, and it's going to be spectacular Sunisa Lee did not attend but gave us an apology Nabieva. How to watch the U.S. (no longer Secret) Classic on July 29th. Men's National Qualifier Sam Mikulak returns on pommel horse, exactly five months after tearing Achilles Marvin Kimble wins the AA! Cue [hitting pommel horse joy-scream]! Spanish Championship Ana Perez passes the O'Beirne Test for choreography and has a front layout stepout on floor. Ray Zapata doesn't perform his triple front, but his actual floor routine is pretty casually amazing. Swedish Championship Marcela Torres, 28, hadn't competed since early 2016, came back to win her third-straight national title Central American Sports Festival YESENIA FERRERA IS BACK Her floor is the most important thing in your life and ranks among the best in the world. But, Cuba isn't registered for worlds. NOOOOOO. GYMTERNET NEWS The NCAA gymnastics committee has approved a format change that makes almost everything better! (But it's not final yet.) Amy Smith is the new head coach at Utah State! She appeared on Episode 237 to talk about UNC's Pride meet. Olivia Cimpian has left Romania and is now training in Hungary. Tatiana Nabieva intends to return in December, and compete “until I die.” Spencer has some plans for her triumphant return. A British gymnastics coach is being questioned by police for child cruelty and has now been suspended by BG. THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Jessica speaks with founders David Thompson and Victor Bevine of the International Parkour Federation and WFPF about the FIG's attempts to take over jurisdiction of parkour and why they went to Switzerland to fight it. The history of parkour: It involves hot Frenchmen called the Yamakasi The Ultimate Parkour Challenge show on MTV How parkour competition works. PK Silver, Parkour for seniors. Parkour coach Certification Find our more about adding Parkour to your gym at USAG Congress in Anaheim here. Have insurance worries? USAParkour has you covered. Find a gym with Parkour in the database. GIVEAWAY Thanks to the good people at Norbert's, we're giving away a beam! It's a 4-foot long sectional beam, valued at $79, covered with beam suede and filled with solid (but very light weight) crosslink foam, perfect for learning those jump or acro skills that might be a little ouchy to try for the first time on the hard beam. This giveaway is for Club Gym Nerd members ONLY. Just enter by email at [email protected] and let us know that YOU WANT THIS BEAM. You just may be the lucky winner selected at random. CONTEST WHAT: #BeerWithBetty: The Greatest Scavenger Hunt in the Galaxy! PRIZE: The winner will share a beer (or root beer if you are under 21) with the great Betty Okino, Olympic and World medalist, creator of the triple turn on beam, and a member of the Precision Choreography team. HOW IT WORKS: In August, we will release a list of 10 items on this photo scavenger hunt. Your mission will be to complete each one and post a photo to Twitter or Instagram tagging @GymCastic and @PrecisionChoreo and using #BeerWithBetty. The winner will be selected at random among everyone who completes all ten items. The hunt will start at 8am on Thursday August 17 and will end at 12pm on Saturday, August 19. The winner will meet with the Betty Okino at 3pm that day! If you enter, be READY FOR BETTY because winner will meet this gymnastics legend at 3pm that day! PLUS: We will give six additional prizes for Most Outrageous photos! The top three most outrageous photos on Friday will win a personal voice message from one of Precision Choreography’s gymnastics stars (people like Chellsie Memmel, Alicia Sacramone, Houry Gerbesian, and Holly Vise)! The top three on Saturday will get a special shout-out on the GymCastic podcast. BUT WAIT: Before this contest starts, we need your help coming up with the scavenger hunt list! Please tweet us your suggestions using #BeerWithBetty from now until July 31. Ryan on twitter is already owning the suggestion game. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 257: The Daniels Report 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 237: Ruby Harrold 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
7/19/2017 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 50 seconds
257: The Daniels Report
IN THE NEWS Deborah Daniels, a former federal prosecutor, was commissioned by USA Gymnastics to conduct an independent review of USAG's handling of sexual misconduct, and her report is OUT. MEET NEWS Spencer and Jessica chat about: National championships galore! Canada - Brooklyn Moors steals the show with a Podkopayeva Mexico - Nicolle Castro is going to save the world with her bars Germany - Pauline Tratz is ready for NCAA, and Michelle Timm teaches an important lesson on how to lie on the beam properly Australia - Emily Little's scary fall — but she's going to be OK! France - Marine Boyer's best-ever beam, and Juliette Bossu is the definition of expressiveness and musicality on floor Japan - Kohei puts all the HB specialists to shame GYMTERNET NEWS Valeri Liukin responds to our interview with Vanessa Atler Aliya had the baby! Jon Horton retires Aimee Boorman and Kim Zmeskal-Burdette are recognized for achievements in awesomeness Another plot twist in As the Stepko Turns Larisa Iordache's big upgrades Laurent and Cecile Landi are leaving WOGA Laurie plans to return to training Aly's body-positive tour of America Her new book Fierce: How competing for MYSELF changed everything Her reaction to that TSA guy "Women do not have to dress modestly to be respected" That weird NHL awards moment On that note, sexist coverage increased during 2016 Olympics NCAA roster and coaching developments Athlete welfare Did USAG illegally settle cases in California? Did the USAG chair call a sex-abuse victim's lawyer a "f*cking d*ickhead"? (Spoiler: yes) The FIG commits to a Duty of Care code Senators propose legislation to offer legal protection to Safe Sport FEEDBACK Reactions, corrections, and theories about the 1996 Olympics episodes Gender equity at the Olympics Vanessa Atler was better in 1999 than she thinks she was The real reason for the open-ended code How we get US women sent to the University Games The power of adult gymnastics! RELATED LINKS The full Deborah Daniels report into USAG's handling of sexual abuse. USAG's summary of 70 recommendations made in the Daniels report. Report Calls for Culture Change at USA Gymnastics SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 245: Steve Penny is GONE 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 227: Jane Doe 2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes 256: 1996 All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler
6/28/2017 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 2 seconds
256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned)
This week, it's Part 2 of our very, very, extra special commission series about the 1996 Olympics, this time brought to you by Club Gym Nerd member Kris. Brave Kris channeled Lilia Podkopayeva and rose to Mount Olympus as a true and eternal hero by asking us to talk about the explosion of world champions that was the 1996 WOMEN'S ALL-AROUND FINAL! Thank you so much for supporting the show, Kris! Jessica and Spencer discuss: Withdrawals! Kerri's foot and its many, varied costumes throughout the all-around final Marinescu being replaced by Amanar because Marinescu "didn't work hard enough." HRRRRMMMM (4:16) Romania's admitted age falsification, featuring conspiracy theories about why those medals have never been stripped but China's have (8:16) How we got here: an ode to compulsories Lilia's compulsory floor is what dreams are made of Why Shannon's compulsory beam is a CLINIC on what beam is supposed to be Compulsory bars scoring was crazy-town Rotation 1 (13:20) Intro fluff about what a failure it is to get silver or bronze Khorkina's no-look salute and perfect "Phantom of the Opera" beam soundtrack Was Gogean really "predictable" and "not that exciting"? Spencer spends 715 minutes on the epic LITTLE ROZA GALIEVA fluff (31:52) The most overtly sexual floor routine in the history of gymnastics Rotation 2 Khorkina's brilliant Carmen floor routine, meerkat impression, and...month-long hospital trip??? Pod tucks her legs on bars. Was her score fair? Shannon's bat toes, insane beam save, and why you have to pay close attention to her leo The Mo salto. The end Kochetkova's beam set is the best argument for D-scores Was NBC more positive back in 1996? Rotation 3 (1:08:14) American hopes are dashed on the floor in a stream of tears "Stop crying. There's people everywhere." Why Steve Nunno's behavior was completely unacceptable So many camera flashes. Because safety and security didn't exist in 1996. Overtly patriotic leos: Yea or Nay? Theories about who picked Simona Amanar's floor music, which may or may not involve horcruxes Lily Pod makes her Soviet grandmother proud with her perfection Rotation 4 Why Podkopayeva always had the edge heading into the final rotation and didn't "take advantage of others' mistakes" Khorkina misses bars and begins an Olympic AA tradition How should the Romanians have actually ranked? Contradictory Mo Huilan fluffs Mo's floor heartbreak and potential chicken-dance penalty The final result You could tie for medals! What a concept! Piskun kisses Pod on the nose because too adorable for words The most insulting interview in NBC's history Bela and Nunno try to out-Trump each other SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. GYMCASTIC LEOTARD CONTEST WHAT: A GymCastic crystal logo leotard, custom made to fit by Rebecca’s Moms Leotards HOW TO ENTER: Tell us who would you want to compete against in your custom-made GymCastic leo. Tag @GymCasitc and @RebeccasMomLeo on Twitter or Instagram DEADLINE: Sunday, June 25th. Random Winner announced last podcast in June on the 28th RELATED EPISODES 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 148: Shannon Miller 186: Amanda Borden 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes 223: Tasha Schwikert 200: Alicia Sacramone 197: Betty Okino 31: Elise Ray 28: Kristen Maloney 19: Andreea Raducan
6/21/2017 • 2 hours, 5 minutes, 32 seconds
255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned)
This week, we have another very special commissioned episode for you to sink your ears into. Loyal Club Gym Nerd member Robin helped support the show by asking us to talk about everyone's favorite competition, the meet that launched a million gym nerds, and probably the most important moment in the entire history of sports, the 1996 OLYMPIC WOMEN'S TEAM FINAL! Thank you so much, Robin! Jessica and Spencer discuss: Olympic Trials Drama! (6:24) Compulsive gym hopping Miller and Moceanu injury petitions All those heartbreaks (Kulikowski! Jennie Thompson! Kristy Powell!) JUICY, JUICY 1996 FLUFF (15:59) "Little girls dancing for gold" (Jessica has some feelings) Romania apparently training inside Dracula's castle "Just Shannon" and Shannon's epic snapback Racist propaganda fluff about Mo Huilan Putting Dominique Moceanu on a seesaw for some reason The competition (35:40) The important debate: who's better, John Tesh or Al Trautwig? How unbelievably super awesome the US team was on bars Romania's endless injury drama Karolyi legs and form nostalgia What we think every time we see the Moceanu parents Deep thoughts about Geza Pozar floor routines Why Svetlana Khorkina is better than all of us in every way THE VAULT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD A second-by-second breakdown of the Kerri Strug vaults The Strug parents (clap clap clap, chop chop chop) What Bela said to Kerri after her vault Did she actually do it on one leg? Should Kerri have been allowed to vault again when the US would have won anyway? (1:40:49) Was Russia not able to hear the floor music? Did it matter? The worst, most unprofessional, unsafe scene you've ever seen The GALA (1:47:54) The US group dance to the YMCA and the Macarena. It happened. The biggest cheer than anyone has ever received Sexy Alexei's pommel horse Khorkina's epic bars dismount Fairytale endings! (1:52:33) Where are they now? RELATED LINKS Spencer's Meet Recap: 1996 TEAM FINAL: AND SHE DID IT ON TWO LEGS Spanny Tampson: 73 Thoughts We All Had During 1996 Team Finals SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here with brand new membership tiers, commission your own episode, or commission your own segment. Buy some of our awesome merchandise here. GYMCASTIC LEOTARD CONTEST WHAT: A GymCastic crystal logo leotard, custom made to fit by Rebecca’s Moms Leotards HOW TO ENTER: Tell us who would you want to compete against in your custom-made GymCastic leo. Tag @GymCasitc and @RebeccasMomLeo on Twitter or Instagram DEADLINE: Sunday, June 25th. Random Winner announced last podcast in June on the 28th RELATED EPISODES 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 148: Shannon Miller 186: Amanda Borden 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes 223: Tasha Schwikert 200: Alicia Sacramone 197: Betty Okino 31: Elise Ray 28: Kristen Maloney 19: Andreea Raducan
6/13/2017 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 47 seconds
254: Vanessa Atler
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Vanessa Atler is an American treasure and fans have loved her from the moment they first saw her elegant power. She's a multi-time national champion, multi-World Cup champion, Goodwill Games event champion. She would probably have made the 1996 Olympic team had she been age eligible. She was one of those gymnasts for whom nothing ever worked out the way it should have and fans hearts broke along with her through the 1996-2000 quad. We discuss: Why she requested the interview with us Her thoughts on age limits and specialists (13:10) Elements she worked on but never competed (19:25) Dealing with emotions and tears of frustration The Comaneci-Salto & The Rybackis - (22:34) Why didn't she just take the Comaneci out of her routine and win all the things? Beth and Steve's differing opinions on bars What worked and didn't work with the Rybackis How being at Charter Oak effected her own coaching Did she seek counseling or therapy? (31:01) Her early online presence… and her mom's (32:50) Epic fluff from 1997 on Vanessa's online diary 1999 Goodwill Games and Sang Lan's vault accident (34:43) Why she left the Rybackis (39:00) The real story behind the ankle injury (47:57) Why she did not train with Bela Karolyi (50:47) The letter Larry Nassar said USAG received about him that caused him to be banned from the Ranch (52:16) Pre-2000 Olympics, moving to WOGA (1:00:01) What did and didn't work for her with Valeri How Valeri helped make her more confident on bars Weigh-ins (1:04:29) 2000 Olympic Trials When an agent gets into the mix: where the "you didn't make the team because you were fat" rumor came from (1:08:35) Bela told her he'd put her on the team Did she try and compete after 2000? What are her feelings toward gymnastics now? Being on the realty show "Starting Over" Outside influences: family members and agents The decision to turn professional Fibromyalgia after her motorcycle accident Dealing with anxiety and food Talking about her support for the defendants in the Larry Nassar case (1:36:00) Worlds in China: Nassar asking who wanted a cortisone shot without parental consent and alone in room (1:39:36) What she overheard during a coaches meeting through the walls of a hotel (1:44:11) Would she want her son to participate in elite gymnastics? What she does to keep gymnastics fun for her gymnasts What are her upcoming plans… is another book in the works? What are her thoughts on the Nassar situation and USAG today? How terrible the food was when she was at the Ranch for national team camp (2:00:11) The text message exchange asking for support for Nassar (2:02:04) Asking for help for her bulimia and being told to do what it takes (2:03:55) GUEST LINKS Witness her amazing beam skills. Her floor at the height of her awesomeness. Vanessa Atler blog and diary Vanessa Atler Children's Book: Let the River Flow SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. GYMCASTIC LEOTARD CONTEST WHAT: A GymCastic crystal logo leotard, custom made to fit by Rebecca's Moms Leotards HOW TO ENTER: Tell us who would you want to compete against in your custom-made GymCastic leo. Tag @GymCasitc and @RebeccasMomLeo on Twitter or Instagram DEADLINE: Sunday, June 25th. Random Winner announced last podcast in June on the 28th RELATED EPISODES Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA
6/7/2017 • 2 hours, 14 minutes, 10 seconds
253: Koper, Asian Champs, Osijek and Youcan is back
IN THE NEWS In the news Spencer and Jessica chat about: Koper World Challenge Cup in Slovenia (results) Larisa Iordache BB "Flavinha" (Flavia Saraiva) fell on a dance skill Almost dies on floor, but she’s fine Champaign for all the winners Canadian gymnast Ellie Black scores triple silver Meet the Whittenburg - A TRIPLE PIKE OFF RINGS Eddie Penev won floor... but his 9.65 E score for his stuck upright landing Shewmanar vault Osijek World Cup in Croatia (results); Irish 17-year-old Rhys McClenaghan won pommel because you have to stay on the horse people! Obsessed with Kirill Prokopev FX - flares Shelgunova challenges Flavia’s choreography fall Thais Fidelis Dos Santos won BB and floor and her back handspring arabian is HUGE! Asian Championships It's one million degrees in Thailand and the training hall was outside. Despite FIG recommendation for a heat index equal to or less than 39 Tingting won all the things South Korea/North Korea world peace picture NHK Trophy Kenzo almost beat Kohei in the AA with his 15.900 (7.2 D) on FX Kohei’s 40th straight victory in an AA meet GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Technology & Gymnastics What we want to see mainstreamed in gymnastics to prevent injury and aid judging The My USAgym app The new concussion detection test that uses spit to identify brain injury in juveniles. Robo judging with 3D lasers NCAA Happenings: Georgia hires Courtney Kupets and dun dun dunnnnnnn volunteer Suzanne Yoculan Mckenzie Wofford is undergoing surgery for her scoliosis Zoe Draghi's speech from women's gymnastics' annual banquet at Cal LSU gymnast Lexie Priessman won SEC title on torn knee cartilage, coach D-D Breaux says Missouri Gymnastics Stolen Money and Team Policies Missouri Gymnastics posts abnormally high departure numbers Morgan Porter pleaded guilty to stealing over $700 from her teammate. The teammate was "released" from the team while Porter only missed one meet after her arrest. Insane Skill News Miyachi Hidetaka double twisting laid out kovacs. Manrique casually does a one-armed giant out of your Kolman Eddie Penev attempted a front double layout half-out At age 38, Mohini Bhardwaj hits bhs layout stepout on high beam Aliya Mustafina interview USA Gymnastics won't buy famed Karolyi ranch after all. Hummm, wonder why? Who's coaching your kids? Background checks not required in NC USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation: Deposition in sexual abuse case delayed to allow former USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny to attend Indy 500 parties. Not a joke folks! Nassar May 12th Hearing: John Geddert allegedly walked in on Larry abusing one of the victims and said, “That must have hurt” Plaintiff Rachael Denhollander destroyed Nassar's defense team! Nassar's defense is that children don't understand the difference between sexual assault and legitimate medical procedures performed without gloves, parental notification, consent or explanation. Seems legit. Nassar hearing continues this Friday, May 26th. News reports: Details from preliminary hearing for Larry Nassar Three alleged victims testify against Nassar in graphic, tense court hearing Nassar attorneys quiz women on whether treatments helped "My trust had been used against me as a weapon, and I never wanted to trust again" - Denhollander Meet the 7 women and girls testifying against Larry Nassar on Friday Bill requiring Olympic sports organizations to report sex abuse allegations advances Senator Diane Feinstein introduced her bill (S534), read the text of the bill here and her press release here. Call your representative (find them here) to thank or tell them to pass this bill! To support the victims use hashtag #GymJaneDoe British Gymnastics continues to be amazing. Love to Move is a chair based activity program to fight dementia FEEDBACK The body shaming of McKayla Maroney Pregnancy Doping - the science behind the myth explained! Episode 252 Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments Commissioned show feedback: David Henderson at the 2000 Pontiac International Team Championships. The pommel broke off in his hand and the shards on the pommel base ripped his pants. Rianna Mizzen (AUS) had to call animal control to remove this snake from her gym. Khorkina is the VBBF (VBBF pronounced phonetically = eponymous skill on every event) THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Jessica Steyers, former competitive gymnast, NBC Olympic gymnastics producer and who is now a NY licensed clinical social worker certified trauma psychotherapist. We discuss: Red flags and warning signs How to help if a victim comes to you If USAG's response on social media hurt or helped victims The line between grooming and healthy coach-athlete bond How listeners can support victims NBC's on-air interview with Nastia Resources: The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States, its territories, and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential. Here is a list of all the Child Protective Services hotlines in the country. Stopitnow.org has great information on spotting behavioral signs in adults SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017
5/24/2017 • 2 hours, 7 minutes, 28 seconds
252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History
Welcome to another commissioned episode. Club Gym Nerd member, Alison, helped support the podcast by asking us to talk about the greatest myths, legends and unexpected moments in gymnastics history. Thank you so much Alison! Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Greatest Myths: Menstruation, height, beam width, Raducan's gold medal, and pregnancy doping Legends: Age stereotype-defining heroes in the Olympics and NCAA from Chusovitina to Daria Bijak Innovators from Mo Huilan, Hali Sheriff, to Elvira Teza The 1974 NCAA Championship streaker Champions from Khorkina, Shun Fujimoto, Gabby Douglas and Vera Caslavska Unexpected Moments The vault height during the all-around final at the Sydney Olympics 2004 Olympics men's gymnastics multifaceted debacle Wildlife Age falsification. Why do only the Asian countries get punished? Lingerie gymnastics The judge who gave an impossible score Tie breakers, wooden legs, circus discrimination, and that one time when Alijaz Pegan broke the P-bars SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here or commission your own episode. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. RELATED EPISODES 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
5/17/2017 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 46 seconds
251: Chinese and JO Nationals
IN THE NEWS In the news, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Chinese National Championships 2017 (1:40) The floor fell apart Shang Chunsong got a 3 on bars with a scary fall/ invents clear-hip seat drop to back tuck for 0.8 CV Lo Huan gorgeous beam and bars Li Qi (pronounced Lee Chee *squeals*) 6.3 D score (WOAH!) beam with so many missed connections. Adorable gallop to handstand Her floor is ready for NCAA. So. Ah. Mazing. Chen Yile switch ring to catastrophe but is it the future of chinese bars Du Siyu silver on bars Lu Yufei doing a GORGEOUS Fabrichnova Zou Jingyuan stole the show and got really mad when he wasn't perfect on the 6.6. D p-bars routine. Level 10, Junior Olympic National Championships (26:07) Watch every routines here. Kalyxta Gamiao (Hawaiian Island Twisters) toe-on counter Kim Aleah Finnegan (sister of Sarah) won age group AA/BB Leanne Wong - Basically just won the 2020 US Bars title Lexy Ramler (Minnesota, Kid Sport) toe-on full twisting shaposh to immediate pak; also highest BB score of competition (aerial + split ring) Ky George (Cal) will be the next NCAA floor star, highest FX score of meet Vault: We explain the JO vault bonus. Kai Rivers (LSU, won the Nastia) - DTY (automatic 80-point Geddert behavior deduction) Haleigh Bryant - handspring pike ½ is Rachel Slocum good Lexi Graber got a 10 for this 1.5 GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (41:59): Nikita Nagornyy casually chucking a Tsuk double-double. A gymnastics name pronunciation database! Should Parkour be an Olympic sport and under the FIG? All the college coaching news The US men are actually going to University Games! "The Damage I've Done" Kristen Maloney Everyone should sing their heart out during their gymnastics dance class like these kids. When you miss prom because you qualified for Nationals, your coaches take you out for dinner in your prom dresses FEEDBACK: Gender outrage: How is gymnastics gender unequal when rhythmic is only for women! Military academy hazing How to include Nassar news without triggering RAGE-0-METER Stop the glitter trampoline insanity! Wear goggles and a mask! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 125: Growing Up In China - Jiani Wu Interview Episode 28: Kristen Maloney 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 206: The Russian Situation 193: Russian, Pac Rim, British Championships and Miss Val on Do-Over Gate 152: Four Nations Cup Italy, Russia, Romania and Colombia 117: Youth Olympic Games, Romanian Nationals, Russian & Novara Cup 87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered Episode 46: Russian Cup Results and Gabby Dancing With The Stars? 199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships 147: The 2015 European Championships 153: Inaugural European Games 96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships 95: WAG European Championships Part Two — Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report 94: Women’s European Championships Part One! Episode 30: Women’s NCAA & European Championships
5/10/2017 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 29 seconds
250: Cluj European Championships
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: European Championships (2:00): Results Finals Day One, Finals Day Two Broken heart moments Euros highlights and lowlights: Devillard won the vault title with a Rudi + DTY Dragulescu won the FX title in Cluj Angelina Melnkiova (RUS) coming back from heartbreak to win floor. Nina Derwael UB win 14.633 (6.1), first ever for Belgium! Eleftherios Petrounias (GRE) mindset perspective. Braegger (14.933 / 6.8) slayed Cluj with this HB Oleg won another PB gold! Ponor winning beam gold at home. Maria Paseka had a 9.95 in NCAA, stuck cold DTY Eremina near face-plant on beam The Massive scoring error on Ponro's floor routine that took 30 minutes to correct (25:06) Our favorite skills, combos or single routines Oleg not dying, even though he balked on his HB dismount Artur Dalaloyan (RUS) TTY Belyavskiy took PH gold when Berki incurred a 0.3 deduction for mounting late! Evangelia Plyta bars - Maloney + Deltchev, Tkachev + Gienger Ana Filipa Martins (PRT) return to competition Best combo: Paseka vault + reaction lady ("State Bird of the Gymternet" is Euros vault gif lady) Mr. 6-feet-tall Shatilov is back with a double front pike half out Vendula Merkova's (CZE) Onodi to Y turn; kicking booty spin, on beam Shennanigans (43:50): Bellu making his old athletes do abs in Cluj How media etiquette differes from country to country Crowd reactions and fans Valentina Rodionenko is blaming the judges for the WAG AA results Men's NCAA Championship (59:00) Oklahoma finishes perfect season with third straight national championship Why Anthony McCallum's back-to-back NCAA vault title is so impressive Air Force gymnast, Tim Wang, made history at NCAA Championships Hazing on the Air Force gymnastics team: Cadets, coach were punished after investigation GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Head coach Danna Durante fired from University of Georgia (1:06:48) 3 gymnasts dismissed from Georgia's team Dismissal of gymnasts not the right solution, handled poorly by Georgia Lacy Dagen, Ashley Hiller granted releases from Florida and Jazzy Foberg is going to Florida early USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation (1:17:24): Joe Catrambone arrested and jailed for alleged sexual and physical abuse at Atlantic Coast Gymnastics in New Jersey US Elite gymnast, Margzetta Frazier and her family reported Joe Catrambone's verbal abuse in 2015. Tina Frazer talked to us about why she thinks this situation could have been avoided. Nassar: 3 more MSU Title IX inquires find Nassar violated policies Appeals court won't toss lawsuit against USA Gymnastics Nassar's abuse didn't stop with the USAGym team; it apparently has affected the Romanian National Team, too Doctor at center of USA Gymnastics scandal left warning signs at Michigan State Nassar's foundation appears to have violated state law since 2014 After Nassar: A community responds to a local face shrouded in national scandal Newest accuser in Nassar case says she was sexually abused in 1992 Karmerin Moore Video explaining how Nassar asked to videotape her at age 13 Radio interview with Nassar supporter who had intravaginal adjustment More Gymternet News (1:27:35): Mihai's thoughts on his first National Team Camp in Australia 16-year-old Russian elite gymnast claims coaching neglect resulted in hip replacement Thema Williams's multi-million dollar lawsuit against the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation will proceed Ashleigh Gnat can casually do an Amanar Nadia controversy Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci defends Ilie Nastase after shameful Fed Cup outburst Gymnastics great Nadia blasts 'offensive' Nastase We pitch Disney shows for Laurie Hernandez (spoiler alert, we all hate live action Disney kids TV shows) RELATED LINKS ITELITE.org SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 206: The Russian Situation 193: Russian, Pac Rim, British Championships and Miss Val on Do-Over Gate 152: Four Nations Cup Italy, Russia, Romania and Colombia 117: Youth Olympic Games, Romanian Nationals, Russian & Novara Cup 87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered Episode 46: Russian Cup Results and Gabby Dancing With The Stars? 199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships 147: The 2015 European Championships 153: Inaugural European Games 96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships 95: WAG European Championships Part Two -- Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report 94: Women's European Championships Part One! Episode 30: Women's NCAA & European Championships
5/3/2017 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 37 seconds
249: NCAA Championships
IN THE NEWS Spencer, and Jessica chat about the 2017 NCAA Championships: Semifinal One: Scoring started tight/correct but did it stay that way? Utah gymnast sent a lovey message to apologizes for alleged behavior of their fan OU was shaky, UCLA shook up their lineups and improved Ross made history by becoming the first female gymnast ever to be an Olympic, World and NCAA champion. Maggie Nichols vs. the beam Fans of the Year Award goes to Iowa! Crack or Correct : Denver's Karr stuck her 1.5 but didn't get the score she deserved. Semifinal Two: Alex McMurtry (FL) wins all-around and stuck her DTY after not doing one for a month. LSU on fire but used all their fuel too early. Save of the Meet Award: Lauren Johnson (Georgia) bars gienger Living Your Best Life Award: Ashley Lambert (NEB) floor and tweet to RuPaul Stick of the Meet: Mollie Korth’s stuck DLO 1/1 Event Champions (full results) Jessica loves all the ties, Spencer hate them Should every judge's score count to eliminate ties? Katie Bailey (Alabama), only gymnast with an event title the last two consecutive years Alex McMurtry only gymnast to get 10 from all 6 judges Team Finals Oklahoma 198.3875 (highest Super Six score ever) LSU 197.7375 Florida 197.7000 UCLA 197.2625 Utah 196.5875 Alabama 196.0000 Oklahoma: least controversial, most well-deserving team of all time. Maggie Nichols got a 10 on beam and from at least one judge on every single routine she did. Breaking down what happened to LSU How Dana Duckworth became an international hero with one simple interview. Peng Peng got a 10 on beam. FINALLY! Behind the Scenes Shenanigans The bars weren't set up correctly for podium training Athletes had a 15 hour day during semifinals day Human Bowling: Florida warm-up F-yeah we beat Florida video breakdown McKenzie Wofford dropping the trophy St. Louis as a host city Ft. Worth future host city ESPN should buy the rights to every single gymnastics meet world-wide because their coverage was stellar! RELATED LINKS Watch European Championships: http://www.clujeurogym2017.ro/en/video/ FloGymnastics EuroVisionSport We like the Tunnel Bear VPN to watch geo-restricted content LEGISLATION ALERT: Senator Diane Feinstein introduced her bill to make failing to reporting sexual abuse a crime and creating a 10 year time frame for victims to come forward (S534). Read the text of the bill here and her press release here. Call your representative (find them here) to thank or tell them to pass this bill! To support the victims use hashtag #GymJaneDoe SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy our awesome merchandise here. Club Gym Nerd April Giveaway: Spanny Tampson’s Gymnastics ABC Book Email [email protected] Subject line: Spanny’s ABC Book No need to tell us why you want it, just email us that you want it. We’ll randomly choose a winner on the last day of the month RELATED EPISODES 247: Progress? Plus NCAA Regionals, British, Jesolo 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 237: Ruby Harrold 236: Dream Theme Floor Routines 235: Happy 2017!
4/19/2017 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 39 seconds
248: London World Cup
IN THE NEWS In the news, Spencer and Jessica chat about: USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation: Gag Order lifted Dantzcher claims USA Gymnastics lawyers 'tried to dig up dirt on her sexual history and past boyfriends' after she filed lawsuit claiming the team doctor sexually abused her for years If you aren't horrified that the judge in the Nassar case hasn't recused herself, read this https://t.co/Ph3EtYvr7s Ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar's medical license revoked for 3 years Ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar planned to return to clinic before inquiry ended IndyStar wins top investigative reporting award Head of SafeSport, based in Colorado, seeks to cleanse America's troubled Olympic movement U.S. Center for SafeSport has a phone line, 720-524-5640 By the numbers, the Dr. Larry Nassar case is worse than the Jerry Sandusky and Bill Cosby stories — put together.… The London World Cup Watch routines here. The E Score Beam Controversy Victoria Nguyen (7.166, no fall) Tabea Alt (7.066 with fall and overtime) Amy Tinkler (7.200 with grasping beam) Angelina Melnikova (6.933 with fall) Tisha Volleman (7.033 with fall) Beam Champ, Ana Perez make your connections, win with 13.233 (D:5.300 E:7.933) O'Beirne Code If you have to hang onto the beam with your feet while laying down, it's a deduction. Exhibit A. If you aren't compressed into a full pike position, if it looks like a missed toe circle, it should not get credit for a piked stalder. Exhibit B. The Sadness Ellie Downie and Georgia Mae Fenton injured. Liu Jinru hobbling around the arena the entire meet (VT rudi to crunch) Melnikova didn't do well, so she'll probably win Euros. Our Favorite Routines Ilaria Kaeslin has Dutch-envy on floor. Ilaria Kaeslin relevé on beam and general gorgeousness! Tisha Volleman doing straight jump 1/1 from side position Alexey Rostov's "obstinant toddler" full turn choreography Japanse Championships Kohei Uchimura won 10th straight national individual all-around Mai Murakami stuck the *floor. WAG World Rankings by Score FX Mai 14.25 BB Eythora 14.85 UB Riley 15.05 VT Tie Sae and Andrade 15 flatAA Riley McCusker 56.6 (highest is actually Gabby Parea 57.225) GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Aly Raisman follows in the footsteps of greats with tampon endorsement deal but manages to also be a hero and stand up for social justice at the same time. Aly Raisman expects to keep Mihai Brestyan as coach Komova might be training again, Russian names Euros team including Paseka! Eight new elements named, added to the MAG Code of Points FEEDBACK: Should Gymnastics Decathlon be a World or Olympic sport? Responses to USAG's question about calling law enforcement within 24 hours of suspected crime. A listener called her rep, who had no idea about Feinstein's bill Tanning Beds will kill you LEGISLATION: Senator Diane Feinstein introduced her bill (S534), read the text of the bill here and her press release here. Call your representative (find them here) to thank or tell them to pass this bill! To support the victims use hashtag #GymJaneDoe SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Club Gym Nerd April Giveaway : Spanny Tampson’s Gymnastics ABC Book Email [email protected] Subject line: Spanny’s ABC Book No need to tell us why, you want it, just email us that you want it. We’ll randomly choose winner on the last day of the month RELATED EPISODES 247: Progress? Plus NCAA Regionals, British, Jesolo 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 237: Ruby Harrold 236: Dream Theme Floor Routines 235: Happy 2017!
4/12/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 25 seconds
247: Progress?
IN THE NEWS In the news, Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Progress is being made at the top of the elite program Regionals Recap (5:00) Session I: Oklahoma, UCLA, Utah, Washington, Oregon State, Denver. Session II: LSU, Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Georgia, Nebraska Denelle Pedrick, Central Michigan, vault with a DTTTYYYYYY Answer to criteria for the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year vote? There was no criteria. The coaches simply did not vote for MyKayla Skinner. Leotards: OSU and Oklahoma's lehenga choli style Kentucky gymnast Shelby HIlton update Jesolo (44:30) Results Ermine's Nabieva, Victoria Nguyen’s Chinese beam Riley McCusker = E score heaven Trinity Thomas just being fantastic Nina Derwael, Elisa Iorio, Ana Padurariu, Abby Paulson, Everyone needs to do choreographed warmups to music like the French! Will Brazil beat the Russians in the future? We think so. 10 minutes just about Varvara from planet Zubova USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation (1:17:10) Rachael Denhollander won her IX case against Larry Nassar The new judge in the Nassar case is an adjunct professor at MSU College of Law. MSU is a defendant in the case along with John Geddart and USA Gymnastics. Attorneys challenge 'gag order' in Nassar case USA Gymnastics Blasted for Skipping Senate Hearing on Sex Abuse Statement from USA Gymnastics in response to our questions about how soon they are requiring themselves to report suspected criminal conduct: GymCastic: "Does USAG report possible criminal misconduct (sexual or non-sexual) to law enforcement immediately (within 24 hours of receipt)? If not, why?" USAG: USA Gymnastics makes reports to law enforcement/child protection services consistent with its legal obligations, as well as to the U.S. Center for SafeSport. To be clear, if USA Gymnastics receives a complaint or report of alleged sexual abuse from anyone, a report must be filed with both law enforcement/child protection services and the U.S. Center for Safe Sport. GymCastic follow up: Can you please clarify what the time frame is for your legal obligation? USA Gymnastics response: "The timing for the legal reporting obligation varies by state. As noted previously, if USA Gymnastics receives a complaint or report of alleged sexual abuse from anyone, a report must be filed with both law enforcement/child protection services, consistent with legal obligations, and the U.S. Center for Safe Sport." FEEDBACK Body Hair and Male Hugs Double Don't Square the E Score: Hey guys, this is Evan the engineer. I just wanted to comment on the mathematical implications of the notion Jessica has suggested several times in the past about E-score deductions being squared. I agree that something needs to be done to increase the impact the execution score has on the final score relative to that of the D score; especially on vault, I think a fall should be something like a 3-point deduction, but that’s just me editorializing. I absolutely appreciate Jessica’s sentiment here, but I think a more mathematically-sound approach would be for deductions to be scaled geometrically, i.e., multiplied by some common factor across the board, like doubling all deductions (incidentally, halving the D score and keeping the deductions the same would have the same effect mathematically, which if I’m not mistaken I believe Bruno Grandi actually suggested doing himself), or multiplying by some other specified factor. The problem with squaring E-score deductions is that the increase in a gymnast’s deductions becomes de-linearized relative to the scores of other gymnasts; that is, the amount the deductions are increased varies relative to the magnitude of the deductions themselves, rather than by some fixed factor, which would be more fair. For instance, consider a geometric scaling up of deductions (what I think is fair) by a factor of 2. Gymnast A originally receives an E score of 8.5 (1.5 in deductions) while gymnast B receives an E score of 8.0 (2.0 in deductions); if these deductions were each scaled upward by a factor of 2 gymnast A would receive an E score of 7.0 (3.0 in deductions) while gymnast B would receive an E score of 6.0 (4.0 in deductions). Relative fairness is preserved because though both gymnasts are deducted more harshly, Gymnast B still receives 133% the deductions of gymnast A in each case (2/1.5=4/3=1.33), and ultimately because of this the weight of the D-scores would be reduced. However, squaring deductions sacrifices this deduction-increase relativity; using this approach gymnast A would receive an E score of 7.75 (1.5^2=2.25 in deductions), while gymnast B would receive an E score of 6.0 (2.0^2=4.0 in deductions). Here gymnast B receives 178% of the deductions of gymnast A [note gymnast A’s score increases under this system while gymnast B’s remains the same]; effectively, gymnast B is deducted more for being deducted more in the first place. Perhaps paradoxically, because power series converge with a base value below 1, if a gymnast C originally receives an E-score of 9.3 (0.7 in deductions), under the squaring system their E-score would actually increase to 9.51 (0.7^2=0.49 in deductions). For these reasons, I think elevating the importance of execution could be best achieved by scaling the E-score deductions up by some factor geometrically rather than squaring, or, novel concept, if judges actually took the deductions they could/should/need to at all times. Because, math. Thanks for reading. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Club Gym Nerd Giveaway for April : Spanny Tampson's Gymnastics ABC Book Email [email protected] Subject line: Spanny’s ABC Book No need to tell us why, you want it, just email us that you want it. We’ll randomly choose winner on the last day of the month RELATED EPISODES 246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017
4/5/2017 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 13 seconds
246: Kathy Johnson Clarke Regionals Preview
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Kathy Johnson Clarke, American Cup champion, World medalist, 1984 Olympic team silver medalist and Olympic bronze medalist on beam... and one of our favorite television commentators who practically raised with the foundational video, Gymnastics' Greatest Stars, is here to preview Regionals with us! We discuss: Her love for the Soviets and kindness in commentating Spencer and Kathy preview every regional! The judging situation in NCAA gymnastics Kathy Johnson-ing Morgan Lane; Erin Macadam; Lauren Rice (beam with robot, floor performance); Diana Mejia on bars; Taylor Houchin; Haylee Young of Iowa State (floor), Maddie Karr (VT); MJ Rott; Mary Jane Horth, senior with THOSE BARS; Stacie Webb, BB; Autumn Jorgensen, BB, JO national champ; George Washington's Drouin-Allaire and Winstanley; Kirah Koshinski, WVU - underappreciated 1.5 and DLO; Rachel Stypinski, Kent State - all the 9.9s. Age and training hours What makes for good gymnastics television 1978 World Championships and the famous floor routine that broke through the Soviet stronghold... and medaled in floor finals with Elena Mukhina and Nelli Kim. Why she has been so fearlessly outspoken on abuse and safeguarding in gymnastics and youth sports. RELATED LINKS Congressional hearings on Senate Bill 534 - watch it here Call your representative (find them here) to thank or tell them to pass this bill! USA Gymnastics Blasted for Skipping Senate Hearing on Sex Abuse "I'm deeply disappointed they've sent a statement but no witness to question," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said, "If they really cared, they would be here," he added. "They have to answer for what happened here." USOC apologizes to sex abuse victims, says Olympic sports culture needs change. Olympic Gymnasts Recount Their Experiences of Sexual Abuse at a Senate Judiciary Committee SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 187: McKayla Maroney 163: ENOUGH Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 245: Steve Penny is GONE 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017
3/29/2017 • 2 hours, 20 minutes, 1 second
245: Penny is GONE
IN THE NEWS In the news, Spencer and Jessica chat about: USA Gymnastics President has resigned after the USOC called for his ouster Why this is not the time to move on because nothing has changed Three things that still need to be done to prevent abuse at USA Gymnastics USAG using SafeSport for sexual abuse only--that means they are still going to do their own policing on non-sexual abuse misconduct and crimes. NCAA Conference Championships (13:59) Regionals (38:30) Skinner's "snub"/character counts (35:15) Stuttgart World Cup (42:30) Results Tabea Alt wins, layout to two feet BB mount Eythora Thorsdottir's floor save We almost start a Morgan Hurd podcast (47:32) Watch Morgiboo's beam dismount; double double FX with pointed toes and legs together! Baku World Cup (54:55) Results The crazy lighting problems Oksana Chusovitina winning all the things because, Chuso Catalina Ponor had a very Romanian floor day This is basically the Vasiliki Millousi BB code Crack or Correct: The Most Controversial Scores from Baku, NCAA, Stuttgart (1:03:51): Tabea Alt's bar judges' score vs. Eythora and Pauline Schaefer Judges gave Maddie Stover a mathematically impossible beam score. GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (1:10:42): Oleg Stepko has gone to Ukraine for personal reasons Interview with new Australian WAG National Coach, Mihai Brestyan Geza Pozsar is working with Japanese gymnast Aiko Sugihara on her floor and beam routines Ellie Downie is working a Cheng! "This was the best decision for me and it’s a more positive environment too" – Amy Tinkler on switching gyms Average Human-Sized Gymnasts (AKA tall for gymnastics): Leo Genders (Army) watch video of six-foot-one-inch-tall gymnast. 5'9" gymnast Becky Rozsa of the SUU Flippin Birds FEEDBACK (1:24:24): Razor burn cure Regular season champions are awesome! Ireland: "I think basic safe guarding and child protection was one of the most valuable couple of hours I have ever put into my career as a coach" Safe 4 Athletes also recommends a safety officer Why no "good countries" at American Cup? RELATED ARTICLES USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation NY TIMES "Ex-Gymnastics Chief’s Career: Swift Success Marred by Years of Scandal" Nasser accused of performing vaginal acupuncture on MSU gymnast A 20-year toll: 368 gymnasts allege sexual exploitation 78 women or girls suing MSU and Nassar in federal court and a California state court. Five other lawsuits name Nassar and USA Gymnastics "This is the first step of many that need to occur.” – Dominique Moceanu Former gymnast Jeanette Antolin wants sponsors to pressure USA Gymnastics to make changes to combat sex abuse FAQ: What to know about the sex abuse case of ex-MSU Dr. Larry Nassar MSU doctor resigned after removing Nassar patient files Jessica Howard has an op-ed in the NYTimes : "Cracking Down on Abuse in U.S. Gymnastics" Editorial: Still much work to do inside USAG The Larry Nassar case should fuel serious discussion about how to stop sexual abuse Critics say Steve Penny's resignation not enough in wake of sex abuse allegations involving USA Gymnastics Jessica Howard on USAGym Board meetings: "The meetings seemed to revolve around two things: money and medals.” Women Claim Michigan State University Tried to Hide Dr. Larry Nassar's Sexual Abuse of Athletes MSU Abuse Scandal: Coach Had Gymnasts Sign Card for Dr. Larry Nassar SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 244: Russian Nationals & Gymnix 2017 243: Senate Bill 534 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 237: Ruby Harrold 236: Dream Theme Floor Routines 235: Happy 2017! 163: ENOUGH 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 222: New King 223: Tasha Schwikert 224: Age of the Pegan 226: FIG Regime Change 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 235: Happy 2017! 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
3/22/2017 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 53 seconds
244 Russian Championships and Gymnix
IN THE NEWS In the news, Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Russian Championships 2017: Seda Tutkhalyan tied for the beam title with Viktoria Trykina and her monster double back Daria Spiridonova tied for gold on uneven bars at the Russian Nationals Natalia Kapitonova tied for gold on uneven bars with a 14.700 Nina Derwael new bar routine vs the Russians amazingness Lilia Akhaimova floor champion 13.8 Elena Eremina's Nabieva release One of the best TTYs ever by Artur Dalaloyan Who does a triple back + a full-twisting double back as a side pass? Dmitri Lankin does! Gymnix Why the gymternet is obsessed with the Italian juniors Giorgia Villa of Italy has a few lovely bar combinations Brooklyn Moors: front tumbling dismount Sunisa Lee's has big things planned on bars We loved all-around champ, Maile O'Keefe on beam Gabby Perea taking the whole Legacy Elite thing seriously - bar routine, which won her the gold medal Lauren compares Gymnix to the American Cup which had horrible fans Photo Galleries of Gymnix on The Gymter.net NCAA Recap Shake up in the bottom of the rankings RSQ scores are getting critical The Stanford Situation Georgia beats Utah Lauren Rice of Sacramento State doesn't take herself too seriously, but entertainment she does. Ashley Lambert of Nebraska came back from a broken neck and all the surgeries to do this floor routine. Hall of 10's : Ohashi; Here's Kaytianna McMillan's 10.0; Stacie Webb BB 10 of Southern Utah, Flippin Birds Crack or Correct: Peng's 9.925 on beam, all the senior night 9.975s, Cami Drouin-Allaire v. Angi Cipra GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Secrets to maintaining a perfect bikini line during gymnastics season. Louis Smith's agent sent to jail Anastasia Grishina's family stole all of her money and she is now homeless. USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation: The U.S. Olympic Committee is likely to call for the resignation of USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny Sexual abuse attorney "demands" USOC de-certify USA Gymnastics USOC has take over National Governing Bodies many times for drugs and financial problems, but only once, that we could find, for sexual abuse. The USOC is not without blame: In 1999 USAG President Collarasi wrote a letter telling the USOC about sex abuse problems long before the USOC took action Two Senators want answers from USOC on sex abuse policies and procedures for a lot of sports, including gymnastics Six Months Later, Michigan State Notifies Female Athletes About Its Sexual Assault Scandal - WHERE IS THE LETTER FROM USAG TO ITS ATHLETES?!? Tony Retrosi of Gym Momentum letter Could this be in USAG official's future: Penn State Ex-Officials Plead Guilty to Child Endangerment in Sandusky Case What you can do: LEGISLATION: Senator Diane Feinstein introduced her bill (S534), read the text of the bill here and her press release here. Call your representative (find them here) to thank or tell them to pass this bill! If you are a USAG member: Ask to be interviewed for their review Call for a vote of no confidence Run for a position when elections come up SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 163: ENOUGH 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 222: New King 223: Tasha Schwikert 224: Age of the Pegan 226: FIG Regime Change 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 235: Happy 2017! 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
3/15/2017 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 33 seconds
243: Senate Bill 534
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: The American Cup & Nastia Cup: Our favorite routines of the weekend from Yul Moldauer and Colbi Flory's beam to Sam Oldham floor The Bart Deurloo Story - crotch vs pommel horse Elite Code trends e.g., Dos Santos no pause before acro skill on beam, front tumbling and wolf turns-in-a-row-hell Which was better: American Cup, Nastia Cup or any NCAA meet Ignorant things Al Trautwig said The Nastia Interview about Nassar NCAA Update (43:10) Highlights and DII/III teams beating DI teams, Cal's bar dismounts Spencer explains why George Washington is the hipster gymnastics team Eye Roll of the Week Award Crack or Correct : Ohashi’s 10 on beam and Gnat vs. McMurtry vault, Rachel Schick beam GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Aly Raisman's coach, Mihai Brestyan, is the new Australian national team coach. Romanian, Swedish, Canadian and Russian news Simone Biles broke her rib on the post-Olympic tour but didn't get a diagnosis for two and a half weeks! USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation: LEGISLATION: Senator Diane Feinstein introduced her bill (S534), read the text of the bill here and her press release here. Call your representative (find them here) to thank or tell them to pass this bill! To support the victims use hashtag #GymJaneDoe THE DOCUMENTS: A judge released 5,600 pages of court records detailing how USAGym handled sexual abuse allegations over 10 years Allow a convicted sex offender to keep his membership? A USA Gymnastics regional chairman supported that Here's USAGym's statement on the decision to release 54 administrative files related to sexual misconduct "The coach is as much a member as the athlete," President Steve Penny testified in records re: sex abuse The unsealed documents include emails from USA Gymnastics to coaches, FBI Interviews, and more Feedback: Why was the FBI so slow to investigate Larry Nassar? Letter from a transgender gymnast Defamation vs. banning abusers SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 242: Standards 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 163: ENOUGH 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 222: New King 223: Tasha Schwikert 224: Age of the Pegan 226: FIG Regime Change 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 235: Happy 2017! 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
3/8/2017 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 26 seconds
242: Standards
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Melbourne World Cup Kenzo, Ting Ting and Sanne! NCAA Beligerent fans at Utah (6:25)? Chalkography rebellion! Crack or Correct: Every single routine from Utah/UCLA. The funniest, Peng’s 9.825. Winter Cup (21:01) Yul is amazing. End of story. Anthony McCullum's vault is gorgeous. Chris Brooks won his only event, HB Donell Whittenburg did his triple pike dismount on HB There were a lot of Winter Cup-ness moments, AKA injuries and crashes Watch every single routine here News and assignments for the American women! New seniors intro video American Cup - Ragan Smith and Riley McCusker THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Nancy Hogshead-Makar former professor of Sports Law and head of women's sports advocacy group, Champion Women, joins us to interpret our strong feelings about the Legendres interview from last week's show. We discuss (36:10): How did USAG allegedly fail the Legendres? Lack of a standard and professional protocol for the entire process Focus on individual athlete rather than safety for all future athletes Should be given the whistleblower policy in writing and have an advocate (or ombudsman) present to advise them of their rights What can parents and club owners learn from this? Liability falls to the institution when alcohol is involved and your insurance company will probably not cover you. Beware the Waiver: Imagine your child is abused, the coach is found guilty and you have agreed to pay for his lawyers You're The Boss: How to talk to kids about permission for physical contact Athletes must have permission to say NO to their coaches Thinking of an athlete like a solider is inappropriate. Lack of Oversight There is no unified process or government agency that can remove abusers from coaching Prisoners have more rights than athletes representing the U.S. SafeSport Independent Ethical Firewall between victims and the organization Power to enforce policies USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation Update (1:03:34) Fallout from the Legendre interview in last week's episode Vitaly Marinitch reportedly no longer at the Olympic Training Center boys program. USAG responds to our episode Feedback from the men's team USA Gymnastics failed to report Nassar to the FBI for five weeks Sen. Feinstein rebukes USA Gymnastics on sex abuse (again) "It’s obviously terrible and it should never have happened, but there is an investigation." – Aly Raisman 150 coaches and officials associated with Olympic governing bodies have been convicted of sex crimes since early 80s Government probe of sex abuse prevention in Olympic sports went nowhere Three gymnasts went public in this 60 Minutes special “Bela Karolyi grabbed my butt and told me to lose it,” Antolin said in an interview "Dominique Moceanu says USA Gymnastics, Karolyis ‘Set the Stage’ for ‘Atrocities’ in Physician Sex Abuse Case" GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (1:24:08): Jeff Thompson at Penn State finally fired! Kathy Klages, Dr. Larry Nassar sympathizer and former MSU gymnastics coach was suspended. Aly Raisman on How Her SI Swim Photoshoot Made Her Feel 'Confident' FEEDBACK (1:32:13): Why are all the gymnasts getting kidney stones? A possible answer Do we talk about politics too much or not enough? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome goodies here. RELATED EPISODES 241: The Pittsburgh Incident 240: Chalkography 163: ENOUGH 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 222: New King 223: Tasha Schwikert 224: Age of the Pegan 226: FIG Regime Change 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 235: Happy 2017! 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
3/1/2017 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 46 seconds
The Pittsburgh Incident: Vitaly Marinitch Accused of Assault
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW If you are a regular listener, you know that USA Gymnastics is embroiled in a massive sexual abuse scandal that was first brought to light by the Indianapolis Star in the summer of 2016. Today’s show will focus on an incident that illustrates the compounded fear athlete victims have when their life’s work is at stake. On Sunday, August 24, 2014 after the P&G Championships in Pittsburgh, Olympic hopeful Steven Legendre and his wife Alaina went to the hotel bar. It was there that Alaina alleges U.S. Olympic Training Center men’s coach, Vitaly Marinitch sexually assaulted her. Since the incident isn’t mentioned as a catalyst for Vitaly's stated voluntary resignation, the Legendres have decided to publicly share their story to offer greater transparency to the sport they love and have dedicated their lives to. Alaina Legendre (née Williams) was a U.S. trampoline national team member for six years and national champion several times over. Steven Legendre is an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma, an NCAA champion and multi-World medalist. RELATED LINKS Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that USA Gymnastics delayed reporting Larry Nassar for five weeks. IndyStar investigation A 20-year toll: 368 gymnasts allege sexual exploitation. USA Gymnastics Code of Ethical Conduct for coaches section F(3) states: Members of USA Gymnastics must ensure that the sport is conducted in an environment free of drug or alcohol abuse. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to abuse alcohol in the presence of athletes or at USA Gymnastics' activities. 60 Minutes Former Gymnasts Allege Sexual Abuse. RELATED EPISODES 163: ENOUGH 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor 222: New King 223: Tasha Schwikert 224: Age of the Pegan 226: FIG Regime Change 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 235: Happy 2017! 240: Chalkography 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy some of our nerd-tactic goodies here.
2/22/2017 • 43 minutes, 10 seconds
240: Chalkography
MEET NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Hall of 10's Alex McMurtry scored a 10 on UB Madison Kocian scored a 10.0 on UB Peng Peng Lee *finally* scored a 10.0 on UB Maggie Nichols 10.00 on FX Gymnastics theme meets we want to see: GymKata, Sean Melton-themed, Screw Elite Gymnastics theme, Judges Appreciation theme, Save the Tatas Education with live demonstrations. Funniest (only because she is ok) vault crash we've ever seen Morgan Lane ranked 4th now on BB 9.950 What constitutes over celebrating on the mat in NCAA? Why Kyla Ross changed her floor routine Crack or Correct: The Most Controversial Scores of the Week One judge gave Katelyn Ohashi a 10 for this beam routine One judge gave Rachel Slocum a 10 for this vault One judge gave Kyla Ross a 10 for this bar routine The end of Chalkography? New rule .02 deduction for "excessive chalk" in NCAA Men's NCAA Gymnastics update New men's national team qualifying rules at Winter Cup that make Jessica rage GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Olga Korbut auctioning off all of her medals Ysenia Ferrera has returned to the Cuban National Team! Gymnast Anthony Wise gets back on the horse after three-year layoff + battle with anorexia Wendy Hillard says she was left off World Team for being black Should USAG drop Under Armour for Nike? Brazilian Federation in hot water after financial irregularities Why do so many Russian team members have kidney stones? Chuso punch front mount to immediate punch front on beam Ponor is doing Onodi + Aerial walkover + Double turn #BDSMwithCata USA Gymnastics MSU Sexual Misconduct Investigation: Interview with one of the accusers from the 90’s, “So many different people shoved it under the rug.” 12 unanswered questions about the Larry Nassar sex-abuse scandal Trying to keep track of all the accusations? M Live has helpful interactive map YOUR FEEDBACK A terrified coach asks what to do when told to ignore written safety protocols on her first day. A report on the new Women's Technical Committee President, Donatella Sacchi had to say at Nick Ruddick's Gymnastics Conference How do adult gymnasts support their chests to compete in backless leotards? See tutorial on taping boobs for backless leotards here A letter from an MSU cheer team member who alleges that her team was punished for reporting abuse with the support of Larry Nassar. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik & NCAA Olympic/World Championship Team Members Competing in College Gymnastics in 2017 238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler 237: Ruby Harrold 236: Dream Theme Floor Routines 235: Happy 2017! 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 230: The Good News 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis
2/15/2017 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 36 seconds
239: Elite Canada, Reykjavik and NCAA
IN THE NEWS In the news Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Quiz: World, Olympic and National Team Members in the NCAA (sexy data here) Elite Canada (6:20) Junior Ana Padurariu swept and beat the seniors scores (bars, beam featuring the back dive mount) The Reykjavik International 2017 videos here (11:00) Ethora BB (featuring the Friends’s fu sign) and her newish floor routine Sydney Johnson-Scharpf won floor NCAA (19:40) Kiana Winston joins the 10.0 Club on floor, but then drinks water Ebee would have joined if there were justice in the world Lizzy Leduc is becoming a star at Illinois (9.950 BB) Brianna Comport is throwback perfection front tumbling goddess Crack or Correct Britney Ward (Missouri) absolutely robbed of a 10 on this vault Mia Hambrick (LSU) SAME Kyrstin Hoffa (UW) floor demonstration mastery and amplitude on every single skill GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (39:00): Trampoline champion Pam Clark slams British Gymnastics Why Russia keeps pregnant athletes on the national team (hint, human rights!) Anatomy Of Athletes, will feature Vanessa Ferrari Sofia Hults: Delivering the floor exercise realness that you need right now Aja Sims weiler to comaneci salto USAG Sexual Abuse Investigation Update (54:00) Texas Rangers went to Karolyi Ranch for sex abuse case SCATS: National team members sue Don Peters and Nassar for sexual misconduct and abuse Orange County Register journalist Scott Reid’s investigation revealed that SCATS has violated USAG’s policy against banned members at USAG clubs. Nassar: Nassar medical license suspended John Geddert sued for allegedly failing to protect his gymnasts from sexual abuse. A gymnast tried to report Nassar as early as 1997 Police questioned Nassar about his conduct in 2004 MSU athletes ordered to not talk about Nassar "If those allegations are true, MSU may be obstructing justice, which is a crime." Current MSU head coach, Kathie Klages accused of failing to report and intimidating, alleged Nassar victim MSU coach suggests Nassar treatments were legitimate and he was framed FEEDBACK (1:03:24): McKenna Kelly's vault injury Mom causes blackout during meet What's Ashton Locklear up to now Leotard sizes and fit Inauguration-themed floor routine Instant replay in NCAA Routine judging receipts Award ceremony straddle conga lines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque’s Amaluna 59: What it’s like to be a Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 148: Shannon Miller Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 187: McKayla Maroney 186: Amanda Borden 177: Stella Umeh 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 19: Andreea Raducan 223: Tasha Schwikert 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
2/8/2017 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 37 seconds
238: Maggie Nichols & KJ Kindler
THE NCAA NEWS Spencer and Jessica recap the week in college gymnastics: Who has joined the hall of 10's. McMurtry DTY, Karas Michigan 1.5 for 9.975, Zaakira Muhammad, WVU, perfection on a full for 9.900. Kennedi Edney wasn’t supposed to do AA, steps in on floor with this--that wasn’t even in the lineup before, wins AA. Taryn Fitzgerald at Stanford front aerial landing on two feet. Crack or Correct: The most controversial scores of the weekend. McMurtry’s DTY - only got a 9.995. Should it have been a 10? Sofie Seilnacht got a 9.7 from one judge, 9.75 from the other for this gorgeous beam routine. Robbed or fair? THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEWS The 2015 team World Champion, bronze medalist on floor and national treasure, Maggie Nichols, talks about her transition from elite to college gymnastics at Oklahoma. KJ Kindler, two-time national championship coach of the defending NCAA champs at OU join us to nerd out about: Maggie Nichols (21:00): The arm landing position question answered! Oversplits How she increased her level of fitness after her ACL tear. Going pro Secret skills she worked on that fans never got to see. Skills she's thrilled she'll never have to do again! KJ Kindler (38:25): How she manages to dominate from January through April. What are her secrets to such a dominant, consistent beam team. Did she always know that Chayse Capps was going to be a star How did Brenna Dowell and KJ negotiate Brenna's return to elite last year The story behind the Syrian refugee floor routine and how the team handles the current political turmoil (American Refugee Committee). Sultry choreography Why Natalie Brown had to take the slither out of her routine. Watch it here, RIP "The Slither." Chayse Capps beam drop. GIVEAWAY HOW: Tell us what the historic UNC LGBTQ meet meant to you. Be as creative as you want. A story about how gymnastics helped someone come out. Or how gymnastics taught you to be a better ally. Use the hashtag #ThxUNCgym on Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr. We will pick a winner from a random drawing of entries. DEADLINE: February 5th, 2017 PRIZE: Three "Carolina Gymnastics Love is Love" t-shirts from the meet (sizes S, M and L) Commemorative tickets from the event One pair of the famous ombre blue and black Carolina Nike shoes (size 7.5, see far right shoes in the photo above) SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup Photo Gallery: Olympic Trials Day 2 205: Day Two 2016 Women's Olympic Trials Photo Gallery: 2016 Olympic Trials Day 1 204: Day One 2016 Women's Olympic Trials Photo Gallery: 2016 Olympic Trials Podium Training 194: Rio Test Event and 2016 NCAA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show - Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women's All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women's Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show 236: Dream Theme Floor Routines 223: Tasha Schwikert Episode 22: Beth Tweddle Episode 18: Bridget Sloan Episode 20: Jenni Pinches Episode 16: Elizabeth Price Episode 48: Kyla Ross 101: Olivia Vivian 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships 145: Rheagan Courville 158: Ariana Berlin’s Full Out Movie
2/1/2017 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 58 seconds
237: Ruby Harrold
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Ruby Harrold from Bristol, England (The Academy Portishead), has graced our country by competing in college for Louisiana State University. She was an alternate for the London Olympics in 2012, an integral part of the historic bronze medal for Team GB at the Glasgow Worlds in 2015, and has revitalized bars like no one else. We discuss: How, as a reluctant GB elite, she was recruited to college gymnastics Biggest cultural difference training at LSU The bars skill she has never mastered Glasgow team medal vs. her Rio experience Resurrecting the Zuchold-Schleudern and keeping her difficulty in college. Amy Smith, NCAA champion gymnast and current associate head coach at the University of North Carolina tells us about the historic #BeTrue, LGBTQ Community Support meet at UNC vs. Florida last weekend. This first of its kind in the history of gymnastics, had the largest crowd EVER for the UNC gymnastics program. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome swag here. GIVEAWAY HOW: Tell us what the historic UNC LGBTQ meet meant to you. Be as creative as you want. A story about how gymnastics helped someone come out. Or how gymnastics taught you to be a better ally. Use the hashtag #ThanksUNCgym on Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr. We will pick a winner from a random drawing of entries. DEADLINE: February 5th, 2017 PRIZE: Three "Carolina Gymnastics Love is Love" t-shirts from the meet (sizes S, M and L) Commemorative tickets from the event One pair of the famous ombre blue and black Carolina Nike shoes (size 7.5, see far right shoes in the photo above) RELATED EPISODES 236: Dream Theme Floor Routines 223: Tasha Schwikert Episode 22: Beth Tweddle Episode 18: Bridget Sloan Episode 20: Jenni Pinches Episode 16: Elizabeth Price Episode 48: Kyla Ross 101: Olivia Vivian 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships 145: Rheagan Courville 158: Ariana Berlin's Full Out Movie
1/25/2017 • 29 minutes, 32 seconds
236: Dream Theme Floor Routines
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: The University of North Carolina gymnastics team is hosting an LGBTQ Community Support meet on Friday, January 20th. UNC is home of Morgan Lane and this beam series Artistic themes for floor routines that absolutely need to be performed ASAP (4:24) The NCAA Recap: Oklahoma (15:51) Chayse Capps beam 9.975 vs Peng Peng beam Most controversial comments made by Kelly Garrison (Steves) Funderburk Florida (27:16) Rachel Slocum's vault McMurtry is 4th member of Club DTY Kennedy Baker and her Dos Santos are anchoring floor Amelia Hundley happiness bars Mollie Korth of Kentucky, Belarus call her up FX Alabama ( 35:06) Kiana Winston's 9.950 bar routine Aja Sims police siren floor routine Windy City Invitational (43:08) The strangest trend in NCAA right now - teams running behind the vaulter (39:30) The most controversial scores of the week (41:38): Ashleigh Gnat LSU 10 for her DTY vault and Chayse Capps UB 9.9 GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Simone Biles interviewed by Tom Hanks on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Eythora, Oleg, Mikulak and Ragan Smith headline the American Cup Qualification rules for all-around World Cups explained (1:00:41) Nile Wilson injured Aliya Mustafina is with child Trampoline Parks are bad. FEEDBACK your hilarious letters and solutions to all problems gym nerd (1:11:31): How to watch NCAA meets if you live outside of the US: Slingtv international package and lets you add SEC and Pac12 for about $25/month or NastiaFan101take12 Why do college gymnasts sit in a straddle conga line after the meet? Simone Biles & Aly Raisman will appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition and are treated completely differently than men for doing so. A newbie Fantasy NCAA gym player has created super villain nicknames for his entire roster. RAGE-O-METER: Leotard sizes and panty peek-a-boo. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest Episode 18: Bridget Sloan Episode 16: Elizabeth Price Episode 26: Ivana Hong
1/18/2017 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 50 seconds
235: Happy 2017
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Our favorite and least favorite moments from 2016 NCAA Recap Five freshman World Champions competed this weekend, including for the first time ever, two Olympic gold medalists. The Bars score controversies - Skinner and Kocian Balance beam situations - Georgia and UCLA Natalie Brown's Syrian refugee-themed floor routine (from preseason) Beam Queens: Sarah Finnegan's 9.950 beam routine, Kiana Winston's 9.950 beam routine SWAGGIE MAGGIE NICHOLS!!!! Macy Toronjo (UCLA/Texas Dreams) exhibitions after going blind in both eyes earlier this year. NC State: The puking beam dismount Chayse Capps and Ashley Gant superstar-ness GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Aliya Mustafina doesn't miss gymnastics Oleg Stepko's coach went back to Ukraine Cheerleading granted provisional Olympic status Pegxit : Peggy Liddick will lease Gymnastics Australia Jake Martin on coming out to his OSU teammates and being team captain Putin’s daughter does this weird acro-ballroom dance hybrid sport and is good! USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation update: New lawsuit by MSU softball athlete who went to the administration about Nassar’s procedure in 1998 International Gymnastics Federation ‘very concerned’ by US sex abuse claims 18 women sue USAG, MSU and John Geddart's Twistars club for failing to protect them from sexual abuse at the hands of Dr. Larry Nassar Simone Things and Aimee Boorman being a hero coach and shinning example to all Gabby Douglas becomes ambassador against online harassment Amy Tinkler has parted ways with her personal coaches Maria Paseka refuses to retire! RELATED LINKS Adult Gymnastics News: Jan 28-30, holiday weekend winter adult gymnastics camp SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy some of our swaggy merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 234: Chris Brooks 233: Danell Leyva 2016 232: Conflict of Interest 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 228: Leotards (Commissioned) My White Daughter Wants to "Paint her Skin" to be her hero, Simone Biles, for Halloween 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 226: FIG Regime Change 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) Balance Beam Situation Blog-Cast 224: Age of the Pegan 223: Tasha Schwiker 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
1/11/2017 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 25 seconds
BBS: Mexican Open Gala of Insanity
We'll be back next week on our regular schedule. Until then, enjoy all the NCAA recaps from Spencer at https://balancebeamsituation.com/
1/5/2017 • 8 minutes, 16 seconds
234: Chris Brooks
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW If you need inspiration, are a coach of a gymnast who doesn’t quite get it, or need New Year’s resolution help, this is the episode for you. Chris Brooks has been through all the things and his message is very powerful. From the great Texas gymnastics tradition, he overcame personal tragedy and a horrific injury to make the Rio Olympic team at age 29. He had grip lock as a junior, but recovered and won an NCAA Championship at Oklahoma. While in college, his father, who got him into gymnastics and was a gymnast himself, was killed in a car accident. Chris was named Olympic team alternate in 2012. Then he made the all-around final at the Rio Olympic Games just a few months before his 30th birthday. We discuss: The full Cheeseburgers on Horse story The famous hug between John Orozco and Chris Brooks after being named to the 2016 Olympic Team. How he peaked and gave up excuses to finally make the Olympic team. Is the U.S. men's team really not doing well or is it actually improving? Was the judging fair in Rio? What does he think of the new changes to the Code of Points? His grip lock accident. (Article on preventing grip lock) Cheering hard: Did he ever get in trouble for being too loud? What was it like being coached by Olympic Champion, Rustom Sharipov? What to do about Winter Cup? Does he dislike being objectified (by the screaming gym mom's at Winter Cup)? The 2015 floor faceplant. Performing in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. His future plans. RELATED ARTICLES Indianapolis Star Out of Balance Investigation series SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 115: Kenzo Shirai Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships Episode 35: Jake Dalton Episode 40: Michigan’s Stacey Ervin Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode 72: John Orozco 98: Eddie Penev the Bulgarian-American Bullet 116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap 139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men’s Technical Committee 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 164: Marian Dragulescu 195: Feedback & Rio Test Event with Coach Rick 233: Danell Leyva 2016 151: Danell Leyva 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview 202: The 2016 Men’s Olympic Trials, Women’s P&G Championships 218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One 215: Rio Men’s Olympic All-Around Final 213: Rio Men’s Olympic Team Finals 211: Rio Men’s Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview 209: Men’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 232: Conflict of Interest
12/21/2016 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 11 seconds
233: Danell Leyva 2016
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Danell Leyva is back on the show (listen to his first appearance here)! The eight-time World and Olympic medalist was the only American man to earn a medal for the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games with a bronze in the all-around. He did that after not even being named to the team! When John Orozco was hurt, he moved from Rio alternate to team member. He was the 2011 world champion on the parallel bars, defending silver medalist going in to 2015 Glasgow World, but failed to reach the podium. He came back a year later at the 2016 Olympics in Rio to win parallel bars and horizontal bar silver. We discuss: Why dog bites are obviously good luck for him. Who should have won the Rio Olympic all-around and p-bars finals. Rio got bad press, but London had some of the same problems. What he thinks of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse allegations. Being called the "temperamental Cuban American" in the pre-event finals arena video at Worlds in 2015. Girlfriend Power: How he changed his mindset from Glasgow to Rio and got the joy back. Being named alternate to coming home with the most medals of any U.S. male in Rio. Race and his ethnic heritage. His p-bars striptease at the Rio Olympic Gala. Was doing the post-Olympic tour worth it this time around? What was it like in the arena when Samir Ait Said (FRA) fractured his leg on vault in Rio. What he would do to help the men's team--individualize! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 115: Kenzo Shirai Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships Episode 35: Jake Dalton Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode 72: John Orozco 98: Eddie Penev the Bulgarian-American Bullet 116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap 139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee 63: Doctor Larry Nassar 164: Marian Dragulescu 195: Feedback & Rio Test Event with Coach Rick 151: Danell Leyva 201: Men's Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview 202: The 2016 Men's Olympic Trials, Women's P&G Championships 218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One 216: Rio Women's All-Around Final 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview How NBC could improve its gymnastics broadcasts Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 232: Conflict of Interest Jessica's Kellogg's Tour of Champions review RELATED ARTICLES Catching up with Danell Leyva at the Winter Cup RELATED VIDEOS Shawn Johnson's post-Olympic tour complaint video.
12/14/2016 • 54 minutes, 27 seconds
232: Conflict of Interest
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Cottbus Results (6:00) Rayderley Zapata did his 1.5-twisting double front. The “We Don’t Need Your Stinking Olympics” tour, starring Kristian Berki and Emily Little. Leah Griever stunning on floor. Rok Klavern’s form and rosted-tips. Skills & Career Updates: Chiaki Hatakeda of Japan on beam. Thais Fidelis of Brazil on floor. Mykayla Skinner's vault is so clean in college! Whittenburg working on a triple pike back dismount off Rings. The latest interview with Oleg Verniaiev. GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (30:00): Tickets for Worlds are on sale now. College Fantasy Gymnastics draft is now open. It closes on December 30th. The Simone Biles News: Florida, Competing in Montreal and some favorite parts from her book, "Courage to Soar." 33% of the FIG delegates wanted to maintain their conflicts of interest. Laurie Hernandez reportedly made $360,00o on Dancing With The Stars. Lisa Skinner (AUS) in serious accident during her Cirque performance. USA Gymnastics Sexual Abuse Investigation: Dr Larry Nassar was arrested for sexual assault of a girl (not a patient) in his house while she was between the age of 6-12. Third civil lawsuit brought against Nassar, bringing the total to three. 13 women to sue Michigan State over Nassar's alleged sex assaults. The sexual abuse against cases involving professional male soccer players in the UK, reminds us that this is a worldwide problem not dependent on sex. A Way Forward for USA Gymnastics from a compliance and ethics expert. Feedback (1:15:20): Ukraine episode The chocolate milk consipracy Drugs and drinking in gymnastics CONTEST The NorbertCastic Mini Bar & Mat Combo Contest. Vote for the winner here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics 230: The Good News 229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque’s Amaluna 59: What it’s like to be a Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 148: Shannon Miller Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 187: McKayla Maroney 186: Amanda Borden 177: Stella Umeh 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 19: Andreea Raducan 223: Tasha Schwikert 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
12/7/2016 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 1 second
231: The Rise and Fall of Ukrainian Gymnastics
IN THE NEWS Karla commissioned this episode because she wants everyone "to be able to appreciate the beauty that was Ukrainian gymnastics back when artistry was expected and not shockingly rare.” Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Legacy of Champions (4:30) Lilia Podkopayeva: that floor routine from 1996 and her beam complete with headspin. Tatiana Lysenko and her beam geniusness. Larisa Latynina and Victoria Karpenko: floor 1999, 2000 Olympic FX routine first pass disaster, Bulgarian years were a hot mess sauce. Bogdan Makuts and his triple back, Grigori Misutin vault double front with knees together, Oleg Verniaiev. Favorite Skills (24:31) Nina Bocharova on bars. Irina Yarotska on beam. Inga Shkarupa on floor. Baitova’s beam mount circles to flairs! Yulia Kut. Ludmilla Stovbchataya’s rainbow sash leotard floor routine with handstand choreography and a backspin. Omelianchek’s freakin’ sissons and Omelianchik vault. Natalia Sirobaba handspring front on beam. Maria Livchikova amazing power aeriel front on beam. The Mirgorodskaya/Krasnianska inverted pike circles. The Fall (36:50) MAG Ukraine 2012 team controversy: no bronze because of Kohei non-handstand dismount on pommel horse protest. MAG Ukraine at the 2016 Olympic Games, did not compete a full team on each event in Team Finals. Stella Zakharova and the Ukrainian Federation. Her interview here. Yana Demyanchuk 2010 beam EF. The Greatest Gymnast Who Never Won Anything Except Our Hearts! (49:37) Anna Mirgorodskaya: smooth and confident 80s beam and innovative bars. Olga Roschupkina wins the Everyone Else’s Side Flip is Dead To Me Now Award. Alyona Kasha gorgeous floor, tumbling and smirk. She also vaulted the rare and illusive laid out handspring front. Maria Livchikova and her insane beam. Natalia Kalinina 1990 Goodwill Games floor. The Future (58:25) CONTEST Win Norbert's Mini Bar & Mat Combo. Enter the contest here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED VIDEOS RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 148: Shannon Miller Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned)
11/29/2016 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 3 seconds
230: The Good News
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Nutrition and supplements are something we don't hear about a lot in gymnastics, unless we are looking at Jonathan Horton's Instagram or Jake Dalton's Snapchat. We wanted to know what the latest science was and what progress was being made at USA Gymnastics in terms of eduction and outreach for the national team. This week we learn about the new partnership between Thorne Research and the United States Olympic Committee. Dr. Allan Miller N.D., Executive Director of Medical Education at Thorne Research discusses all things gymnastics and nutritional science: The latest science: what coaches, athletes, parents and national team coordinators should know. How gymnasts can take advantage of this new partnership. The WADA hack and anti-doping quality controls for supplements. WellnessFX - it's exactly what McKayla Maroney said the national team program needed! Diagnostic testing, nutritional science, and medicine help gymnasts peak when it counts. Gym MythBusters: Muscle soreness can be stopped. Chocolate milk is a quality recovery drink. Athletes get enough nutrition from diet alone. RELATED LINKS Thorne Research for gymnastics. NSF International supplement certification. CONTEST Win Norbert's Mini Bar & Mat Combo. Enter the contest here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 200: Alicia Sacramone 187: McKayla Maroney 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 168: Shannon Miller, Belarusgate, NED vs GB 148: Shannon Miller Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 22: Beth Tweddle Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches Episode 48: Kyla Ross 61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air 77: Aly Raisman 81: Jenny Hansen 99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas 101: Olivia Vivian 137: Lady Lisa Mason
11/23/2016 • 31 minutes, 15 seconds
229: All Good Things Come To Those Who Cowboy
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Elite Massillia WOGA trained Russian born, US green card holder, Irina Alexeva won the open division. Alexeeva's bar routine (6.2 D / 14.833) Anastasia Ilyankova (RUS) insane bar routine. Alison Lepin (FRA) finished second AA with her upper-body gravity defying bars. Lepin’s coaches demonstrated WHY we pull the board We solve Seda Tutkhalyan (RUS) falling five time problems (BB example here). Blume Memorial Nikita Nagornyy (RUS) stuck triple back Man with suspenders holding up his wind pants distracted us. Arthur Gander Memorial Here are a few of Angelina Melnikova's (RUS) routines from the Arthur Gander Memorial, which she won. Igor Radivilov (UKR) stuck Dragilescue We discuss the prize money NCAA National Signing Day BB Situation highlights: Kyla Bryant - Stanford - floor - DLO, open double tuck Kyana George - Cal - is a queen! If Katelyn Ohashi competes her laid out full on beam, we think it will be the first ever done in NCAA. GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Gabby and Simone shared a floor routine for the final tour stop! World peace ensued! Shawn Johnson spoke her TRUTH in this Tour Rant: It is AWESOME! Aliya got married. Former Federal Prosecutor Daniels will spearhead independent review of USAGym's handling of sexual misconduct issues. According to USAG the final report will be available to the public. Louis Smith and Luke Carson have been sanctioned Aly Raisman talks about some losers who bullied her for being ‘too strong’ “So, how stoned is 'too stoned' to spot a child on the uneven bars?” Child gymnastic coach's medical marijuana use goes to B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. Khorkina, Nemov, and Zamo can still do standing back tucks! Simone Biles thinks she can get better before 2020! Yuri Van Gelder: I didn't kill anyone; I just went to bed late. All gymnastics staff from front desk to janitorial and volunteers need to be background checked for felonies and misdomeanors. Jury trial scheduled for Jeena Nilson registered sex offender who was volunteering at her daughter's gymnastics school. Jesús Carballo García, former Spanish WAG national team coach, faced sexual abuse accusations The Gymternet has given us The Best World Finishes of All Time SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here or commission your own episode. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 228: Leotards (Commissioned) 168: Shannon Miller, Belarusgate, NED vs GB 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) Balance Beam Situation Blog-Cast 224: Age of the Pegan 226: FIG Regime Change 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn
11/16/2016 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 27 seconds
228: Leotards (Commissioned)
COMMISSIONED EPISODE: Club Gym Nerd member, Gym Coach Diana, has commissioned an episode all about the glorious leotard! Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about leos leos leos; biggest leotard fails, the most patriotic, custom theme leos, Australia, cut outs, crushed velvet, rules for leotard design, technology, sewn in underpants, leotard deductions, controversies and the most notorious leotards of all time. GO TO OUR WEBSITE GYMCASTIC.COM TO SEE THE LEOTARDS!
11/9/2016 • 2 hours, 6 minutes, 20 seconds
227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: All-time greatest Hero vs. Villain match-ups in gymnastics What gymnastics costumes do you really hope we see for Halloween Best gymnastics in a movie that is NOT a gymnastics movie Our declarations for the incoming FIG President GymCastic elections Gymternet News: (37:22) Books releases Maroney photo hacker sentenced Peggy Liddick's job is available. Kyla Ross adjusting to college USA Gymnastics makes men’s team leadership overhaul: Kevin Mazeika loses his Marta job. USA Gymnastics statment on USOTC resident men's coach, Vitaly Marinitch, “USA Gymnastics has reviewed the needs of the men's resident program, including concerns that have been shared, and felt a change was necessary at the U.S. Olympic Training Center program in Colorado Springs. When this was discussed with Vitaly Marinich, he chose to resign.” New Lawsuit against Larry Nassar, the Karolyis, USA Gymnastics, current president Steve Penny, past president Robert Colarossi, and the gymnast's personal coaches, Galina Marinova and Artur Akopyan. (59:10) Women’s Health article details how disturbingly common sexual assault by doctors is. Geza Pozar re-confirms Romanian team accounts of beatings by Karolyis in ESPN Outside the Lines Report The second lawsuit has pushed the listeners over the edge to rage. (1:20:45) THINX period underpants review. THINX absorb up to two tampons' worth of blood, yet they look and feel like a regular pair of underwear. (1:26:00) SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque’s Amaluna 59: What it’s like to be a Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 148: Shannon Miller Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 187: McKayla Maroney 186: Amanda Borden 177: Stella Umeh 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 19: Andreea Raducan 223: Tasha Schwikert 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
11/2/2016 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 10 seconds
226: FIG Regime Change
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim; Spencer; Jessica; and special guest, Charlie Burrows, acrobatic talent scout for Cirque du Soleil joins us to chat about: Romanian juniors are scoring 56's: Junior national champion, Olivia Cimpian scored a 56.700 We kind of love Miss Galota's throwback Geza Pozar floor routine. Andrea Raducan got married! British Gymnastics news: Georgia May Fenton and Tyesha Mattis are back from injury. Georgia's bar routine shows shades of Tweddle level potential. Kelly Simm's beam mount is the kind of mount we long for elites to do! Louis Smith and Luke Carson did something dumb and may be punished or not. (35:00) Charlie tells us what's new with Cirque: Casting is happening and they are looking for gymnasts Charlie's most embarrassing moments on stage His trip to the Japanese Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships Recruiting in Japan: slippers and bowing and mis-translations Can retired gymnasts make successful returns to Cirque? The case of Imogen Cairns. Would Charlie recruit Laurie Hernandez? We improve Simone’s Music Video by creating our own scenarios for her. (18:30) Charlie explains how trampoline and tumbling have already solved artistic gymnastics Execution vs Difficulty scoring problem. (53:30) Words of wisdom for anyone considering applying for Cirque du Soleil. FIG Regime Change (41:33) Reviewing the changes made and guffaws of Bruno Grandi. Changes made at the FIG convention and the new Women's Technical Committee Chair (hint, it's NOT Nellie Kim). What will the first ever, non-European President, Morinari Watanabe (JPN). Rumors about the future of gymnastics in the Olympics Games. Why business and gymnastics are a perfect match. Feedback (58:39) Kim Gwan Suk's teeth have been found. Who really won 1992 Olympics Trials, Shannon Miller or Kim Zmeskal? Update on the USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse Cover-Up Investigation by the Indianapolis Star. In 2011, 19 former elite gymnasts endorsed an overhaul of the USA Gymnastics sexual misconduct guidelines, including three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes. Read details here. In 2008, ESPN pointed out the flaws in the USAGym's rules and reporting policies in an E60 called Violated. RELATED LINKS Apply for Cirque du Soliel. See casting info for the gymnastics disciplines here. Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics push to be recognized by the FIG. Kenzo's 4.5 to front full , Sam Mikulak's million tkatchev's in a row. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque's Amaluna 59: What it's like to be a Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 148: Shannon Miller Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 187: McKayla Maroney 186: Amanda Borden 177: Stella Umeh 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 19: Andreea Raducan 223: Tasha Schwikert 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
10/26/2016 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 22 seconds
225: 1992 Olympics Recap (Commissioned)
COMMISSIONED EPISODE This week's episode is brought to you by Club Gym Nerd members: Nicole Langevin of Precision Choreography, Rebecca W., Alison S. Allison B., Mary Anne M., and Suzanne M. Uncle Tim, Spencer, Jessica and very special guest, 1992 U.S. Olympic medalist, Wendy Bruce Martin chat about the 1992 Olympics Games in Barcelona: The pre-Olympic Climate: How the end of the Cold War shaped the Games The media pressure on Kim Zmeskal and the heartbreaking life of Svetlana Boginkaya after the 1988 Olympics. Kim Kelly and the shadiest U.S. Olympic Team selection of all time. (6:00) Wedgie-gate, was it fair to punish three athletes for ill-fitting leotards? (16:00) Uncle Tim's 1992 Code of Points and Competition Rules Quiz-Mageddon! (23:00) The magic of the 1992 broadcast that included interviews with every controversial figure. The Competition (42:00): Compulsories that took our breath away and should we still have them? Exhibit A: Vanda Hădărean (ROM) or Gruneneva (Unified Team). Eastern Bloc beauty. The judging crack epidemic of 1992. Exhibit B: Christina Bontas's 9.9 beam routine. Kim Zmeskal fell on beam and the world didn't actually end. The glory of North Korea, Kim Gwang Suk on bars. All praise the dear leader. Team Finals (1:02:00) Kerri Strug's family fashion. The Karolyi double back set on beam, AKA freeze in mid-air before flip. U.S. and Australian leotards. Why Wendy felt embarrassed of her bronze medal for too long. The All-Around Final (1:16:00) Galieva-Gate The most common skills of the quad and the routines that were way ahead of their time, like Tatiana Lysenko (Unified). Luisa Portocarrera (CAN/GTM), beam goddess. Watch it here. Shannon Miller vs. Tatiana Gutsu showdown. Was the judging fair? We decide. (1:26:00) Event Finals (1:29:19) Tatiana Lysenko's double twisting yurchenko vs. the world; the 1992 vault final. The Beam Final: Li Lu - press handstand to HEALY to arch pose! Pour out some Yang Bo. Lysenko's backspin, Shannon Miller. One of the greatest beam finals of all time. The Bars Final: The bars medalists got air on the bars that were super close together. Lu Li got mega air and Kim Gwang Suk - TKATCHEV TO COUNTER KIM! WHAT?! The Floor Final: Lavinia Milosovici's Romanian tumbling greatness, Henrietta Onodi's triple full, Gutsu's split leg double layout, so much genius! Shenanigans and the Legacy of the 1992 Olympics (1:43:05) Steve Nunno's motivational poster quotes. Bela Karolyi or Donald Trump quotes quiz. The training schedule for the U.S. Team. Yes, two-a-day practices. The new breed of positive coaches. (1:51:53) RELATED LINKS Claudia Miller (Shannon Miller's mom), wrote a book called, "My Child My Hero." A gym nerd must-read. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here or commission your own episode. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya 148: Shannon Miller Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake 187: McKayla Maroney 186: Amanda Borden 177: Stella Umeh 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 19: Andreea Raducan 223: Tasha Schwikert
10/19/2016 • 1 hour, 56 minutes
BBS: Vampires and Nadia Comaneci The Karolyi Story
THIS WEEK While we are preparing for next week's epic commissioned episode, please enjoy, not one, but two blog-casts from The Balance Beam Situation. If you'd like to hear a sample of our commissioned episodes, check out our recap of the 2008 Olympic all-around final here. RELATED LINKS The Balance Beam Situation full blog posts with gifs and screen caps galore: American Horror Story: The Ranch here. Vampires and Nadia Comaneci: The Karolyi Story here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Commission your own episode or join the group commissions here. RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 207: A History of Political Protests in Gymnastics 206: The Russian Situation 10 Most Popular GymCastic Episodes 200: Alicia Sacramone
10/12/2016 • 13 minutes, 33 seconds
BBS: American Horror Story The Ranch
THIS WEEK While we are preparing for next week's epic commissioned episode, please enjoy, not one, but two blog-casts from The Balance Beam Situation. If you'd like to hear a sample of our commissioned episodes, check out our recap of the 2008 Olympic all-around final here. RELATED LINKS The Balance Beam Situation full blog posts with gifs and screen caps galore: American Horror Story: The Ranch here. Vampire and Nadia Comaneci: The Karolyi Story here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Commission your own episode or join the group commissions here. RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 207: A History of Political Protests in Gymnastics 206: The Russian Situation 10 Most Popular GymCastic Episodes 200: Alicia Sacramone
10/12/2016 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
224: Age of the Pegan
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Retirements, Valerie's first official camp as team coordinator, US Team to the White House, Ponor dragged into election scam, Lauren Mitchell retires, and Ellis O'Reilly's fractured vertebrae. The answer to the question: where's Gabby Douglas? Why the UK men are all learning Pegan's on high bar. What leotard designs do we want to see now that GK has a deal with Disney. A British promoter is marketing the British Gymnastics all-around World Cup. We give him our advice on how to host the best meet ever. Gymnastics scoring displays: what ice skating and baseball already have that we need. An update on the allegations against USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, and USA Gymnastics sex abuse cover-up investigation. Dancing shows update on Laurie Hernandez and Claudio Fragapane. The NCAA has pulled all championships out of North Carolina because state laws makes it legal to discriminate against LGBT citizens. Should USA Gymnastics do the same? Your Feedback on our Sacramone interview, WADA hack and the ethical conundrum of buying tickets to the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions during the USAG Sex Abuse Cover Up scandal. RELATED LINKS Watch the continuous graphic which shows difficulty score adds up, in real time, as the ice skating routine is performed. https://youtu.be/f44iy1dU2-M?t=1m24s A blind eye to sex abuse: How USA Gymnastics failed to report cases. Read the report here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 207: A History of Political Protests in Gymnastics 206: The Russian Situation 10 Most Popular GymCastic Episodes 200: Alicia Sacramone
10/5/2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 34 seconds
223: Tasha Schwikert
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Olympic medalist, NCAA Champion, law school graduate (currently waiting for her bar results) and legend of the dance floor, Tasha Schwikert, joins us this week. Tasha (and her baby daughter) joined us to discuss: Gym Mythbusters: did she really learn a back handspring on the side of the bathtub, did she give her NCAA AA trophy to Maloney, and more... Her famous perceived snub of USA Gymnastics president, Steve Penny. Being designated a Vegas Gymnast and a rebel by the New York Times. Her lifelong relationship with GymCats coach Cassie Rice. The difference between Bela Karolyi and Martha (Marta) Karolyi as national team coordinators. How she managed not to tear her achillies despite lifelong achillies problems. The 2000 Olympics: Making the team as the second alternate What she thought of fans perception that it was her fault Jamie Dantzscher and Alyssa Beckerman were snubbed in Sydney. The current abuse investigation and cases against USA Gymnastics: Her experience and opinion of the abuse review system she served under. Serving on the USAG Ethics, Grievance and Safe Sport Committee where she voted to ban coaches like Don Peters. IN THE NEWS Spencer, and Jessica chat about: The allegation update of Dr. Larry Nassar 20 more women have come forward Contradictions between the USAG and Nassar quotes Nassar fired from MSU Update on the Georgia case that seeks to release all of the abuse allegation files USAG has USOC announced a Safe Sport agency Dipa Karmakar's coach Bishweshwar Nandi seems like a jerk Ferrari surgery and future Jessica's review of the Kellogg's Tour RELATED LINKS The McCabe Timeline: A Trail of Warnings. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 63: Doctor Larry Nassar Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 31: Elise Ray 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
9/29/2016 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 28 seconds
222: The New King
THIS WEEK In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: 1988 Olympic Champion and WOGA genius, Valerie Liukin has officialy been named "The New Marta" Fuzzy Bears broke into the World Anti-Doping Agency and tried to get US gymnasts busted fooooor nothing. Alexi Nemov's Gymnastics Legends show in Moscow All the gymternet news Judge Ricky's Top 10 most dynamic floor routines from Rio... a countdown. (44:45) In light of the allegations against Dr. Larry Nassar, we wanted to know what was appropriate and inappropriate protocol for intravaginal therapy. We asked Doctor of Physical Therapy, Stephanie Fournier, a board certified women's clinical health specialist. She discusses (29:20): Appropriate protocol before and during a pelvic floor exam and treatment for a minor If leaking or peeing a little when you tumble is really a big deal? (hint...YES!) What can pelvic floor disfunction in girls lead to in adulthood (hint... run to your physical therapist immediately for treatment) For adult gymnasts, is incontinence after childbirth a permanent condition, just something they have to live with? (hint...NO!) How to find a pessary to wear during exercise. This can be a temporary solution to prevent embarrassing moments at gym while you work on your vaginal fitness with a trained therapist. GUEST LINKS Find a physical therapist in your area, trained to treat pelvic floor issues. Search for incontinence or pelvic under Women's Health. Pessary (a tampon-like thingy that stops you from tinkling when you tumble or jump) RELATED LINKS Gymnast Care Podcast Louisiana gyms underwater - https://www.gofundme.com/2kmmptw Chalk it Up Movie is on iTunes! SURVEY - If you are a FEMALE figure skater, gymnast, or diver OVER THE AGE OF 18 who is currently training you can click on this link to take the survey. It will take you about 15 minutes to complete. https://springfieldcollege.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6fG0v76Lyt3wsHb If you are a FEMALE figure skater, gymnast, or diver BETWEEN THE AGE OF 12-17 who is currently training I will need parental permission for you to complete the survey. If you are interested, please let me know and I can either message you or simply visit the link to provide parental consent for your daughter. https://springfieldcollege.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bI7aVL8bHvLOIND Please feel free to contact me at 860-866-7676, or at [email protected] for more information. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 63: Doctor Larry Nassar Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 31: Elise Ray 210: Women’s Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
9/21/2016 • 1 hour, 27 seconds
BBS: NCAA Gymnastics for Beginners
Read Spencer's full blog post with HAIR images here.
9/17/2016 • 12 minutes, 42 seconds
221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor
IN THE NEWS This week Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica discuss: Dr. Larry Nassar accused of sexual assault Gymternet news (29:48) Feedback and Q&A from listeners (36:32) Former USA Gymnastics doctor accused of abuse. Full story from Indy Star. Two former gymnasts, including an Olympic medalist (identified as Jane Doe), have accused prominent, longtime team physician, Dr. Larry Nassar, working for USA Gymnastics of sexual abuse. A 2000 U.S. female Olympian has filed a lawsuit for sexual assault against alleged perpetrator, an adult male individual who was a certified athletic trainer and a osteopathic physician for the US Women's Team through the 2012 Olympics (the Indy Star has identified the perpetrator as Larry Nassar). The Olympian accuses him of fondling and groping her breasts, and "introduced his bare hand to Plaintiff's vagina and anus, on multiple locations, in Plaintiff's assigned sleeping quarters, as she lay on the edge of her bed, alone and without any supervision or a chaperone..." and that she needed "intravaginal adjustment." Doe asserts this was done without gloves. Read the full complaint here. RELATED EPISODES Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH 63: Doctor Larry Nassar Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 31: Elise Ray 187: McKayla Maroney 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
9/14/2016 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 49 seconds
220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn
IN THE NEWS In the news, Spencer, Lauren and Jessica chat about: Lauren's experience as an associate producer for NBC's live online gymnastics coverage with Courtney Kupets and Jon Horton for the Rio Olympics. (1:15) Gymternet News (19:50): Simone Bile's lifelong coach, Aimee Boorman has moved to Evo Gymnastics in Florida. Gabby had "a seriously infected past mouth injury" and a bone cyst removed. USA Gymnastics sexual abuse lawsuit update: Another victim joined the motion to unseal the sexual misconduct files. The files will be unsealed and available to the public on September 30th. Tattoo-mageddon, the men's team all got enormous olympic tats. Rabbi seeks royalties for Japanese Olympic gymnast’s ‘immodest’ use of his melody. The New Code (48:06): Spencer walks us through the changes, the way only The Balance Beam Situation can Favorite routines from Rio that didn't make Finals (57:31): Nina Derwael (BEL) bars, Yuki Uchiyama (JPN) bars, Jossimar Calvo (COL) high bar, Lisa Ecker (AUT) vault and beam, Tutya Yilmaz (TUR) beam, Laura Waem (BEL) beam, Ailen Valente’s (ARG) gatorade incident, Katarzyna Jurkowska (POL) beam, Elisa Menghini (ITA) floor. RELATED LINKS Deanna Hong website. Every Country’s Best Olympic Finishes in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics database Convicted coach William "Bill" McCabe timeline SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles 218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One 216: Rio Women's All-Around Final 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview How NBC could improve its gymnastics broadcasts Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview
9/7/2016 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 58 seconds
219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3 plus behind the scenes with Houry
IN THE NEWS Day Three, Rio Olympic Event Finals: Women's floor, high bar and parallel bars hosts Spencer, Houry Gebeshian (27 year-old, first ever female Olympic qualifier for Armenia) and Jessica chat about: Ukraine's rhythmic group routine to Madonna's Vogue was epic. (4:30) Spencer recaps The Gala (5:50) Listener Questions (17:00): Are gymnasts in the military? Race in Rio: Why was Gabby Douglas a target of so much hate, and is her Miss American judging move hypocritical? Is it ok to move forward and forgive Arthur Nory Mariano since he has apologized? Which federation handled issues of race in an appropriate way? Our favorite and least favorite not-gymnastics moments (13:00) The Gymternet News (33:57): Q&A with Houry about security, flooded rooms, medical care, brazilian fans, and the famous condom machines. Grandi and his big mouth strike again. Gymnastics chief prefers Raisman style to Biles "acrobatics" and China are trapped in a robotic style of training. Ponor went off on Tumblr, but Bea from The Couch Gymnast put it in perspective for us. NBC's epic propaganda-filled fluff piece on Bela and Marta Karolyi : Watch it here Martha and Bela Karolyi Were Great Coaches, But They Also Allegedly Abused Their Gymnasts #GymUnsafe news Coach Jeff Bateman of California and Oregon sentenced to 25 years Keith Callen, 45 of Pennsylvania will stand trial for charges of sexual assault In the wake of an IndyStar investigation, Kellogg’s, a key USA Gymnastics sponsor, has added its voice to a chorus of state and federal lawmakers seeking assurances that the organization is doing enough to protect young gymnasts from sexual predators Full recap of each event final details, scores, and moments we loved from: Women's Floor Final (1:02:00): How was the Gymnova floor and carpet for Houry? Simone locked down her place in history with another gold. Aly Raisman vs. Simone Biles execution deductions explained. High Bar Final (1:14:58): Fabian Hambuchen finally won!! Hambiceps hugs for everyone! Manrique Larduet was a Kerri Strug-esque hero again with his triple twisting double layout! Should inquiry's now be conducted like they were in wrestling, by throwing plushy toys or like these Mongolian wrestling coaches by furiously stripping. Houry watched Epke's crash in person. As an A.T.C. and physician's assistant, we asked her opinion of how his fall and Ellis O’Reilly’s beam crash were handled. (1:24:39) P-Bars Final (1:31:04): The Oleg Vernaieve, Danell Leyva and Belyavsk party where Manrique Larduet was a Kerri Strug-esque hero! Watch "The Gerbeshian" on bars here. RELATED LINKS Full Olympic gymnastics results here Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts NBC streaming coverage has been archived in full along with the daily online gymnastics recap show with Courtney Kupets and Jon Horton, produced by Lauren Hopkins, edited by Deanne Hong called the Daily Dismount. GRAND PRIZE WINNERS: Grand Prize TIED Winners: @kayleighrichel - I would want Carly Patterson to coach me to glory so that anytime someone falls, we could both go "oh... that's too bad." @Euphrosyna - I wanna be coached by Nellie Kim, cos if I didn't make a team, she'd just sort out citizenship for somewhere else. Both win, props and wardrobe including leotards, team warmups used in the film, one will win the one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson, pictured above. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games Coverage 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One 216: Rio Women's All-Around Final 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 U.S. Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/24/2016 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 4 seconds
218: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 2
IN THE NEWS On Day Two of the Rio Olympic Event Finals: Beam, Rings and Men's Vault hosts Spencer, Uncle Tim and Jessica chat about: We hit ONE MILLION DOWNLOADS YESTERDAY!!! THANK YOU! Full recap of each event final details, scores, and moments we loved from: Balance Beam Final: Sanne Wevers, the 24 year-old DJ Spindarella'd her way the title, Olympic Champion. Smart gymnastics and past teams who stood united against an abusive head coach, created a beautiful system where smart, elegant gymnastics has flourish. Laurie Hernandez had a higher E score with only a little misstep on her dismount but couldn't match Sanne's innovation and big Dutch D. Simone Biles now eclipses Shannon Miller's record with yet another Olympic medal on beam. Grabbing the beam to prevent a fall is a .5 deduction. Catalina Ponor wore the greatest leotard of all time. Yes, you can wear a short sleeved leotard and have teammates as coaches on the floor for finals. Men'sVault Final: Was this the ugliest form we've ever seen in an Olympic final or just an example of the problems with the vault code? Ri Se Gwan, Denis Abliazin, Kenzo Shirai medaled , we explain the tie breaking procedure for vault. Marian Dragulescu lost the tie breaker but thankfully wasn't deducted for doing gymnastics, "practicing" on the podium. Igor Radivilov will have the handspring triple front named after him and we now hope that no one ever tries that vault again. Rings: Jessica and Spencer basically fell asleep because it's the most boring even in the history of gymnastics but Uncle Tim does a good job of trying to make us appreciate it. Our favorite and least favorite not-gymnastics moments: Sanne Wever's D score notebook Chris Books screams for Simone and Laurie. Everyone needs to calm down about the US women's team's non-gymnastics behavior. It's sexism. Why is Steve Penny still at the Olympics, sitting with families and chumming it up with athletes when USA Gymnastics accused of this and senators are asking for answers! RELATED LINKS Full Olympic gymnastics results here How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here) Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts NBC live streaming coverage is for the FANS! So much better than so-called "primetime" evening coverage. Online NBC also has a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how much more enthusiastic, passionate and positive they are than the evening broadcast team. Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4eva! CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! Today's Winner: Sara Neushwander who writes “Courtney McCool so she can sit on me & my dreams everyday at practice.” Today's Winner Can Chose From These Prizes: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book or a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt. GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag or Hope's backpack filed with wardrobe (leotards, team warmups and Hope's high heeled sneakers) along with props used in the film, plus a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: If you are a Club Gym Nerd member, tweet, Instagram, voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. *Open to Club Gym Nerd members only SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games Coverage 217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One 216: Rio Women's All-Around Final 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/16/2016 • 58 minutes, 5 seconds
217: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day One
IN THE NEWS On Day One of the Rio Olympic Event Finals: Men’s Floor, Women’s Vault, Pommel Horse, Women’s Uneven Bars, Spencer, Uncle Tim and Jessica chat about: The origins of "Cheeseburger booty power" - Jiani Wu episode here. Full recap of each event final details, scores, and moments we loved from: Men's Olympic Floor Final: The EPIC need for a Victorian-level fainting couch for Arthur Nory and Diego Hypolito while they waited for the results on floor. “Norying” - curl up in a ball like an armadillo until you find out if you medaled. Details of Max Whitlocks epic victory over mono and the rest of the floor field. Women's Vault Final: Simone Biles proves she is a mental rock and consistently has the best execution in the world on the hardest vaults in the world. Epic debate over the execution scores of Maria Paseka, Guilia Steingruber and Wang Yan. Pommel Horse Final--Battle of the British: Max Whitlock one-ups Louis Smith with his higher D score to Louis's higher E score. Alex Naddour proves he was the right choice for the team by breaking the 32-year pommel horse medal draught for the US. Bars Final--Reining Olympic Champion Aliya vs. WOGA and Vagina to the Line Anarchy Bars: Aliya Mustafina won over Madison Kocan with higher D to Kocan's higher E score. Sophie Scheder who we touted as the Khorkina of glorious bars, wins a medal for Germany! Beauties all medaled! Jessica Lopez hit every routine in Rio. Our favorite not-gymnastics moments--hint, Hypolito and Arthur Nory Mariano losing it on the sideline during men's floor finals. RELATED LINKS How NBC could improve its gymnastics broadcasts Full Olympic gymnastics results here How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here) Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts NBC live streaming coverage is for the FANS! So much better than so-called "primetime" evening coverage. Online NBC also has a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how much more enthusiastic, passionate and positive they are than the evening broadcast team. Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4eva! CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. *Open to Club Gym Nerd members only SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games Coverage 216: Rio Women's All-Around Final 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/15/2016 • 56 minutes, 55 seconds
216: Rio Women's All-Around Final
IN THE NEWS In the news, Australian national team member, Commonwealth Games and World Cup medalist, Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton, Spencer, Stefane and Jessica chat about: What won today, a huge D (difficulty score), E (execution score) or both? Full recap of every single gymnast in the final, details, scores, and moments we loved from: Simone and Aimee Boorman, the example of how to do it the right way--healthy, happy, better person not just gymnast, our new Olympic Champion! Why everyone needs a team of Aly Raisman's in their corner. Kind, fierce, loving, brave and freakin' NAILS! The Aliya Mustafina-vs.-Shang-Chunsong-for-the-bronze debate may rage on through the ages. Even though D was 1.5 points higher and Mustafa was having major issues on beam. Ellie Black made Canada proud, Wang brought the big D for China, Jessica Lopez hit 4-for-4 in an all-around final! And more details on all the fan favorite finalists. Our favorite not-gymnastics moments--hint, they almost all involve crying except for Spencer, as usual. GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes: Today's gymternet news was brought to you by a Club Gym Nerd member who dedicated it to this vault run. Jeffrey Wammes is the only out gymnast in Rio. Meanwhile, a so-called reporter is outing athletes during the Olympic Games. Feedback from elite judges on our Team Final complaints. Does their explanation make us feel any better about judging standards...? U.S. Women's Team domination by the numbers (thank you FIG for this): At the 2012 Olympics, the USA won gold by 5.066 points ahead of Russia At the 2014 World Championships, the USA won gold by 6.194 points ahead of China At the 2015 World Championships, the USA won gold by 5.174 points ahead of China At the 2016 Olympics, the USA won gold by 8.209 points ahead of Russia RELATED LINKS How NBC could improve its gymnastics broadcasts Full Olympic gymnastics results here How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts NBC live streaming coverage is for the FANS! So much better than so-called "primetime" evening coverage. Online NBC also has a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how much more enthusiastic, passionate and positive they are than the evening broadcast team. Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4eva! CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! Today's winner is: @KCozyGirl “Definitely Mckayla Maroney, she'd perfect my vault and then teach me how to take selfies and be the next Drake.” What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. *Open to Club Gym Nerd members only SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games Coverage 215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final 214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final 213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/12/2016 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 52 seconds
215: Rio Men's Olympic All-Around Final
IN THE NEWS Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. Full results here How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). In the news,Uncle Tim and Jessica chat about: What won today, a huge D (difficulty score), E (execution score) or both? Full recap of every single team in the final, details, scores, and moments we loved from: King Kohei with the gorgeous form Oleg Verniaev despite everything Ukraine has been through and not having a FLOOR, he wins silver Max Whitlock kicked glandular fever in the nuts! Mono sufferers rejoice! Details on the top gymnast of the day and complete devastation from Jessica over Cuba's Manrique Larduet and her moment from Andreas Bretschneider! Our favorite not-gymnastics moments from Oleg Stepko's fire leotard to Kohei's kind heart to the men having to safety pin up their pants. GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes: Gabby issues statement about the most ridiculous thing ever. The future of Aliya Mustafina and her former coach, Alexander Alexandrov. International Gymnastics magazine reports that Yuri Van Gelder will try to sue his federation. ONGOING Reports that USA Gymnastics has repeatedly failed to report abuse cases: “Four U.S. senators wrote a letter to USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny on Friday, expressing “deep concern” about the organization’s handling of sex abuse allegations about coaches” – IndyStar USA Today has an excellent explanation about this issue in the article titled, "Sexual Predators Left Off the Banned List" ESPN's "I was raped by my coach" article. "When I look back at this, it makes me feel very frustrated by USA Gymnastics. I often think that I could have been saved if its policies were different. It all comes from the leadership down, and unless the leadership stands up and says, "We are not going to tolerate this," nothing will change*. It needs to say, "Anyone who crosses a toe over the line we're drawing here is going to be out. You will be banned. We'll talk to our sister organizations, and you won't be able to find a loophole and have access to kids. You can't run a gymnastics camp." NBC has streaming covering and a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how good they are! Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4 eva! CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! Yesterday's winner was :@E_Score_Whore on Twitter wrote: I choose Dominique Moceanu, so she can coach me to greatness in my fav event - inner tube floating. What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. *Open to Club Gym Nerd members only SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 188: Kyla Moves On, Concussions, Baku and American Cup Preview 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/11/2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 3 seconds
214: Rio Women's Olympic Team Final
LISTEN HERE IN THE NEWS In the news, Australian national team member, Commonwealth Games and World Cup medalist, Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton, Spencer, Stefane and Jessica chat about: Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. Full results here How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). What won today, a huge D (difficulty score), (execution score) or both? D SCORE - 1) USA 76.1, 2) CHN 75.2, 3) GBR 73.7 4)RUS 72.6, 5) JPN 72.1, 6) BRA 71.2, 7) GER 69.6, 8) NED 67.8 E SCORE - 1) USA 108.797, 2) NED 105.047, 3) RUS 104.482, 4) GER 104.072, 5) JPN 102.671, 6) CHN 101.703, 7) GB 101.162, 8) BRA 100.987 Full recap of every single team in the final, details, scores, and moments we loved from: US with Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas becoming the only US women with three Olympics gold medals Russia being 1000% better than prelims and bringing the D on bars and vault China winning bronze despite counting two falls and their best gymnast, Shang being sick. Japan coming in 4th with hit after hit after hit and jumping for joy after their bars rotation. The British bringing the big D and going for all of their difficulty, not watering down like pusillanimouses to place fifth. Germany outscoring Russia and China on two events with gorgeous and difficult bars in their technicolor dream-neon leos. The Netherlands proving that athlete welfare and beauty can conquer in gymnastics. Brazil enjoying their Olympic moment with huge difficulty and The Flavia Factor. Our favorite not-gymnastics moments from the Japanese elation to Aliya Mustafina being soooo Queen Mustafina. GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes- What does Mez think of the safety issues around the mic transponder being taped to the middle of the underside of the beam? According to the AP, NBC ordered Trautwig to delete his anti-adoption tweet where he insisted Simone’s parents were not her parents. Now, past US Olympians are reminding us of the long history of being disrespectful to US athletes NBC's tv ratings are down, hum wonder why? Yuri Van Gelder out of rings final and sent home for drinking. Jerks are body shaming a gymnast and they should STFU. NBC has streaming covering and a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how good they are! Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4 eva! CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! Today's winner is :@E_Score_Whore on Twitter wrote: I choose Dominique Moceanu, so she can coach me to greatness in my fav event - inner tube floating. What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/10/2016 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 13 seconds
213: Rio Men's Olympic Team Finals
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). Each team's performances discussed in depth from elated medalists champions Japan, Russia to defeated suicide squad, China. Vault judges huge error/cheating 8.7 E score for Chopin. Are they cursed because they switched from Li Ning appare? Great Britan: even if Louis hadn't fallen on pommel horse it would have been close but they would have lost to China even if he had stayed on. They lost the bronze by 1.37 deficit. Every deduction counts. This wasn't a single gymnasts fault. Team USA does the usual Team USA with three major errors. Team Brazil performed great but didn't have the scoring potential to medal and seemed defeated after Sasaki's knee issues after high bar. Germany did great only .062 lower than their prelims score, even without Toba Ukraine gave us a collective WTF when they failed to compete 3 people on each event, even though they had four team members capable for doing all-around? We discuss their explanation which left us scratching our heads, possible conspiracy and revenge theories. What won today, a huge D (difficulty score) or a sexy, slick E (execution score)? China had the highest average D score CHN - 6.622 but Olympic Team Champions Japan had the highest average execution scores: JPN: 8.633 Worst moment: Al Trautwig tweets about Simone's biological grandparents who adopted her when she was a toddler,"They may be mom and dad, but they are NOT her parents." GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes- Women's prelims follow up - Gabby vs. Aly, what Mihai and Raisman did right where Gabby and Buckeye faltered. Brazilian gymternet rumors Flavia will be Galieva'd in all-around finals Al Trautwig in trouble with NBC for his anti-adoption comments with a side of veiled racism. Read details here NBC has streaming covering and a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how good they are! Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4 eva!CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games 212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims 211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims & Houry Gebeshian Interview Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/9/2016 • 50 minutes, 31 seconds
212: Rio WAG Olympic Prelims
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Stefane and Jessica chat about: Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). Injury updates, rumors and coaches who don't know basic first aid procedures: Samir Ait Said (FRA) suffered compound fracture of his leg, he wasn't splinted before he was moved and then the Rio medical staff dropped him. Ellis O'Reilly coaches did not have her checked by medical staff immediately following this crash on her beam dismount. Maybe she was checked after the rotation, either way, absolutely unconscionable. Martha Karolyi says injury played role in keeping Laurie Hernandez out of the all-around. Yesterday's guest, Houry Gerbisian got her her skill named after her! See it here. Results, finals qualifiers, upsets and shockers, plus individual highlights from the fan favorites. Hint: CHUSO DID IT WITHOUT THE PROD! Tutya Yilmaz, Larissa Miler, Vasiliki Millousi, Catalina Ponor, Ana Derek (vault blooper),Dipa Karmakar Jessica Lopez, Hong Un Jong, Marissa Dick, Giulia Steingruber, Zsofia Kovacs Vault Issues, got clarification from men’s head coach, Mark Williams on what equipment the men actually have. “This is new Speith vault top. OTC has older version + Speith PH, PB & HB.” Alex has Speith PH. OU does not have Speith equip.” Our favorite non-gymnastics moments; The Judge Cheryl Hamilton Cam Worst moment: Al Trautwig tweets about Simone's biological grandparents who adopted her when she was a toddler,"They may be mom and dad, but they are NOT her parents." GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes: NBC has streaming covering and a daily online gymnastics recap show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how good they are! Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4 eva! Sex Abuse Cover Up Allegations update: “Four U.S. senators wrote a letter to USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny on Friday, expressing "deep concern" about the organization's handling of sex abuse allegations about coaches” - IndyStar USA Today has an excellent explanation about this issue in the article titled: Sexual Predators Left Off the Banned List In happy news, Alicia Sacramone had her baby! CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/8/2016 • 55 minutes, 42 seconds
211: Rio Men's Olympic Prelims, Houry Gebeshian Interview
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). What we thought of the opening ceremonies. Injuries Toby (GER) returned to compete on pommel horse. Samir Ait Said (FRA) had a compound fracture of his lower leg bones on vault like Tim Daggett and Brinn Bevin. We debate whether or not it's ok to share this video of the horrific injury. NBC has streaming covering and a daily online TV show called the Daily Dismount. We are obsessed with how good they are! Jim Watson, Courtney Kupets and Jonathan Horton #Jhortney 4 eva! Results, Finals qualifiers, upsets and shockers, plus individual highlights from the fan favorites. Hint: Igor is still alive! Our favorite non-gymnastics moments; Zapata's shorts and China's crushed velvet--we are looking at you. GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes: Time magazine asked Mihai Bresytan and Simone Biles about the sex abuse cover-up allegations. International Gymnast said Laurie Hernandez is injured, but she and her coach vehemently deny this. We found out that NBC thinks female fans of the Olympics are not sports fans and think they only like it because it's a soap opera. THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Houry Gebeshian (pronounced "Hooty") made her first Olympics at age 27! She is a dual American-Armenian citizen and the first ever WAG Olympic gymnast for Armenia. As a University of Iowa gymnast, she completed the incredibly difficulty and time-consuming Bachelor's degree in athletic training, which requires hundreds of hours of internship. She became a certified athletic trainer (ATC). She now practices obstetrics as a physician assistant at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. The woman who delivers babies by day and is an elite gymnast by night has the perfect motto, "It's never too late to deliver a dream." Watch her Sunday August 7, at 10:30 am Eastern in Mixed Group 3 in Rio prelims. We discuss: How she uses her ATC training to be in the best shape of her life at age 27. What she thinks of two-a-day training, like the US elites system does. Advice for gymnasts who want to grow a program in their ancestral country. Why she is self-funded when the men's program is funded. Women's rights in Armenia. Her response to Americans who poo-poo US gymnasts who compete for another country like she does. How our podcast has helped her learn the elite code and rules! GUEST LINKS Follow Houry on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Find out how to help her on her journey here. Hour asked for special shout outs to everyone who helped her make it to Rio: Ozone Leotards sponsor Houry and a fan designed her prelims leo! Precision Choreography work with Houry on artistry and created her floor routine. Safe4Athletes: Houry's gym, Gymnastics World in Cleveland, is one of the few gyms in the country to host this athlete welfare program that prevents abuse, bullying and harassment. CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), "The End of the Perfect 10" book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt, or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafina, handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES Rio Olympic Games Height, Ages and Repeat U.S. Olympic Gymnasts 210: Women's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/7/2016 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 15 seconds
210: Women's Podium Training from RIO
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: Please take this super short survey. It helps our podcast host find advertisers to fit your every desire. How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). INDYSTAR Expose: How USA Gymnastics protected coaches over kids "IndyStar tracked down four cases in which USA Gymnastics was warned of suspected abuse by coaches but did not initiate a report to authorities. Those coaches went on, according to police and court records, to abuse at least 14 underage gymnasts after the warnings.” Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH Marvin Sharp accused of sexual abuse. We created #GymUnsafe Because the USA Gymnastics system is wildly inadequate, we created a spreadsheet to track coaches who make the news for suspected abuse–filling the gap between the time coaches are investigated and subsequently banned or exonerated. For example, USAG permanently ineligible member, Zac Lawson, has opened a new gym. Skills Highlights: Ponor, Mustafina, Hong Un Jong, Paseka, Shang Chunsong, Chusovitina, Team Brazil and Larisa Iordache finds a gym, finally. Team USA Podium Training The all-around spot is between Laurie and Aly and will be decided tonight, BUT based on today’s podium training, what could one conclude? FX: Gabby, Laurie, Simone, Aly VT: Laurie, Gabby, Aly, Simone UB: Aly, Simone, Gabby, Maddy BB: Gabby, Aly, Laurie, Simone Maggie Haney is as upset about it as Jessica is. Our favorite off-the-cuff comments from the arena, equipment "decorations," fashion news, and reality of living in Rio. GYMTERNET NEWS Round-up of the latest news from Rio includes: NY Times: “The Bedazzling of the American Gymnast” There is a petition to remove Al Trautwig from NBC gymnastics coverage! The Russians have finally been cleared to compete. Australian Chef de Mission claims the Australian gymnasts were "on standby" and ready to compete! We are skeptical. CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), The End of the Perfect 10 book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafa handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: On every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES 209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games 208: Rio Olympics Preview 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/5/2016 • 51 minutes, 28 seconds
209: Men's Podium Training at the Rio Olympic Games
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: Please take our super short survey. It helps us find advertisers to fit our listener's desires. How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). Skills Highlights: Kenzo did yurchenko 3.5 Bretschendier tried his double double release laid out New skill submitted to the FIG Igor Radiviolov tried his handspring triple front (video) The US Men's live stream training Is Mark Williams the Marta Karoyli we've been waiting for? Do we think it's wise for Chris Brooks to do the all-around? Our highlights from training, including lots of overhead hot mic moments. Arena impressions, fashion news, and reality of living in Rio GYMTERNET NEWS Roundup of the latest news from Rio includes: It's official. Laurie Hernandez went pro. Stretovich replaced Ignatyev on the Russian men's team and it may have been a clear IOC rules violation, but it's really the least of Russia's problems. Our favorite Bogi+Chuso celebrity couple names Will Aly be doing all-around tomorrow? Jessica says no. CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), The End of the Perfect 10 book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and a one-of-a-kind Aliya Mustafa handmade cross-stitch by Spanny Tampson. How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: on every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gym nerdy gifts and goodies here. RELATED EPISODES 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/4/2016 • 33 minutes, 47 seconds
208: Rio Olympics Preview
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: How to watch live on BBC, CBC or NBC (details here). We will be doing a podcast every day of podium training and for every competition! (1:04) The End of the Perfect 10 Book Contest winners announced (4:07) Russia: Despite reports, IOC still hasn't cleared the Russians (6:39) Individuals with cool skills and stories to watch in the Mixed Groups WAG (10:30): Katarzyna Jurkowska-Kowalska double twisting gainer layout dismount, Vasiliki Millousi, Dipa Karmakar, Jessica Lopez, Zsófia Kovács, Catalina Ponor, Guilia Steingruber, Houry Gebeshian, Hong Un Jong (who may complete a gorgeous triple twisting yurchenko), Toni-Ann Williams, Oksana Chusovitina, Larissa Miller MAG (1:14:32): Manrique Larduet, Rayderley Zapata, Eleftherios Petrounias, Ri Se Gwang, Oleg Stepko, Enrique Tomas "porn 'stash" Gonzalez Sepulveda; and six-foot-tall World floor medalist, Alexander Shatilov. And of course, Igor Radivilov’s triple front vault. MAG team medal predictions (1:20:00) Our actual and fantasy world picks for team and individual medals (53:01). Uncle Tim compares each men's all-around medal contender to great works of literature (1:34:00) Three great websites to get rankings for your fantasy gymnastics pool 4for4.info has sexy data up the ying-yang. For rankings check out, The Gymter.net Best Scores in 2016 , The All-Around WAG Best Scores 2016 with D scores. Average age of Olympic gymnasts at the 2016 Rio Games is 20. Breakdown here and full age spreadsheet here. (48:35) GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet includes(1:41:22): Larissa Miller (AUS) had to vacate her room from the strong smell of gas. Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson's Grander mentoring project is not their big #secretproject The FIG has an app now. Lauren Hopkins and Deanna Hong are working for NBC Olympics. Lauren is working on a show called The Daily Dismount Simone Biles released her emojis - Simoji. Al Trautwig (1:43:00) gave the worst PR interview that confirmed everything we already know about him; he's willfully ignorant, tries not to do his homework, and sees gymnastics as an "esoteric" sport too complicated for the average human. It was like listening to an old white man who hates anything non-baseball. His misogyny was evident when he compared two athletes with legitimate medal chances to each other. His factually correct statements about Gabby Douglas, "didn't look like a gold medalist" and "has fallen off the beam the last two times she's gone" to Sam Mikulak who he says, in stark contrast to Gabby, "every once in a while makes the odd mistake." Funny way to compare two potential medalists when Sam has fallen at almost every single competition he's entered into for years. The rage continues... Despite Kellogg's tweeting to the contrary, Simone will not be walking in the opening ceremonies. Duh. Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney said they are getting Olympic tattoos and confirmed that Marta is on Twitter! We created #GymUnsafe A spreadsheet to track coaches who make the news for suspected abuse--filling the gap between the time coaches are investigated and subsequently banned or exonerated. For example, this USAG permanently ineligible member has opened a new gym. OLYMPIC BRONZE CONTEST: A winner every other podcast in August! What: The Bronze Movie Watch Party Kits (gym bag with goodies and the movie), The End of the Perfect 10 book, a U.S. Olympic Trials T-shirt or GRAND PRIZE*: A Bronze Movie gym bag filled with real props used in the film and the one of a kind, Aliya Mustafina cross-stitch handmade by Spanny Tampson. Open to Club Gym Nerd members only* How: Tweet, Instagram, Voicemail or Tumblr tag us and use the hashtag #BronzeContest to tell us which retired gymnast you would want to coach you, The Bronze style, to Olympic glory and why? Winners Announced: on every other podcast for the entire month of August! Starting with the women's podium training podcast. Grand Prize Deadline: August 21st at midnight. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
8/3/2016 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 36 seconds
207: A History of Political Protests in Gymnastics
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Dvora and Jessica chat about: Russia has not been banned as a country, but the FIG must decide on individuals. (3:00) Valentina has declared Ksenia Afanasyeva retired, might not be true but Afan is out. Kuksenkov was cleared of all Meldonium doping charges earlier this year and is in Rio. Marta Karolyi Press Conference (9:25) We've decided Rhonda Faehn and Simone Biles/Aimee Boorman have started working Marta's mouth like a puppet because she held an open practice and even said the gymnasts must all be trained as individuals! Praise the gym gods! Germany, Steingruber Win in Chemnitz (14:00) Sophie Scheder scored a 15.25 on bars (better at German Nationals with 15.5 which ranked her 8th in the World) Catalina Ponor scored a 14.700 on VT in Chemnitz. She outscored Larisa Iordache (FX, double Y turn immediate illusion turn!) on every event (except bars, which Ponor didn't do) Ponor has a full twisting DLO Ponor took on her haters on Instagram--straight up Gabby Douglas style. Insane Skill Alerts (17:40) Kirsten Polderman (NED) switch-half Dick. What should the Dick Half be rated? Will Sae Miyakawa (JPN) compete her front full to double front on the Gymnova floor in Rio? Artem Dolgopyat (ISR) is doing a triple back. Takahiro Goshima (JPN) doing a back 3.5 to punch 2.5; He can also do a front 3.5 but he won't be in Rio. A History of Political Protests in Gymnastics (27:45) Are political protests allowed by the IOC and what are the rules about free speech for athletes? Vera Caslavska (CZE) wasn't punished for her protest against the Soviets by the IOC but Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos were expelled from the Games. 1991 World Championships, Kuwait's thank you t-shirts. Statements by gymnasts that could have been taken as protest speech. Politically charged uniforms: Korea vs. Japan's rising sun throwback flag leotards. Black Lives Matter (56:30) Should the US gymnastics team be prepared to answer questions about Black Lives Matter? Rio Olympic Athlete Village update. (1:02:00) Dvora's experience interviewing Oksana Chusovitina and Svetlana Boginskaya for Elle magazine. Khorkina “Biles will always be second.” Maggie Nichols continues to be a shining light of joy. INTERVIEW Because the end of the quad is a time for competitive retirements and new artistic beginnings, we have a little glimpse into a gym nerd dream job with the casting director of Le Rêve, Louanne Madorma. (1:17:19) They have self-taught, level 8 and Olympians all in the show, there are knitting circles and dance contests, but unfortunately it's nothing like the movie DreamGirls. Louanne was in the roller-skating sensation, Starlight Express, and has hilarious blooper stories. The Wynn hotel, where Le Reve lives, pays for college at nearby UNLV! Contact Louanne Madorma at Le Rêve casting here. Listen to Jessica's review of Le Rêve in episode 41 here. CONTEST Win: The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics’ Top Score – from Nadia to Now by Dvora Meyers What: Write a new rule for the next quad How: #Endofthe10Book @GymCastic on Instagram or Twitter Deadline: Sunday, July 31st at midnight. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome apparel, notebooks, wall art, mugs, or cases here. RELATED EPISODES 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney 206: The Russian Situation 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show RELATED VIDEOS Starlight Express
7/27/2016 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 16 seconds
206: The Russian Situation
IN THE NEWS This week, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: Gabby's secret knee injury (3:30): "Broken knee" and absentee father storylines continue to muddle Gabby Inc. waters - NY Times and Mercury News McKayla Maroney wasn't randomly Periscoping, she was on her way to surprise some little gym nerds at a Trials watch party! Skinner Gate 2.0 (17:47): Miss Skinner (and now her coach) continue to get in trouble on Twitter. British Olympic teams strategy (28:00) The decades of black gymnasts who paved the way for Simone Biles Could we have had an African-American Olympic champion in 1984? Tutya Yilmaz (TUR) and Jossimar Calvo were the highlights of the ill attended/post-terrorist attack World Cup in Turkey. Russian Cup: the provisional Olympic team and the potential impact of the McLaren report (48:00) Mustafina had a weird thing on bars, here's the video Romanian Nationals: was it smart to choose Catalina Ponor as the sole Olympic competitor over Larisa Ilordache? Anda Butuc’s onodi mount on beam is everything On the men’s side, Marian Dragulescu hurt his ankle, but should be okay Chusovitina won a vault World Cup with her Produnova Emma Larrsson from Sweden had big band version of Sex & the City floor music Why were so many people confused and outraged after the US Team was announced? NBC's coverage of the Olympic Trials is at least partially to blame. (1:29:00) Read Cordelia's full analysis and math proof about the US Olympic team decision. Here is a little piece of her work: “To take the top 3 on every apparatus, a 7 person team would be needed. The selection committee has to optimize the team score within a 5 person team, while ensuring there are at least 4 solid or better scores on each apparatus. The only combination of these top 7 gymnasts plus Ashton Locklear that meets the criteria is the team the selection committee chose. 1. Biles 248.25 2. Hernandez 241.65 3. Raisman 240.85 4. Douglas 235.25 5. Kocain 233.5 6. Smith 232.55 7. Skinner 232.1. As it turns out, the Olympic team that was chosen is composed of the top 5 AAers over the two competitions with the next two AAers as alternates (which includes #2 on VT) and the #2 on UB as an alternate. They could stop there, but they need to ensure that the team of 5 gymnasts has the highest scoring potential." CONTEST Win: The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics’ Top Score – from Nadia to Now by Dvora Meyers What: Write a new rule for the next quad How: #Endofthe10Book @GymCastic on Instagram or Twitter Deadline: Sunday, July 31st at midnight. RELATED LINKS 2016 OLYMPIC TRIALS PART 1: THE NIGHT OF UBER IMPORTANT WATER CUPS by Spencer SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 2016 Olympic Team and Coaches Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 77: Aly Raisman Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 151: Danell Leyva Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships 2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio Episode 35: Jake Dalton 72: John Orozco 187: McKayla Maroney Getting to the Games: A Checklist 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
7/20/2016 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 55 seconds
187: McKayla Maroney Best of GymCastic
Olympic gold medalist and three time World Champion, McKayla Maroney has much to share about where she has been, what happened along the way and where she is going next. She settles long debated gymternet questions and we find out what caused the physical and emotional breakdown she referred to in this video last year. We discuss: If she feared blowback from speaking frankly about her experiences. The skill she tried that Marta told her to never to do again. The circumstances surrounding her injuries and multiple surgeries. The post-Olympic tour conditions and their effects on her health. She answers fans suspicions that her injuries are due to poor nutrition. Some fans claim that AOGC break gymnasts, her thoughts. Did the advice she received from her coaches contribute to her injuries? How she dealt with self identity as she struggled to stay healthy. Discusses the role of humility and insecurity through the Olympic selection process. Does she think the men's team should be more like the women's program in order to be more successful? Dealing with criticism on social media. She describes her personal experiences as an elite gymnast, and their influence on changes she would like to see made at the national team level. Did she really have to hire bodyguards after the Olympics? Who does she credit with teaching her that amazing vault technique: her second coach, Howie Liang at Gym-Max or her Olympic coach, Artur Akopyan at All Olympia Gymnastics Center (AOGC)? Why did she go overtime in 2013 at the Antwerp World Championships on floor? McKayla Maroney official website and YouTube channel. Fill your emotional chalk bucket! Positive Coaching Alliance is a national non-profit developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide athletes a positive, character-building youth sports experience. Check out their free resources and courses. There are even trainings specifically for gymnastics. US Olympic Committee SafeSport: Learn about the dangers of emotional misconduct in sports. Definitions and model policies to prevent emotional and verbally abusive coaching. Resources : Dr. Alan Goldberg's article on Coaching Abuse. Sports phycologist and diving Olympian, Dr. Megan Neyer at Neyer Performance Strategies offers therapy and training for gymnasts and gymnastics schools. Safe4Athlete's therapists referral network. Treatment centers for athletes with eating disorders EDRS or McCallum Place. 24-Hour Suicide hotline 1 (800) 273-8255 We are having our very first design contest, and your art could be Gymcastic's newest t-shirt. Submit your best gymnastics themed art to be made into some sweet swag. Grand Prize (x2 Winners): Your design featured on our page, your artwork on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere, and a free t shirt with your design! How to Submit: Post your design on Instagram, Tumblr, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest FAQ and Rules here. Club Gym Nerd is our way of saying thank you for helping us pay the bills! GymCastic members are automatically entered to win 6 awesomely gym nerdy prizes per year and get lots of perks like being able to preview this week's big interview with McKayla Maroney. This month, one lucky member will win the exclusive, sold-out, Cloud & Victory Legends sweater. Join Club Gym Nerd here. Get one of our awesome shirts here. 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 144: Counter Kim at Game of Regions 2015 Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 151: Danell Leyva 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
7/13/2016 • 51 minutes, 11 seconds
205: Day Two 2016 Women's Olympic Trials Final
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Cordelia Price (aunt of 2014 World Cup Series Champion and 2012 Olympian alternate Elizabeth "Ebee" Price), Casey Magniesum and Jessica chat about: Why each and every gymnasts was chosen as an alternate or team member. Why Marta didn't go with the highest scoring team available. Which gymnasts hit 8 for 8 this weekend. Everything that happened behind the scenes: Zac Lawson finally added to the permanently banned list at USAG website GymSplaining Parade of Olympians Concert Best signs and t-shirts seen in the audience U.S.Slay t-shirts from Evan and his crew Aly’s coaching is judging her at Olympic Trials Parents: teach your kids to be good fans. Being a good fan is supporting the athlete, not making the athlete notice you. Maroney live Periscoping during Trials Event host, John Macready, learned a new game and we were horrified. Why FloGymnastics isn't here covering Trials; the USOC pulled their parent company's credentials. Every competitors' performances analyzed and discussed. Cordelia describes how Elizabeth Price's family handled her being fourth all-around but named an alternate to the 2012 Olympic team--much like MyKayla Skinner SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney Getting to the Games: A Checklist 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 151: Danell Leyva 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show Selection Criteria RELATED PHOTOS Podium Training photo gallery here. Night One photo gallery here. Night Two photo gallery here. RELATED VIDEOS Watch this week's playlist from Team USA on YouTube here. Or watch the NBC archived broadcast here. Watch Deanna Hong's new video in the 4 Years Later series on Jordyn Wieber here.
7/12/2016 • 2 hours, 30 minutes, 42 seconds
204: Day One 2016 Women's Olympic Trials
IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Lindsey Green, Jennifer Lacopelli and Jessica chat about: Kittia-Gate: Christian Gallardo has been coaching Gabby instead of Kittia. Statement from Natalie Hawkins, Gabrielle Douglas’ mother:"Gabrielle hasn't made a coaching change. Christian Gallardo has been Gabrielle's coach since she arrived at Buckeye. Since there is only to be one coach alongside Gabrielle throughout the Olympic process, Christian is that coach based on their longtime coach/athlete bond, chemistry and strength together." If Laurie Hernandez is selected, will she *really* be the first Latina gymnast to make the U.S. Olympic team in 30 years? We review the night 1 of the Olympic Trials – gymnast by gymnast. Finally, we discuss Simone's hilarious Tide commercial, which is Jessica's favorite thing ever SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney Getting to the Games: A Checklist 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 151: Danell Leyva 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show RELATED PHOTOS Podium Training photo gallery here. Night One photo gallery here. RELATED VIDEOS Watch this week's playlist from Team USA on YouTube here. Or watch the NBC archived broadcast here. Watch Deanna Hong's new video in the 4 Years Later series on Jordyn Weiber here.
7/9/2016 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 50 seconds
203: Olympic Trials Preview and Dvora Meyers on Her New Book
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW One of our original hosts, Dvora Meyers has just published The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics' Top Score - from Nadia to Now. The book is the latest must-have in the gym nerd library. It examines the evolution of elite women’s gymnastics over the last few decades and answers questions that gymnastics fans have been asking since the last perfect score was handed out over 20 years ago. She reveals why successful female gymnasts are older and more athletic than they have ever been before, how the United States became a gymnastics powerhouse, and what the future of gymnastics will hold. Lauren and Jessica chat with Dvora about (4:45): MythBusters in the book: Who were Nadia’s actual first gymnastics coaches, when the open-ended scoring system came about, East Germany set precedent for the current American training system. Gymternet vs television coverage - past and current Insulting coverage that creates gymnastics like a sideshow How the Ranch has changed over the years Texas Dreams taking athlete education to a whole new level. Is the marketability of the 10.0 real or is it just nostalgia. The gymternet versus dumbed-down Olympic television coverage. Are we better off now with the open-ended scoring system? Olympic Trials Preview (38:16) Which athletes qualified to Trials, list here. An ode to Alyssa Baumann's gorgeousness and why we are so sad that she is injured. Which gymnasts should just be stoked to be at Trials and soak up the experience versus women who are actually in the mix. Wildcards: Amelia Hundley, Maggie Nichols and Ragan Smith Will we see a team where both bars of the top bar gymnasts, Ashton and Kocian are on the same team? Will the business side of gymnastics come into who is chosen to do the all-around in Rio? Will Gabby do her Amanar and upgrade bars at Trials? Can Swaggie Maggie make the team without her Amanar, and the rise of Laurie Hernandez? Lauren's Team: Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian Alternates: Ragan Smith, Ashton Locklear and MyKayla Skinner Jessica's Team: Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Ashton Locklear maximizing bars potential score (that's right, six people because both need to go!). Alternates: Amelia Hundley, Maggie Nichols, MyKayla Skinner GYMTERNET NEWS (1:21:13) Chusovitina made her Produnova and the judge at the end couldn't keep her ish together! Romanian Nationals: Pre-meet Larissa got a concussion but still won, although she may have hurt herself on her bar landing. Ponor had a fever and was in the hospital with some kind of food poisoning/flu! UGH! RELATED LINKS Fake, Jingoistic, And Stupid: Gymnastics Coverage Is The Worst Part Of NBC's Olympics by Dvora Meyers The Tumbler Tumblr - How hard-core gymnastics fans are revolutionizing the way the sport is covered by Elspeth Reeve Irked By Broadcast Coverage, Gymnastics Sites Aim To Raise The Bar - All Things Considered on NPR SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Get Dvora's book in our Amazon store here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney Getting to the Games: A Checklist 201: Men’s Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 151: Danell Leyva 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps Douglas Family Gold: Finale DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show RELATED VIDOES 1988 Olympic Team Finals
7/6/2016 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 31 seconds
Douglas Family Gold: Finale
IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on Douglas Family Gold (S1 E5), Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: The episode extra where Coach Christian is seen and heard! Recap (5:00) Gymnastics fact checking machine went into overdrive during the competition scenes We ignore that it's mathematically impossible for Gabby to beat Simone. The definition of what constitutes success for Gabby changes 7 million times. Did Natalie fulfill her vision to show ,"What it takes to ….what goes on behind the scenes to support an elite athlete, and, for me as a mom, to support my other children at the same time.” (31:47) We examine which of our deepest fears and greatest hopes from the preview podcast came true. (36:00) What do the Dougies need to do to make this a hit show next season? (46:00) RELATED LINKS Watch episodes of Douglas Family Gold here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Get one of our awesome gymnastics goodies here. Buy Dvora Myers new book The End of the Perfect 10 from our Amazon shop here. CONTEST WINNER! Our winner is, Ryan Landon on Instagram for Simone Hu! Email us to claim your prize. Honorable mention in the Name the Gabby Drag Queen contest goes to these: Cheryl Fab E. Fierce Betty Okaynow Geralen Packs Heat-in RELATED EPISODES 200: Alicia Sacramone 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show – Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show Douglas Family Gold Podcast Douglas Family Gold Preview Show Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer DFG: World Selection Camp
7/5/2016 • 55 minutes, 51 seconds
202: The 2016 Men's Olympic Trials, Women's PG Championships
IN THE NEWS This week, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Men's Olympic Trials The Olympic Team: Sam Mikulak, Chris Brooks, Jake Dalton, Alex Naddour (aka Mr. Hollie Vise), John Orozco. Alternates: Danell Leyva, Donnell Whittenburg, Akash Modi Strategy (8:47) Nancy Armour vs. John Orozco drama (14:50) Highlights on and off the floor Brooks hugging OTC athlete liaison, Sherry. The skill Uncle Tim's gymnastics nieces have to learn before they can be in his wedding (23:54) NBC massive errors and generally being jerks (26:18) Putting down Gabby even though she's exactly on track to be at her best Race, poverty and sexualizing athletes Women's P&G Championships Our debate for the Gymnastics Is Hard Award (38:00) Injury list Junior analysis, favor and future super stars (50:00) Senior analysis (59:00) Who qualified to Olympic Trials for the women: Alyssa Baumann; Simone Biles; Christina Desiderio; Gabby Douglas; Brenna Dowell; Rachel Gowey; Laurie Hernandez; Amelia Hundley; Madison Kocian; Ashton Locklear; Maggie Nichols; Aly Raisman; Emily Schild; MyKayla Skinner; Ragan Smith Quantifying Simon's awesomeness; she's improved her senior two day total by 4.550 An update on Simone's floor music lyrics. The Ranch documentary from NBC (1:31:50) The infamous "Kitchen Scene" where Marta tells Bela off (1:33:17) The F The Score Award : who made us fall in love with gymnastics (1:51:00) Absolute favorite moments from the entire week of gymnastics (1:56:41) SUPPORT THE SHOW: Join Club Gym Nerd Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney Getting to the Games: A Checklist 201: Men's Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 77: Aly Raisman Episode 48: Kyla Ross Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits Episode 31: Elise Ray 148: Shannon Miller Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 144: Counter Kim at Game of Regions 2015 Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds 114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches! Episode 16: Elizabeth Price 146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 37: Julie Zetlin 151: Danell Leyva 81: Jenny Hansen Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps DFG: World Selection Camp DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
6/28/2016 • 2 hours, 7 minutes, 26 seconds
Douglas Family Gold: Worlds Selection Camp
IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on Douglas Family Gold (S1 E5), Jessica, Spencer and Stefane recap the episode and discuss: The family listened to the podcast! (3:00) Gabby's bar upgrades revealed! (5:00) Coach Christian's voice made the show, but not with his face at the same time. What Gabby's Family has to do to overtake the Kar*$&#*ians as the top reality family in the world. (15:29) Natalie's on-screen script boo boo. (28:42) There was no cause for excitement about the Ranch footage because it was all recycled USAG footage. (35:50) Jene Park, AKA Edna from The Incredibles is back: (30:55) champagne and coffee for everyone Gabby says, “what more chocolate do I need” and non-stop BBC jokes ensue. Natalie has a boob tattoo and we can't stop analyzing it. (43:37) Jessica's story about Natalie being a badass in Tokyo. (60:00) Feedback (53:25) Some feedback about Gabby's alleged single status from the African-American community. Gabby wearing her hair natural this weekend for nationals in St. Louis. RELATED LINKS Watch episodes of Douglas Family Gold here. Watch Gabby compete in St. Louis at the national championships here SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gymnastics goodies here. CONTEST Name the Gabby Drag Queen here! Tweet @GymCastic #GabbyFamilyDrag with your name for our fabulous listener and legit adult gymnast in her Gabby drag. RELATED EPISODES 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show – Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer 200: Alicia Sacramone
6/26/2016 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 24 seconds
201: Men's Olympic Trials and P&G Champs Preview
NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Our favorite moments from last week's interview with Alicia Sacramone Controversy (of course) at Australian Olympic Trials (4:01) Congrats to 2016 Olympian Larissa Miller and her beautiful floor! Funding expose from StickIt Rhythmic and Trampoline Olympic Trials (11:09) Rhythmic roup qualifies for first time, ever. Sadness, injuries, elation and awesome adult gymnastics from tramp (14:04) "The legs that I had, the butt that I had were why I jumped so high" - Olympic Champion Rosie MacLennan (CAN) video P&G Championships Preview (1:03:30) How to watch live, online and on tv here. Sam Peszek and Evan Heiter are doing juniors analysis! Karolyi Ranch film to premiere on Friday at 8pm ET on NBC, watch trailer here. Who we are looking forward to watching who won't go to Rio (Morgan Hurd, Emily Gaskins) Who is in a do or die situation to qualify to Rio or even Trials Recap of Beyond the Routine with Bailie Key who has scratched from P&Gs Men's Olympic Trials Preview (1:24:36) W.D.M. How the men qualify to the team. When will the team actually be named? Top 4 storylines to watch? Mr. Hollie Vise, Alex Naddour says baby and wife help his gymnastics. GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Rhythmic gymnastics attempted suicide The many retirements and injuries including Komova. Why USA Gymnastics need to change their rules. None of these coaches have been banned or publicly suspended yet! (26:47) Moises Renobato From trampoline World Championships coach, Zac Lawson Tom Bollinger of Top Flight GYmnastics in Maryland Patrick Jay Wehrung Louis Smith accused of objectifying Carly Patterson with close-up bottom shot (49:31) Bias in judging: Should judges be allowed to judge their relatives or gymnasts? Tatiana Nabiyeva's coach-judge was cleared by the FIG Awesome skills alert: Sergio Sasaki has A PIKED DRAGULESCU! Katarzyna Jurkowska of Poland is doing a gainer 2/1 off the end of the beam. Should this be a G? Kenzo did a Yurchenko 3.5 on a hard surface. BRENNA FREAKIN DOWELL! She's training a Dos Santos 2 and double front FULL OUT! NCAA News: Penn State abuse news: People magazine and the Washington Post have covered this and yet, the head coach still remains there. LSU gymnastic coach D-D Breaux gets boost in pay, now makes $240,000. Miss Val launched a website and announced that she is writing a book. Book Mania - check them all out in our store here. Two adult gymnastics camps! Shields in NJ and Atlantic in NH. RELATED LINKS Gymbuster: Domestic vs. International Scoring She'll Never Get Those Scores Internationally by Spencer 10 Most Popular GymCastic Episodes #DouglasFamilyDrag Contest The Hard Way To Sucess featuring Gabby Jupp List of gymnasts on Snapchat Details in Maria Olaru book The Price of Gold. Uncomfortable Honesty. Golden Era of Gymnastics book by Karen Hollis RELATED EPISODES 200: Alicia Sacramone 162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships 161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women's Prelims Recap Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen Podcast Recaps DFG PODCAST: Last Days of Summer Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
6/22/2016 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 30 seconds
Douglas Family Gold: Last Days of Summer
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week in Douglas Family Gold (S1 E4), Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: Real Moment of the Week Awards (2:00) Recap with actual gymnastics! (4:00) John wants to "prank" the family by tasering them in the outdoors. (9:15) Jessica responds to criticism from the asexual community after last week's discussion of whether or not Gabby has, or is ready for a relationship and the ancient trope of the romantically immature gymnast. (24:30) Resource links below. RELATED LINKS Watch episodes of Douglas Family Gold here. Ages and stages of healthy human sexual development from Darkness To Light and ACT of Youth SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gymnastics goodies here. CONTEST Name the Gabby-inspired Drag Queen here! Tweet @GymCastic #GabbyFamilyDrag with your name for our fabulous listener and legit adult gymnast. RELATED EPISODES 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show – Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show 200: Alicia Sacramone
6/20/2016 • 41 minutes, 49 seconds
200: Alicia Sacramone
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW We are honored and humbled to welcome back the legend herself, Alicia Sacramone, to celebrate our 200th episode. She joined us for episode 43, the first ever panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics in 2013. Since then she's married her longtime boyfriend, started a few businesses, and began coaching and doing choreography. Alicia is expecting her first child this summer. The Olympic silver medalist, 10x World medalist and 4x World Champion discussed: The crazy vault she never got to compete Her goal as a television analyst for the SEC Network Competing in college at Brown and elite simultaneously How Marta Karolyi reacted and why she decided to go pro with Under Armour Transitioning to the open-ended scoring system: The 2006 floor leap series incident when her routine wasn't credited and she didn't make finals Placing behind Cheng Fei in 2008 Olympic vault final even though Fei had a fall Which gymnast rocked the Code of Points best Clarifying the facts from Shawn Johnson's recent speech for the Regan Foundation. The Comeback: Tokyo World Championships achilles tear, pain medication and fan reactions to her being awarded the team gold medal even though she couldn't compete. How her husband and cross training helped, and what technology she used to come back better than ever after her injury. Why Brestyan's gymnasts don't get injured when they land short. Here is a video sample of "Brestyan Legs" 2012 Olympic Trials: what happened behind the scenes, did the selection committee make the right choice, and what she did to get over it Almost getting into a fight with Isabella Severino (FRA) on the dance floor and the competition floor! Being the Athlete Representative at USA Gymnastics Combating barbaric training methods How she promoted positive body image and health education Why USA Gymnastics has struggled to retain dietitians and nutritionists for the national team. Her own struggles with healthy eating Growing up in a leotard: A little advice about boobs, hygiene, underwear and hair that every coach, parent and gymnast can benefit from. Are cameras too close to gymnasts on the sidelines of the competition? What she tells the directors on the SEC Network about appropriate and inappropriate shots. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Join the Gym Nerd Club for only $2/mo. or $20/yr. When you join the GymCastic club, you’ll get all of the following perks: One of a kind GymCastic Ringtone (actually you get three! One of them is naughty.) Automatically entered for 6 awesome giveaways per year (super gymnerdy goodies like tickets and swag.) The June giveaway is a genuine, autographed Aly Raisman baseball card, still safely encased in nerdalicious plastic. You will be notified first when new merchandise comes out (early birds get shirts for 30% off!) Our undying gratitude and the good feeling that you are making this podcast possible. Join Club Gym Nerd here. Or support us by getting one of our awesome merchandise here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics 161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 168: Shannon Miller, Belarusgate, NED vs GB 148: Shannon Miller Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2 Episode 11: Miss Val Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 22: Beth Tweddle Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches Episode 48: Kyla Ross 61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air 77: Aly Raisman 81: Jenny Hansen 99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas 101: Olivia Vivian 137: Lady Lisa Mason
6/15/2016 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 48 seconds
Douglas Family Gold: A Companion for Gabby S1 E3
The new Gabbymoji app features the gorgeous art above. THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week's show is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Orlando terror attack and the LGBT community everywhere. Find out how to help here or call on legislators to make gun reform here. On this week's recap of Douglas Family Gold (S2E3), Jessica, Spencer and Spanny discuss: The lack of gymnastics and Coach Christian Natalie is shocked that her adult children don’t want to spend every waking moment with her Arie and Joy are totally starting a fashion business right now Shocker, John doesn't want to hang out with his mom during his college visit The sisters think Gabby need a companion, but isn't ready to date... sooooo escort? Jessica is outraged at the old, sexless, no-time for boyfriends, abnormal development because she's a gymnast trope Gabby gets a kitten instead of an adult cat and the gymternet lost their damn minds. CONTEST Name the Gabby Drag Queen here! Tweet @GymCastic #GabbyFamilyDrag with your name for our fabulous listener and legit adult gymnast in her Gabby drag. RELATED LINKS Watch episodes of Douglas Family Gold here, on YouTube in the UK or with The Watch Series (warning, don't download from the Watch, stream only). SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show – Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show Douglas Family Gold S1E2: Graduation Day Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
6/13/2016 • 48 minutes, 4 seconds
199: Euros, Classics and the U.S. ManChampionships
This week’s episode is proudly presented by new Club Gym Nerd member, Saul, who joined at the Episode Dedication level. Saul dedicated this episode to Natalia Frolova's 1986 floor routine. This Soviet great does one of his favorite old school routines; he watches it from time-to-time and not enough people know about her amazingness! We couldn't agree more. Thank you for supporting the show and spending the Frolova, Saul! IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: US Classic (2:36) videos Who competed AA, who chose to show up just for podium training and why (read our article on rules changes) Gabby's new floor routine, her opinions of the Zika threat, and new bar skill and technique Bailie Key Watch Laurie Hernandez vs. Ragan Smith vs. Alyssa Bauman vs. Swaggie Maggie Bars duel, Ashton Locklear vs. Madison Kocian Our top three moments from the junior meet (32:40) The insanity of Aly Raisman scoring higher than Jordan Chiles on vault. Best moments from the NBC broadcast. Yes, we said best, as in we liked some things. European Championships (55:45) routines Giulia Steingruber has improved her performance quality so much, but her head position on vault is still scary. Aliya Mustafina's controversial non-acro series on beam, and the Russian team dominated. Ponor's comeback was glorious and why she should have place higher on beam. Why Lauren is obsessed with the Czech juniors, like Vendula Měrková doing an Onodi to an Illusion at Bohemians Club. The Russian men killed it, Ukraine crashed, and Nile won high bar with this absolute beauty. (1:18:42) U.S. Men's National Championships (1:47:22) videos Danell Leyva's second round of dog bites, stolen medals and new towel. The amazingness of Chris Brooks Marvin Kimble's celebration for the history books. Paul Ruggeri - a 16.000 on high bar and finishing in the top 3 on 3 events! Olympic Team Strategy: We are with Spencer, screw pommel horse and maximize the other events! SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED 147: The 2015 European Championships 153: Inaugural European Games 96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships 95: WAG European Championships Part Two -- Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report 94: Women's European Championships Part One! Episode 30: Women's NCAA & European Championships 157: The 2015 Secret Classic 156: Pan Am Games Event Finals and Secret Classic Preview Secret Classic: What Does Success Here Mean 106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic 2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery 2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic 105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics Episode 42: The 2013 Secret US Classic from Chicago
6/8/2016 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 48 seconds
Douglas Family Gold: Graduation Day S1E2
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE In this week's recap of Douglas Family Gold, Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: We have now met Hipster Gabby, Realness Gabby and finally Hangry Gabby; and she is all of us. The stampede that wasn't caught on camera at Graduation. Christian Gallardo, he's just here to look adorable, no need to speak. Why Arie is the Lady Edith, AKA Cinderella, of the family. All the reasons why Gabby's high-heel dog poop obstacle course lesson was very necessary--this photo says it all. Gabby's family and friends are hired extras and it's hilarious. RELATED LINKS Watch the first episode of Douglas Family Gold here. Streaming link to full episodes SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here for only $2/month. So. Cheap. So worth it. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show – Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show RELATED PHOTOS MORE WAYS TO LISTEN
6/6/2016 • 42 minutes, 2 seconds
147: The 2015 European Championships
In the News This GymCastic Classic originally aired April 29th 2015. The 2016 Euros start this week! Current Australian national team member and World Cup medalist, Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton joins Emma to give us all the details on the 2015 European Championships in Montpellier, France: Preliminary Problems: Before the meet even started Kristina Pravdina (AZB) and Anna Pavlova (AZB), along with Alla Sosnitkaya (RUS) were all out with injuries. Epke fell on high bar and failed to make finals. What world is this?! Women's All-Around: Historic Firsts: Giulia Steingruber all-around gold was the first ever win for Switzerland, Ellie Downie's bronze was the first ever medal for Great Britain, Poland's fifth place all-around for Marta Pihan-Kulesza was the highest ever finish for Poland--from a 27 year-old! Can the Russian women challenge the US now that they have two Amanar's in the lineup? Men's All-Around Sam Oldham returned after his awful ankle injury at Commonwealth Games. The Oleg Verniaiev (UKR) vs. Oleg Stepko (AZE, formerly UKR) show down. David Belyavskiy (RUS) and Verniaiev showed the world why sports and peace go hand in hand. Event Finals Rayderley Zapata (ESP) was allowed to repeat his floor routine after a timing error. Maria Paseka (RUS) flew in last minute and won gold where difficulty won over execution. The bars nail biter coming down to two-tenths for Daria Spiridonova (RUS) where perfect form came in third from Sanne Wevers (NED). Champion, Eleftherios Petrounias (GRC) actually made Emma and Mez want to watch Rings, RINGS! Andreea Munteanu (ROU) won beam, but Vasiliki Millousi (GRE) stole our hearts and broke them again when she fell at the very very end of her routines. Claire Martin (FRA) brought back some well deserved glory to French gymnastics after a long drought. Marijo Moznik (CRO) vs. Sam Oldham (GBR) high bar debate, justified or not? Fragapane's ridiculous, unbelievable, not pretty but amazing save on beam - video. We reanact Carlotta Ferlito's tweet as she, once again, blames everyone but herself for not making beam finals. Related Episodes 96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships 95: WAG European Championships Part Two -- Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report 94: Women's European Championships Part One! Episode 30: Women's NCAA & European Championships 130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton 102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith 101: Olivia Vivian 108: The Commonwealth Games 137: Lady Lisa Mason Related Videos Watch this week's playlist on YouTube HERE
6/1/2016 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 1 second
Douglas Family Gold: The First Hurdle E1S1
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on Douglas Family Gold (season one, episode one) Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: Our first impressions and where they delivered on our hopes and some fears. The Leotard shoot in which we fangirl hard over two leos and Spencer is like, "leos?" The real, unguarded Gabby Douglas or is it Brie or is it Gabrielle or is it Gabby and The Douglai? Training footage: authentic without makeup and the great and foreboding Amanar. P&G Championships: the realness of holding back tears, not wanting to talk to parents, and Christian Gallardo sighting! Gymnastics Fact Checking: She was already on the national team, this don'ts matter at all for Rio and other white lies. RELATED LINKS These are the leos we are fingerling hard over in this episode. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women's Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show – Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
5/30/2016 • 43 minutes, 43 seconds
198: The Marta Quote
IN THE NEWS Spencer and Jessica chat about: Our new podcast about the Gabby's Douglas realty show Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen. Watch the first episode of Douglas Family Gold here. Ellie Downie won everything, literally at the Osijek World Cup (2:50) Women in their 30's dominated the Sao Paulo World Cup, including 31 year-old Daniele Hypolito who did this on beam! (9:23) Olympic prelims order released (13:50): Is it really true that scores go up as the day goes on or is that another gym myth that needs to be busted?! Our thoughts on the preliminary Chinese women's team Shang Chunking, Fan Jilin, Mao Yi, Wang Yan and first year senior Liu Tingting. (23:00) We discuss the best parts of TingTing's routines from Chinese nationals including her legit, handspring front on beam! AH-MAZING! GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet is brought to you by 20 Mile Athletic Center in Parker Colorado! We discuss (31:24): NBC filmed at the ranch and so there were marshmallows, bonfires and unrelated snake throwing The situation in Romania is just getting worse and worse. Thema Williams is suing the Trinidad & Tobago gymnastics federation We have a lot to say about the Penn State coaching scandal (45:00): A petition was launched to re-investigation the allegations. Associate head coach, wife of Jeff, Rachelle Thompson is stepping down in June. Former Georgia coach, Suzanne Yoculan, says, "I read some of these things, and I think, 'That's not abuse. That's coaching,' Don't let boobs get in the way of gymnastics! (1:01:30) How to find the right sports bra for gymnastics The true test of a sports bra's effectiveness. Best sports bra's Babble list, TitleNine list. The Enell Sport bra, also known as, "The bra of last report" is a personal favorite of Jessica's . New York Times article Breast and Body Changes Are Driving Teen Girls Out of Sports The Marta Quote (1:10:00) The New Yorker ran a great, exceptionally well researched profile on Simone Biles but it wasn't without controversy, especially this quote from Karolyi; 'after Biles had a subpar workout before Pacific Rims, Martha asked her, “Why are you being a prima donna, you spoiled brat?”' Your reactions to our posts this week including, 12-year-old Jaymes Marshall’s Amanar, the Betty Okino interview and MyKayla Skinner’s quad wolf turn. WHAT TO WATCH Mary-Anne "Mez" Monkton doing commentary at Australian nationals. Links to the webcast and schedule here www.gymnasticslive.com.au The European Championships! #ECBERN2016 or #FeelTheBERN USA Gymnastics' Made in America series SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 101: Olivia Vivian 187: McKayla Maroney Douglas Family Gold Preview Show Why Romania Didn't Qualify a Full Team to the Rio Olympic Games 197: Betty Okino 151: Danell Leyva 196: The Romanian Situation with Bea
5/25/2016 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 10 seconds
Douglas Family Gold Preview Show
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE Yes! It's an all new podcast! We'll be doing a weekly recap of DFG here along with our regular weekly episodes of GymCastic. If you already subscribe to GymCastic on iTunes and Stitcher, you'll see DFG in your existing feed. In this week's recap of DFG, Jessica, Spencer and Spanny discuss our hopes and fears for this long-awaited series: Gym Nerdy: we want footage from the national team training camp and lots of behind-the-scenes at meets. The Brand vs. The Person: we hope to see the real Gabby. Taboos: Money, the pitfalls of the family running Gabby's business and love life. Addressing the Scandals: will the decision to leave her Olympic coach, Chow, or the real story behind Excalibur come up during the show? Or will we have to wait for Natalie to write her tell-all book? The Sexy People: we hope to see lots of Christian Gallardo and Coach Fernando in the gym and out. And of course, a drinking game. RELATED LINKS Watch the first episode of Douglas Family Gold here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup 191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships 104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships 176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show 175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships 174: Live Show - Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships 173: Women's All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 172: Men's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 171: Women's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships 170: Women's Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships 169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
5/23/2016 • 25 minutes, 34 seconds
197: Betty Okino
THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Betty Okino escaped an assassination attempt as a child, has two skills named after her in the Code of Points, won an Olympic medal just six years after her very first gymnastics class, was 5' 1" tall during the Barcelona Games, danced for Destiny's Child with Beyonce, acted in movies and televsion, is a polyglot, was the first black female gymnast to win an Olympic medal along with Dominque Dawes in 1992. Betty was one of the famed "Karolyi's Six-Pack" (nickname for his elite training squad in the 90's) era gymnasts who dominated US gymnastics after the Mary Lou Retton years. As an Afro-Romanian-refugee-dancer turned Olympian, and now as a gymnastics choreographer she has a uniquely-positioned perspective on the sport. We chatted on March 21st and discussed: Her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show where she defended the training methods of Bela Karyoli after the expose Little Girls in Pretty Boxes came out. Her thoughts on the issues around athlete welfare that McKayla Maroney brought up in her interview with us. Her refugee story: Why her family had to escape Uganda Romanian speaker: What she overheard in those days when Bela and Marta didn't know she could speak Romanian Examples of the technical genius we hear so much about in Marta Karolyi. Advantages and disadvantages of being part of the famous Karyolyi Six-Pack. Injuries: Did the doctors ever warn her about what could happen from competing with a fractured back? The state of artistry in gymnastics, judging and what can be done to encourage artistry in the code. GUEST LINKS Betty can choreograph your routine or give specific skill feedback. Contact her via Precision Choreography. Follow her official Instagram here or find her on Facebook. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 148: Shannon Miller 187: McKayla Maroney Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake Episode 28: Kristen Maloney Episode 31: Elise Ray Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 113: Junior & Senior Women’s Finals from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh, plus an Interview with Kim Zmeskal Burdette 177: Stella Umeh Episode 22: Beth Tweddle Episode 48: Kyla Ross RELATED ARTICLES Will it Ever Be Good Enough? I Spent Too Much Time Being Embarrassed by My Bronze by Betty's Olympic teammate, Wendy Bruce The Last King of Scotland movie about Idi Amin's violent dictatorship in Uganda. The Obote Clan rule in Uganda. Syrian refugee crisis explained. MORE WAYS TO LISTEN
5/18/2016 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 22 seconds
151: Danell Leyva
June 2015 Best of Episode The artist, Danell Leyva joins us this week. Known for his flair on every event, he also stands out as a staunch nonconformist. Revealing photos of Danell were tweeted during the London Olympics. He was nonplused and casually took home bronze in the all-around. He was passionately opposed to the gay discrimination laws passed earlier this year in Indiana and supported his teammate, Josh Dixon in calling for an immediate change of venue for the national championships in Indianapolis. We talked on the day the FIG released the new qualification rules for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We discuss (please note that all time stamps in parentheses are "ish") : Danell's transformation from passive peacemaker to playground scrapper. Celebrities who smoked cigars in the arena during the Olympics. The financial importance of a national team spot (34:00). Which vaults hurt and which vaults make his body feel good. How he has stayed surgery and medication free all these years (26:00) Tim Daggett (16:00) Cuban defectors at the Pan Am Games (19:00) Gay marriage and moving the P&G Championships out of Indiana (21:00) The Cuban-Soviet system parents, Yin and Maria implement at his gym, Universal (31:00). Conspiracy theories and growing up Cuban (42:00) Photo scandal and why it wasn't a big deal (48:00) What he thinks of Oleg Vernaiev, Epke Wonderland and Paul Hamm as a coach (1:00:00). The back injury that almost took him out of the Nanning event finals (1:04:00) What made him instantly get over his infamous face smashing high bar routine that took an all-around world championship away from him in 2011 (1:10:00). His childhood as the kid a) who couldn't jump and b) was always walking directly in front of someone mid-flip (1:17:00) Why Yeessooo had to become a catchphrase before Yin's reputation was ruined forever (1:22:00). Why his mom, Maria, said he'd be fat or in jail if it wasn't for gymnastics. His brief history as a pacific turned playground street fighter (1:33:00). The real reason for the brief downfall of his gymnastics after the 2012 Olympics and his relationship status (1:37:00). The new FIG Rules allowing four member teams plus two individual event specialists from qualifying countries. How the new rules will change his strategy going into World Cup competition. Follow Danell on Twitter or Instagram Catching up with Danell Leyva at the Winter Cup Yeessooo Apparel 138: Prince Emyre Cole 139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee 137: Lady Lisa Mason 132: It’s Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics 116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap 115: Kenzo Shirai 72: John Orozco Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny’s Athlete Oath, Making Men’s Gymnastics More Popular Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring Episode 35: Jake Dalton Episode 40: Michigan’s Stacey Ervin
5/11/2016 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 57 seconds
196: The Romanian Situation
This week we talk about the
state of Romanian gymnastics with native Romanian and editor of
The Couch Gymnast,
Bea:
Coaches Octavian Belu and Maria
Bitang make 1,841
USD/month while gymnasts
Bulimar and Iordache get 460 USD/month
False reports that Diana Bulimar
had quit (6:15)
What happened at the press
conference (9:24)
Rio Selection Process: who is in
the running and how they will be chosen.
Will Romania ever hire a bars
coach?!
Listener questions:
What is the status of
the nationwide star search and development program?
Can failure of the gymnastics
team be blamed on problems in the country generally?
When Romanians appeared semi-nude
in a Japanese gymnastics video: What happened from the
gymnasts point of view when they arrived in Japan to film
(39:52).
Related Links
Romanian sports journalist, Gazeta Sporturilor sums up the
country's sports situation at the high level. It is called
“Democracy
Kills”
Help GymCastic writer, Taylor
spread the gym nerd love at Dar
Es Salaam Gymnastics Club in Tanzania, send leos
and chalk donations by May 13th to: Taylor Anderson, 2618 San
Miguel Drive Box 625, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
Support us!
Join Club Gym
Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts
here.
195: Feedback & Rio Test Event with Coach Rick
A closer look at the Trinidad and
Tobago gymnastics controversy
194: Rio Test Event and 2016 NCAA Championships
Your 2016 NCAA Individual Event Champions in Videos
193: Russian, Pac Rim, British Championships and Miss Val on
Do-Over Gate
Getting to the Games: A
Test Event Guide
What you missed from
Pac Rims podium training
192:
Regionals, Doha and Cottbus
5/4/2016 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 31 seconds
195: Feedback and MAG Rio Test Event with Coach Rick
In the News
This week we are so happy to have
Canadian, coach, brevet judge (inactive) and the most interesting
gymnastics man in the world, Coach Rick Skype-ing in from Brazil
with Jessica, and
Uncle Tim to
chat about:
The men's competition at the Rio
Test Event including Germany, Ukraine and Coach Rick's homeland,
Canada.
Reports after the test event said there were
serious safety issues, what
does Coach Rick think Rio needs to do to prepare
(11:50).
Cultural bias, American expectations and safety
in developing countries; Podrão, Rio bridge
collapse, the 1997 Maccabiah Games bridge collapsed and
subsequent convictions.
Listener Nicholas suggests
bringing limited compulsories back as part of the team score to
balance out the big D's.
Gymternet News
Our weekly roundup of the latest
news stories from around the gymternet include (27:00):
USA Gymnastics's
docu-series Made in
America review and preview of next week's episode.
Who was invited but didn't give
an interview
Trinidad & Tobago update four
members of the federation have resigned. Here is the chronology
of this mess.
Diana Bulimar (ROM) is not
retiring.
Aimee Boorman, coach of
Simone Biles, is seeking clearance from the FIG after
Uncle Tim pointed out the lyrics in Simone's floor music on
last week's show.
Inappropriate Faces: A
draft of the WAG Code of
Points cites this as a deductible offense *insert incredulous face
here*
Listener Feedback:
Why aren't extensive pauses
before tumbling passes deducted?
Why are yurchenko double back's considered for woman and
can we really judge safety and bone density from gender or
ethnicity (41:00)?
Why don't men use music in their
floor routines? Canada allows this (1:03:54)!
A dancer thinks artistry is
better left out of artistic gymnastics.
This ridiculousness of the
man-wipe, a video
Attrition rates matter! Listener
thoughts on allegations of abuse by the Penn State coaches.
Recruits should ask about graduations rates and how many
athletes left the program before reaching their senior year on the
team.
A must
listen for every gymnast, coach
and Taylor
Lindsey Noel an elite who was injured and paralyzed when
her coach argued with her for an hour about trying a new dismount
without a pit. She's a gifted story teller and still an athlete to
her core (47:00).
Club Gym Nerd
Giveaway: Club members automatically entered to win
six times per year; super gym nerdy things. April's prize is an
adult small, exclusive, not
available for purchase anywhere, P&G Championships leo.
Join Club Gym
Nerd by April 30th to win.
Support us!
Join Club Gym
Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts
here.
Related Episodes
87: McKayla
Maroney
Episode
56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
Episode
33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
163: ENOUGH
Episode 34: Rick
McCharles
A closer look at the Trinidad and
Tobago gymnastics controversy
Your 2016 NCAA Individual Event Champions in Videos
194: Rio Test Event and 2016 NCAA Championships
176:
Worlds Wrap-Up Show
175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World
Championships
174: Live Show - Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from
2015 World Championships
173: Women's All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World
Championships
172: Men's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
171: Women's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World
Championships
170: Women's Qualifying Recap from 2015 World
Championships
169:
Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
Watch
Glasgow Worlds LIVE!
How to Get Your Favorite Gymnast to the 2016 Rio Olympics [A
Flowchart]
4/26/2016 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 16 seconds
194: Rio Test Event and 2016 NCAA Championships
Flávia Saraiva of Brazil (left, photo by FIG) and Nina McGee University of Denver (right, photo byChristy Linder)
In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, Spencer, and Jessica chat about:
Recap of the Olympic Test Event in Rio; the final Olympic qualifier! (2:00)
Trinidad and Tobago team drama once again. Thema Williams was pulled at the last minute and replaced by Marissa Dick, but this time Thema's coach, John Geddart, may be to blame. Read his leaked emails here. (34:15)
What does Rio need to fix before the gymnasts arrive for the Olympics in August; the list is long. (50:03)
2016 NCAA Gymnastics Championships recap (1:05:00)
Men's NCAA Championships highlights (1:44:45)
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Penn State has zero gymnasts in its senior class. We discuss The Daily Collegian's expose alleging abuse by coaches Jeff and Rachelle Thompson. (1:58:00)
Louis Smith apologizes for complaining about scoring.
Russia says the women's team stopped taking Meldonium a long time ago because it didn't have the desired results.
Shawn Johnson got married.
We are obsessed with this Spanish gymnastics promo video.
Help us pay the bills!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
Your 2016 NCAA Individual Event Champions in Videos
193: Russian, Pac Rim, British Championships and Miss Val on Do-Over Gate
Getting to the Games: A Test Event Guide
What you missed from Pac Rims podium training
192: Regionals, Doha and Cottbus
Which Intro Video Won 2016?
4/20/2016 • 2 hours, 17 minutes, 54 seconds
193: Part 2 of 2 Miss Val on Do-Over Gate and Gymternet News
In Part Two of this week's episode, UCLA head coach, Miss Val, wanted to clear the air about the do-overs. She talks to Uncle Tim about:
The do-overs:
Why did Sonya Meraz get to restart both her beam and floor routine?
What went on behind the scenes when Katelyn Ohashi got a beam do-over after her terrifying crash?
Her side of the Sabrina Schwab ending up at Utah.
The need for a recruiting calendar with blackout dates, and how schools with smaller budgets get screwed in recruiting.
Coaching through grief and trauma: how Sadiqua Bynum made it from a walk-on through multiple achillies repairs and the death of her brother in her sophomore year to a senior scholarship athlete who was consistently ranked in the top 10 on floor this year.
In Part Two (19:20) our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet beings:
USA Gymnastics reveals it's own documentary series, Made in America
Maggie Nichols injured her mensicus on an Amanar and required surgery.
The next FIG president might be Japanese.
Danell Leyva at Miami Pride
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
Getting to the Games: A Test Event Guide
151: Danell Leyva
Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits
Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics
Episode 6: New Vault Code, Gymnastics in the Media & Jonathan X-Games Horton
75: Classic Episode - UCLA's Miss Val
133: Interview - Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Making Men's Gymnastics More Popular
116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap
Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics
Watch Charlotte Drury: Flying Towards Rio (USA Trampoline, Olympic Hopeful)
4/13/2016 • 40 minutes, 12 seconds
193: Part One Russian, Pac Rim, British Championships
In Part One of this weeks' show Jessica, Uncle Tim, Katie Foster and Nico chat about:
Russian National Championships recap with a Russian speaker (Thanks, Nico!):
Angelina Melnikova is the new Russian champ but could Maria Kharenkova or Seda Tutkhalyan take the last spot on the Russian Olympic team?
Aliya Mustafina's return to competition
Why you are going to fall in love with Varvara Zubova even harder after this beam routine.
Pac Rim Championships (26:17):
Why the USA Gymnastics live stream with hosts, Evan Heiter, Sam Peszek and Jonathan Horton was one billion times better than the NBC Live Extra broadcast, and why the producers of Live Extra should be forced to do push-ups while Nastia Liukin stands on them in her Louboutins.
What we thought of Simone's new floor routine and our concerns over the lyrics
Which US team members improved their chances for their place on the Olympic team.
What the Australian team's performance here says about their chances at the Test Event.
Why Eddie Penev stole the show in the men's competition.
British Championships special report from British Gymnastics live stream analyst, Katie Foster (1:03:30):
All the details, skills and routines from the meet.
Why Disability Floor Champion Natasha Coates is amazing.
Is the British press blowing Max Whitlock's chances of beating Kohei out of proportion?
Pommel Horse showdown: was Louis robbed again (he's robbed so often! He needs to buy a pommel horse alarm system at this point).
In Part Two of this week's episode, UCLA head coach, Miss Val, wanted to clear the air about the do-overs. She talks to Uncle Tim about:
The do-overs:
Why did Sonya Meraz get to restart both her beam and floor routine?
What went on behind the scenes when Katelyn Ohashi got a beam do-over after her terrifying crash?
Her side of the Sabrina Schwab ending up at Utah.
The need for a recruiting calendar with blackout dates, and how schools with smaller budgets get screwed in recruiting.
Coaching through grief and trauma: how Sadiqua Bynum made it from a walk-on through multiple achillies repairs and the death of her brother in her sophomore year to a senior scholarship athlete who was consistently ranked in the top 10 on floor this year.
In Part Two (19:20) our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet beings:
USA Gymnastics reveals it's own documentary series, Made in America
Maggie Nichols injured her mensicus on an Amanar and required surgery.
The next FIG president might be Japanese.
Danell Leyva at Miami Pride
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
Getting to the Games: A Test Event Guide
151: Danell Leyva
Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits
Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics
Episode 6: New Vault Code, Gymnastics in the Media & Jonathan X-Games Horton
75: Classic Episode - UCLA's Miss Val
133: Interview - Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Making Men's Gymnastics More Popular
116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap
Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics
Watch Charlotte Drury: Flying Towards Rio (USA Trampoline, Olympic Hopeful)
4/13/2016 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 40 seconds
192: NCAA Regionals, Doha World Cup and Cottbus Highlights
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer from the Balance Beam Situation, and Jessica chat about:
How to watch Pacific Rim Championships from anywhere in the world (3:45)
NCAA Regionals (8:15)
The heartbreak the terror, the need for warning labels and a recap from every regional
Our favorite individuals going to NCAAs and superstars who didn't make it
War on the Floor - Lindsay Mable vs. Nina McGee in Minnesota
Why the regional format SUCKS and needs to be changed immediately
Doha World Cup (1:08:00)
Catalina Ponor wins gold on BB
Bai Yawen competed on a futuristic beam that certainly was the cause of her almost fall
Women's and LGBT human rights issues in Quatar
How are the Romanian women looking heading into the Test Event
Manrique Larduet of Cuba
Cottbus (1:15:24)
Lisa Top proves the Dutch can do more than spin
Is Oksana Chusovitina changing her strategy to qualify for Rio
Dominick Cunningham (GBR) insane new floor pass.
Oleg Verniaiev update
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet includes (1:22:00):
The Pacific Rim Championships team for the US
Popa, Adlerteg, Hambuchen, Epke, Yang and Komova all injured.
Olympic ticket sales low
Meldonium update
Valentina Rodionenko says the Russian team stopped taking the drug in August
European champion Nikolai Kuksenkov tested positive at Russian Nationals and says they took meldonium "like vitamins"
1984 Olympic all-around champ, Mary Lou Retton and her self-described thunder thighs has undergone 19 surgeries!
Josh Dixon on the importance of being an out athlete and why the post-Olympic tour should also be sponsored by PFlag.
Help us pay the bills!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
RJ and his subway sandwiches have won two all-session passes to the Pac Rim Championships to watch Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Brenna Dowell, Ashton Locklear, Laurie Hernandez and Ragan Smith in person! Watch his entries and our honorable mentions here.
The Choreography Conversation: Sophina's Viral Routine
191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships
McKayla Maroney's Coaches Respond
190: Maroney's Coaches Respond, Do-Overs, Drug Tests, Glasgow and Gymnix
189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup
188: Kyla Moves On, Concussions, Baku and American Cup Preview
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
89: Everybody Loves Raymond! Pacific Rim, Men's NCAA Championships, plus a Russian Championships/Tokyo World Cup recap DO OVER!
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
Watch the Doha 2016 video playlist on YouTube here.
Watch the Cottbus 2016 video playlist on YouTube here.
4/6/2016 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 30 seconds
60: Terin Humphrey
Above - World Champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, and two time NCAA Champion, Officer Terin Humphrey.
This week in meet news: Larisa Iordache pulls out both fulls on beam at Elite Gym Massilia but first year British senior Claudia Fragapane stole the show, yet another World Champion for the US, as Brandon Krzynefski wins in tumbling, NCAA signing day excitement happened here, while Catalina Ponor was adorable with her boyfriend for the Gala de Estrellas de Gimnasia series in Mexico.
Around the Gymternet we chat about: Al Trautwig going semi-postal on a Tweeter; Jessica tells her leotard injury story; gymnastics' answer to Batkid, Faith Falzon who's wish to compete in a gymnastics meet came true; video of Simone Biles double double off beam, Aly Raisman training and Jordyn Weiber's new release and a scary new study about a possible carcinogens in pits.
Our lovely guest this week is Terin "I'm a very honest person" Humphrey. Oh, is she ever! She told us about conditions at The Ranch back in the day, what it was like having Courtney McCool as a training partner, surviving the injury plagued 2003 World Championships, why the treatment of alternates should be changed, navigating college recruiting in an inhospitable club environment, how she was informed of her retirement from Alabama, being burnt-out, partying and wanting to be normal, what being the athlete rep for USA Gymnastics entails, how disputes are resolved within the selection committee, what she thought- Brenna Dowell's experience in Antwerp, those infamous GAGE leos, the Code, Memmell's petition denial in 2012, sweaty feet on bars and finally in this round of Gymternet Myth-busters we find out just what ethnicity Miss Humphrey really is!
More
Results from the episode 50 Gym Nerd Poll
Our Chellsie Memmel interview
Our Laurie Hernandez interview
This week's video playlist
3/30/2016 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 59 seconds
191: Jesolo, Stuttgart and NCAA Conference Championships
This week Olympic medalist, World Champion and NCAA Champion, Sam Peszek, along with Evan Heiter, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about:
NCAA Conference Championships:
Pac-12 Championships: what went wrong for Utah, why people are freaking about UCLA's insane beam team and Arizona State's emotional Olympic meet.
What's it's like for Sam to be on the other side of the camera as an analyst (19:50)
Elizabeth Price (Ebee) and the vault
The sad truth about first-up sacrificial lamb of college gymnastics rotations.
Sam responds to our in-depth discussion in episode 185 about whether or not Sophia de Jesus could do her college choreography in elite. (22:00)
Gym Myth Busters: do judges really score higher later in the day. (37:00)
SEC Championships (40:35): Florida won, but could Alabama or LSU take them out at NCAAs?
How did the end of the meet get conspiracy theorists buzzing; and what really happened? (42:50)
Who was the overshadowed star of the first session/ had best meet of her life? Spoiler alert, Brandi Jay of Georgia.
Battle of Gymternet Love at Regional will be Big 10 all-around champ Lindsay Mable vs. Nina McGee (52:00)
Which team has the best bar routines that you have never, ever seen. (55:00)
Jesolo (59:00)
How Gabby and her upgrades are coming along
Why Italian gymnastics fans are the best!
Marta is soooo excited for her retirement.
The Jesolo Bee
How Ragan Smith and Laurie Hernandez are making a case for the Olympic team
Carlotta Ferlitto's beam crash
Aly Raisman's uncharacteristic fall on vault.
Stuttgart (1:16:00)
What this told us about the status of the Russian Olympic team
Oleg and the Ukranians
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (1:25:45):
The Bronze movie review
Thema Williams is going to the Test Event! Suck it slut-shamers!
Valentina Rodionenko says Russia will have no meldonium problems.
Aliya Mustafina not likely to compete at nationals
Catalina Ponor and Diana Bulimar's new floor routines
U.S. Men sweep a meet and wear cowboy hats
English Championships
What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10 How: Hold a mock press conference as if you have won the contest. Record yourself (or friend, pet, stuffed animal etc.) answering any question as if you have won. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #PacRimPC (PC as in press conference). One entry per day. Use these questions to get you started:
What does this win mean to you?
What were your goals coming into this contest?
As a superfan, the expectations are high, what kind of fan shenanigans do you have planned for the meet?
With this win, have you silenced the haters?
Deadline: April 3rd
McKayla Maroney's Coaches Respond
190: Maroney's Coaches Respond, Do-Overs, Drug Tests, Glasgow and Gymnix
189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup
188: Kyla Moves On, Concussions, Baku and American Cup Preview
187: McKayla Maroney
186: Amanda Borden
185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
Ages of Pre-Olympic World Medalists
184: Chow Loves Bush
Episode 16 with special guest Sam Peszek
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
3/23/2016 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 29 seconds
190: Part 3 of 3 Test Event Terror, NCAA Do-Overs and Drugs Tests
We are trying something new this week. The show has been broken into three parts for your enjoyment; Netflix binge style. Listen to all the three parts sequentially or pick the subject you want to start with first. Tell us what you think of this experiment.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Spanny, and Jessica chat about:
Part Three of three episode 190 podcasts:
NCAA:
Oklahoma of the West Coast: Cal Berkeley, the little brainiac school that could.
Why Stanford, the best team on paper, could end up out of the NCAA Championships
(3:00) Sonya Meraz (UCLA) was allowed to repeat her beam routine after a fall when the judge reviewed video and saw a camera light during the crash. Do the rules really allow for this?
(19:45) Pac12 Network worker walks onto the vault runway during warmups. Jessica loses her mind, demands punishment and firing.
Is a gift of a 10 for a career where many 10s were not given ok?
Gymternet News (31:00)
Test Event horror (33:30):
Can Romania make it to the Olympics with star, Larisa Iordache out with a broken finger?!
(39:43) Australia loses our beloved Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton to an ACL injury one day after she was named to the Test Event team.
Meldonium, the endurance drug (46:00):
A TON of gymnasts tested positive for the newly banned drug Meldonium at Euros in Baku, back in October 2015 before it was banned in January of 2016.
We dig deep into the facts vs rumors about its use in gymnastics.
Tatiana Nabieva's volunteers to take over for the Rodionovas (we accept!)
Giulia Steingruber's "The Hard Way To Success" episode was striking when compared to the conditions shown in this short video on India's Dipa Karmakar.
The Washington Post made a major factual error in a story on gymnastics and don't give enough of a crap about their integrity to fix it.
(1:04:00)The American roster for Jesolo has been confirmed and you can watch legally for free in the U.S. by using a VPN. Our listeners like Hola and Tunnel Bear.
Feedback (01:10:00): listener puts the criticism of Gabby's hair into the context of African-American beauty and criticism of young people living life in the public eye.
Contest Alert!
What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest
Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10
How: Hold a mock press conference as if you have won the contest. Record yourself (or friend, pet, stuffed animal etc.) answering any question as if you have won. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #PacRimPC (PC as in press conference). One entry per day.
Watch samples on our Instagram or use these questions to get you started:
What does this win mean to you?
What were your goals coming into this contest?
As a superfan, the expectations are high, what kind of fan shenanigans do you have planned for the meet?
With this win, have you silenced the haters?
Deadline: April 3rd
Related Links
Ages of Pre-Olympic World Medalists
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
187: McKayla Maroney
189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
143: The Return of Gabby Douglas
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
3/16/2016 • 1 hour, 15 minutes
190: Part 2 of 3 Maroney's Coaches Respond and Gymnix Recap
We are trying something new this week. The show has been broken into three parts for your enjoyment; Netflix binge style. Listen to all the three parts sequentially or pick the subject you want to start with first. Tell us what you think of this experiment.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Spanny, and Jessica chat about:
Part Two of Three podcasts:
McKayla Maroney's coaches, Artur and Galina, responded to her interview with us. See the photos they sent with their response here.
Gymnix (5:00):
Mini-World Championships level gymnastics; better than junior Euros; hands-down the best Gymnix ever.
Varvara Zubova (RUS): Her form isn't perfect yet, but the 1970's Soviet-esque pixie sent to the future with junior Komova-ish difficulty and Eythora fluidity turned heads. Watch her beam here.
Onysko leading Canada and the Belgian seniors team win
Contest Alert!
What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest
Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10
How: Hold a mock press conference as if you have won the contest. Record yourself (or friend, pet, stuffed animal etc.) answering any question as if you have won. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #PacRimPC (PC as in press conference). One entry per day.
Watch samples on our Instagram or use these questions to get you started:
What does this win mean to you?
What were your goals coming into this contest?
As a superfan, the expectations are high, what kind of fan shenanigans do you have planned for the meet?
With this win, have you silenced the haters?
Deadline: April 3rd
Related Links
Ages of Pre-Olympic World Medalists
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
187: McKayla Maroney
189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
143: The Return of Gabby Douglas
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
3/16/2016 • 12 minutes, 49 seconds
190: Part 1 of 3 Glasgow World Cup
We are trying something new this week. The show has been broken into three parts for your enjoyment; Netflix binge style. Listen to all the three parts sequentially or pick the subject you want to start with first. Tell us what you think of this experiment.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Spanny, and Jessica chat about:
Part One of Three podcasts today:
How to hold a gym nerd's mock press conference.
The Glasgow World Cup recap (7:00)
MyKayla Skinner's new floor routine.
Ellie Seitz's new Latin-flavored floor.
If the British can up their medal haul from London based on their performances here.
What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest
Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10
How: Hold a mock press conference as if you have won the contest. Record yourself (or friend, pet, stuffed animal etc.) answering any question as if you have won. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #PacRimPC (PC as in press conference). One entry per day.
Watch examples on our Instagram or use these questions to get you started:
What does this win mean to you?
What were your goals coming into this contest?
As a superfan, the expectations are high, what kind of fan shenanigans do you have planned for the meet?
With this win, have you silenced the haters?
Deadline: April 3rd
Related Links
Ages of Pre-Olympic World Medalists
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here
Related Episodes:
187: McKayla Maroney
189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
143: The Return of Gabby Douglas
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
3/16/2016 • 30 minutes, 56 seconds
189: Blinded by the Swag 2016 American Cup
In the news, NCAA Champion and former US men's national team member, Stacey Ervin joins Uncle Tim, Lauren, and Jessica chat about:
Why the American Cup and NBC's coverage of it, sucks so hard (1:07:45).
Our favorite routines or moments from the American Cup and Nastia Cup:
Carlotta Ferlito floor performance and elegance.
This genius routine from Helen Hu
The best vault of the weekend from Rachael Lukcas
Tabea Alt's (GER) bad ass side aerial loso loso beam routine glory.
Tisha Vollman's (NED) pandering but extremely well done ode to Brazil floor choreography.
Gabby Douglas won her second but first official win at the American Cup, her wisdom despite Marta questioning her preparation, Jess's concerns about her vault technique.
Instructions for the national anthem : what not to do. (21:00)
Maggie Nichols
New beam routine and it's many many wolf turns.
(40:00) Can Maggie's increased difficulty beat Gabby or will Gabby throw everything at the last minute before Rio.
How the hell was Carlotta Ferlitio's E score on floor lower than Maggie's - an analysis
The politics of African American hair and stupid gymternet comments (31:00)
Men's American Cup and the Elite Team Cup
Stacey gives us insight into the why this was a complete splat-fest
What was wrong with the floor?!
(48:40) Would John Orozco's score from the Elite Team Cup really beaten Kato
Why the men's Elite Team Cup was better than the American Cup
(1:01:31) Stacey almost got a neutral deduction for doing "the dab" during his elite floor routine.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
(1:20:00) Simone was finally on Ellen!
(1:23:00)The Under Armour gymnastics commercial featuring an all white team: We know Aly, Gabby and Simone can't do the commercial because they are signed to other contracts! We are talking about the lack of diversity! Gymnastics isn't dominated by white girls!
Aliya with a gun - it was a live escape game prop.
Douglas Family Gold has an official Facebook page, Oyxgen network premiers May 25th. We can't wait!
(1:28:51) Stacey Ervin shares his wardrobe malfunction moment during a floor routine.
Thema Williams Trinidad Olympic level slut shaming update. The T&T gymnastics federation are looking pretty bad right now.
Your feedback on concussions and questions about tumbling finish positions.
NCAA News
(1:36:35) What we have heard from insiders about why ASU coach, Rene Lyst was put on indefinite administrative leave.
"Boob-Tape Olympics" the NCAA meet where every team had backless bras:
Stanford beat Georgia who beat UCLA
Brittany Rogers and Danusia Francis earned well deserved 10 on vault.
Ebee officially robbed of a 10 twice in one meet! A judge literally ran out the door with two tens under her arm. We have called the gymnastics police.
What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest
Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10
How: Hold a mock press conference as if you have won the contest. Record yourself (or friend, pet, stuffed animal etc.) answering any question as if you have won. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #PacRimPC (PC as in press conference). One entry per day.
Example: Pretending you have won and are at a press conference held in your honor, "I'm so happy I won! I'm going to take best friend because she's obsessed with Simone Biles and Coach Aimee's hair"
Sample Questions:
What does this win mean to you?
What were your goals coming into this contest?
As a superfan, the expectations are high, what kind of fan shenanigans do you have planned for the meet?
With this win, have you silenced the haters?
Deadline: April 3rd
Chris Rock's documentary about African American hair.
Under Armour sponsors African American ballerina, Misty Copeland. Watch this fascinating documentary on her rise to prima status.
Support us!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
3/8/2016 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 35 seconds
188: Kyla Moves On, Concussions, Baku and American Cup Preview
Kyla Ross by Christy Linder
Dr. Caroline Just (00:01:15) She studied psychology and neuroscience in university, and then went to medical school at McMaster University. She is currently in the middle of her training as a neurology resident physician in London, Ontario, Canada. She has an interest in preventative medicine and public health awareness. She talked to us about concussions in gymnastics:
Euphemisms for concussions from "rocked," "shaken up," "bell rung," "loopy" to "seeing stars."
Second Impact Syndrome
Blain Wilson's 2004 Olympic fall and all of the euphemisms that were used to describe his traumatic brain injury.
Best Practices for for coaches, parents and teammates:
ANY head injury during practice or a meet should be investigated with a concussion checklist, because if you keep going without it, the second concussion could make things much worse. Print out a checklist and put it on the wall of the gym or download the Heads Up App
Take Tylenol not aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naproxen or Aleve.
Most concussions resolve within two weeks, but if you don’t go through the appropriate steps, waiting to be symptom-free for 24 hours before you advance stages, you risk not healing properly, which increases risk of long-term neurocognitive symptoms
Go see a doctor if you are worried! It’s pretty unlikely that the doctor will tell you to quit, or to take a long break.
Doctors are required, in most states and provinces, to inform authorities if the welfare of a child is in danger, including by coaches. If you think a coach is negligent – don’t be silent. Get parents involved, get head coaches involved, get athletic directors involved. The right people will take this very seriously.
Gymnasts are tough. They are used to focusing on the goal and working through the pain. However, sometimes the toughest thing is to do what is right for your health, or your friend’s health. It’s better to miss the meet than miss the season, or miss out on your life.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about:
Gymternet News (23:37):
Is it a surprise that Kyla Ross has retired from elite?
Bryestians finally hired some bar coaches!
Olympic Champion Alexi Nemov was in a street fight in Russia
Shawn Johnson is writing a young adult novel
International assignments from camp!
Trinidad & Tobago gymnasts are being slut shamed by an anonymous complainer and their own federation.
Is the Under Armour commercial amazing, exploitative or just a missed opportunity to showcase the diversity of US gymnasts.
Rio Test Event news and the Zika virus, shouldn't everyone be warned, not just pregnant women?
Meet News (1:04:43):
Baku World Cup: our thoughts on Flavia's beam and new floor routine.
Winter Cup: Why do they have this meet and do Kenzo and Kohei just watch the live stream and laugh?
Storylines to watch at this weekends American Cup!
NCAA Roundup (1:33:46) with Spencer including Nicki Shaprio's "play it off" moment and Nikki Guerrero's excellent save on beam
USA Gymnastics University has concussion materials here as well as a list of concussion safety laws.
Help us pay out bills!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
T-shirt Design Contest Winners:
Winner #1 FlipFlyTumble for "The Princess"
Winner #2 Romina Castellini for "Bilingual"
Return to Gymnastics Following Concussion (International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Vol 9, No.2, April 2014, Pg. 242)
187: McKayla Maroney
186: Amanda Borden
185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned)
148: Shannon Miller
63: Doctor Larry Nassar
3/2/2016 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 43 seconds
186: Amanda Borden
Olympic gold medalist, Amanda Borden
The smiliest gymnastics queen in all the land visited Uncle Tim this week. On the 20th anniversary of her Olympic gold, the commentator, gym owner, coach and member of the Magnificent Seven, Amanda Borden, chatted about (01:15:10):
Why that forward shoulder roll in 1992 compulsory beam routine was so hard
Whether or not horrific fall replays should be shown on TV
Committing to the University of Georgia; going pro and never leaving home for training
Her thoughts on the gymnastics fans theory that Mary Lee Tracey has an injury curse
If NCAA coaches should ditch the ties and heels and rock a warmup suit like elite coaches
Being one of Mary Lee Tracy’s first stars and learning to navigate that elite world together
The significance of female head coaches winning the first team Olympic gold medal
Jessica, Spanny and Lauren have your weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet:
Uncle Tim's major news (forgive us this indulgence, we are really excited for him)
Beth Tweddle broke her neck on a reality show but she's up and walking
Orozco won the all-around in his first competition back after his second Achilles tear
Chusovitina killed it at the WOGA Classic. Proving that age is nothing but a number and we have the data to prove it
Ages of Pre-Olympic World Medalists
(11:30) Sophia de Jesus's floor routine went viral, like way beyond Lloimincia or any other gymnastics routine we can find.
Spanny broke down just how huge her numbers are.
We analyze why this routine, in particular, broke through.
(24:40) Could Sophina de Jesus do her hip-hop floor choreography in elite? We asked two elite judges. You must hear their answers!
(41:26) NCAA News :
We talk about teams we love who ranked 8-16
Cal's WOGA-ness and throwing every vault in Code
OSU's unique and innovative commitment to artistry
Auburn gymnastics beat Alabama for the first time since 1979
Sacramento State and their robot choreography and insane skills (Ezhova)
Kentucky's Sidney Dukes
Georgia who just beat LSU and Florida!
Agree or Disagree Greg Marsden who said, college meets should stop extended awards ceremonies at the end of a dual-meet.
February is the month of love and what do we love? Gymnastics t-shirts! We are having our very first design contest, and your art could be Gymcastic's newest t-shirt. Submit your best gymnastics themed art to be made into some sweet swag. Grand Prize (x2 Winners): Your design featured on our page, your artwork on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere, and a free t shirt with your design! How to Submit: Post your design on Instagram, Tumblr, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest FAQ and Rules here.
Club Gym Nerd is our way of saying thank you for helping us pay the bills! GymCastic members are automatically entered to win 6 awesomely gym nerdy prizes per year. Members also got the first look at next week's big interview with McKayla Maroney and will get to see the interview in it's entirety, before anyone else. This month, one lucky member will win the exclusive, sold-out, Cloud & Victory Legends sweater.
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Get one of our awesome shirts here.
The Gymnastics Legends Sweatshirt by Cloud&Victory
Precision Choreography Award for Excellence Winners.
Be The Match one of our listeners needs a bone marrow donor.
Make sure to give your breasts a good self exam with this handy reminder.
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
177: Stella Umeh
148: Shannon Miller
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
72: John Orozco
75: Classic Episode - UCLA's Miss Val
AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE
Our first ever commissioned podcast! Club Gym Nerd member, Red, ordered a recap of the 2008 women's Olympic all-around finals with "fairytale expectations as if we didn't know what happened to the competitors." We talk about the medal contenders, the fan favorites, sideline shenanigans, judging flubs, standout skills and routines, with routine play by plays. From Anna Pavlova, Stelliana Nistor, Chusovitina, Jiang Yuyuan, Kesenia Semenova, Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Yang Yinlin; we cover all the juicy details and include leotard fashion reports. Spencer, Uncle Tim and Jessica take you through every last drop.
Club Gym Nerd members support the show and in return are automatically entered to win 6 awesomely gym nerdy prizes per year. This month, one lucky member will win the exclusive, sold-out, Cloud & Victory
Commission your own podcast here.
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Or buy one of our awesome shirts here.
February is the month of love and what do we love? Gymnastics t-shirts! We are having our very first design contest, and your art could be Gymcastic's newest t-shirt. Submit your best gymnastics themed art to be made into some sweet swag.
Grand Prize (x2 Winners): Your design featured on our page, your artwork on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere, and a free t shirt with your design!
How to Submit: Post your design on Instagram, Tumblr, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest FAQ and Rules here.
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 49: Booth on the Alexander Alexandrov Interview
77: Aly Raisman
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney
161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo
Condensed 2008 all-around finals recap here. Anna Pavlova beam video.
2008 Olympian Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs' training partner, Taylor Lindsay-Noel talks about her injury in this video. The way her mother spoke out after the accident, forever changed the way catastrophic injuries are handled in the gymnastics community. These days most federations, coaches and gyms respond immediately to help the gymnast cover medical care and assist the family.
2/10/2016 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 51 seconds
184: Chow Loves Bush
In the gymternet news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, Spanny Tampson and Jessica chat about:
The Bronze trailer got even raunchier and we can't wait for this movie to come out!
Mustafina's bad joke: a photo of her holding a gun to her head
Liang Chow posting photo of himself and his gymnasts holding Jeb Bush signs
American Cup roster updates and why Jesolo is becoming the greatest meet ever.
Our sadness of the lack of camp news.
Lauren's profile on 26 year-old Armenian-American, Houry Gebeshian who could be the first female gymnast ever in the Olympics for Armenia.
(30:00)What kind of themed gymnastics video what Mr Moceanu (Dr. Mike Canales) should do for his 40th birthday with his wife, Dominique Moceanu.
What gymnastics spin is greater than the Temple women's team who turned getting stuck in a blizzard for 30 hours into a team building event.
(00:46:00)Feedback from Angela who thought our discussion of transgender athletes was uninformed, to say the least.
(01:03:00)NCAA NEWS:
Why we love Elizabeth (Ebee) Price
An update on Katelyn Ohashi who, after x-rays came back negative, was revealed to have a fractured sternum after a CT Scan on Wednesday.
Is the Michigan men's dynasty over?
Some of the Florida 10's made us squeal with joy, like Bridget's beam, other's were questionable.
Why Aja Sims got 700 million Spanny points.
The best comeback skill of 2016: hint, Boguinskaya and Nastia argued about it at length.
Why UW is the team we should all be watching.
The most heartbreaking meet we've ever watched: Auburn vs. Arkansas.
February is the month of love and what do we love? Gymnastics t-shirts! We are having our very first design contest, and your art could be Gymcastic's newest t-shirt. Submit your best gymnastics themed art to be made into some sweet swag.
Grand Prize (x2 Winners): Your design featured on our page, your artwork on the bodies of gymnerds everywhere, and a free t shirt with your design!
How to Submit: Post your design on Instagram, Tumblr, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #gymcasticdesigncontest FAQ and Rules here
.
GymCastic members are automatically entered to win 6 awesomely gym nerdy prizes per year. This month, one lucky member with win the exclusive, sold-out, Cloud & Victory Legends sweater.
The Gymnastics Legends Sweatshirt by Cloud&Victory
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
Get one of our awesome shirts here.
183: Front Chicken Dump
182: Triumvirate of Glory
181: Hipster Team 2016
180: Flamethrowers, the must-have accessory for 2016
Remember this show is rated PG 13 for language and discussion of a hook-up in the tv series Orange is the New Black which obviously directly relate to gymnastics, as you will find out in this episode.
2/3/2016 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 35 seconds
183: Front Chicken Dump
The kick-over-front, front-toss, dump, chicken-flip has an actual name, the "Rowe". Gymnast photos by the wonderful Christy Ann Linder of Gym Focus.
In the news, Jessica, Uncle Tim, Spanny Tampson, and Spencer chat about:
Gymternet News:
Russian news: Mustafa is back on bars! Rodionenko announced retirements, but are they all true? And why Russian athletes go to Germany for treatment.
The IOC announced that transgender athletes can now compete without gender reassignment surgery. We wonder how the gymnastics community will react and discuss why the IOC is far ahead of the NCAA when it comes to trans issues.
Grandi says people think he is obsessed with justice. Has his biggest impact in the sport been one of fairness in judging or nah?
A kick-over-front tuck on beam was at one time named after "Rowe" but it's also known by 700 other crazy names. We establish the best name ever (see eponymously named episode)
Listener Feedback (23:00):
NastiaFan101 says we're wrong about Valerie and his WOGAtchev, some of his gymnasts had great tkatchevs.
Jill asks who do we think will replace Marta Karolyi as US Team Coordinator and who should replace her.
Professor Nin took issue with Jessica's implication that people of color are less educated and therefore not eligible for head coaching positions (not what she meant! She was talking about these statistics). The professor goes onto explain what she thinks schools and athletes look for in a prospective college.
NCAA Women's and Men's News:
What made vault world champion, Alicia Sacramone squeal with joy when Ashley Gnat (LSU) competed
The cartoon mouse who makes every Oklahoma home meet worth watching and why.
Which beam rotation was the bleakest this week.
Could Ukraine beat Georgia at anytime if they wanted to?
Why Florida will never remove Bridgey Caquatto from the anchor position on floor and what the television crew thought of her performance.
What kind of amazing things could you accomplish in life if you had a mic-ed up Dana Duckworth in your ear 12 hours a day?
Why gymnastics fans should care about men's gymnastics--Anton Stephenson and Maggie Nichols video, the biggest fashion faux pas in men's college gymnastics and Ethan Lottman for Olympic pommel horse champion.
Should the beam be changed after Katelyn Shashi's terrifying beam fall, and should she have really done her routine again even if she was ok?
USA Today reports that the SEC had half-BILLION in revenue in 2014. Olympic reporter Nancy Armour asks “And athletes aren't getting paid why again???”
Which underdog teams can legitimately contend for a Super Six spot this year? New Hampshire's beam team and Missouri's all-around game are on our radar.
Rage-o-Meter: The Dumbass Award so far goes to Temple University for getting stuck on the highway in a blizzard for 30 hours. Smart move. Nobody saw that surprise blizzard coming.
Gymnastics and Trampoline Scholarship http://www.trampolines.com/pages/jump-ahead-scholarship
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Listener Inbar_Gienger will have this series written into book two of the Lauren Hopkins 2016 trilogy! Congratulations!
Please email us to claim your prize, a copy of Lauren's book, "Finding Our Balance"
182: Triumvirate of Glory
181: Hipster Team 2016
Elites and the NCAA
Take me! The Listener Survey
180: Flamethrowers, the must-have accessory for 2016
#ShowYourScreens Twitter challenge. This is how gym fans roll on Friday night.
We have video recaps of some of your favorite episodes. Here's Nanning Event Finals. Thanks Ms. M for putting these together!
Check out our YouTube Channel with new video summary episodes here.
1/27/2016 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 58 seconds
182: Triumvirate of Glory
Paul Ruggeri, Steve Legendre, Brandon Wynn, Donell Whittenburg, Sam Mikulak, Danell Leyva, Alex Naddour and Jake Dalton (L-R) at training camp in Rio.
In the news, Jessica, Spanny Tampson, and Lauren Hopkins chat about:
The most important innovator on vault of all time, Natalia Yurchenko gave a fantastic interview which made us wonder if more cultural context is needed when commentary is given about the Russian gymnast's sideline
Who we are most excited to see at the American Cup and why Mai Murakami is going to win floor according to Jessica.
NCAA (19:00)
Why aren't there more head coaches of color in the NCAA?
Heroes of the week: Alex Marks (OU), Kennedy Baker (FL), Michaela Gerber (UCLA)
The Yurchenko 1.5 situation
Can someone interpret Charity Jones (OU) floor routine for us?
Which team we'd buy a workout video from because their conditioning is insane!
Gymternet News (49:00)
Afanasyeva has ankle treatment in Munich
Why do all the Russians have to go to Germany for medical care?
Nica Hults got a 10 on beam while Simone Biles cheered like crazy and Chusovitina intimidated the judges at the Texas Prime meet.
The US men wore culturally appropriate bathing suits on their trip to Rio, and shocker, the world responded with joy!
Where we'd send the US women for international training camps like the men have.
What: One lucky listener will have their very own unique skill or routine written into book two of the Lauren Hopkins 2016 trilogy.
How: Tag us in your routine (5 skills) or skill invention with #2016trilogy on our Facebook page or Twitter. For example, "1.5 twisting Shapahnikova catch in reverse grip to immediate Geiger @GymCastic #2016Trilogy"
Prize: A copy of Lauren's book, "Finding Our Balance"
Deadline: Enter by midnight on Sunday, Jan 24th
Support this amazing show!
Join Club Gym Nerd here.
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181: Hipster Team 2016
Elites and the NCAA
Take me! The Listener Survey
180: Flamethrowers, the must-have accessory for 2016
179: Aliya's Ink
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
177: Stella Umeh
1/20/2016 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 38 seconds
181: Hipster Team 2016
D.C. is on our radar! The 2016 George Washington University Gymnastics team scored a 196 to open the season. They are the hipster, underdog team to root for this year. Photo by Carl Cox.[/caption]
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about:
Why Uncle Tim is soooooooo over the NCAA vs. Elite debate.
Which elite superstars we are following in college.
Our top skills, hilarious commentary fails and squeal worthy moments from the first week of full NCAA competition.
Why water bottles should never, ever, ever be on a gym floor. Ever.
Spencer's first "Balance Beam Situation" Code of Points rule.
Which school all the hipster kids will be fan-girling over this year. Haaaai, George Washington with your 196.
Reasons why the rare and hardly ever seen in the wild, side tumbling pass for women should be worshipped and appreciated (Thank you, Sadiqua Bynum of UCLA)
Ebee didn't compete with a concussion.
Banning the WOGAtchev
Sabrina Schwab's (Utah) floor routine.
Nina McGee's 10!
A review of the new vault values in college gymnastics.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Louis Smith's dog exercise video
A listener hypothesizes about senior elite injury issues at Cincinnati Gymnastics
How coach Martin O'Hara was to abuse gymnasts for 20 years before being caught and what the gymnastics community can do to stop this from happening again.
What: It's the Olympic year, time for another amazing GymCastic giveaway. Frequent guest host, Lauren Hopkins of the Gymter.net has released the first in her young adult fiction series, Finding Our Balance. One lucky listener will have their very own unique skill or routine written into book two of the 2016 trilogy.
How: Tag us in you routine (5 skills) or skill invention with #2016trilogy on our Facebook page or Twitter. For example, "1.5 twisting Shapahnikova catch in reverse grip to immediate Geiger @GymCastic #2016Trilogy"
Prize: A copy of Lauren's book, Finding Our Balance.
Deadline: Enter by midnight on Sunday, Jan 24th
Elites in the NCAA data
Take me! The Listener Survey
Safe4Athletes
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146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships
145: Rheagan Courville
144: Counter Kim at Game of Regions 2015
180: Flamethrowers, the must-have accessory for 2016
179: Aliya's Ink
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
177: Stella Umeh
176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show
163: ENOUGH
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque's Amaluna
1/15/2016 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 41 seconds
180: Flamethrowers are the must-have accessory for 2016
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer from The Balance Beam Situation, and Jessica chat about:
A clarification to start the year off : USA Gymnastics did not actively delete Marvin Sharp's name from Bridget Sloan's biography page, it was automatically deleted when his gym became ineligible for sanctioned competition.
Why flamethrowers are the must-have accessory for 2016 and our favorite trends from 2015
American Cup competitors announced while Russia names 90% of it's Olympic team and Romania announces the Rio training squad.
Our thoughts on Shawn Johnson's new wedding-YouTube channel.
Spencer tells us which elites are killing it in NCAA already, which freshman are on his must-watch list and we discuss our hopes and dreams for the new Greg Marsden, Sam Peszek, Alicia Sacramone commentary team.
Lots of listener feedback about:
MyKayala Skinner's use of the N word on twitter
Do we victim blame on the show?
Who won Uncle Tim's Tattoo World Championships in Glasgow
Take our survey! Help us make the show better and pay the bills too. Your opinions matter!
What: It's the new Olympic year, so now is the time for your New Years Gymsolutions. With steady work (and some Brestyan's leg drills) you will be able to do some amazing things by December, 2016.
How: Write your gymnastics resolution with the hashtag #gymsolution2016 on our Facebook page or Twitter. For example, "My #gymsolution2016 is join an adult gymnastics class so I can learn to point my toes like Jake Dalton"
Prize: Finding Our Balance, book one in the 2016 trilogy by Lauren Hopkins of the Gymter.net
Deadline: Sunday, Jan 24th
Join Club Gym Nerd here and get the personalized GymCastic treatment.
Buy one of our awesome shirts here.
179: Aliya's Ink
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
177: Stella Umeh
Classic Episode 142: They Broke Bart Conner
176: Worlds Wrap-Up Show
175: Event Finals Day 2 Recap from 2015 World Championships
174: Live Show - Event Finals Day 1 and MAG All-Around Recap from 2015 World Championships
173: Women's All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
172: Men's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
171: Women's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
170: Women's Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships
169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
Watch Glasgow Worlds LIVE!
1/6/2016 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 44 seconds
137: Lisa Mason Interview
Olympian, Khorkina beater, adult elite, mother and jet pack booty owner, Lisa Mason.
Lady Lisa Mason, as she will be known on this show because she is the owner of the sexiest gymnastics property in the land (AKA, her Instagram), is an Olympian; a World Cup champion; won the British Championships three time in a row; was the youngest British Champion ever and even beat Produnova and Khorkina on Floor at a World Cup on her way to a historic all-around appearance final in Sydney--the first ever for a Brit. She's back, competing again at age 32. Oh, and she has a daughter, goes to night school, works for a living and trains for elite competition yet still finds time to make us laugh with her uncensored tweets. We discuss:
Missing out on the balance beam final at the Sydney Olympics, the vault height debacle, its effect on her to this day, and her opinion of Raducan's ban for taking cold medicine.
How her training has changed over the years, the dance secret that allows her to keep going, adjusting to the new vault table, handling nerves and muscle memory versus strength.
Teen Shenanigans: Sneaking into the Lilleshall gym at night, busking at meets abroad and putting naked teammates into suitcases.
Motherhood: The decision to become a mother (was labor easier because of her 12-pac abs?), post-natal pelvic floor strengthening, why she banned her own mother from meets, and her advice for parents on health and fitness.
Does she ever regret wearing her heart on her sleeve and being so outspoken?
Working at International Gymnastics Camp, which she calls a "Gymnastics Utopia" with waffles for breakfast and the competing in Pro Gymnastics Challenge.
Managing uneven bars despite her jetpack booty acting as a counter weight.
Beating Khorkina and Produnova at the old school World Cup battles where the only a back-to-back routines won gold, and got lifted up on a fork lift.
Training at the Romanian national training center, Deva as a kid, smuggling cheeseburgers to Lavinia Milosovici and that one time Octavian Belu apologized for his gymnast winning the silver medal instead of Lisa.
Loving the American way of life and how it connected her to Australian, Oregon State alum, Olivia Vivian.
Finding the financial resources to pursue her career as an adult.
What to do when the bars come unhinged but you still have to compete.
The beauty and elaborate modesty preservation efforts it took to photograph her naked for Sports Uncovered.
Then, in a GymCastic first she translates her tweets for us, so that we don't have to look everything up on Urban Dictionary.
Follow Lisa on Instagram, Twitter or book her for for stunts or modeling in your next commercial here. Download the Sport magazine app to see the Sports Uncovered raw photo shoots with Lisa, Dan Keatings and Hannah Whelan (no dates have been revealed as of this episode posting).
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 29: Vanessa Zamarripa and Danusia Francis
Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap
1/6/2016 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 4 seconds
179: Aliya's Ink
12/16/2015 • 2 hours, 6 minutes, 55 seconds
138: Prince Emyre Cole
Who's that in the bunny costume? Why it's Winter Cup Prize for Elegance winner, Mr. Emyre Cole.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Evan and Jessica chat about:
LSU putting a whoopin' on Florida where Bridget Sloan returned to competition for the Gators. But Tiger fans are riled up by the bad sportsmanship allegations levied by Faehn and Caquatto. We give you our opinions on the controversey.
Massive scores at Alabama v. Georgia meet with seven 9.9 or above in the first three rotations for the Tide. Meanwhile, Georgia is having their worst start since 1998.
Lindsey "Perfection" Mable moves into first in the all-around ranking this week with a 39.545 RQS (regional qualifying score), but Rheagan "Alpha Tigress" Courville scored a season high of 39.825 at home. We tell you what the RQS means at this point in the season.
The only non-pro gymnast from the Fierce Five, Kyla Ross, committed to UCLA.
Understanding the new four-year-guarantee scholarship rules and what it means for gymnastics teams with more than 12 gymnasts on their roster in 2016. It's not retroactive people!
The comeback is real! Gabby Douglas shows off a new bar combo and a solid standing full in the latest USA Gymnastics video.
Updates on seniors from the latest US National Team camp at the Ranch; Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and even Sabrina Vega.
New gymnastics movie alert! The Bronze, starring Bernadette from Big Bang Theory is getting rave reviews, but not for the dialog.
The Balance Bean Situation Road to Nationals
College Fantasy Gymnastics
USA Gymnastics YouTube Channel
Gymnastics Meets
ManServants.co
Emyre Cole's is also a dancer. Check out his Instagram eb.cole
Emyre Col with coach, Nalani Cook
What this week's video playlist on YouTube here.
115: Kenzo Shirai
Quick Hits: The 2015 Winter Cup - Finals
Catching up with Paul Hamm at the 2015 Winter Cup
Quick Hits: The 2015 Winter Cup - Session 2
Quick Hits: The 2015 Winter Cup – Session 1
Episode 7: Ruggeri, FIG Elections, Geddert on Goodbyes & Halloween Costumes Ideas
Episode 13: Justin Spring
Catching up with Paul Ruggeri
Quick Hits: 2014 Winter Cup Challenge – Finals
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio
Catching up with Jake Dalton at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Quick Hits: 2014 Winter Cup Challenge – Session 2
Quick Hits: 2014 Winter Cup Challenge – Session 1
Adrian de los Angeles: “I think it’s going to be a good year.”
Quick Hits: 2013 Winter Cup - Finals
Catching up with Danell Leyva at the Winter Cup
Catching up with Jake Dalton at the Winter Cup
Quick Hits: 2013 Winter Cup Challenge - Session II
Quick Hits: 2013 Winter Cup Challenge - Session I
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
72: John Orozco
12/16/2015 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 32 seconds
178: Eythora Thorsdottir and Coach Patrick Kiens
Patrick Kiens and Eythora Thorsdottir at the European Youth Olympic Festival in 2013 where she won silver on beam.
This week the girl who's name we have been mispronouncing for years, the magical ethnically Icelandic sprite from the Netherlands, her Dutch majesty, the crown jewel of Holland who makes fans cry with her performance art known as gymnastics, Eythora Thorsdottir is here! (It's pronounced AYE-tora Thor-s-DOT-er by the way.) The Ljubljana World Cup beam champion and her coach, Patrick Kiens, who's musical theater background and genius strategy got Eythora to beam finals in her first world championship talk about:
Eythora:
What kind of attention the Dutch team has received since returning from Glasgow as a Rio qualified team!
Her future career plans in the performing arts and if college gymnastics in the United States is a possibility.
Did she notice the positive response from fans during her coming out party at European Youth Olympic Festival?
Upgrades, Rio plans and her unique style and routine construction on beam.
On being compared to Princess Catherine Lyons.
Does it surprise her that fans cry during her performances?
Training with and learning from the American team, especially Simone (who she adorably calls See-mo-nah)
Was she surprised to make it to the World Beam final in Glasgow?
The advice her coach, Patrick, gave her after her beam final fall.
What she has learned from both the positive and negative experience in the sport so far.
Patrick:
Why one size does not fit: how the Dutch program has changed, why that change was necessary with a small population and how Holland's strategy proves that the code is for everyone.
Lack of depth and limited gymnasts, "Everyone can stretch their knees but not everyone can do a double layout"
Personal taste vs. artistry
Why Simon Bile's Amanar is artistic
The arm swing rule at Worlds, was it enforced?
Acting classes, smart routine construction and ballet on the beam
We debate -- can bars be artistic?!
How college style artistry can be applied to elite gymnastics.
Backstage shenanigan tories from his glory days on the stage.
Follow Eythora on Instagram
Here is a link to the Dutch gymnastics scandal that changed the system in the Netherlands. Much like the 2000 US women's Olympic team, their experiences changed the system and ousted a coach.
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Check out our 2015 Gift Guide.
168: Shannon Miller, Belarusgate, NED vs GB
148: Shannon Miller
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
77: Aly Raisman
81: Jenny Hansen
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
137: Lady Lisa Mason
Watch this week's playlist filled with videos of baby Eythora to elegent teenage Eythora and young, hot Patrick in the background on YouTube here
12/9/2015 • 1 hour, 35 minutes
177: Stella Umeh
This week Canadian legend, Olympian, World vault finalist, 13-year Cirque du Soliel veteran, entrepreneur and NCAA team champion, Stella Umeh tells her story. Known for her incredible power combined with her dance background helped Stella perform floor routines that ballerinas and jazz dance fans alike sigh with ecstasy. Jessica joined Stella and her 3-month-old daughter, Billie (cue adorable baby gurgles in the background), in November while Stella and her husband, Sam, (head electrician for Cirque's Kurios show) stopped in California. We discuss:
On being an A-typical Canadian gymnast in her era and being labeled as difficult for standing up for herself and doing things her own way: "I work hard, I play hard. I'm responsible because I love what I'm doing, I'm not going to jeopardize it (also because I don't want to get injured).... I would always do the job but because I didn't fit the mold, it looked like I was fooling around or Mickey Mousing or I wasn't taking things seriously. But I don't think you have to completely conform and lose yourself to take something seriously--because if you are meant to do it, and it is your passion, it's going to be serious regardless of who you are or what you look like. You see a person's heart and soul in what they are doing; and that is what people should be looking at."
Injuries and accidents:
Crying and developing an eye twitch every single day for a year she performed on Teeter Board in Cirque du Soleil's Mystère because she was terrified of the apparatus.
Competing with a sprained neck and back .
Competing with labyrinthitis, a condition caused by California-specific seasonal allergies, which led to a broken bone and very scary crashes.
College Culture Shock
Moving to LA immediately after the 1994 earthquake when UCLA looked like "Beirut"
Not finding the United States to be as multi-cultural as her home in Mississauga, near Toronto, Canada.
Getting booed in a college meet.
Her opinion of current college difficulty compared to her era in the 90's and how the loss of compulsories effect the current skill level of incoming elite gymnasts.
Being Different
Her dance foundation and wanting to be like her famous choreographer sister, Anastasia (Stacy) Umeh
Feeling out of place in school and in her upper middle-class gym
Being bullied--being chased home from elementary school by rock-throwing girls
Gymnastics always being the happy, safe place.
Elite Gymnastics
Scoring low domestically
Her advice for learning a painful skill, doing it
Fashion show, changing leotards for each event, mobster leos
Hair fashion when Stella didn't have enough hair for a scrunchy, but the head coach wanted her in one (cue comedy)
"I never saw myself as a black athlete. I always come back to, this is what I love to do. I don't really care what my color, my creed, my size, my shape is. This is where I am supposed to be. If someone wants to sort of, discriminate against me or make things difficult for me because I'm different, then that's their shit. I'm still going to go out and do what I need to do."
Dealing with the reputation of being difficult and non-conforming because she stood up for herself and her teammates. For example:
The time Stella asked a judge what rumors she has heard about her.
The time Stella told off a Canadian judge for giving the Canadians lower scores than the international judges from the window of a taxi, as she took Larissa Libby (née Lowing) to the emergency room!
Artistic Style
The story her coach, Alex Bard, loves to tell about the time she refused to dance for him!
Her unique style was "not revered in Canada," but it was abroad because being different was an asset. "I was loved internationaly, because in the end of the day, it was just about what I was doing on the floor."
The Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992
She cried for 30 days after the games because of the emotional investment in the journey and how fast it came and went.
Parties, make-out sessions and how she snuck out of her room with the help of the Olympic wrestling team.
Transitioning out of sport for the first time at age 40
Never had an orthopedic surgery due to or during her gymnastics career.
Had her first surgery after 13 years as an acrobat with Cirque du Soliel.
Thought she wouldn't be able to walk after college. Thought her body would be "decimated."
Advice to her younger self, "Do it your way. Do it the way that feels right and intrinsic to you. Follow that passion. Dream huge and don't let any thing or anyone, including yourself, stand in your way. Because if you believe in what you are doing and you are loving it, you can't go wrong. Whether you place first or last, you can't go wrong."
The Ivory Elephant Group: theivoryelephantgroup.com
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The Essential Gym Nerd Gift Guide
168: Shannon Miller, Belarusgate, NED vs GB
148: Shannon Miller
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
77: Aly Raisman
81: Jenny Hansen
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
137: Lady Lisa Mason
12/2/2015 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 12 seconds
Classic Episode 142: They Broke Bart Conner
South Durham Gymnastics Club, home of English all-around champion, Amy Tinkler.
Originally aired March 25, 2015. English Nationals, NCAA Conference Championships and Jesolo are on the menu this week. Uncle Tim, Emma, Spencer, Spanny, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Princess Catherine leading her troops to battle to strike fear into the heart of the balance beam.
Senior champ Amy Tinkler, is her pepto-pink gym at South Durham, the key to her success?
Claudia Fragapane's improvement from her American Cup fall-a-thon.
Lisa Mason's triumphant performance, pep talks to the baby gymnasts, Artistry award and practically leaping onto the judges table to dare them to deduct from her floor routine!
The British Bars Revolution: Kelly Sim and Becky Downie are doing bars that make you wonder if their routines aren't actually YouTube edited pranks.
Jingoistic floor routine musical advice for the Rio Olympics, from a self-proclaimed Brazilian cultural expert.
Louis Smith competed well but raised some eyebrows with his post-meet exit.
The reason for Max Whitlock's spectacular but limited performance plus, injury updates on our favorite English gymnasts.
NCAA Conference Championships (28:00)
Shawn Johnson tweeted that she wants to coach a college team. Where do we think she'd fit in and what are the most important traits of a great coach?
Bedazzling Beelzebub sparkle-tards -The leotard debate.
New vocabulary word "pusillanimous: showing a lack of courage or determination; timid." as in, wimp.
Would Minnesota's Linday Mable get better scores if she was a member of one of the six schools that have won an NCAA Championship.
Regional seeding and our picks for biggest upsets.
Coolest vault in college, Alex Marasco - Yurchenko ½ on or a Yurchenko full-on Cuervo.
Most robbed vaulter last weekend, Jaida Lawrence of West Virginia.
Rage-o-Meter regarding the Pac 12 Networks decision to zoom in on every inopportune moment of every routine. Dear Director's of Television Gymnastics, here are the rules:
We do not use stick and ball sports analogies to explain artistic gymnastics.
Never, ever, zoom in during a routine, ever. That's what secondary camera playbacks are for.
We do not zoom in between the hip bones and thighs, ever. If that accidentally happens, the director will immediately switch to a different camera.
Jesolo Competition Preview! (1:35:00)
How did this meet become the debutant ball of US Gymnastics?
Gabby, Aly, Simone, Skaggs, Hernandez, Flatley - gymnasts we are most excited to see in Italy!
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82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
137: Lady Lisa Mason
136: Full Out Syndrome
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
Manrique (CUB) is going to Rio!
Jessica is reporting in person from the 2015 Women's Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland with the European Gymnastic Crew: Michelle Web, Cordelia Price, and Becca Emrick:
What did Bruno say about black athletes in gymnastics?
Steve Butcher addressed the delays in the press conference.
Is there a pro European bias?
More discussion of debunking myths--we discuss the state of gymnastics TODAY!
We talk men's vault: we dissect each competitor.
Are there rules about selfie-sticks on the floor?
What the hell was with the walk-in music?
We talk women's beam: of course we break down all the deets.
Komova has officially become a fighter--and her leo was on point.
Cordelia does her best Scott Bregman impersonation.
Carol Angela is The Alchemist.
Simone is a diamond--the more pressure the more sparkle she produces.
Is the Azerbaijan buy-your-gymnast system working?
We talk men's parallel bars: the cleanest final of the day.
We talk women's floor: a great final, but Jess is not happy!
We dig deep into Sae's (JPN) floor routine.
Who fanned themselves better? Afasanava or Maggie?
We talk high bar: Chris Brooks' routine reminds us why gymnastics is an important life skill
Cordelia channels Yin.
Where are the giant Rio tickets?
We talk how everyone else can get to Rio.
Guess who has guaranteed himself an automatic spot to Rio? Maaaaaanriqueeeeeeeeeee!
Simone made history AGAIN! More Simone please.
Glasgow has set the new standard. We love you Glasgow and thank you for your hospitality!
The Gym Report's best guesstimate which individuals made it to the Rio Test Event.
How To Get Your Favorite Gymnast to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games [A Flowchart]
Support us! Join Club Gym Nerd here.
GymCastic T-Shirts just in time for 2015 Glasgow World Championships! Women's styles (even v-neck!), kids and men's. They will arrive in time for Worlds. They ship anywhere in the world!
NEW T-Shirt Alert!
Click on the designs to check out our gym nerd-tactic t-shirts! Adult Glasgow Shirts $20 Butterfly Glasgow shirt.
If you are having trouble with access outside of the United States, try using a virtual private network (VPN). Our listeners recommend TunnelBear, Hola, ZenMate and GetUsVPN.
173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
172: Men's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships
169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
151: Danell Leyva
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
148: Shannon Miller
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
77: Aly Raisman
101: Olivia Vivian
164: Marian Dragulescu
115: Kenzo Shirai
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
11/2/2015 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 32 seconds
174: Live Show EF Day 1 MAG AA 2015 Worlds
Kocian, Spiridonova, Komova, and Yilin four-way tied for gold in bars. (photo credit: Christy Ann Linder)
Jessica is reporting in person from the 2015 Women's Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland with the European Gymnastic Crew: Emma Bailey, Michelle Web, Cordelia Price, Coach Rick, and... wait for it... Mr. Scott Bregman:
We're live from The Corinthian Club in Glasgow, Scotland.
We recap the Men's AA final.
We discuss the first day of event finals routine by routine!
We have quizzes and even take a few question from those who watched on Periscope.
The GB men get their first individual gold on event finals--they go one-two in pommel.
The Gym Report's best guesstimate which individuals made it to the Rio Test Event. How To Get Your Favorite Gymnast to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games [A Flowchart]
Support us! Join Club Gym Nerd here.
GymCastic T-Shirts just in time for 2015 Glasgow World Championships! Women's styles (even v-neck!), kids and men's. They will arrive in time for Worlds. They ship anywhere in the world!
NEW T-Shirt Alert!
Click on the designs to check out our gym nerd-tactic t-shirts! Adult Glasgow Shirts $20
If you are having trouble with access outside of the United States, try using a virtual private network (VPN). Our listeners recomend TunnelBear, Hola, ZenMate and GetUsVPN.
173: Women’s All-Around Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
172: Men's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
171: Women’s Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
170: Women’s Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships
169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
151: Danell Leyva
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
148: Shannon Miller
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
77: Aly Raisman
101: Olivia Vivian
164: Marian Dragulescu
115: Kenzo Shirai
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
11/1/2015 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 59 seconds
173 WAG AA Finals 2015 Worlds
10/30/2015 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 53 seconds
172 MAG Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
10/29/2015 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 22 seconds
171: Women's Team Finals Recap from 2015 World Championships
10/28/2015 • 2 hours, 8 minutes, 56 seconds
170: Women's Qualifying Recap from 2015 World Championships
10/25/2015 • 2 hours, 13 minutes, 35 seconds
169: Glasgow Worlds Preview Show
Support your favorite gymnasts and podcast by clicking on the image to see our t-shirts!
In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, and Jessica chat about:
The Russian press conference that featured more empty plates than gymnastics
Hashtag Wars: the official hashtag has been changed from #2015wgc to #Glasgow2015
The Competition:
Who's here and how they qualified
Competition format six gymnasts per team, one alternate. Five gymnasts compete in on each event prelims with only four scores counting (5 up 4 count). In finals, only three gymnasts can compete and all three scores count towards the team score (3 up 3 count).
Lauren plays How To Get Your Favorite Gymnast To Rio with Uncle Tim
Non-nominative vs. Nominative
Injury report and which teams are on the “Oh Crap We Are Going To Have to Go To The Test Event” List
Gymnasts you must watch in prelims because although they might not make finals, they will make you believe in the Gym Gods: Thorsdottir, Berki, Wever, Zapata, Millousi and more.
Jaw dropping skills you must watch lest you kick yourself forever: Bretschneider on high bar, Ablyzin on floor, Toni-Ann Williams Produnova off beam, Chustovitina's Produnova on vault, Ruby Harold's Zuchold, Schafer's side somi half.
Medal Favorites and our predictions: Brenna Dowell will win all the things!
Personal stories we are following in Glasgow
Cuba is back for the first time since 2003
Bahamas, Africa, Caribbean nations representing with exciting gymnasts
Team Jamaica: from zero to an super exciting, unique, dream making national team
Chusovitina and the women of women's gymnastics
Danell Pecht and Kerri Joyce are getting two tickets each for floor seats, t-shirts and hospitality at Elevate the Stage!
How To Get Your Favorite Gymnast To Rio [A Flowchart] by Uncle Tim
Support us! Join Club Gym Nerd http://gymcastic.com/club
Glasgow Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Master Team List GymCastic T-Shirts just in time for 2015 Glasgow World Championships!
Women's styles (even v-neck!), kids and men's. They will arrive in time for Worlds. They ship anywhere in the world!
Click on the designs to check out our gym nerd-tactic t-shirts!
Adult Glasgow Shirts $20
Butterfly Glasgow shirt.
How to watch the world championships (below). If you are having trouble with access outside of the United States, try using a virtual private network (VPN). Our listeners recommend TunnelBear, Hola, ZenMate and GetUsVPN.
151: Danell Leyva
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
148: Shannon Miller
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
77: Aly Raisman
101: Olivia Vivian
164: Marian Dragulescu
115: Kenzo Shirai
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
10/20/2015 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 37 seconds
168: Shannon Miller, BelarusGate, NED vs GB
Dream Killers?! Nellie Kim and Belarus President, Alexander Lukashenko are at the center of a controversy that left Belarusian gymnasts Sviatlana Lifenka (R) and Valeryia Tsekhmistrenka (L) out of Worlds.
The most decorated gymnast in American history, three-time Olympian, and Olympic gold medalist and world champion, Shannon Miller graced us with her presence for a second time! We squealed with glee! Shannon told us about:
Her new line of leotards and leisure wear
Handling commentators and public discussion of her body and puberty
Who she's excited to watch at Glasgow Worlds
Chusovitina and the longevity of adult gymnasts
What she thought of the winning impression video from our It's Not About Perfect book giveaway contest.
Tips on learning her famous back extension rolls on beam
Settles the debate for us: Is high altitude ever an excuse for poor conditioning?
In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, and Jessica chat about:
Belarusgate
Two Americans were granted expedited dual-Belarusian citizenship and state that they will compete for Belarus instead of the native Belarusian team.
The American teens' interview with International Gymnast was off-putting to say the least (read it here).
We separate fact from fiction and explain why the Americans aren't technically switching countries at all or breaking International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) rules.
Lauren helps us get to know the current Belarusian team members
Uncle Tim puts this kind of "make your own team" activity into historical context for gymnastics and other Olympic sports.
Our opinions on what the unintended consequences of this precedent could be and where we should go from here.
Netherlands vs. British-friendly meet
Eythora Thorsdottir debuted a new floor routine that's causing controversy and our artistic hearts to bleed with joy!
Could Ellie Downie be the dark horse for an all-around medal in Glasgow?
Why the Netherlands are leading the way: in innovation, the Spirit of The Code, and unique beam construction.
Natasha Coates is our gym-hero of the week!
Find out why here.
WHAT: Elevate of The Stage: Xcel, J.O., with Auburn vs. Alabama dual meet finale
WHEN: January 16-17, 2016
WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama
SPECIALNESS: It's on podium and the college coaches will watch the top levels on Saturday night.
TWO PRIZES:
$250 off of a gym's registration (20 or more gymnasts) to compete in the JO meet and no team fees.
Four VIP passes to watch the college meet on the floor, access to hospitality and four free t-shirts. ***
***With this, the winner will have to be someone 18 or older because recruitable gymnasts can't be on the floor during college meet competition (blame the NCAA rules).
HOW TO ENTER:
Like us on Facebook
Send us an email with the subject line “Elevate the Stage” to [email protected]
DEADLINE: Sunday, October 18th More details on the Elevate the Stage podium meet here.
Kwan, Dickson Eager for Worlds Debut on Behalf of Belarus, the International Gymnast interview.
Meet the Belarusian Gymnasts from The Gymternet
Why I'm angry about Belarus by Lauren Hopkins
Shannon Miller's new leotard collection
148: Shannon Miller
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
77: Aly Raisman
81: Jenny Hansen
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
137: Lady Lisa Mason
10/7/2015 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 5 seconds
167: Romanian and Italian Nationals
WHAT: Elevate of The Stage: Xcel, J.O., with Auburn vs. Alabama dual meet finale WHEN: January 16-17, 2016
WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama SPECIALNESS: It's on podium and the college coaches will watch the top levels on Saturday night.
TWO PRIZES:
$250 off of a gym's registration (20 or more gymnasts) to compete in the JO meet and no team Fees.
Four VIP passes to watch the college meet on the floor, access to hospitality and four free t-shirts. ***With this, the winner will have to be someone 18 or older because recruitable gymnasts can't be on the floor during college meet competition (blame the NCAA rules).
HOW TO ENTER:
Like us on Facebook
Send us an email with the subject line “Elevate the Stage” to [email protected]
DEADLINE: Sunday, October 18th More details on the Elevate the Stage podium meet here.
In the news, Jessica, Lauren Hopkins, and Uncle Tim chat about:
Ages and height of the US women's Olympic teams since 1972
Why Russian gymnastics fans are the best!
Who's on and who's missing from the preliminary US World Team, including Brenna Dowel!
Is 4th place all-around the worst place to be for an American gymnast?
Romanian Nationals:
Marian Dragulescu won a zillion medals
Larissa Iordache is back on top
Catalina Ponor is injured, but hopefully will be back in time for Glasgow
The Junior Japan International
Cameron Bock, is he the next Sam Mikulak?
Jazzy Foberg takes silver and Laurie Hernandez goes undefeated in the all-around in 2015
The London Open
Never count Louis Smith out, he is on the nominative roster for Glasgow.
Max Whitlock recovered from his mono and won with a 7.2 D score on pommel horse!
Brinn Bevan is gorgeous on high bar and why Kristian "The Legs" Thomas should do a cameo in an episode of Outlander.
Italian Nationals
The perilous status on Vanessa Ferrari
Erika Fasana is amazing on floor, as usual
Why Russian fans should love the new all-around champ, Tea Ugrin
Did Carlotta Ferlito fix her execution problems during her mono-induced competitive hiatus?
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Marian Dragulescu shows us allll of the places he shaves.
Sho Nakamori launches www.totaltaiso.com
Dubmash (lip sync) videos we want our favorite gymnasts to post on Instagram
Shannon Miller launched her own line with Alpha Factor.
Australian Olympian, Larissa Miller, shares her story of sexual abuse by a family member in order to help others.
Your letters and voicemails about combating abuse, the "joker" system for elite, British teams update, lyrics in floor music.
Why Danell Leyva is a wonderful leader, a true feminist and a irrefutable gentlemen.
Bai Yawen is on Instagram instagram.com/baiyawen0909
Adult Gymnastics news: the most adorable Instagram account of a dad and his daughter doing gymnastics together. https://instagram.com/my_gym_dad/
Update to the GymCastic-approved acceptable exit transitions from the dreaded wolf turn mentioned last week:
Wolf turn to gradually standing double turn
Seda Tukhalyan https://youtu.be/IitX_4Vg4YQ?t=1m8s
Lauren Mitchell https://youtu.be/Gy2vmdqMak4
Wolf turn to split
Maddie Gardner (Canada, Oregon) wolf turn to reverse split/I’m the baddest woman in all the land - thug life beam pose
Chelsea Tang (OU) wolf turn to side split beautifulness
Wolf turn to needle scale turn
Melitina Staniouta https://youtu.be/4DoBZ1Zfsq0?t=20s
52: Four Nations Cup Italy, Russia, Romania and Colombia
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
117: Youth Olympic Games, Romanian Nationals, Russian & Novara Cup
152: Four Nations Cup Italy, Russia, Romania and Colombia
166: Aliya was like Nu-uh Rodionenkos!
Episode 46: Russian Cup Results and Gabby Dancing With The Stars?
117: Youth Olympic Games, Romanian Nationals, Russian & Novara Cup
165: Ponor is Back!
164: Marian Dragulescu
163: ENOUGH
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
Ruby Harold gets a smooch from her teammate on the scoreboard.
9/30/2015 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 28 seconds
166: Aliya was like Nu-uh Rodionenkos!
2015 Russian Cup All-Around Champion, Daria Spiridonova (RUS, 57.1)
WHAT: Elevate of The Stage: Xcel, J.O., with Auburn vs. Alabama dual meet finale
WHEN: January 16-17, 2016
WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama
SPECIALNESS: It's on podium and the college coaches will watch the top levels on Saturday night.
TWO PRIZES:
$250 off of a gym's registration (20 or more gymnasts) to compete in the JO meet and no team Fees
OR
Four VIP passes to watch the college meet on the floor, access to hospitality and four free t-shirts. ***With this the winner will have to be someone 18 or older because recruitable gymnasts can't be on the floor during college meet competition (blame the NCAA rules).
HOW TO ENTER:
Like us on Facebook
Send us an email with the subject line “Elevate the Stage” to [email protected]
DEADLINE: Sunday, October 18th More details on the Elevate the Stage podium meet here.
Lauren Hopkins, Uncle Tim, and Jessica chat about:
The Russian Cup
Maria Paseka's Cheng is getting better and better! We think she'll be on the podium in Glasgow.
Alla Sosnitskaya won bars but it was actually Viktoria Komova who had the highest bars score of the meet!
Ksenia Afanasyeva did choreography that was so lazy, it rivaled the epic Zero-F*^*s-Given floor routine from Tatiana Nabieva last year.
The provisional world team and Aliya Mustafa putting Valentina Rodionenko in her place by saying"I will decide if I complete on the basis of my health."
Denis Ablyzian put Ri Se Gwan on notice with the most insane tsuk-full-in of all time.
Osijek World Cup
Manrique did not do well and it's a world-wide tragedy.
Paula Mejias, Danell Leyva’s teammate at Universal in Miami, triumphed from her vault disaster at the Pan Am Games.
Jade Barbosa, grandmother of Brazilian gymnastics, did an absolutely, stunningly solid, wonderful beam routine.
Ruby Harold burned the bars to the ground with her sheer awesomeness!
Igor Radivilov's neck tattoo continues to slightly inhibit his landing ability on vault.
We discuss the need for , pommel horse winner, Louis Smith to harness the power of his D.
Chinese World Team
Bai Yawen is not on the team and Jessica refuses to talk about it.
As of this recording it was Fan Yilin, Huang Huidan, Mao Yi, Shang Chunsong, Tan Jiaxin, Wang Yan with alternate Chen Siyi.
Tan Jiaxin did an Amanar that terrified the world
Mao Yi fell on a Moors and was knocked unconscious during her routine.
Shang Chunsong won the all-around and why we think she has a good shot at the podium in Scotland.
Defending bars silver medalist, Huang Huidan, struggled on her best event.
German National Championships
Head coach Koch is calling aa champ Elisabet Seitz, Pauline Schäfer and Sophie Scheder, "The Hambüchens" and we don't know how we feel about that.
Pauline Tratz wore a technicolor dream coat leotard that either thrilled and/or burned our eyes out.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Marvin Sharp died in jail, initial reports say it was suicide.
Is Coach Rick right -- if female coaches take more leadership roles in gymnastics, will less men mean fewer incidents of sexual abuse?
Is a massive lawsuit like the one faced by the Catholic Church force gyms and USA Gymnastics to make Safe4Athletes mandatory for every club?
You can help Lisa Mason continue to train. Lisa currently travels over 600 miles a week! That's an average of $200/week in gas! HELP LISA HERE.
Simone Biles gave the world a full camp update with scores and gave such an epic Snapchat that it skipped meme-dome and became a t-shirt.
The Cure of Wolf Turn-Itis: Please take note, there are now two official GymCastic approved ways to acceptable exit from a wolf turn:
The Melnikova --Step up into an immedate double turn https://youtu.be/k384wBo2KcU
The Chayse Capps -- drop into pron position like a python about to devour the beam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHqKWTX5a8
Episode 46: Russian Cup Results and Gabby Dancing With The Stars?
117: Youth Olympic Games, Romanian Nationals, Russian & Novara Cup
165: Ponor is Back!
164: Marian Dragulescu
163: ENOUGH
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
The Gymnasi-Cat Naming Contest WINNER is Rainey, who gets to choose one of these two fabulous, adult small, P&G Championship prizes.
Runner Up
The now legendary, Lil' Kim-Z MouseKill
Pauline Tratz (GER) and her Technicolor Dream Leo
9/23/2015 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 35 seconds
165: Ponor Is Back
[caption id="attachment_7458" align="aligncenter" width="740"]
Catalina Ponor (art courtesy of My Crazy World of Graphics)
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer from The Balance Beam Situtation, and Jessica chat about:
Romania vs. France Meet
Catalina Ponor Periscoped her comeback!
We also go to see Larissa Iordache and Diana Bulimar compete.
Marian Dragulescue returned to competition at the Israel Cup
We compare his vault to Oleg Vernaiev's at the Ukraine Cup
How Alexander Shatilov and Draulescue compare on floor five weeks out from Worlds
NCAA gymnasts preparing for Worlds
Danusia Francis, Toni-Ann Williams and Britney Rogers prepare for Glasgow while competing for their college teams.
Beyond The Routine: Canada Rising recap from Spencer!
Rhythmic Worlds
The US group and Ms. Laura Zeng qualified to the Olympics!
Bruno Grandi's poorly chosen English phrasing.
Should artistic gymnasts be allowed to use lyrics in routines.
Is rhythmic more or less artistic than it used to be?
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Mustafina out of the Russian Cup, but what does that mean for Worlds?
Line Judging changes for Glasgow Worlds.
Your feedback on episode 163: Enough about the arrest of Marvin Sharp.
New artistic standouts to watch from the Sansbury School Games.
Who has a bigger collection of Code of Points than Uncle Tim?
Gymnast-inspired names for your cat!
164: Marian Dragulescu
163: ENOUGH
162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships
161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo
160: PG Championships Women's Prelims Recap
159: 2015 Championships Preview Show
158: Ariana Berlin's Full Out Movie
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
9/16/2015 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 8 seconds
164: Marian Dragulescu
9/9/2015 • 59 minutes, 41 seconds
163: ENOUGH
Sport psychologist Dr. Megan Neyer and Katherine Starr from Safe4Athletes join us to talk about the arrest of Olympic coach Marvin Sharp on child pornography and charges of molesting one of his athletes. We discuss:
Gym Myth Busters: Do boys need protection from pedophiles just as much as girls do?
Why a "don't talk back" policy can sets kids up to be victims.
Conditions that lead to abuse, both through grooming and organizational loopholes.
What the alleged victim might be feeling and how best to support her as a community.
Steps the gymnastics community can take in preventing abuse:
Mandate moral, ethical and specific behavior guidelines
Apply a policy that makes misbehavior, not just criminal activity grounds for dismissal
Parent, coach and athlete education about those guidelines because policies without education create cynicism
Enforcement by someone other than the owner of the gym
External oversight through an athlete welfare advocate and if necessary an external advocate for intervention or accountability when necessary.
Why child athletes are especially vulnerable to abuse (This is where Bruno Grandi got something right. Part of his reasoning for raising the minimum age for seniors was to prevent abuse. The older the athlete, the less likely they are to be abused.)
The bottom line for owner's pocket books: why gymnastics schools who do not have a comprehensive abusive prevention program in place will go out of business.
Why National Governing Bodies (NGB) like USA Gymnastics need to make gymnastics a much less hospitable place for abusers and a more powerful place for gymnasts.
Dr. Neyer's company is Neyer Performance Strategies, LLC.
Safe4Athletes policies, education sheets and app--free and available to you on their website.
USAG’s Club’s Care and We Care campaigns.
FBI’s Innocent Images Task Force. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint form.
If you see someone posting inappropriate images of vidoes of gymnasts, report it! Here is YouTube’s reporting hub.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
There's a new toe-on-counter-Kim being done by a Hawaiian superstar!
Hollie Vise and Alex Naddour's future baby girl will have to battle baby Springer for butterfly roll world domination.
Katelyn Ohashi is doing bars again!
Larisa Iordache is going to compete very soon.
Aliya Mustafina has not taken a break from gymnastics. You can put the prayer vigil away now.
Maria Paseka proves she is on level 3 of the Brestyan leg circuit with her scary Amanar landing.
Ablyazin’s D keeps getting bigger and bigger
Jake Dalton had shoulder surgery.
Men's gymnastics might move to eight skills after Rio and some people on this show are THRILLED about it.
Your Feedback:
We are the new cure for morning sickness
Every American women's Olympic gymnastics team from 1996 to 2008 had a gymnast in her 20s on the team.
An American Dietician in Denmark weighs-in on our Chris Brooks screams for food after P&G Championships
Paul Ruggeri is the Brenna Dowell of the men's program.
Does Marta think that Gabby isn't working hard enough or is she upset about her gym change?
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics covers:
Stopping abusers from club-hopping.
Creating a standard of behavior an effective tool for identifying grooming behavior and abusers early.
Stopping character assassination of girls who are abused.
Learning how to speak up and being heard by adults.
Why kids don’t come forward when they are abused by a coach.
How to support a gymnast who has been abused once he or she comes back to the gym.
What questions to ask before choosing a gym.
162: Wrap Up of the 2015 P&G Championships
161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo
160: PG Championships Women's Prelims Recap
159: 2015 Championships Preview Show
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
Full Out, the movie is based on the life of b-girl Ariana Berlin. Photo courtesy of UCLA.
Ariana Berlin is happy, goofy, surprising, unique, beautiful and partially made of steel. She made her mark on college gymnastics by bringing her professional hip hop dance background onto the competition floor. Her floor routines were something totally new and sometimes controversial but always entertaining. But the road to NCAA finals almost went through the grave. "Ari" went from a being a promising level 10 gymnast, about to test for elite, to a girl in a coma, told when she woke up that she would never do gymnastics again. Though a car accident almost killed her and her mother, losing gymnastics was heartbreaking. She found solace in dance with the world famous hip hop troupe Culture Shock. A dance performance in front of UCLA head coach, Valorie Kondos-Field led her back to gymnastics. After years away from the sport, with a rod holding her femur together, Ari walked onto the UCLA gymnastics team, earned a scholarship and became one of their most consistent gymnasts of all time. While at UCLA she hit 175 of her 182 career routines (96%) without a fall, never missed a competition in 57 consecutive meets. In the final competition of her career, the former walk-on, placed fourth all-around at the 2009 NCAA Championships. We talk about the movie based on her life called, Full Out, staring Flashdance star, Jennifer Beals. We discuss:
GymMyth Busters Full Out edition; we separate fact from fiction and talk about the liberties taken with her story in order to deliver a dramatic message of inspiration.
Being star struck and all of the cameos: Alicia Sacramone, Jordyn Weiber, Victoria Moors, Samantha Peszek and Elfie Schlegel are all in the movie!
Ariana's advice for walk-on (non-scholarship) athletes, how to get onto your dream team and what to do even if finances won't make it easy.
How she became so consistent and her mental game.
Dealing with the haters who claimed her ground breaking hip-hop floor choreography was cultural appropriation or racially inappropriate.
In the news this week, Evan Heiter and Jessica chat about:
Simone Biles going pro: Is it too soon or the perfect time to turn pro? If this will affect her preparation for Rio and which brands we want her to endorse!
The first ever all adult gymnastics camp took place in July at Atlantic Gymnastics in New Hampshire. We talked to the camp director Gina Paulhus, gym owner Tony Retrosi and two campers to find out what made this weekend such a sucess.
The clinics by the pool that made this camp unique: dealing with fear and mental blocks, physical therapy sessions, and a class on nutrition for the adult gymnast with tips on balancing snacks and meals between work and family on the way to the gym.
Why Tony Retrosi, gym owner and coach, supports adult gymnastics and the adult camp.
Campers Ryan and Stefane explain how the camp accommodated:
different gymnastics and fitness levels
people who didn't do every event
made the schedule reasonable for all levels
helped everyone feel welcome by hosting everything from dinners to beach trips
The fun awards Gina created to make each camper feel special.
Tony's advice on the best student to coach ratio for adult gymnastics classes.
How to identify the right coach for an adult gymnastics class.
Afraid to try adult gymnastics? Stefane and Ryan explain how adult gymnastics has helped them find their community and why they recommend it to others.
Find out how to watch P&G Championships (the US National Gymnastics Championships) and hear Samantha Peszek and Evan Heiter do reprise last year's commentary fabulousness on the official website pgchamps.com
Find out more about Adult Gymnastics Camp Director, competitive adult gymnast and personal trainer, Gina Paulhus here.
Tony Retrosi's website is gymmomentum.com
Here is Gina's article with details on the schedule, costs, demographics, staffing and photos of adult gymnastics camp!
132: It's Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
119: How to Watch Nanning Podium Training & The Tumble Finale Recap
116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap
75: Classic Episode - UCLA's Miss Val
157: The 2015 Secret Classic
Episode 42: The 2013 Secret US Classic from Chicago
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
Gina Paulhus's Adult Gymnastics Camp at Atlantic Gymnastics in New Hampshire.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
156: Event Finals Pan Am Games and Secret Classic Preview
This week Uncle Tim and Jessica discuss the Pan American Games Event Finals with 2004 Olympic floor champion and CBC analyst Kyle Shewfelt!
Gym Myth Busters: We found out, straight from the men's FIG Technical Committee President, if Manrique Larduet (CUB) was deducted for excessive celebration after his parallel bars routine in qualifying.
We had to know Kyle's opinion: should the men's all-around final have gone to Manrique instead of Sam Mikulak (USA)?
Why Canada, Cuba and Flavia Lopez Saraiva (BRA) stole the show in Toronto.
The Out of Bounds Championship floor final, a first of it's kind.
Kyle and our listeners came up with the solution the Yamilet Peña (DOM) and the Produnova of Death vault situation. Nellie Kim, now hear this!
Why Daniele Hypolito (BRA) is a hero and true sportsman (even after being robbed of a bronze in the vault final).
Why Rachel Gowey (USA), Jessica Lopez (VEN) and Amelia Hundley's (USA) floaty bars made us smile.
Ellie Black (CAN) told Kyle Shewfelt why she was able to achieve to her highest potential during the most pressure packed final of the competition: beam.
Ana Sofía Gómez Porras (GUA) finally redeemed herself on the floor, but she presented a text book example of why a gymnast should never tumble with hands side by side on beam!
How difficult is the full-in off the end of the parallel bars, done by Jossimar Calvo (COL), compared to a double-tuck off of the side; Kyle weighs in.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
A preview of the Secret Classic: from college elite Brenna Dowell to 2011 world team gold medalist, Sabrina Vegas; to reigning Olympic champions, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas; it's going to be a great meet!
Does being named to a Pan Am Team hurt a gymnasts chances of being on a World or Olympic team?
Shannon Miller's coach, Steve Nunno, is back! It's has been confirmed to a fan website first; congratulations Full Twist! Emily Gaskins (AKA Baby Podkopayeva) of Intensity Gymnastics in Florida, is being coached by Steve Nunno and Romanian Olympic gold medalist, Lavinia Agache. We discuss the implications--at length!
Plus, rhinestones, not just for facial injuries anymore.
If you want to hear Kyle Shewfelt's analysis of the Pan Am Games, download the CBC Sports App for streaming replays, available on Android and Apple.
Check out Kyle Shewfelt Gymnastics, it is a marvel; from business plan to layout and function, it needs to be the centerfold of a gymnastics school design and business magazine. They have acrobatics, adult gymnastics classes, rhythmic, tumbling, trampoline, gymnastics cross training, yoga, Gymsanity, Warrior Gymnastics (What is this? We want to do it!) and parkour. If the GymCastic headquarters were in Calgary, we'd live at Kyle's gym.
Secret Classic coverage begins on Friday with live podium training here or USA Gymnastics YouTube Channel. The senior competition will be on Universal Sports. If you aren't in the US and are having trouble with access to Universal Sports, try using a VPN. Our listeners recomend TunnelBear, Hola, ZenMate and GetUsVPN.
Best Routines of 2015 So Far
Secret Classic: What Does Success Here Mean
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
77: Aly Raisman
118: Pan American Championships and the American Men at US Championships
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
130: Mary-Anne “Mez” Monckton
128: Aly is Back
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men’s Technical Committee
115: Kenzo Shirai
72: John Orozco
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships
151: Danell Leyva
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic
Olympic gold medalist, Aly Raisman in the 2015 ESPN magazine's Body issue. Click on the image for her video and interview with ESPN.
In the news this week, Uncle Tim and Jessica chat about:
Aly Raisman's take on the lack of eating disorders in gymnastics and learning to have muscle pride in ESPN's Body Issue
Raducan asked the Olympic Committee to give her gold back, they said no.
International Gymnastics Federation President, Bruno Grandi's interview on the 2020 Olympic qualification changes:
Grandi says gymnastics has a business problem; but is really just a marketing problem?
We agree with Grandi most of the time, but when he leans on nostalgia for evidence, we tear his arguments to shreds!
Grandi argues that Romania has been hurt by the lack of elegance in the code. He must mean this 1978 routine from Romanian, Emilia Eberle and her famous for the hump the floor choreography.
Menstrual Cups for gymnastics. If you have used them for gymnastics, tell us about your experience.
How not to flirt with girls at gymnastics
Gym Myth Busters:
Is difficulty really the strongest predictor of all-around rankings?
Do height or weight matter in elite gymnastics?
Shawn Johnson promotes self love on The Secret Life of The American Teenager.
Full Out Movie has an air date! August 9th 4pm after the NFL pre-season game on LA/San Diego television.
2000 Olympic Trials: Special Victims Unit from The Balance Beam Situation
Do Height and Weight Matter in Women's Elite Gymnastics? Uncle Tim has the answer.
E-Scores vs. D-Scores: Which is the strongest predictor of all-around rank? Find out here.
Sexy Data: Which event is the strongest predictor of all-around rankings?
Lauren Mitchell wishes to stress that she has yet to make a decision on her gymnastics future
Gymnast Kiera Brown dismissed from the team due to violation of team rules
77: Aly Raisman
118: Pan American Championships and the American Men at US Championships
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
72: John Orozco
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
147: The 2015 European Championships
153: Inaugural European Games
128: Aly is Back
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men’s Technical Committee
Gymnastics competition begins on July 11 with the men’s team finals, which also serve as the all-around and individual event final qualification.
The women take the floor on July 12 for team finals.
Pan American Games scheduling and listings here.
Check out these meet summary videos from A R Federova. 2011 Worlds here.
7/8/2015 • 1 hour, 22 seconds
153: Inaugural European Games
Seda Tutkhalyan (RUS), Giulia Steingruber (SUI), Lisa Top (NED) on the vault podium at the inaugural European Games in Baku.
Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton, Emma and Jessica chat about:
The unusual format of 3 up 2 count over two days for team, and men and women on the floor at once.
One per country rule for finals - spoiler alert, we hated it!
The level of difficulty might have been lower than usual (12.8 for bronze on bars) but the performances were gorgeous! We choose our favorite routines and skills
The return of Komova! Rejoice!
Showdown of the Olegs, plus the big payout for medals given to Oleg Stepko by Azerbeijan. He made bank!
The Russian Dream Team: Seda, Aliya and Komova
Giulia Steingruber, is she the new Sacramone of vault and floor?
Concussions in context: Brinn Bevin high bar fall and why concussions are always serious.
Fabian Hambüchen's dinasour roars and new floor skill.
Miguel Rayderley Zapata from Spain won floor just like Jessica told you guys he would! If you don't love him, you are not paying attention!
Results, video, photos and news from the first European Games here.
152: Four Nations Cup Italy, Russia, Romania and Colombia
148: Shannon Miller
147: The 2015 European Championships
143: The Return of Gabby Douglas
140: The 2015 American Cup
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee
138: Prince Emyre Cole
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
128: Aly is Back
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
7/1/2015 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 42 seconds
Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
In June, 2013 the Belarusian Swan graced us with her presence. Svetlana Boginskaya (Boguinskaia) is a 14-time Olympic and World medalist and is as elegant as she is fierce. This is a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind! Bogi gives us the scoop on: Alexander Alexandrov and why he left Russia, what happened at Round Lake when the USSR collapsed, the real story behind her snub of Kim Zmeskal at the 1991 World Championships, the politics behind Natalia Kalinina being left off of the Barcelona Olympic team, what makes her gymnastics camp different, why she thinks she isn’t artistic, dating as a teen gymnast in Moscow, her Bolshoi choreography, her favorite routines, coaching Oksana Chusovitina in 2013, and why raising kids is harder than doing a sixth Olympics or trying to understand Bela Karolyi's english.
Follow her on Instagram under the username "Svetlanaboguinskaia", check out the schedule for her camp here or email her for choreography at [email protected]. If you are ever in the Houston area, make sure to visit her resturant, Mazzei's Gourmet Pizzeria in Katy, Texas.
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
148: Shannon Miller
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
77: Aly Raisman
81: Jenny Hansen
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
137: Lady Lisa Mason
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
6/24/2015 • 0
9: Chellsie Memmel
This week we talk about our favorite routines from the Swiss Cup and discuss the platforms Grandi, Stoica and Titov ran on in their FIG presidential campaigns. We talk to Chellsie Memmel who gave us very honest and frank answers about her experience being eliminated from the 2012 Olympic trials process; how Steve Penny suggested her retirement after Classics, being announced as an alternate live on television in 2004, finding love while being an elite athlete, making the team but competing with a severe injury in Beijing and how she made the decision to move on from her longtime coach Jim Chudy at Salto.
Louis Smith Calendar Blythe's Notes from the 2012 Swiss Cup Rybacki is the new Kathy Kelly Karolyi confirmed as U.S. National Team Coordinator; Liukin, Rybacki get new job Visa no longer the title sponsor for US Nationals Platforms of the FIG presidents from the fantastic blog / FIG Watchdog, The All Around Dvora for Deadspin U.S. Gymnastics Turns Its Back On Chellsie Memmel, Genuine Badass
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
77: Aly Raisman
81: Jenny Hansen
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
137: Lady Lisa Mason
6/17/2015 • 40 minutes, 39 seconds
152: Four Nations Cup Italy, Russia, Romania and Colombia
Northern Irish stud and a man, literally filled with titanium, Luke Carson.
Northern Ireland's Luke Carson has become a symbol of strength and perseverance around the world. A veteran of six World Championships, he was poised to send Ireland to their second-ever Olympics before an injury forced him to water down his routines. He came back from two potentially career-ending injuries to compete again. Emma Bailey and Luke discussed:
You thought his leg was bad, wait until you hear about his birth defect and the awful procedure he must endure every six months! (See example video on the playlist below to fulfill your creepy curiosity)
The status of his injury almost one-year after the Commonwealth Games
The problems with metal rods and hot tubs
Coaching his pommel horse prodigy, Rhys Mcclenaghan and team at Rathgael Gymnastics Club
How he proposed to his girlfriend
How social media can fuel healthy competition between gymnasts
The both frightening and gratifying truth about funding and sponsor relationships
The future of gymnastics in Ireland
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
63: Doctor Larry Nassar
138: Prince Emyre Cole
137: Lady Lisa Mason
132: It's Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap
115: Kenzo Shirai
72: John Orozco
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Making Men's Gymnastics More Popular
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
Shannon Miller in 1991 at her first World Championships. Copyright Mike Proebsting.
The GymCastic Book Club had the most gym nerd-tastic celebration of all time this week when Shannon Miller, thé Shannon Miller, joined us to talk about her new memoire, "It's Not About Perfect: Competing for My Country and Fighting for My Life." She has more combined Olympic and World medals than any American gymnast male or female. She won the World Championship all-around two times in a row. She had multiple eponymous skills in the Code of Points. She was diagnosed with one of the deadliest forms of cancer and it ran away from her like a Level 5 who hears, "It's time for conditioning!" Her male coach, Steve Nunno, acted like the love child of Bela Karolyi and Donald Trump, yet he complimented her perfectly. She did two back extension rolls in a row on beam just because the crowd loved it! She did her full difficutly on the post-Olympic tours because she wanted to give the fans what they paid for. She is so bad ass, that when a reporter said Olga, Nadia, Mary Lou...why isn't it just Shannon? She replied, "Who says it's not?" SHE IS SHANNON FREAKING MILLER, the greatest American gymnast of all time. Shannon answered your book club questions and we discussed:
Her infamous wrists and unique salute. Yes, she talks about her wrists! We died!
The time she thought she was over scored.
If there's anything she would do differently in order to prepare herself for a social and romantic life after gymnastics; to avoid her troubled first marriage; and what will she tell her son and daughter about finding love?
She competed so much more than elites do today, does she wish she competed less?
The strong female role models in her life: her mother and Peggy Liddick.
The very first training camps at the Ranch when Bela was National Team Coordinator.
Training as an adult and how her coaches helped her stay in the sport as she grew older.
Skills she worked on that the world never got to see.
Does she plan on running for FIG President?
Should we bring back compulsories and the 10? Which team would she compete for if she had done gymnastics in college?
When can we expect to see her back in the commentator's chair.
What women should do to screen for ovarian cancer.
Most importantly, if Alexi Nemov is as hot in person as he is on TV.
Uncle Tim and Jessica give their recap of the book including:
What coaches, parents and gymnasts can learn from this book.
As a hardcore gym nerd, what was most satisfying to FINALLY have an answer?
What part of the book made us go hmmm.
What we wish she had talked about more.
The top tips and tricks we learned from Shannon for life, gymnastics and cancer preventing pelvic exams. (1:06:32 time stamp)
Shannon Miller’s Tips & Tricks for Life and Gymnastics According to Jessica:
Always use two pair of grips and switch off every few days. Have two pair ready at all times during meets.
Turn your feet in on beam especially if you were born with them that way.
Have a signature look!
Glue bedazzles to your scrunchie.
Use your parents as mediators for compromise between coach and athlete.
Coaches, plan time in your schedule for parent meetings, just like warmups and conditioning.
Go on vacation, condition a little bit while you relax on vacation.
Every gymnastics coach agrees, no gymnast should ever ski!
Do at least 20 minutes of cardio every day.
Don’t compensate for one injury, you’ll cause another.
Having the mindset of a perfectionist comes at a price. You don’t have to pay the price, it’s a choice.
Go sightseeing when you travel. Even if it’s only for an hour. Make trips special.
If all of your athletes quit at age 15, it's probably not them, it's you.
Teenagers and women cannot be coached physically or mentally the way children are trained. Adapt coaching to the age of your athlete.
If you have knobby knees, land in 4th position and then slide your feet together fast into first position to get that 10!
Use bacitracin and zinc oxcide (JUST LIKE I SAID!) to heal rips.
What’s good for the media isn’t necessarily good for the gymnast. Don’t fall into the sexist expectation of being expected to smile all the time. Being in the zone like Nastia and Shannon is fine.
If you go on tour, do full difficulty! Fans paid hard-earned money to watch you.
Rolls on beam are awesome. Always do them to stand out like Shannon!
Plan for rest, not just for competition.
Gymnasts have to feel comfortable talking to their coaches, gymnastics is too dangerous to for silence.
Spanny Tampson made Steve Nunno motivation posters. Keep in mind, this is not a work of fiction, these are actual quotes.
Find out more about Shannon Miller's exercise videos, fight against cancer, books and foundation here.
What: Do your favorite Shannon Miller pose or choreography.
How: Post it on Twitter or Instagram, tag us and use any of these Steve Nunno quote hashtags: #ItsMillerTime or #InterGalacticChampion or #MillerTimeContest
Deadline: Monday, June 1st
Winner: Gets a copy of Shannon’s book!
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel, Swiss Cup & FIG Presidential Proposals
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
77: Aly Raisman
81: Jenny Hansen
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
101: Olivia Vivian
137: Lady Lisa Mason
Shannon Miller's Eponymous Skills: The Miller on beam. The Miller on bars.
5/13/2015 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 21 seconds
63: Interview with Serial Pedophile Ex Doctor Larry Nassar Interview
This interview was released December 5th 2013. US national team member, Maggie Nichols, told USA Gymnastics about being abused by Nassar in June 2015. As of this update in January of 2018, she is the first known person to tell USA Gymnastics.... Then Rachael Denhollander, became the first survivor to go public in the Indy Star with accusations against Nassar in September 2016. It turns out that former doctor, Nassar had been abusing girls and women all the way back to the 1990s. And theses brave women, girls had been telling authorities all along, but they weren't believed. Larry Nassar is now a convicted pedophile and child pornographer who will spend the rest of his life in jail. This episode makes us feel guilty, sick and embarrassed but we will never take it down. Why? Because it may be one of the few interviews of it's kind, one with a serial child molester before he was caught. It shows how easy it is to groom adults, like us and our listeners (look a the comments section), and people in power, people who should have known better, including the USOC, USA Gymnastics, former USAG President Steve Penny, Martha Karolyi, former Chairmans of the Board Peter Vidmar and current Chariman Paul Parilla. To understand more about why we have chosen to keep this interview up as a learning tool and how every system failed to protect girls, please read, listen and learn from the following: A Safeguarding Checklist: 12 questions every parent, young adult, and coach should ask. Indy Star series A Blind eye to sex abuse: How USA Gymnastics failed to report cases. USA Gymnastics Chose Medals Over Child Safety Larry Nassar duped me. He would have duped you too. Here's how to stop the next abuser from taking his place Listen to survivor impact statements at the sentencing hearing here. Timeline of Larry Nassar's Crimes and Career. The Daniels Report. The Ropes & Gray Report. Aly Raisman's Fierce Abused: Surviving Sexual Assault and a Toxic Gymnastics Culture by Rachel Haines. Want to know who see's everything at The Ranch? Who runs the room where Kyla Ross said cameras should follow the team if they really want to see where the action is at camp. Who we would pick if we were going to pick a doctor to take care of our kids while they traveled around the world flipping at speeds that would make an astronaut jealous? It's USA Gymnastics Team Physician, Larry Nassar, A.T.C. He's a professor, a certified athletic trainer, an osteopath and one of the most caring human beings you could ever hope to meet. A blunt, honest, experienced professional who tells it like it is. He can do that because he's so compassionate. This interview originally aired on December 6, 2013. We discussed: What Marta calls him about the most. What it was like to be part of the 2000 Olympic "hell" Dealing with parents who will not accept responsibility for their child's health The one change he would make in order to prevent injuries What injustice the International Olympic Committee commits against gymnasts Why The Ranch is no longer- as the fans formerly called it- "Death Camp" [2018 update: now it has a much worse nickname] Changing the camp culture to prevent athletes and coaches from hiding injuries Gym Myth Busters injury edition: ACLs, Achilles, & Shawn Johnson's knee injury MSU biography Region 5 Hall of Fame biography with bibliography Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics 163: ENOUGH Marvin Sharp episode Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 227: Jane Doe2 Sues Karolyis 277.5: McKayla Maroney Alleges Abuse from Nassar 245: Steve Penny is GONE Manifesto For Change 281.5: Aly Raisman Comes Forward As Nassar Victim 287: Simone and Maggie Too Recap Ep. 286: Cover your eyes and silently scream 286: Cover Your Eyes and Silently Scream
5/6/2015 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 41 seconds
146: Taylor Rice and The 2015 NCAA Championships
Taylor Rice (Stanford) makin' it rain during event finals at the 2015 NCAA Championships. Photo by Christy Linder.
Who: Shannon freaking Miller will be our May Book Club guest.
Deadline: Send in questions by May 6th.
How: Order the book here, read it, treasure it forever, then send your questions for Shannon to us at [email protected] or by voicemail at (415) 800-3191/Skype "GymCastic Podcast"
Stanford junior, Taylor Rice, joins us to discuss the 2015 NCAA Championships. Taylor is known for having a different hair color at every meet, being more trouble than Tasha Schwikert for her coach/mother Cassie Rice during her youth at GymCasts and having been the first woman in NCAA history to compete a man wipe. We discuss:
Where did the inspiration for her back-dat-twerk-tastic floor choreography come from? That's So Raven.
How early is too early to commit to a college?
What did Stanford do to change their results so drastically from the last few years.
Why didn't she ever go the elite route and what she learned from Tasha Schwikert
Will Stanford be able to work a tree pose into their floor routines next year?
The changes would she like to see to the NCAA.
Uncle Tim, Evan Heiter, Spencer, Spanny Tampson, and Jessica chat about everything that happened at the NCAA Championships in Ft. Worth, Texas:
The heartbreak:
What does UCLA need to do differently in order to gain their former team glory?
The Beam-tastrophy that was the LSU prelim session and how many times are hearts broke.
Was Lindsay "Precision" Mabel Khorkina'd after starting on vault and getting a lowely 9.85.
Gym-Myth Busters: It was true that the fiberglass was falling off of the bars?!
We revel in the joy of two fantastic all-around champions, Kytra Hunter and Sam Peszek; fair and well deserved!
The haters, the disadvantage of being the defending champions.
Are judges afraid to be the first to give a 10?
The floor curse. Beam isn't the difficult event to start on anymore--floor took Oklahoma out of the Super Six finals.
The exciting finish between Utah and Floirda coming down to the very last routine and half a tenth.
Our favorite moments from Championships:
Ivana Hong getting her gymnastics on and scoring well!
Gymnasts who have improved in college.
Auburn qualifying for Super Six for the first time in 22 years.
Taylor Rice's all-comedy floor routine.
Sam Peszek's standing full on beam!
Rules changes we need for 2016:
Allow judges to take the quarter tenth deduction.
Make the regular season matter more.
Top 5 finishers receive All-American honors. It's not enough to just qualify.
Required single bar release.
Teams must perform at least one vault from each of the three vault entries: tsukahara/kazamatsu, front handspring and yurchenko.
Make the post-season matter: you should have to win something before Super Six.
Four on the floor final, get rid of the Super Six.
Event Finals:
No upgrades in vault finals that we hadn't seen during season.
We overwhelmingly agree on the floor finals.
NINA McGEE!
Read the official blog of Taylor Rice here or follow her on the twitters.
90: The 2014 Women’s NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama’s Sarah Patterson
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
137: Lady Lisa Mason
136: Full Out Syndrome
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
145: Rheagan Courville
144: Counter Kim at Game of Regions 2015
Taylor Rice (Stanford) makes it rain on beam.
UCLA gymnastics team does Taylor Rice's making it rain choreography as they watch from the stands during floor finals at the 2015 NCAA championships.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
4/24/2015 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 38 seconds
145: Rheagan Courville
LSU's Rheagan Courville, The Tigress of the Bayou.
Rheagan Courville, The Tigress of the Bayou joins us this week. The former US Classic champion, Patterson beam-dismounter, two-time NCAA vault champion, fashion icon and owner of the highest standing Arabian in the game is here! We discuss:
The secret to the height and consistency of her standing Arabian on beam.
How University of Georgia emigre, coach Jay Clark, has improve her bars about a billion percent from her elite days.
Cardio secrets of the indefatigable LSU floor lineup.
How her positive and negative experiences in the sport fuel her gymnastics now.
Future plans, skills she's hiding up her sleeve and her love for Louisiana.
Fashion: What did Miley Cyrus tell Rheagan about her style and will she be able to up Jay Clark's shoe game?
Jessica, Spencer from The Balance Beam Situation, Scott Bregman of USA Gymnastics and Kristen Watkins from College Fantasy Gymnastics chat about:
Beyond The Routine: Oklahoma Gymnastics
Brenna Dowell: her perspective college vs. elite gymnastics, skill strategy, transition of normal human life and her crib tour!
We were shocked to find out they consider themselves the underdogs and see K.J. so intimately involved in the technical aspects of coaching.
Predicting NCAA Women's NCAA Championships preview by the numbers
How important are the rankings, does seeding really matter?
Which team historically kicks ass in the post-season, and which teams do worse during championship season
Do teams switch ranking order in the post-season or have training plans been mastered to keep injuries at bay?
Men's NCAA Championships
Vault Gate -- when the injury substitution rule can be too easily manipulated.
Oklahoma are concurrent champions in both men's and women's gymnastics right now.
The men's stick bonus allows each team to carry around a gigantic eraser and get rid of mistakes.
Stanford's Sean Senters did the TRIPLE TWISTING YURCHENKO!
What the Number Say About NCAA Nationals - sexy data by Kristen Watkins
90: The 2014 Women’s NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama’s Sarah Patterson
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
137: Lady Lisa Mason
136: Full Out Syndrome
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
4/15/2015 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 49 seconds
144: Counter Kim at Game of Regions 2015
M'rcy Matsunami (Univ. of Alaska) has a toe-on Counter Kim shorthand tattoo (as seen above-left). She is our Game of Regions Champion.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Emma, Evan Heiter, Spencer and Jessica chat about NCAA Women's Regional Championships (AKA GAME OF REGIONS) and the Ljubljana World Cup:
2:05 Our reactions to McKalya Maroney’s heartfelt and funny video about her struggle with Adrenal Fatigue and its devastating symptoms.
11: 45 Game of Regions round-up; we created special headlines to describe the drama, tears and triumphs at each Regional and let you know which individuals, competing without the benefit of a team to boost their scores, stole our hearts.
Should individuals have a separate regional qualification meet for NCAA Championships? Would it be more fair? We discuss.
We declare M'rcy Matsunami the most exciting thing to happen to NCAA gymnastics since Kennedy Baker's Dos Santos and Danusia Francis's "Nush" beam dismount. She competed a toe-on Counter Kim at the Cal Regional! See petition below.
Risa Perez’s faces vs. Laurie Hernandez’s faces, a short dissertation.
Minnesota Unleash Shock and Awe Campaign to Destroy Auburns dreams of NCAA Berth… j/k everyone fell on bars.
Nina McGee of Denver could still be the 2015 NCAA floor champion.
Find out which host-school won the Game of Regions Webcast Award for Excellence in GymTernet Broadcasting 2015.
1:20:30 Ljubljana World Cup
Why did the gymnasts refuse to warm-up in the practice gym, and what Nellie Kim allegedly had to say about that.
Eythora Thorsdottir (NED), Sasa Golob (SLO) and Jonna Adlerteg (SWE); why you should sit your baby gymnasts down in front of the YouTubes and make them watch these performers!
Spider web leotards, Alexander Shatilov's beard (uber hipster or switching to Amish?), Slovenian training conditions, Oksana Chusovitina without Boguinskaya, and the next generation of Braziian gymnasts look like WOGA-Chow-Soviet stars.
Would Marta Karolyi ever allow the Romanian team to workout with the Americans at the Ranch?
An update on SB101, Indiana's gay discrimination bill. Spoiler alert, it was amended!
Let's get M'rcy Matsunami to Texas! Petition to NCAA, host school Texas Women's University and TMU coach, Courtney McCool to have M'cry Matsunami exhibition bars for pre-meet entertainment in Fort Worth at the NCAA Championships! Texas Women's University on Twitter, Courtney McCool on Twitter, the NCAA.
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama’s Sarah Patterson
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
137: Lady Lisa Mason
136: Full Out Syndrome
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
The Counter Kim shorthand tattoo on M'rcy Matsunami
South Durham Gymnastics Club, home of English champion all-around champion, Amy Tinkler.
English Nationals, NCAA Conference Championships and Jesolo are on the menu this week. Uncle Tim, Emma, Spencer, Spanny, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Princess Catherine leading her troops to battle to strike fear into the heart of the balance beam.
Senior champ Amy Tinkler, is her pepto-pink gym at South Durham, the key to her success?
Claudia Fragapane's improvement from her American Cup fall-a-thon.
Lisa Mason's triumphant performance, pep talks to the baby gymnasts, Artistry award and practically leaping onto the judges table to dare them to deduct from her floor routine!
The British Bars Revolution: Kelly Sim and Becky Downie are doing bars that make you wonder if their routines aren't actually YouTube edited pranks.
Jingoistic floor routine musical advice for the Rio Olympics, from a self-proclaimed Brazilian cultural expert.
Louis Smith competed well but raised some eyebrows with his post-meet exit.
The reason for Max Whitlock's spectacular but limited performance plus, injury updates on our favorite English gymnasts.
NCAA Conference Championships (28:00)
Shawn Johnson tweeted that she wants to coach a college team. Where do we think she'd fit in and what are the most important traits of a great coach?
Bedazzling Beelzebub sparkle-tards -The leotard debate.
New vocabulary word "pusillanimous: showing a lack of courage or determination; timid." as in, wimp.
Would Minnesota's Linday Mable get better scores if she was a member of one of the six schools that have won an NCAA Championship.
Regional seeding and our picks for biggest upsets.
Coolest vault in college, Alex Marasco - Yurchenko ½ on or a Yurchenko full-on Cuervo.
Most robbed vaulter last weekend, Jaida Lawrence of West Virginia.
Rage-o-Meter regarding the Pac 12 Networks decision to zoom in on every inopportune moment of every routine. Dear Director's of Television Gymnastics, here are the rules:
We do not use stick and ball sports analogies to explain artistic gymnastics.
Never, ever, zoom in during a routine, ever. That's what secondary camera playbacks are for.
We do not zoom in between the hip bones and thighs, ever. If that accidentally happens, the director will immediately switch to a different camera.
Jesolo Competition Preview! (1:35:00)
How did this meet become the debutant ball of US Gymnastics?
Gabby, Aly, Simone, Skaggs, Hernandez, Flatley - gymnasts we are most excited to see in Italy!
WATCH JESOLO LIVE! Watch the defending World Champion, Simone Biles compete against the defending Olympic champion, Gabby Douglas, for the first time since the 1980 Olympic Games! The Italian Gymnastics Federation will carry a live webstream of the Jesolo competition on its YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/user/FGIfederginnastica.
Schedule: March 25, junior team qualification; March 26, senior team qualification; March 28, junior and senior team and all-around finals; and March 29, individual event finals.The defending champion (US) and host country automatically participate in the finals on March 28, and the top eight athletes, with a maximum of two per team, advance to the event finals on March 29.
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
137: Lady Lisa Mason
136: Full Out Syndrome
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
3/25/2015 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 44 seconds
141: Listener Feedback Show
This week it's an all-listener feedback show. An entire episode dedicated to you, our dear listeners. Uncle Tim, Spanny and Jessica chat about:
Nastia giving good face on Dancing With The Stars
Why Nastia said she has never taken a ballet class.
Who are the best freshman in NCAA this year?
American Cup judging discussion.
Why were Tory Wilson and Bridgette Caquatto given mathematically impossible scores last week?
How many economically disadvantaged gymnasts have made it to the top in elite?
Why do we have such crazy gymnastics dreams, and we share some of our own.
Rule Change! When a gymnast has more than one eponymous skill, should she be able to give her subsequent skills the name of her choice?
Cheerleading friend or foe?
Jingoistic music, is it only advantageous to the home competitor?
E-Score home judging for all?
Someone please find overdubbed or English subtitled copies of Ginnaste - Vite Parallele on MTV Italy.
Photo Gallery: 2015 American Cup
140: The 2015 American Cup
Podium Training Photo Gallery of the 2015 American Cup
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee
137: Lady Lisa Mason
136: Full Out Syndrome
3/18/2015 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 55 seconds
136: Full Out Syndrome
Alexandra "Sasha" Tsikhanovich of Bridgeport University
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Brazil's Amanar vaulting superstar, Rebeca Andrade.
The best gymnastics job posting we've ever seen ever - help make grand exit with flips as I quit my job.
Cintia Rodrigues (ESP) and Niamh Rippin (GB) instagram-nastics, a hecht full and Yurchenko double tuck respectively.
Play Nerd-Jack : by relating any topic to gymnastics in as few words as possible. (16:50)
The results, skills and return of Victoria Moors to competition at Elite Canada. (24:00)
Debate who has the better pike front on beam: Ellie Black or Alicia Sacramone.
Evan yearns for more substantive and instructional commentary from the newest college television hosts in his own version of the rage-o-meter. (29:00)
NCAA rankings, which 10 was really worthy (can it be a 10 if the gymnast has full out syndrome, AKA "I have to pee" legs on her landing?), and gush about Kennedy Baker and Division II powerhouse, Bridgeport star, Sasha Tsikhanovich. (34:00)
Highlight the best of the NCAA meets including Gnat's double twisting Yurchenko, UW's Allie Northey who can do a Jaeger with pointed toes, Peng Peng Li smoking bars and beam like a G for UCLA, Cal's Dana Ho who has Gienger that puts Nastia's to shame, plus what to do when a judge forgets about the meet.
Our fabvorite unique skills of the season so far: backspin, Comaneci salto, aerial to land in Y scale, and a one armed front handspring to knee sit on beam.
Debut the new feature, an under appreciated gymnasts of the week in Lexi Cappelli of University of North Carolina who does a Depeche Mode floor routine with a supine worm.
Three ways to watch the AT&T American Cup in person even if you are on a budget.
Install the Greenhouse plugin to find out which industry contributes the most to your representatives.
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
133: Interview - Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
Videos: Katelyn Ohashi is back!
132: It's Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics
Episode 131: A New Hope
3/11/2015 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 43 seconds
140: The 2015 American Cup
Simone Biles hugs Katelyn Ohashi after winning the 2015 American Cup.
This week we are joined by very special guest and World Cup silver medalist, Mary-Anne Monkton of Australia. Uncle Tim, Evan and Jessica recap of the 2015 American Cup in Cowboy Stadium AKA Simone Biles new house:
Marta was on the Nastia Cup broadcast doing commentary again and it was fantastic!
Oleg gave Uncle Tim the best birthday present ever!
MyKayla Skinner crashed her Cheng in podium training and completely missed her hand. (see photo gallery link below).
Head Scratcher of the week: How does a gymnast get invited to a World Cup. Read all 16 pages of Rules here or this:
The top seven all-around placers at World Championships are invited. If that includes the host country already, the 8th placer is invited. If it doesn't include the host, the 8th spot is reserved for the host. The FIG Executive Committee can invited a 9th wildcard. If after inviting the top eight they don't have eight participants, they then invite placers nine through twelve from Worlds. If they still don't have eight, they then invite each federation in the order they finished in the team competition at World's (up to the eighth place team) to send a gymnast until they get eight. Then the wildcard gymnast is selected by FIG.
Do we think it’s fair the way NBC characterizes Simone as unbeatable, as if the pressure doesn’t compound exponentially the more she wins?
Debate our favorite moments and best saves of the meet: MyKayla Skinner on beam or perhaps Sam Mikulak on high bar.
We give our thoughts on leveraging the host country's music and cultural dances in floor routines.
We pretend we are Aimee Boorman and devise a strategy to keep Simone Biles happy, healthy and engaged.
We pretend to be Sam Mikulak and devise a plan for him to convert the consistency he had for his NCAA team to his elite career.
The High Bar tension controversy: are the men supposed to all use the same tension on the high bar? No, we are asking. We want to know!
Nastia Liukin gets her first grade from us as a commentator.
Fashion: what did we think of the Nastia Cup leo, and could Nastia's Swarovski crystals on the nails work for the men
Friday the 13th of NCAA Gymnastics. Every meet had a terrifying crash. The worst of which was Shelby Hilton from University of Kentucky. We have an update on her and opine that perhaps a little angel named Kylie had something to do with that crash.
The Rage-o-Meter ; Trautwig needs to acknowledge that the majority of the gymnasts on the World Cup circuit are in their 20's and that's the new norm. And many women in their 20's make the US Olympic team and even win medals.
We launch a new campaign. Tweet to NBC #NoPolosForNastia
139: Steve Butcher, President of the FIG Men's Technical Committee
138: Prince Emyre Cole
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
80: 2014 American Cup: Recap & Photo Essay
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall & The American Cup
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Podium Training Photo Gallery of the 2015 American Cup
Whatch every routine from Youtube here. Thank you USAG!!!!
3/11/2015 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 19 seconds
139: Steve Butcher
FIG Men's Technical Committee President, Steve Butcher.
This week the President of the International Gymnastics Federation Men’s Technical Committee, Mr. Steve Butcher is here. Yes, the Nelli Kim of men’s gymnastics talks about spring board thieves, fashion rules, Execution score data analysis (nerdgasm!), tons of Code of Points nerdtastic details, gymnastics jail and if he would want his own son to do elite gymnastics. This is important to you women's gymnastics fans becuase MAG and WAG rules must now inform each other. What happens in men's effects the women's rules! We discuss:
The FIG's analysis of Execution score parity between men's and women's judges.
The downfall of having too many examples of Execution scores on the FIG Helpdesk.
Bruno Grandi's statement that biomechanics will become a bigger part of the Code of Points versus the medical aspect of athlete health.
Bringing back the 10.0 and making it Execution score more visible during competitions.
Date for the next Code of Points newsletter with bonus content for the first time in 20-ish years.
Artistry in men's gymnastics: What President Butcher's female friends say they want to see on men's floor exercise.
Country imposed minimum scores which prevent gymnasts from competing in major international competitions.
Release from gymnastics jail for judges - how judges from non-power house countries can gain more experience.
Misconceptions about the powers of his position and responsibility for the current Code of Points.
How closely he works with Nelli Kim to make sure women's and men's gymnastics inform each other.
The rule making process -- concnesus or majority.
Fixing the Broken Grip Rule!
Can the FIG regulate the manufacture of grips like they do the equipment?
Getting the FIG to match the gold standard for social media and streaming video that USAG has set.
138: Prince Emyre Cole
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
Watch the grip controversy on YouTube here.
3/4/2015 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
The original diva, 14 time Olympic and World medalist, the Belarusian Swan tells all
2/11/2015 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 53 seconds
135: The Duchess of Stalderland
In the news, Jessica and Spencer from The Balance Beam Situation chat about:
Auburn could be the bar dismount champions, especially Caitlin Atkinson half-in half-out (look out Katie Bailey)
Ranch News: Gabrielle Douglas, Aly Raisman, Simone Biles vs. Bailie Key, plus Laurie Hernandez is back on the team!
The latest NCAA rankings and why they don't really mean anything right now.
Our thoughts on the latest 10’s from Brenna Dowell, Haley Scaman and Ashley Lambert.
Did we think Florida was underscored on beam at Alabama? Did Alabama recover from last week's beamsaster?
Thank goodness the SEC Network is obviously listening to the show because they've fixed Courtney's Keys.
The good, the gorgeous (Kari Lee's beam! Peng's bars! DABRITZ) and the beam start-value apocalypse from Utah vs. UCLA.
Kentucky at Georgia: Brittany Rogers saves the team with all of her patented Mapleleaf stadler action bar genius.
Comeback-MANIA in Romania! Marian Drăgulescu joining Ponor to save Romanian gymnastics!
Tabitha Yim gave one of the most important interviews of all time. Print it on your soul now.
Shannon Miller's ex-husband is in trouble again.
The period, good ol' menstruation - is it still taboo in sports? We give our expert opinions.
Your feedback about the Penn State gymnastics team's 409 controversy.
Tabitha Yim says, “not everyone achieves their dreams and when I talk to my athletes now, I tell them I didn’t, but I’m okay.Just because you don’t, doesn’t mean you can’t be happy. You can always build new dreams and pursue them just as passionately.” Read the rest of her interview here.
134: 409 Wins Restored, Lives Still Ruined
133: Interview - Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
Videos: Katelyn Ohashi is back!
132: It's Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics
Episode 131: A New Hope
1/28/2015 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 11 seconds
134: 409 Wins Restored Lives Still Ruined
The PSU gymnastics team wrote 409 on their hands. Jessica is furious, find out why.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Spanny Tampson, and Jessica chat about (time stamps in parenthesis):
Catalina Ponor is training again. Will she make the Romanian team? (3:30)
Texas Prime Meet: Texas Dreams is raising an army of artistic gymnasts. Our listeners really liked this girl Colbi Flory
Lilia Podkopayeva resorted to thievery and dancing as a form of protest in order to defend the efforts of her team at the Legendz Classic. (11:00)
Katelyn Ohashi returns to competition! (14:35)
Spanny declares Oklahoma the new queens of choreography and has an out-of-body gym-gasm experience watching Chayse Capps in person.(40:15)
Kyla Ross working new skills and applying to Stanford next year. (23:30)
NCAA rankings and a review of the 10's on vault. (33: 28)
Kennedy Baker (Gators) does the sassiest arabian double pike in all the land. (48:45)
Our picks for NCAA floor champ if as of right now, including Denver's Nina McGee. (51:45)
Alabama vs. Arkansas - Katie Bailey (Bama) might have done the highest full-out in the history of gymnastics; Courtney Kupets makes her debut as a television commentator. (1:01:50)
UCLA vs. Arizona - Sam Peszek invents a new skill to cover a wobble, and Arizona continues their Halloween themed dramatic floor choreography. (1:15:25)
PSU vs. Nebraska - where Nebraska continues to push the difficulty level with E's on floor and variety on beam; while PSU star Robles steals the show. (1:21:16)
Rage-o-Meter: Jessica is furious that the Penn State gymnastics team wrote the number 409 on their hands, according to a television broadcast, to honor football coach Joe Paterno. Paterno who was fired for failing to report child molestation to police even though it happened in the Penn State locker room and was reported to him by an eyewitness. (1:24:35)
Jerry Sandusky grand jury report. Joe Paterno grand jury testimony. The Freeh Report.
Article: What Paterno Admitted he knew: Sandusky couldn't have done it without him
Article Penn State Hockey : Decision to put 409 stickers on helmets overshadowing program
Article Penn State Hockey: Athletic Director Sandy Barbour apologizes for 409 sticker tweet.
133: Interview - Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
Videos: Katelyn Ohashi is back!
132: It's Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics
Episode 131: A New Hope
1/22/2015 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 56 seconds
Episode 133: Interview Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
She is the gymnastics equivalent of panda cubs playing in snow for the first time, combined with the feeling you got when Nastia did a pirouette on bars; the perfect gymnastics happiness pill. The 2013 American Cup all-around champion, Katelyn Ohashi, has committed to UCLA and we have the exclusive interview just hours after she announced her decision to her future teammates. We discuss:
The candlelit moment when she told the team
Why she chose UCLA and when she will start
The status of her return to bars and what skills she's working on
Surprising her coach by busting out crazy dismounts
The look on her face after her second pass on floor at Texas Prime last weekend
What she thinks of the Tumblr posts you make about her
Switching from coach Valeri Luikin to Laurent Landi
If she knows that the gymternet is obsessed with Laurent
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall & The American Cup
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
Watch all of Ohashi's routines from this Texas Prime here.
1/20/2015 • 16 minutes, 46 seconds
132: It's Never Too Late to Start Adult Gymnastics
Peng Peng Lee (CAN/UCLA) gracing the cover via fan art of a game that we all wish we could to play.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Could it be Aliya Mustafina's love life that drew her to a new gym?
If a gymnast like Shawn Johnson became a spokesperson for safe sex and contraception, could it change the image of gymnastics for the better?
Scandal in Singapore! How do you get revenge when your coaches are fired? Hire them like Lim Heem Wei did.
US elites, Ariana Guerra and Deanne Soza are back after injury and illness.
Pac-12 Conference adopts changes that could put them ahead of the SEC.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Updates and recaps from the NCAA meets: Georgia, UCLA, Florida, Michigan, LSU, Oklahoma, SJSU, and the men of Stanford and Cal.
New rules you should know about for the NCAA competition this year.
Elites premiers in college: Brenna Dowell, Peng Peng Lee and Brianna Brown from the famed Cincinnati Gymnastics.
Favorite leotards, unique skills and our opinions of veterans new floor routines, including LSU's Rheagan Courville and Lomincia Hall.
Adult Gymnastics Camp 2015 details here.
Oakville Gymnastics 5th Annual World Masters Gymnastics Championships, which really just means they give out beer as a prize--details here.
Gymnastics Injury Data http://www.gymnasticsinjurydata.com/
116: Louis Smith, Amelle Berrabah of Team Sexy & Tumble Episode 5 Recap
113: Junior & Senior Women’s Finals from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh, plus an Interview with Kim Zmeskal Burdette
112: Junior & Senior Women's Prelims from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh
130: Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton
Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby?) & Glasgow World Cup
128: Aly is Back
1/14/2015 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 51 seconds
131: A New Hope
In the news, Jessica, Uncle Tim and Evan chat about:
The freshly made senior elites, why we are excited about them, from Nia Dennis (USA) and Ryannon Jones (GB) to Flavia Saraiva (BR). (7:30)
The best thing about new gymternet sweetheart Ksenia Klimenko's beam video, aside from her gymnastics; the gong show.
Evan reports in from the first and most mind blowing NCAA meet of the year so far; at the NorCal Classic where Cal won and Stanford came in fourth. Elizabeth Price murdered the vault, Taylor Rice made us imagine her beating Britney Spears down with a glittery hammer while Indian Princess, Kalliah McCartney, strummed at our heart strings with her tall-is-gorgeous-ness. (16:30)
Evan predicts the eventual rise to power of Cal's new competitor, Toni Ann Williams, the owner of a double front dismount on beam.
NCAA season means we get to see our favorite elites in a whole new light. Find out who we are most excited to see - hint it's Captain Canada for Jessica. (35:00)
What should the best qualities be in an adult gymnastics coach? We have the example by way of an unusual ballet teacher.
Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include:
Aliya Mustafina is now working with Denis Ablyzian's coach at a primarily male gym. (44:50)
Uncle Tim reviews Shawn Johnson to find out what makes her taco pie pop on Celebrity Apprentice.
USAG gifts us a video view of Simone Biles and her new Aliya bar dismount.
Roxana Popa was competing with a torn ACL.
Adrianna Kenebrew can do beam and squat-ons even though she's legally blind - what's your excuse grown ups?! Time for adult gymnastics for everyone!
Shilese Jones is the newest immigrant to Buckeye Gymnastics with Gabrielle Douglas and Nia Dennis.
Katelyn Ohashi announces her return to competition at Texas Prime as a level 10, but at age 17 why hasn't she committed to college yet?
The Olympics official add "sexual orientation" to Principle 6 of the charter. Should the FIG follow suit and ban meets in countries with anti-gay laws on the books?
Kenzo is doing a triple-double laid out! Koji Uematsu posted an Instragram video of his piked Kovacs, tucked kovacs, Kolman, Gaylord II! Not human!
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
89: Everybody Loves Raymond! Pacific Rim, Men's NCAA Championships, plus a Russian Championships/Tokyo World Cup recap DO OVER!
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
Kalliah McCartney is our gymnastics goddess of the week. The Sacramento State junior is 5' 7" tall (normal human size), went to Naydenov Gymnastics (just like 2014 Secret Classic champ Jordan Chiles), and if that wasn't enough, she is the decedent of a Native American princess in the Cowlitz tribe! We will be watching the Bulgarian trained mistress of elegance all season long. Expect her to make it to NCAA Championships again this year.
1/7/2015 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 31 seconds
130: Mary Anne Mez Monckton
Mary-Anne Monckton doing her aerial layout series on beam. Photo by Nadia Boyce.
The 20 year-old is a student of the sport, should probably be a in the next episode of The Hard Way To Success, she still loves gymnastics despite seven surgeries, she gym nerded-out because she made a beam final with Catalina Ponor, is inspired by the number of women (20 and older) who held their own in the all-around final in Nanning -- she is Australia's Mary-Anne Monckton! Emma and Jessica discuss the following gymnerdery with Miss Mez:
Why she hated gymnastics at first and being chosen like Nadia at age 7.
Surviving seven surgeries with her love for gymnastics intact!
Trying not to freak out while competing in beam finals with her gymnastics idol, Catalina Ponor.
Thinking the wrong score was posted when she placed second to Larissa Iordache on beam in Doha.
Her description of the beloved post-beam finals celebration with Ellie at the Commonwealth Games.
Tales from Nanning, food report, her favorite competitors there and her opinion on the tie-breaking procedures for finals.
Being coached by the infamous, Ju-Ping Tian.
Explaining her desire to do American NCAA gymnastics to her Australian mother.
Why she became a student of the sport (AKA super gym nerd), not just an athlete.
Jet lag tips everyone can use.
Her thoughts on Australian Gymnastics Jail and how the team Glasgow Commonwealth Games were chosen.
She tells the most endearing Peggy Liddick story you will ever hear and shares Peggy's sage advice.
Follow Mez on Twitter, her YouTube channel for progress videos or Instagram.
108: The Commonwealth Games
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
101: Olivia Vivian
96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships
12/17/2014 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 12 seconds
129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Chow left Gabby) and Glasgow World Cup
Larisa Iordache ended the year on a high, winning the 2014 Glasgow World Cup.
This week we've included time stamps for each segment of the show per your request. Let us know if you like it. Uncle Tim, Emma, and Jessica chat about:
The Glasgow World Cup (00:00): massive moments of joy, shooting fire, Vanessa Ferrari looking tired, pulling shorts up to belly buttons, John Orozco and Oleg Verniaiev scamping around Glasgow, why Pauline Schaefer of Germany stole the show. Plus the juniors we fell in love with from Espoir.
The Mexican Open (34:14): The Four Amiga's: Boguinskaya, Daniela Silivas, Podkopayeva, and Chusovitina; the greatness that is Marta Pihan-Kulesza's exquisite form; the return of the fierce little Italian, Enus Mariani to international competition; and most importantly, our review of the latest super bling $10,000 leotard by GK.
NCAA previews (52:49): Our thoughts of Chayse Capps new floor routine, the genius that is Stacey Ervin's stick-a-thon floor routine and our gratittude for NCAA gymnastics after the long artistic drought that is the elite gymnastics code of points hell.
Our favorite items from the 2014 Ultimate Gym Nerd Gift Guide (1:01:16) and what Uncle Tim's gymnastics nieces want for Christmas. It involves heavy excavation machinery.
Uncle Tim gives his review of Cirque du Soliel's steampunk-inspired show, Kurios--complete with droplets of man sweat and what made the wive's in the audience smack their husband's mouthes closed. (1:05:34)
Gymternet News (1:13:43): Gabrielle Douglas's agent dished all the dirt on why Dougy left Chow's, an explanation for Mustafina's poor performance in Stuttgart, the coming out stories of a rhythmic and artistc Olympian, how we feel about men's and women's Olympic trials being held separately, new skills in the code of points and why you should sign up for college Fantasy Gymnastics.
Mail Call (1:41:43): An outraged Russian listener, Irish Daniel asks what we think of Verona van de Leur announcing her comeback, and a very knowledgable listener takes gymnasts to task for copyright theft against choreographers.
Check out our Gift Guide here. Draft your fantasy gymnastics team by December 27! collegefantasygymnastics.com
64: Glasgow World Cup & NCAA 2014 Previews
Episode 62: Pavlova to Azerbaijan, Oleg (Finally!) in Stuttgart & The Mexican Open Extravaganza
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
72: John Orozco
74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque's Amaluna
104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships
12/10/2014 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 19 seconds
128: Aly is Back
AlyRaisman training in the recent USA Gymnastics documentary
Uncle Tim and Jessica chat about:
Komova's triumphant return to international competition (nobody cares if she watered down)
Oleg's baby mohawk, Ruggeri's floor , Roxana Popa's hot new bars steal the show at the Blume Memorial.
Why does Boguinskaya make Chusovitina pose in front of lingerie shops wherever they go?
Our jazz hands filled love for Elythora Thorsdottir and Axelle Kinckaert's big band choreography.
Why the Romanian juniors are leading the charge for artistry and uniqueness in eastern Europe.
Should all competition bibs feature names instead of numbers like the did at the Stuttgart World Cup?
Afanaseyeva is back with a new floor routine and a huge neck tattoo. Seriously.
We lament for the Mustafina who could have been in Stuttgart (it wasn't pretty, e.g. helicopter legs triple full is back).
The adorable VK fan chat with Oleg Vernaiev. That American's are the friendliest and he still hates high bar!
All the reasons to love german announcers especially when they talk about Donell Wittenberg and Hambuchen.
Andres Breischneider does the double twisting kovcas again! You better STEP UP Epke!
Who has the best team on paper -- the NCAA signing day debate.
The 43-year-old mother of three, Louise Andrew's experience competing in the masters gymnastics (AKA being the coolest mom ever).
The cheerleader who's never competed in gymnastics, Laney Madsen of Gym-Max, was invited to national team training camp.
Episode 62: Pavlova to Azerbaijan, Oleg (Finally!) in Stuttgart & The Mexican Open Extravaganza
77: Aly Raisman
72: John Orozco
64: Glasgow World Cup & NCAA 2014 Previews
71: The Chest Position Enforcement Bureau
12/3/2014 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 52 seconds
127: Tumbling and Trampoline Worlds, the Medellin Cup
Uncle Tim and Jessica chat about:
Our favorites from Tumbling and Trampoline World Championships and what we think artistic gymnastics can learn from these daredevils with good form.
Are fake music endings acceptable in floor routines or a cruel joke on the audience?
The floor routine to the Sia song Chandelier by Ellie Boterell of England is everything!
The GymCastic Floor Music contest playlist is up on Spotify here.
A guide to shapashnikova variations on uneven bars, because Jessica sometimes needs help with bars.
Standouts at the Medellín World Cup: Yamilet Peña, Mariana Chiarella of Peru and Jossimar Calvo Moreno.
Mustafa's latest interview where she discusses her injuries, coaching (can't because she doesn't dislike children enough) and frustrations with the bar code.
Will the open division at Shawn Johnson's new NCAA-esque meet series allow for international elites to compete?
Oleg Vernaiev talks about training in war-torn, pit-less Ukraine.
The Gymternet's Ultimate Floor Music Playlist is ready for you listening pleasure. Send us videos if you use one of the songs for a floor routine! Check it out here.
A GymNerd's Guide to Shapashnikova's on Bars:
Shapashnikova = Clear hip
Van Leeuwen = Toe-on with 1/2
Khorkina = Clear hip with 1/2
Toe on Shapash = Maloney
Toe on Shapash ½ = Van Leeuwen
Stadler Shapsh = Isn’t named, but sometimes called the Chow after Amy Chow
Stadler Shapash half
Inbar (piked) stalder Shaposh = Komova II (2011 World Championships)
Inbar (piked) stalder Shaposh with ½ turn = Komova I (2010 Youth Olympic Games)
126: Post-Worlds Hangover
Episode 58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series & NCAA De-commits
Episode 47: Justen Millerbernd,Tumbling and Kalon
Audrys Nins of the Dominican Republic, gives good cowboy.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
12/3/2014 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 47 seconds
89: Everybody Loves Raymond!
Oklahoma's showstopper Raymond White (center), Victoria Komova (bottom L), Michigan repeat as NCAA Champions and Luo Huan, Bailie Key with Nia Dennis (far R) at Pacific Rim Championships.
In the news, Jessica, Blythe, Uncle Tim, Evan and Scott Bregman chat about:
A star is born! Why everyone flipped out when Oklahoma's Raymond White was shown on TV during the men's NCAA Championships!
Russian Championships and Tokyo World Cup recap do-over with Blythe! Yes, yes, you were all upset, we didn't devote enough time to it. Please forgive us!
Pacific Rim - the US gets serious on bars, Nia "Silent Assassin" Dennis, Chinese babies, Ting Ting and Luo Huan, plus from Canada, Miss Alleza Yu's "mysterious" floor choreography.
Which sponsor will snatch up Sam Mikulak now that he can go pro?
Women's NCAA Championships Super-Fight: we debate why LSU, Florida or Oklahoma could become the 2014 champions.
Whether or not we like this new "welcome" arm sweep the US team is using to enter their floor routines.
If tiny, tan and talented Katherine Grable can "Jenny Hansen" the meet by stealing the all-around title away from Rheagan Courville or Sam Peszek.
Gym Nerd Poll: The 2014 NCAA Gymnastics Championships
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
Episode 30: Women's NCAA & European Championships
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
Check out this week's video playlist here.
11/19/2014 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 21 seconds
126: Post Worlds Hangover
In the news, Uncle Tim, and Jessica chat about:
Sepcial guest, Scott Bregman, Communications Director at USA Gymnastics stops by to lets us know how to watch Tumbling and Trampoline World Championships starting this week in Florida.
Jessica hit Scott with the hard hitting question about China - the squat toilets, the lavishness of the event and being an exotic foreigner.
Our favorite saves from Worlds.
Lots of emails and voicemails from the listeners!
Who is the Nanning Bee on Twitter?
Articles about artistry that drive us nuts, especially when they rely on nostalgia to make their arguments.
Kenzo does a triple double at the Swiss Cup.
Hip thrusting and Lilia Podkopayeva at the Gala de Estrellas de Gimnasia in Mexico.
Jessica's favorite new Romanian junior Alexandra Mihai and her 2.5 backspin.
Khorkina lets it be known that she was pissed off after the 2008 Olympics; we discuss the recent interview (there's a lot of discussion about public crying).
To watch TTWorlds.com outside of the United States just use a VPN! We like TunnelBear, Hola, ZenMate and GetUsVPN.
Olivia Searle, Maria Layton, Danica Taylor and Kalley Skitch. Contact us via email (gymcastic @ gmail.com) ASAP with a numbered list of your prize choices.
Prizes (small shirt, chalk, water bottle or towel) are first come first serve.
125: Growing Up In China - Jiani Wu Interview
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
11/5/2014 • 1 hour, 49 minutes, 29 seconds
78: A Pantsing Incident
10/26/2014 • 58 minutes, 49 seconds
125: Growing Up In China
Jiani Wu
What was it like growing up in China before they were a gymnastics super power? Jiani tells us all about it. A native of Shanghai back when China was a closed society, Jiani was one of the first allowed to compete outside of the country. Wu helped the Chinese women win their first World Championships team medal, a silver at the 1981 Worlds in Moscow and a bronze for the team at the 1984 Olympics.We discuss:
Adjusting to coaching in the United States and working with parents.
The Yurchenko loop and Teza skills that she was doing back in the 70's.
Her coaching philosophy and how it ties into her experience as an accidental champion.
Secret romances and how she met her husband in the training halls of the national training center.
The training schedule and beam complex seriousness of the Chinese training regime.
Gymnastics urban legend busting about China's conditioning, pizza and hamburgers.
What China was like in the 1970's before their athletes were allowed to compete outside of the country.
Coaching both of her daughters, 2012 Olympic alternate Anna Li and level 9 Andrea Li.
That time she Yin Alvarez'd when Gabby Perea hit her bar routine.
The major awardChina gave her for winning an Olympic medal.
Legacy Elite Gymnastics
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic
88: Rhonda Faehn with Mackenzie Caquatto
Episode 3: Russian Regime Change, Fashion Code and a Chat With Anna Li
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 5: Growing up at WOGA
Jiani Wu performing the Yurchenko Loop
Jiani Wu performing her eponymous skill on bars.
Watch the playlist for this episode here.
10/23/2014 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode 7: Paul Ruggeri
10/23/2014 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 3 seconds
87: NCAA Regionals and Russian Nationals
10/23/2014 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall
10/23/2014 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 55 seconds
124: Event Finals at the 2014 World Championships
Graphic Design by MegTwelve. Visit her store at http://twelvestore.bigcartel.com
Our coverage of the 2014 Gymnastics World Championships in Nanning, China continues with a full recap of the women's and men's all-around final. Uncle Tim, Lauren and Jessica chat about:
Every single event final, even rings and pommel horse!
The judging of the balance beam final Mustafina's score vs. Terramoto's score.
Which side of the gymnastics debate won Execution or Difficulty. We have the statistical proof in this week's edition of Sexy Data.
Which gymnastics need to sit in over splits until next year's worlds or stop complaining about their E scores.
Bruno Grandi's latest call for change. Why doesn't he understand that EXECUTION IS NOT ARTISTRY!
All the ways in which the Italian Gymnastics Federation is like the Perez Hilton of gymnastics federations.
Would reducing the number of skills with a simultaneous minimum time limit on floor (for men and women) and beam, help address the lack of artistry in the current system.
Contest Alert!
Why: We want to create a playlist of songs that should be used for floor routines.
What: Send us the song title and artist name for a song that’s never been used in a floor routine before.
How to Enter: Send your song to [email protected], and we will choose the winners at random. Not Twitter or Facebook, please!
Deadline: November 1, 2014 Prizes: Official P&G Championships chalk (a whole box!), black polo shirt (small), water bottle, towel with carrying case.
Uncle Tim puts the artistic in men's gymnastics over on Uncle Tim Talks Men’s Gym.
Lauren Hopkins is head honcho over at The Gymternet.
Find inspiration for your adult gymnastics career at Masters Gymnastics.
Watch the Universal Sports broadcast for free on http://www.usagymworlds.com/live/
Check out the video grid of all the available routines from Worlds http://thegymter.net/2014/10/05/worlds-qualification-videos-running-master-list/
115: Kenzo Shirai
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women – Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
10/15/2014 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 45 seconds
123: All Around Finals at the 2014 World Championships
Graphic Design by MegTwelve. Visit her store at http://twelvestore.bigcartel.com
Our coverage of the 2014 Gymnastics World Championships in Nanning, China continues with a full recap of the women's and men's all-around final. Uncle Tim, Lauren and Jessica chat about:
The podium and the BEE!
All of the new members of the Hot Pink Nation.
Gutsuism, fair or unfair.
Larissa Iordache -- She finally did it and had higher start value than Simone.
Sexy Data --Who performed the highest difficulty and scored best in execution for the men and women?
SamGate -- What happened with Sam Mikulak's parallel bar routine?
Yao Jinnan's bonus wipeout moment at the end of her floor routine.
The Longines Prize for Elegance -- Should the same gymnast be able to win more than once?
Vanessa Ferrari -- Her gymnastics prowess and the leaps that drive us nuts.
Contest Alert! Why: We want to create a playlist of songs that should be used for floor routines. What: Send us the song title and artist name for a song that’s never been used in a floor routine before. How to Enter: Send your song to [email protected], and we will choose the winners at random. Not Twitter or Facebook, please! Deadline: November 1, 2014 Prizes: Official P&G Championships chalk (a whole box!), black polo shirt (small), water bottle, towel with carrying case.
Lauren Hopkins is head honcho over at The Gymternet. Uncle Tim puts data miners to shame on Uncle Tim Talks Men’s Gym. Find inspiration for your adult gymnastics career at Masters Gymnastics.
Watch the Universal Sports broadcast for free on http://www.usagymworlds.com/live/ Nanning TV is showing a live stream and has very entertaining behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. No Chinese language knowledge necessary! Check it out here http://www.nntv.cn/live/nntv_gg/
Check out the video grid of routines from Worlds http://thegymter.net/2014/10/05/worlds-qualification-videos-running-master-list/
122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women – Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
72: John Orozco
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
10/13/2014 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode 122: Team Finals at the 2014 World Championships
Our full recap of the 2014 Gymnastics World Championship men's and women's team finals from Nanning, China.
Graphic Design by MegTwelve. Visit her store at http://twelvestore.bigcartel.com
Our coverage of the 2014 Gymnastics World Championships in Nanning, China continues. Jessica, Uncle Tim and Lauren Hopkins cover the men's and women's team finals:
Gabby Jupp redeems herself and Jessica apologizes for confusing Hannah Whelan and Ruby Harold!
Sexy Data about the men's start values and execution.
The Japan vs. China team men's team final controversy-- is it worth discussing and is it different from any other sport?
Olivia Vivian and her beer cozy wrist band to honor her father.
The best routines of team finals.
The fluidity and O'Beirne Code approved brilliance of Japan's beam routine composition.
The reason the Chinese women lost the world championship -- they didn't use Bai Yawen in finals!
The leadership and patience with which Aliya Mustafina and Larissa lordache lead their teams.
Khorkina's complains about team Russia.
The adorableness of Bai Yawen hugging Mustafina on the podium.
The new trend in men's gymnastics, the comb-over bump it.
Come back Saturday to hear our recap of the women's and men's all around finals.
Lauren Hopkins is head honcho over at The Gymternet. Uncle Tim puts data miners to shame on Uncle Tim Talks Men's Gym. Find inspiration for your adult gymnastics career at Masters Gymnastics.
Watch the Universal Sports broadcast for free on http://www.usagymworlds.com/live/
Nanning TV is showing a live stream and has very entertaining behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. No Chinese language knowledge necessary! Check it out here http://www.nntv.cn/live/nntv_gg/Check out the video grid of routines from Worlds http://thegymter.net/2014/10/05/worlds-qualification-videos-running-master-list/
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women – Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
97: Anadia World Cup & Canadian Nationals
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
72: John Orozco
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
.
10/10/2014 • 2 hours, 56 seconds
121: Qualifications Recap from the 2014 World Championships
Bai Yawen (China) kicks major booty on beam at Worlds in her hometown!
Coverage of the World Championships with a recap of the men's and women's qualifying rounds from Nanning, China. Jessica, Coach Rick, Lauren Hopkins and Spanny Tampson chat about:
Mr. Miguel Zapata of Spain, winning fans worldwide.
New Zealand's Anna Tempero.
Whittenburg didn't make vault finals, but Re Se Gwang did it with no legs.
Aimee Boorman calls out International Gymnast magazine.
Romania's deep troubles.
Diego Hypolito, the veteran cannot be denied!
Skinner, so so so consistant
Simone has cast a happy spell on everyone at the World Championships.
Newcomers everyone is talking about: Nile Wilson and Bai Yawen's bow.
The status of the Azerbaijan experiment.
Oleg Vernaiev! Finally! Or Uncle Tim may have had a stroke.
Score changes made overnight on the FIG website.
Celebrity couple nicknames we need for skills competed by two gymnasts at the same Worlds
Watch the Universal Sports broadcast for free on http://www.usagymworlds.com/live/
Nanning TV is showing a live stream and has very entertaining behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. No Chinese language knowledge necessary! Check it out here http://www.nntv.cn/live/nntv_gg/
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women - Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
97: Anadia World Cup & Canadian Nationals
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
72: John Orozco
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Nanning TV shenanigans.
10/7/2014 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 13 seconds
120: The World Championships Preview Show
Larisa Iordache, Simone Biles, Kyla Ross and Aliya Mustafina battle it out in Nanning, China! Illustration curtesy of The Magnificent "USA, Russia & Romania"
CODE FOR LIBSYNC HERE It's our annual World Championships preview show! Jessica, Uncle Tim and Evan chat about:
What these championships mean for the Olympic Games in Rio.
Our picks for top contenders and dark horses for every event final and medal (except rings and pommel horse because those events are only exciting in finals).
Who will the US put up in beam finals?!
How will Sosnitskay's Cheng help the Russian team.
Will Tatiana Nabieva and Biles burn the floor down with their collective sass at the post-meet banquet?
Will Chusovitina win another vault medal at age 39?
If this US men don't win a medal, will there be a shakeup at USAG?
Can Japan upset the Chinese men at home!?
The fan favorites you need to watch; the one's who will win the crowd, even if they don't win medals.
How to watch podium training and the qualifying rounds (select teams only) for free from anywhere in the world
And here are the latest news stories we cover this week from around the gymternet:
Precision Choreography adds another legend to their roster
Katelyn Ohashi is back on beam with a full.
Sarah Finnegan does a double side flip.
Marcel Nguyen is out with a torn ACL but his YouTube diaries are keeping us happy.
Dutch gymnasts star in a pole dancing television contest.
The latest episode of The Hard Way to Success is on the Downie sisters.
If you aren't in the United States, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like TunnelBear or Hola to watch podium training and the qualification rounds being broadcast by USA Gymnastics at USAGymWorlds.com
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women - Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
97: Anadia World Cup & Canadian Nationals
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
72: John Orozco
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
10/1/2014 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 5 seconds
119: How to Watch Nanning Podium Training and The Tumble Finale Recap
Our recap of the Tumble Finale
This week Scott Bregman, Director of Content and Communications for USA Gymnastics joins us to talk about live coverage direct from the 2014 World Gymnastics Championships in Nanning, China. Then in the official unofficial podcast of BBC One's Tumble recap, Emma and Jessica chat about:
Which celebrities and gymnasts we'd like to see on the next season of Tumble.
The alleged sex tape of Louis Smith that doesn’t exist.
Nadia performing for the first time in 20 years!
Host Alex cutting off a judge AGAIN!
Our favorite moments from the show.
The Bobby and Kristin romance that we haven't recovered from.
Here is the full schedule of the the live (if all goes well) broadcast from Nanning.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like TunnelBear to watch podium training and the qualification rounds being broadcast by USA Gymnastics at USAGymWorlds.com
Find an adult gymnastics program in the US on Jessica’s website masters-gymnastics.com. Or discover the gymnastics program that’s right for you with a video introduction to all of the different disciplines of the sport.
Find out more about BBC One’s Tumble on the official website. Watch routines on the BBC One YouTube Channel.
114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches!
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
The Official Unofficial Podcast of Tumble on BBC One, Episode 2
109: The Tumble Podcast
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
107: Acro World Champions Kristin Allen & Michael Rodrigues
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
9/29/2014 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 28 seconds
118: Pan American Championships and the American Men at US Championships
This week on GymCastic, it's raining men.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan, Cordelia Price, and Jessica chat about:
The triumphant return of CUBA (WAG 4th place team) and how much we want Yesenia Ferrera and Manrique Larduet to defect too!
Marvin "The Hot Mess of Unlimited Potential" Kimble
Comparing the US men's scores at the national championships to the rest of the world (see chart below)
How we felt about the US men's team selection process
Pan American Championships: the good, the bad and the injuries (Maggie Nichols, noooo!!!)
Yamilet Peña and the tale of the sliding sting mat
Marta gives advice to parents and Arthur Zanetti loves to take pictures with Cordelia
Sexy Data: How did Pan Am Championship scores compare to P&G Championships for the US women
How the performance of the US women at Pan Am's effected their positions for the world team
We lament the loss of thrown back artistry from our beloved, Tomás "Porn Stach" González
How Donell Whittenburg stole the show at P&G Championships
How competitive was the men's competition at the Pan American Championships? This chart shows the top men's all-around scores for the qualification rounds at each competition. Pan Am's for men were more competitive than Commonwealths, about equal to Europeans, but not as competitive as Worlds. Compiled by Cordelia Price.
Apply for tickets to the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto here.
Jessica Lopez (L to R), Mykayla Skinner and Yesenia Ferrera of Cuba.
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
97: Anadia World Cup & Canadian Nationals
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
72: John Orozco
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
9/22/2014 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 15 seconds
117: Youth Olympic Games, Romanian, Russian and Novara Cup
The Youth Olympic Games artistic gymnastics champions.
This week Bea, Blythe, Emma and Jessica chat about:
Romanian Nationals
Could Larisa Iordache have a higher difficulty value at Worlds than Simone Biles?
Jessica picks her new junior superstar: Andreea Iridon.
The state of the Romanian World Team and the dreaded (for the seniors) bars.
The Swiss, Romanian, Germany Friendly meet
An update on Swiss stalwart, Gulia Steinbruger.
Germany's steller bar workers are getting it done!
Youth Olympic Games
The most overwhelming display of affection and sportsmanship we've ever seen in the history of gymnastics.
The educational component of the YOG that none of us knew about!
Becky Downie pushing her coach away from the camera to stop from dying of teenage embarrassment.
Vault final was won by a Chinese gymnast, Wang Yan with a big 14.783
Giarnni Regini-Moran, another sign of the next super power is British Gymnastics.
Novara Cup
The fan insanity/zero security for athletes at Italian gymnastics meets.
The return of veterans, Joana Adlerteg (SWE) and Julie Crocket (BEL).
Russian Cup
The return of Victoria Komova on bars from her growth spurt and injury.
Aliya Mustafina is back, with a vengence!
The glorious zero-craps-given attitude of Tatiana Nabiyeva.
Sandra Isbasa to do Romanian Dancing With The Stars.
Get more from Bea over at The Couch Gymnast.
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
89: Everybody Loves Raymond! Pacific Rim, Men's NCAA Championships, plus a Russian Championships/Tokyo World Cup recap DO OVER!
Episode 46: Russian Cup Results and Gabby Dancing With The Stars?
Episode 3: Russian Regime Change, Fashion Code and a Chat With Anna Li
Episode 49: Booth on the Alexander Alexandrov Interview
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
9/17/2014 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 39 seconds
116: Louis Smith, Amelle and David Roy Wood
This week's interviews are with: Amelle Berrabah, shown here with her pro partner, sports acro world champion, Doug Fordyce; Louis Smith who gives us the deets on his Euros disappointment; and Amelle's coach David-Roy Wood who talks about what he learned from, no biggie, Nadia.
It's interview-o-rama today on the show! Louis Smith is here to answer your Book Club questions. Amelle Berrabah, the British singer and finalist on BBC One's gymnastics tv show, Tumble, is here with her coach David-Roy Wood (who also coaches Princess Catherine). And by the way, Amelle is going to continue with adult gymnastics when the show is over because she loves the fitness results she's achieved during training! To conclude, Jessica and Emma recap Tumble episode 5 before the big finale on Saturday where NADIA WILL BE PERFORMING!
Louis Smith tells us:
If he was every suspicious of his dad's motives when he came back into his life.
Exactly why he was so upset about not being named to the GB squad for Europeans and how he thinks it should have been handled.
If there is any truth to the Lucy Mecklenberg romance rumors
How he concentrated on training with Lisa Mason and Rochelle Douglas in the same gym and advice for asking out a teammate.
What he would change about Tumble for next season.
Amelle and Dave tell us:
What they learned from Nadia's surprise visit to their balance beam training session.
About the training schedule and pressures of Tumble.
Overcoming fear and doubt when there are millions of people watching.
Find an adult gymnastics program in the US on Jessica’s website masters-gymnastics.com. Or discover the gymnastics program that’s right for you with a video introduction to all of the different disciplines of the sport.
Find out more about BBC One’s Tumble on the official website. Watch full episodes on the BBC One YouTube Channel.
If you are outside of the UK and want to watch Tumble on BBC One, you can use FreeTVCafe.net here. Use at your own risk. There are a ton of play buttons that will automatically download crap onto your computer. Be extremely careful not to click on an advertisement. Less risky is using a VPN like TunnelBear, Zenmate, GetUsVPN.
114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack & Tumble Episodes 3 and 4 with special guest Jenni Pinches!
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
The Official Unofficial Podcast of Tumble on BBC One, Episode 2
109: The Tumble Podcast
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
107: Acro World Champions Kristin Allen & Michael Rodrigues
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
9/13/2014 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 44 seconds
115: Kenzo Shirai
2013 Floor World Champ, Kenzo Shirai of Japan
Kenzo "The Prodigy" "Quad King" Shirai of Japan is here! The 2013 World Champion on floor, who did the quad as his last pass (because he's that good), chats with Jessica about:
Upgrades on high bar
How he learned the quad
His challenge for the US team at Worlds
His favorite American gymnast.
His advice for Aly Raisman on how to master the quad twist.
Special thanks to our interpreter, Sho Nakamori!
Follow Kenzo on Twitter here.
77: Aly Raisman
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
Kenzo Shirai showing his absolutely perfect twisting form.
In case you missed it, click on the photo below to see Christy Linder's photo gallery from P&G Championships.
Click on Simone Biles cringing photo to see the full gallery.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
9/10/2014 • 16 minutes, 31 seconds
114: Fallout From Gymnastike’s Handling of Maroney Hack, plus a Tumble Recap
This week, Jessica, Olympian Jenni Pinches, and Emma Bailey chat about the latest gymternet controversy and BBC One's Tumble episodes three and four:
News broke over Labor Day weekend that a hack took place that exposed racy photos of several celebrities and athletes, including McKayla Maroney. We discuss how the gymternet has responded--specifically how Gymnastike and parent company Flocast, handled the news--and the backlash they have received.
How much Jessica loves coach, Katie Richards from Heathrow who presents stickers for goals met and gives exactly zero craps about the feelings of wimps.
Was it fair that this week the celebrities didn't have to use real rhythmic equipment?
All trampolines should be covered with rose petals from now on.
The awkward sexual innuendo moment between Louis Smith and host, Alex.
The magic Dave-Roy Wood must be working on Amelle because she hasn't developed any mental blocks after a terrifying crash!
How to avoid accidental choking when attempting rhythmic gymnastics.
Behind the scenes scoop from Emma and Jenni who were in the studio.
Read Jenni's thoughts on Tumble and more on her blog or Twitter. Emma is on Twitter and blogs about her gym nerd here. Danusia Francis has been blogging about Tumble on her blog as well. Check out all of Emma’s nerdtastic adventures in gymnastics fandom at MoominWhiskey Meets.
Find an adult gymnastics program in the US on Jessica’s website masters-gymnastics.com. Or discover the gymnastics program that’s right for you with a video introduction to all of the different disciplines of the sport.
Find out more about BBC One’s Tumble on the official website. Watch full episodes on the BBC One YouTube Channel.
If you are outside of the UK and want to watch Tumble on BBC One, you can use FreeTVCafe.net here. Use at your own risk. There are a ton of play buttons that will automatically download crap onto your computer. Be extremely careful not to click on an advertisement. Less risky is using a VPN. Try TunnelBear, Zenmate, GetUsVPN.
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
The Official Unofficial Podcast of Tumble on BBC One, Episode 2
109: The Tumble Podcast
113: Junior & Senior Women’s Finals from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh, plus an Interview with Kim Zmeskal Burdette
112: Junior & Senior Women's Prelims from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh
110: 2014 US Championship Preview Show
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
107: Acro World Champions Kristin Allen & Michael Rodrigues
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
How we all felt when Nadia saved Lucy.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
9/3/2014 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 43 seconds
113: Junior and Senior Women’s Finals from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh
Repeat senior champion, Simone Biles hugs new junior champ, Jazmyn Foberg by Christy Linder.
Today, straight from the P&G Championships in Pittsburgh, Jessica, Lauren, Dvora, Cordelia and Lindsey recap the event and:
Kim Zmeskal tells us about the Hunger Games-themed leotards and the core values of her coaching (interview beigns at the 1:45:35)
The rise of MG Elite, is quite possibly the top junior gymnastics program in the country.
Laurent Landi, coach of Alyssa Baumann and Madison Kocian at WOGA, stopped by the GymCastic studios to give us an injury and goal update on his seniors.
The wise, reliable, Kyla Ross.
Breakout fan favorites, Jordan Chiles, Morgan Hurd, Macy Toronjo, Emily Gaskins, Marissa Oakley, Maile O'Keefe, Jazmyn Foberg, Deane Soza and Alexis Vasquez.
The Uneven Bars Situation: Ashton Locklear, Madison Kocian, Kyla Ross and seemingly fantasy, gym nerd created bar routine of Brenna Dowell.
Would it make any difference to our World and Olympic results if the US ladies went to more World Challenge Cups around the world?
Should USAG President, Steve Penny, revoke the broadcast rights from NBC for showing John Orozco crying in London on the big screen in the arena while John waited to go on pommel horse?
We present the deeply coveted GymCastic Execution and Artistry awards.
Will Simone Biles be the Kohei Uchimora of women's gymnastics?
Missing in action - where was Kyla's coach Howie this weekend?
The MyKayla Skinner factor - she's made huge improvements.
Extra special thanks to the DoubleTree hotel in Pittsburgh for finding a great room for the podcast and feeding us warm cookies to sustain our recording long into the night!
Results from the 2014 US Championships here.
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women - Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
A Christy Linder photo gallery is coming soon!
Watch every routine from the P&G Championships on the USA Gymnastics YouTube page here.
Jazmyn Foberg uses "Never Gonna Happen" by Lily Allen for her floor routine. Do you like it?
8/26/2014 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 14 seconds
112: Junior & Senior Women's Prelims from the 2014 US Championships in Pittsburgh
Jazmyn Foberg of MG Elite took the lead in the junior competition.
A full recap of day one of the women's competition. We discuss:
Swaggie Maggie Nichols rise in the ranks
The ranging case of nerves that swept the juniors.
Trends in routine construction for the top teams
How awesome Evan Heiter and Sam Peszek were at commentating LIVE.
Favorites for World and Pan American Games.
Adeline Kenlin and the coolest vault of the competition and Lexy Ramler getting the biggest cheers for her bar routine.
Watch live here. The 2014 WAG Rankings from The All Around here.
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women - Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
8/22/2014 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 54 seconds
111: The Official Unofficial Podcast of Tumble on BBC One Episode 2
This week Jessica and Emma Bailey recap episode two of the BBC’s new show Tumble. We consider these important topics:
What time to arrive at the BBC One studio if you want to be in the live studio audience for Tumble.
Would the American post-Olympic tour benefit from hiring the Tumble creators?
The tear-jerking, beauty of the “Butterfly” performance by Beth Tweddle featuring some of our favorite junior elite gymnasts from the British squad.
Which gymnasts (hint, Simone Biles) should wear Lucy Mecklenburgh’s green leotard from this week’s show?
We speculate on the veracity of the incompetence demonstrated by the celebrities during their practices.
Does Sarah Harding have poor cardio or is she just unaware that her mouth is hanging open throughout her performance?
Claudia Fragapane gave great advice and the English champions from the commonwealth games
Was the romance storyline between Kristin Allen and Bobby Lockwood, just a ruse to throw us off of the H Watkins and John Partridge, romance?
Natalia Ilienko shed tears after the show.
Determine that everything in life should come down to a “Vault Off”
Nastia’s triceps and gorgeous arm muscles.
Alex cuts off Louis Smith and Jessica is enraged!
Is the quality of this show greatly improved because of the variety of professionals from different gymnastics disciplines — acrobatics, circus, artistic etc.
Two contestants were members of the Royal Ballet - not normal humans, these are super athletes.
We predict Amelle will be the last woman standing.
Jenny Pinches blog on Tumble. Danusia Francis has been blogging about Tumble on her blog as well. Check out all of Emma's nerdtastic adventures in gymnastics fandom at MoominWhiskey Meets.
Find a gymnastics program in the US on Jessica's website masters-gymnastics.com.
Find the gymnastics program that's right for you with a video introduction to all of the different disciplines of the sport.
LeoCards, iconic leotard postcards and posters by Meg here.
Find out more about BBC One's Tumble on the official website. Watch full episodes on the BBC One YouTube Channel. If you are outside of the UK and want to watch Tumble on BBC One, you can use TVPC.com here or FreeTVCafe.net here. Use at your own risk. There are a ton of play buttons that will automatically download crap onto your computer. Be extremely careful not to click on an advertisement. Less risky is using a VPN like Zenmate or GetUsVPN.
108: The Commonwealth Games
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
107: Acro World Champions Kristin Allen & Michael Rodrigues
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
The green Egyptian scarab leotard Lucy Mecklenburgh wore on episode two of Tumble on BBC One.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
8/21/2014 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 41 seconds
110: 2014 US Championship Preview Show
This week Jessica, Uncle Tim and Evan preview the 2014 P&G Championships:
Since Evan will be doing commentary for the junior women and junior men's broadcasts, we try to come up with new descriptions for commonly used commentary-isms!
We predict the winners, dark horses on each event and the all-around for the women's junior and senior field.
Jessica and Evan argue about who will steal the junior show: Deanne Soza, Jordan Chiles, Nia Dennis or Norah "Lord of the Beam" Flatley.
A listener implores us to examine the rare and uncommon bar routine of Miss Lexy Ramler.
Why Rachel Baumann's tumbling is comparable to Beyonce, and Rachel Gowey is the Laurie Hernandez of this year's floor joy.
Our sentimental favorites, the kids who may not medal but we can't wait to watch: Morgan Hurd, Lauren Navarro, Emily Gaskins, Amelia Hundley.
The infamous ants-in-your-pants choreography for Gabi Gheorghiu that Marta Karolyi did.
We give advice about managing body image when starting adult gymnastics, celebrate our listener-scientists, and find out about all of the "country gymnastics" that our listeners do!
Find out how to watch live here.
The 2014 WAG Rankings from The All Around here.
Keep checking The Gymternet for updates on scratches from the meet. here.
The Secret Classic by the numbers here, some sexy data from Lauren.
Interested in trying gymnastics? Discover which gymnastics discipline is right for you, including adult, acrobatics, parkour, trampoline, tumbling, group and rhythmic here. Then find an adult gymnastics class on Jessica's website, master-gymnastics.com.
109: The Tumble Podcast
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic
Episode 45: The 2013 P&G Championships Post-Meet Report
P&G Championships by the Numbers: The Senior Women - Night 1
Spanny Tampson Reports on Day One of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships from the Hotel Bar
Episode 44: Pan Am Report and P&G Championships Preview
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
8/19/2014 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 29 seconds
109: The Official Unofficial Podcast of BBC One's Tumble
The official unofficial podcast of BBC One's new show, Tumble.
This week Jessica and Emma chat about BBC One's brand new show, Tumble:
The alleged romance between world champion, Kristin Allen and the Teen Wolf, Bobby Lockwood.
Emma watched the show live and gives us all the details from inside the studio.
Craig Heap dissing Louis Smith!
Lucy Mecklenburgh vs. John Patridge -- ummm, yeah.
Hater reviews and if they are valid or not.
Background on the gymnastics and acrobatic stars featured on the show.
The 60 and 50 year-old celebrities who are learning adult gymnastics.
How to find an adult gymnastics program near you!
Natalia Ilienko, the 1981 Floor Exercise World Champion, coaching Sarah Harding.
If this is the best thing that ever happened to gymnastics or not. Hint, it is!
Louis Smith will be our very first GymCastic Book Club guest in August.
What: Read the book and submit questions about it for Louis.
How: Buy the book here, send your questions to us at gymcastic @ gmail.com or leave a voicemail on Skype at username “GymCastic Podcast” or by dialing (415) 800-3191.
When: Submit your questions and we’ll ask Louis when he’s on the show in August.
Find a gymnastics program in the US on Jessica's website masters-gymnastics.com.
Find the gymnastics program that's right for you with a video introduction to all of the different disciplines of the sport.
LeoCards, iconic leotard postcards and posters by Meg here.
Find out more about BBC One's Tumble on the official website.
Watch full episodes on the BBC One YouTube Channel.
If you are outside of the UK and want to watch Tumble on BBC One, you can use TVPC.com here or FreeTVCafe.net here. Use at your own risk. There are a ton of play buttons that will automatically download crap onto your computer. Be extremely careful not to click on an advertisement. Less risky is using a VPN like Zenmate or GetUsVPN.
108: The Commonwealth Games
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
107: Acro World Champions Kristin Allen & Michael Rodrigues
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
Leo Cards by Meg
Princess Catherine Lyons with her coaches David Roy Wood and Rochelle Douglas.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
8/13/2014 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 17 seconds
108: The Commonwealth Games
Claudia Fragapane (top left), Olivia Vivian (top right), and Glawgow volunteer Jamie Day (center bottom).
Jessica, Blythe, Emma and Jamie chat about:
Did Australian head coach, Peggy Liddick's controversial plan to take potential event medalists and leaving their all around champion at home.
Our fears that the British media are portraying Fragapane as the next world champion and will set her up for unreasonable expectations.
Jamie tells us what it was like to volunteer in Glasgow for gymnastics and be forced to eat candy!
Dipa Karmakar's double front vault. Was it worthy of it's namesake, the great Produnova?
Louis Smith and Kristina Thomas carrying an injured Sam Oldham onto the podium for his gold medal in a Kerry Strug-esque moment of glory.
The most anticipated pommel horse show down since the 2012 Olympic Games.
The fantastic attitude of Becky Downie who competed injured for a title on bars but three falls on beam.
The gym-romance between Hannah Whelan and Sam Oldham.
Will Max Whitlock challenge for an all around medal at Worlds?
Ellie Black vs. Claudia Fragapane in the vault finals- -we discuss whether or not the outcome was fair.
Olivia Vivian, Miss Congeniality of the gymnastics world.
The massive improvement of the Welsh girls and Indian women's gymnastics.
Sportsmanship gymnastics style.
107: Acro World Champions Kristin Allen & Michael Rodrigues
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
101: Olivia Vivian
81: Jenny Hansen
96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships
Victoria Moors: A Photo Gallery from the 2014 American Cup
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
An Inside View of gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games - by from our friend MIchelle Webb who volunteered in media at the games.
I was, and still am, skeptical about the team format. The reason they did it was because they didn't have enough of the most highly qualified judges to run all the panels simultaneously. That makes me wonder if there are rules against judges from non-competing nations judging or if it was a money thing in forking out for extra officials. One good thing about the way they organised the countries was that it meant spectators got to cheer on gymnasts from just about every country. All the big teams except Wales had MAG in one session and WAG in the other. That was very nice for the fans and it also meant gymnasts could watch their male/female counterparts perform. Of course the big consequence of the country draw was that MAG medals were decided in the first session and WAG medals in the second. That meant those that paid more for "finals" tickets only saw half the competition be decided but it was great for the session one spectators who didn't get to see the medal ceremony but saw the big MAG England v Scotland battle.
I would be interested to know what the gymnasts thought of it. I'm curious how being able to focus on limited events per day stacked up against being different and having to compete multiple days in a row. As a trampolinist I would be perturbed having to compete set and voluntary routines on different days, I'd prefer to get it done and out of the way! I guess there was the potential for tactics to change based on day one scores but I'm not sure we saw any of that.
The announcer was good about explaining which teams were coming in and out. Teams were marched in and out at the same times as other groups were rotating events so it was a bit disjointed. With so much going on it was extremely difficult to keep track of the scores. The main scoreboard had MAG and WAG scores, subdivisions and rotation numbers and was probably tricky to follow for newbies. I'm not sure the non-gym nerds were too bothered but I found it had less ebb and flow than a normal team competition. I always remember Barry Davies (God) being disparaging about Romania winning Sydney TF while sitting on the sidelines. Having a score to chase is less dramatic than everyone competing at the same time although it does give you more time with the calculator. I'd say that the format was very good for newbies as they got a heck of a lot of variety with MAG, WAG and many countries. I think gym nerds would prefer the better focus the traditional format provides.
Competition
Won't say too much here because everyone can watch the routines but...
Get well soon Sam.
Can we please ship CWG gymnasts to Marta and teach them to stay on the fecking beam?
I've never seen so many smiles in a WAG AA competition, lovely to watch gymnasts be chuffed with their performances and enjoying themselves.
The cameraderie between all the gymnasts was great. Particularly liked seeing the Scotland and England coaches shaking hands/high fiving during the march rounds.
Singapore WAG are a nice team, smart form and decent difficulty.
Watching gymnasts from smaller nations is a good reminder of how difficult gymnastics really is. It is easy to forget the level of preparation giants and basic ring moves require when you just watch top teams.
Rhian Pugh (2004 Junior Euro bar champ) was judging. She was a line judge during the team competition and I think a timing official for UB finals. Pretty neat that she was officiating at a competition including the Zuchold which was in her routine back in the day.
The music played was matched to the gymnasts going. When Wales had performed and Welsh fans dressed as daffodils were shown in the audience they played "Delilah" by Welsh artist Tom Jones. After Ruby Harrold finished on bars they played "Ruby ruby ruby" by the Kaiser Chiefs!
Behind the scenes
My Clydesider volunteer role was "press tribune team leader" which meant I looked after the journalists, distributed scores and made sure only authorised people came into the press tribunes (working area which was behind vault/beam). It was so cool to see the back stage organisation of an event and it was wonderful to contribute to the gymnastics and the Games as a whole. As a bonus I actually got to see a fair bit of gymnastics which helped me feel better about selling my tickets when I got my volunteer position. Some neat things that happened/were spotted and that I'm allowed to talk about were...
Craig Heap taking pictures of his screen for the England 1-2-3 and Christine doing the same when her gymnast Georgina Hockenhull won bronze on beam.
I got to go on the field of play to move photographers' benches around during RSG podium training. They were also used in London and still had 2012 stickers on them. Nice to see things being re-used in a sustainable games.
For the team and HB medal ceremonies I moonlighted in the mixed zone where my job was to walk gymnasts from the broadcast area to the written press mixed zone. Such a cool job and being there meant I could listen in on the interviews. Peggy and Lauren both said that they were the third ranked country going in and that they won silver rather than it being a disappointment. Peggy also mentioned her team being under-prepared, will peak for worlds and that she's happy they were all healthy. All the medallists got a bag of goodies which included a frame/mount thing for their medals. It was proper amusing to see the judges all trying to get pictures with Louis while the volunteers were trying to shepard him to journalists.
After the VT medal ceremony Dipa ran up to her coach to hang her bronze around his neck. Whatever you think about her vaulting and their strategy it was a cute moment.
Multiple journalists had never covered the sport before and asked me to explain what was going on. PERFECT job for me! I felt sorry for them being so out of their comfort zone but some of the errors I saw in articles were inexcusable and could have been solved with a quick google (China are world leaders in WAG) or glance at the information we gave them (Louis features in AA finals) grrrrrrr! I just loved using my gym nerd powers and explaining what was going on to my team of volunteers and journalists who asked.
Audience and Noobs
Various games were played with the audience to keep the energy levels high. Some of these applied to all the CWG venues but they are extra relevant to gymnastics given the down times between routines and that worlds is at the same venue next year.
"Weegie wave" was a term coined for the Games as far as I'm aware. This is a "Mexican wave" or "the wave" depending on where you are from. I was given blank looks at a US summer camp when I suggested a Mexican wave, once I explained it I was told the American name and that I shouldn't be racist! The same thing happened with Chinese whispers/telephone. Anyway, they got this going a lot and the audience had to race an electronic Clyde (Games mascot) around the arena. There was also a super slo-mo version where they asked the audience to be as graceful as the gymnasts.
Kiss-cam/highland dancing cam/air guitar cam. For this they would show members of the audience and get them to do as they were told. Most people were up for it. Notable events were getting the announcer on kiss-cam, Louis vs a NZ gymnasts on air guitar cam (as you can imagine Louis went for it) and the highlight was the Dan's on highland dancing cam. They were resolutely not up for it. Keatings just laughed and made jokes while Purvis gave us some head bopping. Such a shame!
There was an announcer who roved the audience doing interviews with kids and getting people to participate in the 30 second challenge. Variations of this were name countries in the CW, sports in the CWG, fruit, vegetables. Then they'd play a video of a sports star doing the same to see who would win.
Speaking of videos they had Beth reminiscing about her UB title in Manchester and Steve Frew doing the same about SR (which shockingly they cut off before the SR ceremony that he presented at). There were also videos for each apparatus and they were actually pretty detailed, going as far as describing the special requirements on PH.
There were several acrobatic gymnastics performances from the GB juniors which were very well received.
The 2015 worlds were publicised a lot with the announcer mentioning that tickets had almost sold out.
All the noobs adored Claudia. There were lots of height comments. Super young kids around me kept asking their parents when Louis would be on, he's so well known now. Some on my team commented on the scary vauting of the Indian WAGs. None of them had any gymnastics knowledge and were fairly non-plussed about volunteering at this venue but 80% loved it, thought gymnastics was amazing and will be watching Tumble.
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
8/11/2014 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 13 seconds
107: Tumble Star Kristin Allen and World Champ Michael Rodrigues
Tumble star, Kristin Allen with her acro partner Michael Rodrigues, coach Alex Pakrah (bottom L), and celebrity Bobby Lockwood.
Kristin Allen and Michael Rodriguez are legends in the world of acrobatic gymnastics, formerly acro sport. These two daredevils are world champions and were the first American's ever to win the World Games. We discuss:
How acrobatic gymnastics can teach men how to touch a woman respectfully
All the details about Tumble and how to watch in the United States
The most difficult conditions they ever performed under.
The benefits of partnership
Upsidedown miscommunication horror stories, injuries and fashion!
The worst thing that can happen when your being drug tested by the International Gymnastics Federation
How story lines and acting can help improve artistic gymnasts performance quality
The most awkward travel story we've ever heard--it involves a cave.
Follow Kristin Allen on BBC One's Tumble here. If you are outside of the UK and want to watch Tumble on BBC One, you can use FreeTVCafe.net here. Use at your own risk. There are a ton of play buttons that will automatically download crap onto your computer. Be extremely careful not to click on an advertisement. Less risky is using a VPN like Zenmate or GetUsVPN.
106: Biles and Ross Dominate the 2014 US Secret Classic
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
104: Gabby Douglas Missing In Action & USA Championships
103: Ranch Classic & Sports Acro World Championships
8/7/2014 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 27 seconds
106: 2014 Secret Classic
Kyla Ross and Simone Biles are all smiles on the podium at the 2014 Secret U.S. Classic.
Louis will be our very first GymCastic Book Club guest in August.
What: Read the book and submit questions about it for Louis.
How: Buy the book here, send your questions to us at gymcastic @ gmail.com or leave a voicemail on Skype at username “GymCastic Podcast” or by dialing (415) 800-3191.
When: Submit your questions and we'll ask Louis when he's on the show in August.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Blythe, and Jessica discuss these important topics from the US Secret Classic :
Simone Biles has committed to UCLA, will she compete or be tempted to go pro?
Lauren thinks MyKayla Skinner should use the Frozen song instead of her current music. See it here.
Our favorite moments, skills, newbies to watch and veteran heart breakers.
Does a win at the Secret Classic predict future success - Uncle Tim tells us with a quiz.
New trends in choreography, artistry and skill combinations.
Our high hopes for bars, could the US medal drought on bars may be over?
The bonuses were in effect for the US Classic and where do the ladies rank internationally?
Why Kyla Ross and Simone Biles would be perfect running mates for presidency in 2028-ish.
Free VPN's to watch your favorite gymnastics programs outside or within the US Zenmate or GetUsVPN
Lauren Hopkins is at The Gymternet. Read Spencer's analysis on The Balance Beam Situation.
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back & Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
Episode 42: The 2013 Secret US Classic from Chicago
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Here is the video of Simone Biles doing Kyla Ross's choreography in the background during the Secret Classic.
2014 Senior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
2014 Junior Secret Classic Competition Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of Podium Training at the 2014 Secret Classic
Watch on YouTube seniors or juniors.
8/6/2014 • 1 hour, 42 minutes
105: Chicago Secret Classic Preview, Cuba is Back and Nadia Promotes Adult Gymnastics
This week Uncle Tim, Spanny Tampson, Lauren Hopkins, and Jessica chat about:
Which skills and/or apparatus cause the most exertion-induced flatulence.
The good and bad--the unusual team final format at the Commonwealth Games
Could Donnell Whittenburg be this generation's Marian Dragulescu?
Nadia, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, Mary Lou Retton and Bart Conner on ABC's Extreme Weight Loss, featuring an adult gymnast!
Who's in, out, and ones to watch at this weekend's Secret Classic in Chicago.
Jessica and Spanny share their body image struggles as adult gymnasts.
We pick our Rio Olympic teams based on this year's Secret Classic roster.
The Chow-manar vs. The Raisman-manar.
How will Gabby Douglas's move to Buckeye's with Nia Dennis benefit them both.
The State of Danell Leyva; training in Miami for the altitude in Colorado, don't mix.
Spanny Tampson's review of Gymnastike's Beyond The Routine series at Texas Dreams.
What goes through our minds while we watch rings routines.
Can "women's" gymnastics remain a viable sport if it can only be done at the elite level, before puberty?
Beautiful Cuban gymnastics shine at the Festival Panamericano; Yesina Ferrera Nunez and Manrique Larduet.
Use this VPN to watch the Commonwealth Games from anywhere: TunnelBear
Watch ABC's Extreme Weight Loss with obese, 44-year-old Georgeanna, who wants to get back to gymnastics here.
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 72: John Orozco
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
Episode 42: The 2013 Secret US Classic from Chicago
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney
Watch this week's playlist on YouTube here.
7/30/2014 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 1 second
104: Gabby Missing In Action and USA Championships
Diana Tatevossian, Donna Tatevossian, Alexandria Alaman perform at USA Championships in the sport of Acrobatic Gymnastics (formerly Sports Acro).
In the news, Jessica, Uncle Tim and Elizabeth Grimsely chat about:
The fashion, safety, random whistling sounds, top 40 music and insane skills from the Trampoline, Double Mini, Rhythmic, Tumbling and Acrobatic Championships
Can Duckworth fill Sarah Patterson's heels as she retires after 36 years at the University of Alabama
Gabby Douglas leaves Chow’s again - where should she go now? Jessica gives us an elaborate plan for Gabby while Uncle Tim speculates about the business end of things.
Then we answer your questions about men's age limits - why did Kenzo become a world champ at 17?
Do pro gymnasts delay official retirement to milk endorsements? Or are they just keeping their options open?
CALLING AWESOME TYPISTS! Our transcription team serves the deaf gymnastics population by transcribing each episode with their passion for typing and gymnastics. If you'd like to join Team GymCastic Transcription and help our deaf audience read each episode faster by emailing us at gymcastic @ gmail.com
Have you joined the book club yet? Louis will be our very first GymCastic Book Club guest in August.
What: Read the book and submit questions about it for Louis.
How: Buy the book here, send your questions to us at gymcastic @ gmail.com or leave a voicemail on Skype at username “GymCastic Podcast” or by dialing (415) 800-3191.
When: Submit your questions by the first week in August and we'll ask Louis when he's on the show in August.
Elizabeth Grimsley writes about gymnastics over at allflippedout and tweets about it here.
USA Gymnastics full gallery of great photos from USA Championships on Facebook.
Episode 26.5: Jenny Hansen, Casey Jo Magee and Anna Li with an Announcement!
Episode 3: Russian Regime Change, Fashion Code and a Chat With Anna Li
03: Ranch Classic & Sports Acro World Championships
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Catherine Gonzalez and the cool green skirt.
Watch this week's YouTube play list here.
7/23/2014 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 4 seconds
103: Ranch Classic and Acro Worlds
MG Elite's Ariana Agrapides being carried on a lectica.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Jazmyn Foberg, Rachel Baumann, Ariana Agrapides, Gabby Perea
Should athletes accept endorsement deals before they have become champions?
The Gabby Douglas update video from USA Gymnastics
Sports Acro World Championships in Paris
Is Kim Jacob up to the standard of past Honda award winners?
Why doesn't the US send an artistic female gymnast to the Youth Olympic Games?
Vanessa Atler interview, she's come a long way!
Insane Skill Alerts from Max Whitlock, Eddie Penev and Mai Murakami
Listener questions about England vs. Great Britan, men's age limits and more
Wildlife in the gym: rats, June bugs, joey's and pigeons.
We are very excited to announce that Louis will be our very first GymCastic Book Club guest in August.
What: Read the book and submit questions about it for Louis.
How: Buy the book here, send your questions to us at gymcastic @ gmail.com or leave a voicemail on Skype at username “GymCastic Podcast” or by dialing (415) 800-3191.
When: Submit your questions by the first week in August and we'll ask Louis when he's on the show in August.
100! Biomechanical Booty Advantage
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
98: Eddie Penev the Bulgarian-American Bullet
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
81: Jenny Hansen
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney
Episode 3: Russian Regime Change, Fashion Code and a Chat With Anna Li
Watch out YouTube play list here.
7/16/2014 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 47 seconds
102: Classic Episode with Louis Smith
Three time Olympic medalist, Louis Smith MBE, talked to us back in October 2012.
It's a classic interview this week from back in October 2012, when we talked to Great Britain’s Louis Smith. The outspoken, three-time Olympic medalist talked to us about Strictly Come Dancing, handling the pressure, role models, his nude pommel horse photo shoot, style on the British team and Rio.
We are very excited to announce that Louis will be our very first GymCastic Book Club guest in August.
What: You read the book and submit questions about it for Louis.
How: Buy the book here, send your questions to us at gymcastic @ gmail.com or leave a voicemail on Skype at username “GymCastic Podcast” or by dialing (415) 800-3191.
When: Submit your questions by the first week in August and we'll ask Louis when he's on the show in August.
Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Making Men's Gymnastics More Popular
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 34: Rick McCharles
95: WAG European Championships Part Two -- Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report
94: Women's European Championships Part One!
7/9/2014 • 45 minutes, 1 second
101: Olivia Vivian
Australian Olympian, Oregon State star and Commonwealth team member, Olivia Vivian...just hanging out for a chat with us!
The Australian queen of antics is here! Olivia Vivian, perhaps the biggest ham in all of elite gymnastics, hung out for a chat. She helped Australia to a sixth place finish, its best Olympic finish in history in Beijing. Despite a back fracture, a mangled hand and being normal height of 5' 6", she's made a successful comeback to elite at the age of 24, almost 10 years since she first completed at the 2005 world championships. We can't wait to watch the Oregon Beaver compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month. We are putting out bets on her to duke it out with the British in bars finals. We discuss:
"Australian Gymnastics Jail" - her thoughts on the Australians being left home from Antwerp World Championships last year.
Learning new techniques from coach John Carney at OSU to improve her already stellar bars.
How college gymnastics in America gave her a better understanding of the competitiveness Peggy Liddick brings to the Australian program.
Earning a living as an adult athlete and returning to elite training hours.
The freedom and trust she experienced from her coaches as an adult elite athlete.
Check out Olivia's antics on her Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
Just some of the reasons we love Miss Vivian and her Instagram account.
Watch our YouTube playlist for Olivia Vivian's interview here.
96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships
97: Anadia World Cup & Canadian Nationals
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships! Plus details from the Ljubljana World Cup, Korean Meet and Romania takes on Belgium and France
84: Meet Recaps! Jesolo & NCAA Conference Championships
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
7/2/2014 • 26 minutes, 4 seconds
100 Biomechanical Booty Advantage
We made it to 100! This is the shamelessly vainglorious episode where we answer all of your questions about our irrelevant personal lives, and the origins of show. This week, Dr. Uncle Tim, Blythe, Evan and Jessica chat about:
Marta's very positive comments on Gabby Douglas, who made a triumphant return to camp!
An intimate moment accidentally recorded in the background during the interviews
Since Bill Cosby is saving Temple Men's Gymnastics, should the team now wear Cosby sweater uniforms?
Evan reveals a grand secret that even Jessica didn't know about; and his most embarrassing on-assignment moment, as captured by NBC.
Major changes for Olympic hopeful, Lexie Priessman, who left Cincinnati Gymnastics.
How much sleep does Blythe get when she's on assignment at a World Championships?
Play along with Dr. Uncle Tim for our very own quiz show based on the past 100 episodes.
Why are only 19% of the gymnastics federations headed by women?
The Commonwealth Games have been announced and our favorite twerker made the team.
We reveal plans to form our own country in order to recruit the best gymnastics team in the world--including stamps, flag and signature beverages.
Uchimora dominates per usual and Kenzo makes his case for Worlds.
Gymnasts, coaches and summer vacation--Evan gives wise advice.
Bailey Key and Roxanna Popa are training Amanar's
Lauren Hopkins launched her young adult fiction series based in the gymnastics world: The 2016 Trilogy
Dvora Meyers officially announced her book "The End of the Ten - The Fall of Perfection in Modern Gymnastics." Details on her site, Unorthodox Gymnastics.
Details on the fundraiser with BILL COSBY for the Temple Men's gymnastics team.
Pro Gymnastics Challenge streaming Wednesday, June 24th at 9pm Eastern.
The Nike Pro Sparkling Sunburst tights as worn by Ms. Gabby Douglas, Olympic Champion (available here).
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall & The American Cup
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
Watch Liana Burkhart do a beam routine on her prosthetic leg here. WOOT!
6/25/2014 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 48 seconds
99: Princess Catherine Lyons and Coach Rochelle Douglas
Princess Catherine Lyons and her coach, former international elite, Rochelle Douglas have been together since Catherine was six!
Princess Catherine Lyons of Europa and her coach, former international elite gymnast, Rochelle Douglas, are here! We noticed these two in the very popular YouTube series called Team Sparkle. Princess Catherine is known for her exquisite form, her elegance, her uncommon maturity, making audiences cry with her expressive melancholy and angst-filled modern dance choreography. She's on a major winning streak, in 2012 she won the all-around at the British Espoir Championships; in 2013 she swept it, winning all-around and all four event finals; and this year she’s won gold on floor in every meet she entered, including the English Championships and British Championships; and finally she capped off the year by becoming the 2014 Junior European Floor Exercise Champion where she helped the British team take silver. At Euros she also had the highest Execution score of any junior. And you know how we LOVE that. We have her coach, Rochelle Douglas, to thank for this. Rochelle was an International gymnast from 1994 to 2000 and competed at European and World Championships along with Lisa Mason and Holly Murdoch, only just missing out on the 2000 Olympics. She’s passionate about building truly artistisc gymnasts and getting them to the highest level. We discuss:
Achieving such a high level of artistry and execution at such a young age.
The story behind Princess Catherine's floor routine and choreography.
Why having puppy feet can be an adjustment, even for an artistic master.
A typical day in the life of Miss Lyons and her coach who has two jobs!
Why Catherine likes danger and how she mastered her switch split mount.
Creating confidence and commitment to performance in young gymnasts.
Keeping judges attention and drawing them into a routine.
How Rochelle handled the disappointment of not making the 2000 Olympic team.
Shenanigans that Rochelle and teammate, Lisa Mason, got into in their elite days.
Steps the British program has taken to improve their results since Rochelle was competing.
What happens at the Lilleshall National Training Centre training camps and what makes Amanda Reddin a special kind of leader.
What Princess Catherine and her coach think of her nickname.
Full slide show of Rochelle and Catherine since the very beginning on our site here.
Catherine Lyons on Twitter Rochelle Douglas on Twitter Europa Gymnastics Centre website.
94: Women’s European Championships Part One!
89: Everybody Loves Raymond! Pacific Rim, Men’s NCAA Championships, plus a Russian Championships/Tokyo World Cup recap DO OVER!
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
80: 2014 American Cup: Recap & Photo Essay
64: Glasgow World Cup & NCAA 2014 Previews
Episode 62: Pavlova to Azerbaijan, Oleg (Finally!) in Stuttgart & The Mexican Open Extravaganza
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
Episode 19: Andreea Raducan
95: WAG European Championships Part Two — Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report
94: Women’s European Championships Part One!
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Watch it on YouTube here.
6/18/2014 • 1 hour, 13 seconds
98: Eddie Penev
Eddie Penev competing for Bulgaria at the 2010 World Championships in Rotterdam.
The US is lucky enough to have a World floor finalist, Stanford alum and Nissen-Emery Award winner Eddie Penev back on their team. With dual-citizenship, he used to compete for Bulgaria but now he's alllll ours again. He just won floor and vault at Anadia and has basically has every skill in the book on floor. This week he chats with Blythe and Jessica. We discuss:
Why he switched from Bulgaria to the United States even though the US is so much more competitive and will be harder for him to make a World team.
What he learned from teammate Jordan Jovtchev.
Standardizing equipment for international competitions.
The current state of Bulgarian gymnastics.
The biggest party animals and goofballs on the US men's team.
Growing up in New York with gymnastics parents.
How he can help the US with our pommel horse deficit.
Presentation and artistry work at US training camps.
Remember to call in and leave a voicemail question or topic for debate on the GymCastic hotline for our 100th episode.
97: Anadia World Cup & Canadian Nationals
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
72: John Orozco
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Watch this week's YouTube playlist here.
6/11/2014 • 37 minutes, 50 seconds
97 Anadia World Cup and Canadian Nationals
In the news, Uncle Tim and Jess chat about:
The star of Portugal, Filipa Martin winning a medal on floor while Jessica Lopez just keeps getting better every year.
Which gymnast would be capable of much more if she were training elsewhere?
We pick our beam songs and discuss the horrors of background techno.
The correct moment to pick a wedgie if the television cameras are watching.
If we’ll ever get this whole difficulty world record thing going in artistic.
Is the call for a ban of the Produnova vault is just sexism?
Could Ellie Black contend for a medal on balance beam at Worlds in China?
Trampolinist, Karen Cockburn placed third at Canadian Nationals, proving once and for all that any woman can go back to adult gymnastics after giving birth.
The Enrique Tomás González, Eddie Penev, Sam Mikulak epic showdown on floor exercise at the Anandia World Cup.
And here are the latest news stories from around the gymternet discussed this week:
TUMBLE! A new gymnastics show coming to BBC, featuring Louis Smith, Beth Tweddle and Nadia!
Uncle Tim quizzes Jessica on: What’s Your Country’s Weakest Event
Belu is threatening to leave the Romanian gymnastics team for the 700th time.
The awesomeness of Rachel Gowey and Alyssa Baumann.
Gabby Douglas and Mary Lou Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, are at the Ranch training together.
University of Florida student charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault for pointing an Airsoft-style rifle at Mackenzie Caquatto and Marissa King.
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall & The American Cup
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
79: Winter Cup AKA The Screaming Gym Moms Championships
96: Australian Nationals & Men’s European Championships
Gymnastics Moustaches for Movember - featuring Mr. Enrique Tomás González
Watch the full broadcast of the Anandia World Cup here.
Follow along as you listen by watching our YouTube playlist for this epiosode here.
6/4/2014 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 3 seconds
96: Men’s European Championships & Australian Championships
World Champion, Lauren Mitchell, back on beam at the 2014 Australian National Championships.
She has been named to the Commonwealth Team for Scotland later this summer.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Brigid head honcho at The Couch Gymnast, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Bela Karolyi style scratch-and-petition-nastics at Australian National Championships and the Godwin Factor for Commonwealth Games team.
The Russian men dominate with gorgeous, clean, high flying skills at European Championships while Ukraine earns a spot on the podium despite war at home and neck tattoos.
Max Whitlock beats Krisztian Berki on pommel horse!
Fabian Hambuechen had a scary fall, did Epke Zonderland's hair cut help his high bar form, and should Mr. Alexander Shatilov have won the Mr. Sofia title?
Mtv Germany has a shirtless gymnastics video shoot that we investigate like Grandi at a rhythmic judging exam.
The shinning hope for Australia after a dark time, Larissa Miller of tribe Uneven Bars.
We get to the bottom of the top news stories from around the gymternet :
Anna Pavlova's fall out of the show and down the stairs
THIS KID! Emmy doing the most adorable routine we've ever seen.
New skills submitted for evaluation at the European Championships
Updates from The Ranch: Laurie Hernandez, MyKayla Skinner and Maggie Nichols
Steve Butcher, Men’s Tech Committee Chair , sounding reasonable.
Pre-sale tickets for 2015 World Championships in Glasgow are on sale here. Full results from the 2014 Australian National Championships here
95: WAG European Championships Part Two -- Lesser Known Stars and a Behind The Scenes Report
94: Women's European Championships Part One!
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Igor Radivilov's neck tattoo.
2014 Australian All-Around Champion, Georgia Godwin of Queensland. Click on this Post
by Gym Qld WAG High Performance Centre to watch the video of her beam routine that Jessica references in this episode.
5/28/2014 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 18 seconds
95: WAG European Championships Part TWO
Blythe and Jessica talk to Emma Bailey direct from the hallway of her hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria at the Women's European Championships about:
The great Soviet Pink Panther routine by Elena Shevchenko (USSR) vs. the new Pink Panther performed by Marta Pihan-Kulesza (POL).
The red carpet, the banquet dances, and other cool stuff the organizers did.
Could Sandra Izbasa return for Rio?
Diana Bulimar, the unsung hero and backbone of the Romanian team.
Teams on the rise and lesser known fan-favorites; Noemi Makra (HUN), Claire Martin (FRA), Emma Larson (SWE), Gaelle Mys (BEL), Lisa Top (NED)
Emma gives her impression of the once great Ukrainian women's program.
Are there too many World Cups schedule, without sufficient time to rest before the European Championships?
And finally, high bar Olympic medalist Krasimir Dunev proves he is freakin' cool as hell.
Emma's YouTube Channel has some videos of fan favorites not captured on the broadcasts. Leotard series postcards (leocards) and prints by Meg. Buy them here. 2014 European Gymnastics Championships site.
94: Women's European Championships Part One!
89: Everybody Loves Raymond! Pacific Rim, Men’s NCAA Championships, plus a Russian Championships/Tokyo World Cup recap DO OVER!
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
80: 2014 American Cup: Recap & Photo Essay
64: Glasgow World Cup & NCAA 2014 Previews
Episode 62: Pavlova to Azerbaijan, Oleg (Finally!) in Stuttgart & The Mexican Open Extravaganza
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
Episode 19: Andreea Raducan
Insert YouTube play list here.
5/25/2014 • 55 minutes, 25 seconds
93: A Champion Makes Her Choice
World Cup Series Champion, Elizabeth Price has chosen to attend Stanford university rather than contend for a world title in the fall. Photo by Christy Linder.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan, and Jess chat about:
Elizabeth Price's decision to retire from the national team in order to go to Stanford.
The unprecedented 7th national title with a low for Kohei Uchimura.
Chinese women's National Championships; mature choreography; Yao Jinnan's 7.0 bar routine; beam star, Bai "The Blue Finch" Yawen; Huang Huidan's bar dismount!
Thi Ha Thanh Phan showing she's not just a vault worker at the Osijek World Cup, and Brazil debuts floor cosmonaut-tumbler, Angelo Dias de Assumpção.
Is it fair that both an Arabian double pike is an E and an Arabian double pike ½ out is an E, or should the half turn have a greater value?
FIG stepping in to fund Ukraine's trip to the European Championships.
Louis Smith MBE is not happy about being off the Euro team and lets everyone know about it. Can British Gymnastics improve their intra-team communication?
Our favorite champions from the level 10, JO National Championships, including Alicia Boren's hot FX and Olivia Karas stuck-like-a-mutha vault.
Then we discuss the latest news stories from around the gymternet:
Louis Smith, Luke Carson and Theo Seager comment on the European Team selection.
As Spanny reported months ago on this very show, Shawn Johnson WILL be on The Celebrity Apprentice next season.
New Super Awesome Choreographer alert! Gina Starbuck, watch this and tell us which gymnast is best suited for her style.
The similarities between coach Aimee Boorman and Simone Biles and the way Aliya Mustafina and her coach, Raisa Ganina work together.
The latest McKayla Maroney interview gives us more details on her extremely serious leg injury on tour.
How will gay and female fans be treated at the Doha World Championships in 2018?
Spanny Tampson recaps The Sarah and Suzanne show and NADIA the movie! Uncle Tim and Jessica weigh-in over at The Couch Gymnast for Love it or Hate it? The Non-Ballet Routine.
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
80: 2014 American Cup: Recap & Photo Essay
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 25: Fan Ye
Gymnast Yan Mingyong releases early wedding photos of himself and his wife Ma Qiujing via his Weibo account on Thursday, May 8, 2014.[/caption] Gymnast Yan Mingyong & former trampolinist Ma Qiujing tied the knot in style! Do any of you have gymnastics wedding, prom, engagement photos like these? Share them with us! We want to see! More photos: buff.ly/1uNkYSf
Weekly YouTube playlist can be found here.
5/14/2014 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 25 seconds
92: Classic Episode Elizabeth Price
5/7/2014 • 26 minutes, 25 seconds
Classic Episode with Beth Tweddle
4/30/2014 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 26 seconds
90: The 2014 Women's NCAA Championships!
Oklahoma sophomore, Haley Scaman (L), co-national champions Oklahoma and Florida, Florida senior Mackenzie Caquatto embraces Alaina Johnson (R).
In the news, Jess, Uncle Tim, and Spencer from our absolute, hands-down favorite NCAA gymnastics analysis website, The Balance Beam Situation, chat about :
The Ljubljana World Cup - the return of Ana Pavlova with a win on bars, Danny Pinheiro-Rodrigues with his light as a feather-stiff as a board inspired, super-human skill on rings and Mr. Oleg Verniaiev winning two events.
The Korea Meet - Louis Smith beat Krisztian Berki (woah!), Brandon Wynn gold, Yang "The God of Vault" Hak Seon debuted a new vault and why Olivia Vivian and John Orozco should be on Dancing With The Stars.
Komova's latest injury and Ferlitto is forced to pull out of Euros.
Romania vs. Belgium vs. France - Iordache won everything, Diana Bulimar impresses in her comeback and we fall in love with a buttery french chocolate- eclair of a routine from France's Loan His.
Jessica gives us a behind the scenes and hotel bar report from NCAA Championships!
Home Court Advantage: Is it really possible to have a "neutral site" host the meet?
Scoring: The results of Spencer's analysis from NCAA's compared to the regular season and previous seasons. Was it higher or lower than regular season on each event? You'll find out why Jessica had to scream until she lost her voice.
The most ROBBED gymnasts of the meet.
Our favorite individuals and event specialists: Kalliah McCartney, Marie Case, Alexis Gunzelman, Lindsay "Precision" Mabel, Hannah Norquist, Chayse Capps, and gymternet heartthrob Katherine Grable.
The painfully long wait Oklahoma had to endure before finding out they had won the first ever NCAA Championship.
Brandi Jay's accidental double twisting yurchenko.
The Senior Curse: how the NCAA time-line effects performance.
The Balance Bean Situation - the best NCAA analysis.
Tons of videos from the floor at NCAA Championships on our Instagram.
Rewriting Russian Gymnastics on Komova's injury.
University of Oklahoma Women's Gymnastics site.
University of Florida Women's Gymnastics site.
Carlotta Ferlito on the illness taking her out of Euros.
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
Gym Nerd Poll: The 2014 NCAA Gymnastics Championships
87: NCAA Regionals, Russian Nationals & Miss Lloimincia Hall is discovered
83: University of Georgia Head Coach Danna Durante
The Most Annoying People To Watch Gymnastics With
University of Oklahoma had a painfully long wait while everyone scrambled to find out if there was a tie-breaker.
Video Playlist here.
4/22/2014 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 56 seconds
88: Rhonda Faehn & Mackenzie Caquatto
An all-interview episode with 1988 Olympic alternate at the Seoul Games and Florida head-coach, Rhonda Faehn. She is a super gym-nerd, just like us. We discuss:
Competing at World Championships with no ligaments left in her ankle.
The pile of injuries that led to her injury-retirement from UCLA.
How she met her super-hot, French, tennis coach husband at Florida.
What was Rhonda thinking as her team made uncharacteristic falls at Regionals.
What it was like living away from home with Phoebe Mills and then the Kristie Phillips family.
Being a Karolyi Kid; one of the first crop of gymnasts to train with Nadia's coaches when they first came to the US.
If there were any perks, like extra leo sparkles for becoming national champions.
Mackenzie Caquatto won a silver medal with the US team at the Rotterdam World Championships in 2010. Then she became a key player at the University of Florida and led the Gators to their first ever, national championship.
Can having a boyfriend actually improve a girl's gymnastics?
Choosing artistic gymnastics over rhythmic gymnastics.
The injury that ended her elite career and landed her in a wheelchair two years in a row.
How college improved her consistency and confidence on beam.
How her elite coaches and college coaches worked together to help her reach her goals to compete for the US.
Her suggestions for improving the team dynamic in elite gymnastics to improve the confidence and experience of elite gymnasts.
Announcement! The first ever GymCastic Meet-up is happening at the NCAA Championships. Come join us for a drinky-poo and gym-nerd out with your people!
When: 3:30-4:30 on Saturday, April 19th before Super-Six Finals.
Where: Todd English Pub, right behind the parking structure at BJCC arena. It’s only a three minute walk to the meet from here. The address is: 2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203.
Episode 18: Bridget Sloan
83: University of Georgia Head Coach Danna Durante
75: Classic Episode - UCLA's Miss Val
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall & The American Cup
Check out Rhonda and Macko in action in this week's playlist here.
4/16/2014 • 51 minutes, 26 seconds
86: British Championships & Doha World Cup
British all-around Champions, Rebecca Tunney and Max Whitlock. Why is his cup so much bigger than hers?!
In the news, Jess, Blythe, and Emma chat about:
Would dismounting onto a bed of nails be punishment enough for this coach?
After his domination at Doha, could Epke Zonderland take over p-bars next?
The return of Australian Floor World Champ, Lauren Mitchell at Doha.
Our new and veteran favorites from the British Championships.
Princess Catherine of Europa - was her leo created with the metal from an actual crown?
Our picks for Commonwealth and European Championships teams.
Can Azerbeijan grow their imported team into a sustainable future?
All the British gymnasts we want to come to the US to do NCAA gymnastics.
To see all four of our Gymitation contest winners go to our website here. Prizes are first come, first serve. E-mail us at [email protected] to claim your prize.
Someone recruit this girl to NCAA stat! We can't get enough of Laura Mitchell from Heathrow Gymnastics in London. She is fierce on beam. Here is her maniac beam mount.
April Fool's Day Show 85: John Roethlisberger & Justin Spring on 2015 FIG Rules
April Fool's Day Show 2013 Episode 26.5: Jenny Hansen, Casey Jo Magee and Anna Li with an Announcement!
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up & Ferlito-Gate
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
Episode 52: Triumph & Heartbreak Prelims Recap from Antwerp Worlds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Episode 50: 2013 Antwerp World Championship Preview
4/4/2014 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 46 seconds
85: John Roethlisberger and Justin Spring on 2015 FIG Rules
4/1/2014 • 22 minutes, 33 seconds
84: Jesolo and NCAA Conference Championships
3/26/2014 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 53 seconds
83: Danna Durante the University of Georgia's Head Coach
University of Georgia head coach, Danna Durante.
This week's guest is Danna Durante (née Danna Lister). She grew up as an elite gymnast in Oklahoma. After the 1988 Olympic Trials she went on to a successful career at Arizona State where she scored 5 perfect 10's, then became a judge and college coach. She had a very rocky start at the University of Georgia. It was easy to see that the team was still loyal to outgoing coach Jay Clarke and reluctant to embrace a new head coach. But in her first year, she lead Georgia to their first NCAA Championship final in four years. Entering her second year at Georgia, we discuss:
If she will be wearing sequence gowns and heels like her predecessor Suzanne Yoculan.
Lindsey Cheek's vault - fans want it to get a 10 already for crying out loud!
Collaborating on choreography with Georgia alum, Cassidy McComb
How she got her very divided, Jay Clarke devoted team on board when she took over.
If former head coach Yoculan gives her advice or
Creating a welcoming environment for both atheist, agnostic and religious student-athletes.
How she determines when to push the difficulty level with athletes like Brandi Jay who's doing a full-out on floor.
How her college boyfriend made a gym-fantasy marriage proposal come true.
Making a gymnastics coach marriage work.
Danna Durante on Twitter.
The 2014 GymDog show.
Danna Durante (Lister) 1988 Olympic Trials article and results.
Episode 27: Tricia Woo - An Artistic Gymnast Finds Her Home in the Circus
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
81: Jenny Hansen
70: The 2014 NCAA Season Has Begun!
Episode 10 : Greg Marsden
Classic Episode - UCLA's Miss Val
Danna Lister in her college days at ASU
3/24/2014 • 38 minutes, 18 seconds
82: Cottbus, English Championships & Danusia Francis finally gets a 10 on beam!
In the news, Jessica, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins U.S. editor at The Couch Gymnast chat about:
Norah Flatley, the best thing out of Iowa since Chow landed, is going to Jesolo!
The Australian gymnasts have been released from gymnastics prison! We like Georgia Godwin.
Low scores, fulls on beam and clean gymnastics at Cottbus.
Rodionova, Scheder or Komova -who will be the new queen of the inbar stalder?
Princess Catherine Lyons of Europa teaches us how to salute
Broken floor plates, vault mastery and Louis Smith at the English Championships.
The 30 year-old swan of Chilean gymnastics, Ochoda ballet's it up on floor.
Danusia gets a 10 on beam with her insanely difficulty dismount.
GYMITATION CONTEST: Enter our #gymitation contest by imitating your favorite gymnast. Just take a photo or video of you doing a pose, skill or impression of a gymnast. Tell us who you are imitating, tag us and include the hashtag #gymitation. We’ll pick our favorites to win one of these fantastic four prizes! Check them out here.
No show is complete without discussion of the latest news stories from around the gymternet:
Shawn Johnson in the running for The Celebrity Apprentice
Our favorite commentators from the Big 10 Network
Alicia Sacramone marries her longtime love.
Kalon Ludvingson is on the mend and looking great.
Greg Marsden throws a fit about seeding and he's kind of right.
Beth Tweddle robbed of Dancing on Ice win.
Safe for Athletes survey.
Lisa Mason on Instagram
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
Episode 10 : Greg Marsden
Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Making Men's Gymnastics More Popular
Episode 26: Ivana Hong
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 47: Justen Millerbernd,Tumbling and Kalon
Gymitation Contest entries so far! Two weeks left!
Louis Smith in his Union Jack shorts at English Championships
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3/19/2014 • 1 hour, 27 minutes
81: Jenny Hansen
Jenny Hansen (R) with her coach Randy Lane.
Jenny Hansen is here! Follow her on Instagram as you listen this week and you'll be giggling along with us. The Wisconsin native attended the University Kentucky where she won three consecutive NCAA All-Around Championship titles between1993 and 1995. She is the only person to ever win three straight All-Around titles. Jen won a total of eight national titles. She accomplished all of this while competing as an individual, without a team to set up her scores at NCAA Championships. Then 14 years after her career ended, Make It Or Break It pulled Jen right back into gymnastics when she started doing stunts for the show. In 2011, she went elite again at age 37. We discuss:
Why you should never drink before taking a backflip bet while wearing steel toe boots
The sport that drew her to the University of Kentucky (Hint, it involves Fascinators).
Why she stayed away from elite gymnastics in her youth, but not as a adult.
The importance of fans when competing as an individual.
The ways in which trampoline can save your life.
How to describe your athletic lifestyle on blind dates when you are a stunt woman/gymnast/acrobat/horseback rider.
Jenny on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
38 year-old Jenny Hansen’s Beam Routine From The Final Elite Qualifier
“I want to inspire…show there can be longevity in gymnastics” – new Jenny Hansen Interview
37-year-old Jen Hansen Says That Her Comeback Isn’t Over Yet
Killing Age Stereotypes: 40 Adult Gymnasts to Follow to London 2012
Episode 2: Age of Olympians Increases, Daggett on Kindness
Episode 15: Joan Ryan Author of Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Episode 27: Tricia Woo - An Artistic Gymnast Finds Her Home in the Circus
Episode 26.5: Jenny Hansen, Casey Jo Magee and Anna Li with an Announcement!
Jenny Hansen on the cover on International Gymnast Magazine after winning her third NCAA AA title in a row.
3/12/2014 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 10 seconds
80: Marta did commentary for Nastia!
This week Jessica and Lauren Hopkins from The Couch Gymnast chat about:
The 5th annual Nastia Liukin Cup: pink, roses, great level 10s and no ties!
Márta Karolyi commentating live during the Nastia Cup broadcast! SQUEAL!
Elizabeth "Ebee" "Consistency "Price winning by almost 3 points.
The solution for Orozco's mental game--we are sending him to Texas Dreams.
American Cup a preview of World floor podium? Ferrari, Ebee and Moors?
Why Moors' coach,Elvira Saadi, should always carry a spare leotard.
NBC broadcast commentary, including, "She doesn't look very Japanese."
Why John Macready should have his own game show for kids.
The level of difficulty for the women at the American Cup versus NCAA.
TV etiquette for gymnastics fans. Shame on you parents of North Carolina!
Coming soon our website, Christy Linder's In The Arena: a photo essay from The American Cup.
March gym nerd contest: Enter our #gymitation contest by imitating your favorite gymnast. Just post a photo or video doing a pose, skill or impression of a gymnast. Tell us who you are imitating, tag us and include the hashtag #gymitation. We'll pick our favorites to win one of these fantastic four prizes!
Here are the latest news stories we discussed from around the gymternet:
The Houston Chronicle reports that Simone Biles and Coach Aimee Boorman have left Bannon’s Gymnastix.
Oklahoma Men’s alumni have an acrobatic network at Disney World in Florida.
The dream team grows! Oleg Stepko is set to compete for Azerbijan.
Rebecca Tunney debuts a Church to Bhardwaj at the Welsh Open.
The Michigan’s Men’s team are training in PUERTO RICO for spring break!
2014 Nastia Liukin Cup
2014 American Cup
American Cup full results.
Kayla Williams reasons for leaving her home gym after becoming World Champion.
13 Awesome Photos from Podium Training at the 2014 American Cup
79: Winter Cup AKA The Screaming Gym Moms Championships
Gym Nerd Poll: The 2014 American Cup
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
72: John Orozco
The pink and black leos from the Nastia Cup.
3/5/2014 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 38 seconds
79: Winter Cup
In the news, Jessica, Uncle Tim, and Evan Heiter chat about:
Screaming women losing their minds at the Winter Cup
Anthony Macullum - the JayZ of double layouts
Dannel Leyva failing to make the national team
Is the Olympic Training Center the next great gymnastics "club?"
Why The Nastia Liukin Cup is one of the best all-around events in the biz (Kyle Shewfelt's meet where the judges wore clown outfits was tied before it was retired)
American Cup preview - our picks for winners and cool skills
Gabby Douglas and UCLA get a fantastic new coach in technical phenom, Dominic Palange.
This week's NCAA 10's: Illinois's Amber See on vault, Sydney Sawa on Floor and controversy over score escalation at the Perfect 10 Challenge in Oklahoma.
And here are the latest news stories from around the gymternet:
Louis Smith and Dan Keating back in the saddle!
Shawn Johnson having trouble being critical as a commentator
Nastia explains why Russians don't smile
Unrest in Ukraine disrupts gymnastics
Jess's Rage-o-Meter strikes again
How to Watch the American Cup! Set your DVRs for Saturday, March 1 on NBC TV from 1-3pm ET. You can also watch online before the broadcast starts from 11:30-1pm ET. Podium training will start on Feb, 27 at 10:30am ET online at www.ATTAmericanCup.com Save Temple Men's Gymnastics BUY THIS CALENDAR! Bri Guy tears both achillies at the same time. Masters (adult, 18+) Gymnastics Meets!
2014 British Vets Championships will take place at the home of British Gymnastics, Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Newport, Shropshire, on the 1st November. Info here.
World Masters Gymnastics Championship in Oakville Gymnastics Club in Oakville, Ontario on Saturday, March 8, 2014. Info here.
USAG NCAA weekly update
Gym Nerd Poll: The 2014 American Cup
Quick Hits: 2014 Winter Cup Challenge – Finals
Catching up with John Orozco at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
2014 Winter Cup: Chris Brooks on Broken Bones, Blaniks, and Rio
Catching up with Jake Dalton at the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge
72: John Orozco
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men’s NCAA Championships
Episode 13: Justin Spring
Episode 7: Ruggeri, FIG Elections, Geddert on Goodbyes & Halloween Costumes Ideas
Find our episode playlist here
2/26/2014 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 19 seconds
77: Aly Raisman
Miss Aly Raisman, the most decorated American in London and the Olympic champ on floor.
She used to be called "my mini-me" by Alicia Sacramone and then she became one of the most consistent gymnasts in the United States. She clinched team gold for the Fierce Five in London with a clutch performance on floor. That routine featured some of her trademark INSANE tumbling. She's back in the gym and ready to return to competition later this year. We discuss:
If she's still on track to be back for Classics in Chicago.
Bars, bars and bars, yes, she talks about her love/hate relationship with bars.
Her advice about handling pressure (because she's so freakin' good at it!)
Crazy skills she's been working on. Kenzo look out!
What helped her improve her flexibility and toe point last year.
What happened with Jordyn in the training room when Aly advanced to all-around finals without her.
How her relationship with coaches Mihai and Silvia Brestyan has changed since the Olympics.
Her thoughts on the Chinese age controversy in Antwerp.
How she deals with fear, even when Miahi calls her a chicken!
Aly's Twitter and Facebook
63: Doctor Larry Nassar
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches
2/19/2014 • 33 minutes, 40 seconds
76: Valentine's Day with Svetlana Boginskaya
Svetlana Boginskaya and William Yee tell their love story! Photo from Svetlana Boginskaya on Instagram. Click the photo to link
This week Jessica and Evan (Uncle Tim has laryngitis!) chat about:
Coverage of the Winter Olympics so far (hint, O'Beirne is furious).
Should NCAA judges be paid equally no matter where the meet is held?
CNBC's Soviet-born reporter translated the shocking things Russia's "Rossiya-2 Sport" channel is saying about gymnasts and their bodies.
The Gabby Douglas movie - an O'Beirne review.
The latest 10s in NCAA, who was robbed of a 10 and the polar vortex takes it's first gymnastics victim.
Leotards that made us want to light a bonfire and dance around it until Project Runway rescues us.
A listeners' Valentine's day letter of gratitude to her coaches.
And then! The little sound bite Jessica has been saving forever! Svetlana Boginskaya and her husband tell us both sides of their love story.
Follow Svetlana on Instagram at Svetlanaboguinskaia, check out the schedule for her camp here and email her for choreography or speaking engagements at [email protected]. If you are ever in the Houston area, make sure to visit the Boginskaya-Yee family restaurant, Mazzei’s Gourmet Pizzeria in Katy, Texas.
Deadspin article about anti-discrimination message left out of NBC's broadcast. Tunnel Bear VPN service to watch broadcasts in other countries. NCAA gymnastics television, radio and webisodes: Alabama, Michigan, UCLA, Georgia.
74: Melanie Sinclair & A Review of Cirque's Amaluna
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
University of Nebraska's lace leos.
2/12/2014 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 18 seconds
75: Classic Episode with UCLA's Miss Val
UCLA's six-time NCAA Championship winning coach, Valorie Kondos-Field.Copyright Christy Linder 2014
It's a Classic Episode with UCLA's ballet-dancer turned six-time NCAA Championships winning coach, Valorie Kondos-Field. Miss Val chats with Dvora Meyers, Blythe Lawrence, Jessica, and Uncle Tim about:
The power of an athlete identity as retirement looms
Collegiate gymnastics as one big life skills class
The problems with basing self-esteem on performance
Incentivizing artistry
Her most embarrassing moment as a dancer
Why so many of her athletes have the desire to go back to elite after college
The actual dollar amount and experiential cost of losing NCAA eligibility
What advice she gave Jordyn Wieber about going pro
We discover how Miss Val and her former roommate inspired one of the creators of the television show Will and Grace
Why Canadians thrive in NCAA
Lastly, she tells the story of the amazing wedding gift she gave to a fan
The Bruin Gymnastics YouTube channel. 15 years of UCLA routines, including the fan favorite, "Floor Files"; individual playlists featuring each gymnasts' routines for all four years.
Miss Val on Twitter.
UCLA Gymnastics website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
Episode 43: The First Ever Panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics
Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake
Episode 5: Growing up at WOGA
Episode 3: Russian Regime Change, Fashion Code and a Chat With Anna Li
2/5/2014 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 4 seconds
74: Melanie Sinclair & Amaluna Review
An update on Melanie Sinclair (front) the NCAA star, who's kicking ass as an Amazon in Cirque du Soliel's Amaluna.
First! We present our scientific review of Amaluna. Then our guest, is the vivacious and effervescent, Melanie Sinclair. Before becoming an acrobat in Cirque du Soliel's goddess powered Amaluna, she was a US National Team member during the Nastia, Sacramone, Memmel years.
Always a fan favorite for her sideline antics (see gif and videos below) and emotional filled routines, she finally gained the attention she deserved at University of Florida. She was a leader on the team, putting Florida on the map. She was fun to watch no matter what she was doing - competing or dancing with herself during warmups. She exemplifies all of the reasons gymnastics fans adore NCAA gymnastics. We discuss:
The old school uneven bars act she performs in Amaluna
Growing up at Orlando Metro under the tutelage of Jeff Wood and Christi Barineau
The true friendship of her teammate, Amanda Castillo.
How she became so consistent in college when it was so illusive in elite.
The power of fun and being oneself in gymnastics.
How she recovered when she gymnastics career was cut short and what advice she'd give to gymnasts in similar situations.
How Cirque helps her treat her body like a temple and stay healthy even after a lifetime of gymnastics.
The rhythms and cycles of a predominantly female cast.
Above - Her career wasn't complete without Amanda Castillo.
Everything about Cirque's AMALUNA. This show features college gymnastics' uneven-bar favorites: Amara (Amy) Defilippo (Arkansas), Melissa Fernandez (Illinois), Summar Hubbard (LSU), Linday Bruck-Ayotte (Michigan), Brittany Urbain (Iowa) and Laura-Ann Chong (Oregon).
The man who actually makes juggling SUPER HOT Victor Key
59: What it's like to be a Cirque du Soleil Talent Scout
Episode 27: Tricia Woo - An Artistic Gymnast Finds Her Home in the Circus
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Bars
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Beam
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Floor
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
2/1/2014 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 56 seconds
73: When is a 10 a 10?
The Tigress Giantess! We love 5' 9", former elite, current All-American, Sarie Morrison of LSU.
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan, and Jessica chat about:
Favorite moments from our John Orozco interview
Kytra Hunter and Bridget Sloan 10's versus the Dabrtiz 9.975
A judge responds: taking .025 deductions
Michigan's eight (yes, eight!) E level mounts on floor. Whaaaaa?!
The Gopher who's tunneling into our hearts, Minnesota's Lindsay "Precision" Mable
Danna Durante speaks out on early recruiting
LSU's exquisit gymnastics giantess, 5' 9", Sarie Morrison
The Balance Beam Situation's post re Georgia vs. Florida.
Coach Rick's thoughtful post with illustrated chest positions.
Mattie Larson's exit interview with International Gymnast.
The FIG's entertaining newsletter,"The FIG Help Desk."
Don't forget to take the Listener Survey!
70: The 2014 NCAA Season Has Begun!
69: 2009 World Champion Kayla Williams & Alabama's Sarah Patterson
Listener Survey
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Bars
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
64: Glasgow World Cup & NCAA 2014 Previews
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Beam
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Floor
Nebraska's B.I.G. 10 Conference logo
YouTube Playlist here
1/29/2014 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 14 seconds
72: John Orozco
Gymnast and ninja prodigy, John Orozco
We all know the story of his parents struggle to pay for his gymnastics lessons, his unlikely start in a borough of New York City, his meteoric rise to three-time, consecutive, junior national champion, senior national champion, Olympian and World Medalist; but what has it been like to be favored for Olympic glory only to fall short of your and seemingly, your country's goal? John speaks frankly about the highs and lows since the Olympics, and the struggle to regain his mojo. We discuss:
The pressure he put on himself to support his family.
How his "failure" (his words, not ours) in London changed him.
Being labeled, "The Kid From The Bronx."
He gymnerds-out with us about vault, vault, more vault.
The cruelty of social media and how to stay positive when in the public eye.
His advice and drills for being proficient on the dreaded pommel horse.
The reason for his angry tweets after tearing his ACL on the post-Olympic tour.
Public nudity
Which meets have the best after parties!
John Orozco Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vine.
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak & 2013 Men's NCAA Championships
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori & Match-Play Meet Debrief with Justin Spring
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
Episode 13: Justin Spring
Episode 7: Ruggeri, FIG Elections, Geddert on Goodbyes & Halloween Costumes Ideas
Episode 4: Louis Smith, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Making Men's Gymnastics More Popular
Tim Daggett: A GymCastic Classic Episode
1/24/2014 • 53 minutes, 20 seconds
71: The Chest Position Enforcement Bureau
The survey, the survey! Please take our Listener Survey HERE!
In the news, Uncle Tim, Evan Heiter, and Jessica chat about:
Kelly Garrison, as commentator and beam innovator.
NCAA gymnastics revenue quiz, Uncle Time shocked us.
Joanna Sampson, will she be a force on floor and the all-around this year?
The Chelsea Davis bar score controversy(?)ish.
Should some floor music be off-limits forever?
Another maple goddess, from the Great White North, Maddie Gardiner of OSU.
LSU's Llominica Hall newest quintessential, Americana choreography.
Our love for "giantess", 5' 9'' gymnast, Sara Townsend of Iowa State.
Oregon State brings us Kaytianna McMillan's double backspin on floor!
We discuss the latest stories from around the gymternet:
What's with these weird videos the FIG has been putting up? (see playlist below)
The new handstand pirouette world record
The girl who is continuing gymnastics after losing a leg to leukemia.
Some of favorite responses from the listener survey so far!
How much Uncle Tim sucks at Fantasy Gymnastics. Hahahahh!
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Bars
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
64: Glasgow World Cup & NCAA 2014 Previews
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Beam
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Floor
1/22/2014 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 37 seconds
70: The 2014 NCAA Season Has Begun!
The Cal Bears of University of California Berkeley strut their stuff in their new backless leos on opening weekend.
Uncle Tim, Evan Heiter, and Jessica chat about these news items:
Sarah Finnegan returns to competition with some new skills.
The American Cup roster is off the charts amazing but will the media degrade it into a rehashing of Ferlito-Gate?
Uncle Tim and Evan take a quiz on NCAA rules to answer frequently asked questions from our newbie fans.
Will delve deep into the Minnesota, LSU, Florida, UCLA, Arkansas, Georgia and Oklahoma meets including:
Danusia Francis competing the first ever longitudinal aerial to full dismount and her floor routine, that literally made boys fall out of their seats.
Georgia's new choreographer, Bulldog alum Cassidy McComb of GymCats.
Has the floor finals bar been set by Lindsey Mabel's exquisite execution or Kytra Hunter's jaw-dropping tumbling?
WIll Bridgeport be the first Division II team to beat a Division I team?
Oklahoma's ginormous team score and difficulty.
As always we discuss the latest stories from around the gymternet:
Gymnasts at the Golden Globes
Louis Smith comes back to elite gymnastics
Shawn Johnson launches The Body Department
Beth Tweddle's next skating show
The Gabby Douglas story already has an air date
Episode 30: Women's NCAA & European Championships
Episode 29: Vanessa Zamarripa and Danusia Francis
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
Episode 27: Tricia Woo - An Artistic Gymnast Finds Her Home in the Circus
Episode 26: Ivana Hong
Episode 23: Lloimincia Hall & The American Cup
Episode 18: Bridget Sloan
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
1/15/2014 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 54 seconds
69: World Champ Kayla Williams with her Alabama coach Sarah Patterson
The pride of West Virginia, 2009 World Vault Champion and member of the 2012 Alabama NCAA Championship team, Kayla Williams. We discuss:
The unusual origins of her triple full side-pass
Her climb from the JO ranks to World Champion in just months
Why she chose to move to Mary Lee Tracy's gym.
"Chuck and go" elite-gymnastics versus college requirements
Her plans for the future
Next we chat with Kayla's coach, arch-enemy of Georgia's Suzanne Youclan, wearer of sequin gowns, University of Alabama's six-time NCAA Championship winning coach Sarah Patterson. We discuss:
Handling fear in adult athletes
Her opinion on early recruiting
Injuries the elite code could cause for NCAA athletes now
Routine strategy: reward versus short landings
If Sarah DeMeo be the first ever to compete an arabian double pike in college
The role athletic directors have played in NCAA parity
Advice for Men's Gymnastics - no fans means no institutional support
Don't forget to take the listener survey here.
Kayla Williams on Twitter KaylaRoseWms
University of Alabama Gymnastics: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Episode 26: Ivana Hong
Episode 18: Bridget Sloan
Episode 10 : Greg Marsden
Episode 12: Miss Val Part 2
Episode 11: Miss Val
Episode 13: Justin Spring
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
1/8/2014 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
68: Most Fascinating People of 2013
Uncle Tim, Blythe, and Jessica chat about:
Our picks for most fascinating people of 2013.
Routines from 2013 that people will still be talking about 20 years from now.
Victoria Moors at the Tokyo International.
Oleg Verniaiev and Danell Leyva at the Valerie Liukin Invitational
Tatiana Nabieva's retirement.
Plus Rowena Needham, Kohei Uchimora, Mykayla Skinner and Sam Mikulak's cool new skills.
We give our opinions on the latest news stories from around the gymternet:
Our fantasy gymnastics teams.
The bars falling down in Ellie Black's gym.
Aliya Mustafina's fan Q&A session on VK.com (translations thanks to World of Gymnastike).
A Gabby Douglas gymnastics update.
Lexie Priessman and Amelia Hundley health updates.
Simone Biles new choreographer.
The airport adventures of Sam Peszek and Eric Stonestreet (Cameron on Modern Family).
Our two solutions for making elite floor more fun with less tumbling passes even though the Stork Stand is here to stay.
We respond to listener Questions & Comments:
In tirade news - Jessica responds to a listener's offense over her designation of cheerleaders as wearers of "slutty" outfits.
The best camcorder for recording gymnastics meets.
Should USAG hold a red-carpet award gala like USA Swimmings' Golden Goggles?
GymCastic's Top 6 Episodes of 2013
By the Numbers: 2013's Top All-Around Gymnasts
A Gym Nerd's Guide to NCAA Bars
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
Episode 62: Pavlova to Azerbaijan, Oleg (Finally!) in Stuttgart & The Mexican Open Extravaganza
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Episode 40: Michigan's Stacey Ervin
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
Episode 38: Svetlana Boginskaya
1/2/2014 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 17 seconds
67: GymCastic Classic with NCAA & World AA Champ Bridget Sloan
It's a Classic episode this week. Back in January we talked to 2009 World All-Around Champion and University of Florida freshman, Bridget Sloan. She is now the NCAA all-around champion. In this episode, she tells us about the transition to NCAA gymnastics, the athletic trainer who she calls her surrogate father, air pollution at the Beijing Olympics, age falsification and Martha Karolyi commenting on her weight on television.
12/24/2013 • 39 minutes, 55 seconds
66: GymCastic Classic World Champion Simone Biles
2013's breakout star, Simone Biles talks to us about competing at the American Cup, her planned upgrades on floor and vault, who she should star in a realty show with, the triple-twisting yurchenko, what to do if surprised by a confetti bomb or wild peacocks, gives advice on handling fear, and tells us her goals for 2013. Simone's coaches Aimee Boorman and Luis Brasesco from Bannon's Gymnastix, tell us what it's like to coach a person who, as Aimee's says, "On any given day could have three new skills named after her in the code of points." The duo opened up about strategy, concerns and philosophies on coaching Simone as a person and an athlete. We hear how Luis approaches coaching a skill that has never been done before (yes, we mean the triple twisting yurchenko in WAG), what happened the first time Aimee saw Simone, which coaches they learn from at The Ranch, how they balance Simone's power and difficulty level while considering fun, happiness and safety. Finally, and obviously most importantly, we asked about their reaction to the video of Simone trying the standing double back!
12/18/2013 • 52 minutes, 6 seconds
65: NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff, Early Recruiting & Saving Temple Men's Gymnastics
Temple University Men's Gymnastics Coach, Fred Turoff (left). NCAA Judge, Dean Ratliff (top). NCAA recruiting expert, Jill Hicks.
An all interview show with three NCAA guests! First we talk to NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff. We discuss:
How judges are reviewed, assigned and favoritism curtailed in the NCAA.
The weirdest and wildest things Dean has seen during his 28 years of judging high school and NCAA meets.
How judges are assigned to judge NCAA gymnastics meets.
The continual, meteoric rise in scores from the top 36 college gymnastics teams.
How much puppy-mill-style-factory-farm-mega-meets suck for judges, parents and kids.
What Dean thinks of Jessica's genius idea that judges should score live on an iPad and give the audience (the fans!) access to the scoring sheets after each routine.
How judges address accusations of bias bias bias and more bias.
Next up is former US national team member, occasional USAG selection committee member and long-time coach of the Temple University Owls, Fred Turoff. Last week, the Philadelphia institution announced they were dropping seven of their 24 sports, including men's gymnastics. Coach Turoff told us the despicable details including:
The way Temple University told student athletes that their sports were being dropped the Friday before finals week.
The impact Temple's disappearance could have on all of men's gymnastics, NCAA gymnastics and by extension Team USA.
How the committee who made the cuts met in secret over months to avoid allowing the coaches to appeal to the Board of Trustees, which they had done successfully in 1994 when the program was threatened.
What you can do to help the program survive.
Next we talk with, NCAA recruiting expert, Jill Hicks. She did a survey of coaches to find out what they thought about the scourge that is early recruiting. We discuss:
If early recruiting can be stopped
Advice for recruits and their parents on how to avoid being pressured into committing early.
The best way for coaches and gym owners to get their gymnasts recruited
The new sport that is recruiting gymnasts for college scholarships (It's not cheerleading! Sheesh. Do you seriously think we'd talk about it, if it was? Come on people.
The episode also features the greatest Gymnastics Myth Busters in the history of the show! We find out if these statements are true or false:
There was a gymnast-streaker at an NCAA championships.
It is possible to accidentally hang upside down by a jock strap from high bar.
Make-up, facial jewelry, mohawks and painted nails are prohibited.
Judges can take artistry and vulgarity deductions.
Judges can stop a gymnast from performing a skill that is too dangerous.
Olympians and gymnasts from the top teams, receive "status" bonuses.
Contact Fred Turoff to find out what you can do to help save the men's gymnastics program.
Here is our ranking of gymnastics schools with the best recruiting pages for their gymnasts:
Wildfire
Olympus (includes GPA's for each athlete)
Illinois Gymnastics Institute
College scholarships opportunities for gymnasts in the sport of Tumbling & Acrobatics, governed by the NCATA. They get to wear cool uniforms like the University of Oregon team.
Judge Ratliff is the Technical Director of the National High School Gymnastics Association. Find out about the Senior Showcase Invitational in Florida here
Our hero, (above) the woman who brought the dangers of face sparkles to the fore, Oregon State's, Kelsi Blalock of skin-bling meets balance beam face. We thank you for your service and courage Miss Blalock! *gymternet salute*
Judge Ratliff refers to this type of jewelry in his interview. This is what a ear gage or plug looks like.
12/13/2013 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 56 seconds
64: Glasgow World Cup and NCAA 2014 Previews
Medalists from the 2013 Glasgow World Cup.L-R Daniel Purvis (GBR), Elizabeth Price (USA), Larisa Iordache (ROU), Oleg Verniaiev (UKR), Vanessa Ferrari (ITL), Andrey Likhovitskiy (BLR)
It's an all news episode to start the week off. In the news, Uncle Tim and Jess chat about:
The Glasgow World Cup: Popa dazzles, equipment fails, the after party and Ilordache on top even after a fall on her full!
Espoir Championships - Watching the GB juniors dancing their booties off!
Reviews of the NCAA intrasquad preview: Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Michigan, Utah and UCLA. The choreography tragedies, skill trends and Kathy-Johnson inducing moments.
Remember to vote for us on the Stitcher Podcast awards!
Check out our holiday Gift Guide.
We cover all the latest news stories from around the gymternet:
Follow up questions about Shawn Johnson's ACL sprain vs a full tear
Feedback from newly crowned Hero of the Gymternet, Dr. Larry Nassar
Afanasyeva's ankle surgery
A Kalon Ludvingston update
Leotard injury! A listener had one!
USA Gymnastics Team Dr. Larry Nassar interview
Elizabeth Price interview
Stuttgart World Cup recap show
2012 Glasgow World Cup show
Jill Hicks interview
Coach Justen Millerbernd on husband Kalon Ludvingston's injury
This week's video playlist. Watch as you listen!
On Friday, we are bringing you an all interview show with Temple University men's coach Fred Turoff, NCAA recruiting expert, Jill Hicks and NCAA Judge Dean Ratliff. We will discuss:
How to save men's gymnastics at Philadelphia's Temple University
What coaches are saying about the scourge that is early recruiting
Gym Myth Busters, true or false:
In the 1970s a gymnast streaked a meet?
A judge can take vulgarity deductions.
It is not against the rules to compete in full face paint with a mohawk.
12/11/2013 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 51 seconds
62: Pavlova to Azerbaijan, Oleg in Stuttgart and The Mexican Open Extravaganza
The $10,000 leo awarded to Ukrainian's Angelina Kysla
The genius of the Mexican Open marketing and the US juniors, Bailie Key and Laurie Hernandez
Oleg Verniaiev finally lives up to his potential at the Stuttgart World Cup
Mustafina's new beam series, Peyton Ernst's nerves, Elizabeth Price's killer Amanar, Sophie Scheder luxurious bar set and John Orozco's vault issues.
The terrifying bar dismounts of Tatiana Nabieva and Yao Jinnan in Stuttgart.
The gymnastics coup d'etat: Azerbaijan recruiting Anna Pavlova and Yulia Inshina to compete for them instead of Russia.
Speculation on the true reasons for Oksana Chusovitina return to Uzbekistan.
McKayla Maroney on the TV show Bones, this Friday December 6th.
How to play in the world's only Fantasy Gymnastics league! Follow them on Twitter @FantasyGym and use #FantasyGym to talk smack. Draft period is December 7-28. Don't miss the deadline. This is so freakin' cool!
The greatest gym nerd gift guide in the entire world, made by us.
Elizabeth Price Svetlana Boguinskaya Laurie Hernandez Terin Humphrey
Click here to watch the playlist for this week's episode.
12/3/2013 • 53 minutes, 51 seconds
61: Katelyn Ohashi Clears The Air
Katelyn Ohashi. The beautiful art compliments of My Crazy World of Graphics.
It's Gym MythBusters: Katelyn Ohashi Edition!
This episode is devoted entirely to the Empress of Pajama Pants & 2013 American Cup Champion, Katelyn Ohashi. She puts an end the rumors by answering true or false to the gymternet's burning questions: Is she still training at WOGA, being coached by Valerie, going level 10, injured, starring in a Disney show with Simone Biles and Victoria Moors or been escorted out of Walmart for frightening customers with her comedy pajama routines?
11/22/2013 • 26 minutes, 48 seconds
59: Cirque Talent Scout, Supermega Dream Job
Ever wondered what it's like to travel around the world finding the best talent for Cirque du Soleil? We sat down with talent scout, Marceline Goldstein to ask her all of our burning Gym Nerd questions: who is the oldest person she ever recruited, are there any injuries that preclude employment, how many years can a career at Cirque last, how does Cirque manage to not piss off federations who may want a competitor to stay in the sport, how they support the disciplines like acrobatics which is so essential to Cirque's survival, is being able to hit at meets an essential prerequisite (you'll be surprised), what kind of support system is in place for longevity and health.
Our friend, Evan Heiter joins us once again to chat about the Mexican Open, which US Senior should go, who will win the Stuttgart World Cup, Octavian Bellu and Mariana Bitang's latest contract negotiation/vacation from Romania. Then in our new gymternet news segment, we speculate on Katelyn Ohashi's emphatic message; Nastia once again working with the great choreographer, Travis Wall; why comedian Michael Buckley and Evan should do Kiss & Cry interviews for gymnastics; and ponder important questions like - should men and women cross-compete on the same event (a la Paul Ruggeri on uneven bars) or should artistic gymnastics be done with their routines if they fall as is required in trampoline? All this, plus Danusia Francis's new dismount, Simone Biles yurchenko double back and Utah's dramatic leotard reveal video. Tacky or genius?
Next week, our guest will be Olympic Medalist, three-time NCAA champion at Alabama and current the athlete representative on the USA Gymnastics Team Selection Committee, Terin Humphrey.
More:
GymCastic guide to Movember
Our interview with Cirque Artist, Nebraska Gymnast, Tricia Woo
Our interview with Simone Biles
Our interview with Charlotte Drury
Our interview with Svetlana Boginskaya
This week's video playlist
11/12/2013 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 10 seconds
58: Charlotte Drury, Fall Euro Series Meets and NCAA de-commits
11/4/2013 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 4 seconds
Classic Episode: Tim Daggett
Tim Daggett, Olympic Champion and NBC commentator. In this classic episode we bring you our full interview with Olympic gold medalist and longtime NBC commentator, Tim Daggett. Recorded in September 2012, Tim talks about his life-threatening leg injury at the Rotterdam World Championships, the Produnova vault, what he wants hardcore gymnastics fans to know, his thoughts on the direction the code is going, the loss of the perfect 10, cheating and kindness in coaching. Related: Episode One: Tim Daggett Part One Episode Two: Tim Daggett Part Two
10/28/2013 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 48 seconds
Episode 56: Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics
10/21/2013 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode 55: Worlds Wrap Up and Ferlito Gate
McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross and Simone Biles at the 2013 World Championships courtesy of My Crazy World of Graphics[/caption] This week, British Olympian Jenny Pinches joins us to discuss the latest news and the state of gymnastics. We talk about: the two new gymnastics reality shows in the works, Victoria Komova returning to training (or playing?) after a serious case of meningitis, the Kohei Uchimura interview on team gold for Rio, Aimee Boorman's interview after becoming the first ever female American head coach of an all-around World Champion, Simone Biles; Rodionenko's complaints about Aliya Mustafina being called for "equipment testing", a skill table for gymnastics like diving has, Philipp Boy's latest ovulation inducing photo and Nelli Kim's claims that she is being slandered by Russia's top gymnasts.
In our Worlds Wrap Up, Uncle Tim identifies trends in scoring and tells us if Execution or Difficulty reigned supreme. Then it's favorites, worsts, wedgie solutions, where the judges got it wrong, the hottest coaches and athletes, the routines that make Jenny and Jess feel funny and what the Code of Points and the International Gymnastics Federation are doing right and what rules still need to be changed.
Don't forget to send us your entries for the Halloween Costume Contest! The winner can pick the poster of their choice from the fabulous Cloud & Victory. Here are just a few of the options below. Send photos to [email protected] by November 1st.
Related Links
Uncle Tim's 2013 World Championships by the Numbers: The Ladies
Uncle Tim's 2013 World Championships by the Numbers: The Dudes
Simone Biles interview
Kyla Ross interview
Jake Dalton interview
Sam Mikulak interview
Victoria Moors interview
The routine that makes Jenny Pinches feel funny. #WomanCrushWednesday
Croatia's suit and tie leotad worn by Tina Erceg
10/15/2013 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 44 seconds
Episode 54: Event Finals Recap from 2013 World Championships
10/6/2013 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 32 seconds
Episode 53: All Around Finals Recap from Antwerp World Championships
10/3/2013 • 59 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode 52: Prelims Recap from Worlds in Antwerp
The second edition of our coverage direct from Worlds! Blythe, The Couch Gymnast's, Beatrice Gheorghisor and a full gymnerd guest-posse discuss the qualification rounds at World Championships in Antwerp. We cover: Larisa Iordache waiting for 10 minutes on podium, Louis Smith's scent, Isbaza upgrades, Mustafina's strategy, giant moth attacks, fairness of execution scores across all subdivisions, the rug burn on Nabieva's forehead (two and a half to front layout half to face-plant), the kidnapping of famed playboy Tandoori Poulet, how beam finals scores prove the tragedy of the Australian decision to leave their gymnasts at home, Maroney's overtime deduction on floor, and Italian love affairs.
10/1/2013 • 51 minutes, 31 seconds
Episode 51: Podium Training Report From Antwerp
Blythe reports in from the World Championships in Antwerp. She's watched workouts in the training hall and podium training. We talk about new skill submissions, Simone Biles putting the world on notice, Maroney competing all-around, Mustafina's conditioning and amazing bar routine where she is catching a Seitz in mixed grip, Tatiana Nabiyeva's possible concussion, Ilordache's full on balance beam, The Moors in person, Sam Mikulak, and Mr. Baby- Japan-7.4-Floor-Oh-And-I-Can-Do-A-Triple-Twisting-Yurchenko Shirai Kenzo
9/28/2013 • 18 minutes, 8 seconds
Episode 50: 2013 Worlds Preview
9/23/2013 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 44 seconds
Episode 49: Booth on The Alexandrov Interview
What the Rodionekno conflict with Alexandrov reveals about the true state of Russian gymnastics
9/14/2013 • 47 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode 48: Kyla Ross
Kyla Ross and her mom Kiana re lipstick, mental blocks, amanars and staying amateure
9/8/2013 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode 47: Justen Millerbernd
Justen on adult women dominating US tumbling, recruiting Memmel and Kalon's accident
9/1/2013 • 55 minutes, 40 seconds
Episode 46: Russian Cup and Gabby on DWTS?
Full results and speculation on the Russian Cup, Grishina and is Gabby doing DWTS?
8/26/2013 • 48 minutes, 55 seconds
Episode 45: Reporting in from Championships
Spanny, Lauren and Scott Bregman are all here to talk about the US National Championships
8/18/2013 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode 44: Championships Preview and Pan Am Report
Lauren Hopkins from The Couch Gymnast joins us for a detailed preview of nationals
8/11/2013 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode 43: LGBT Gymnastics Panel
The first ever panel on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues in gymnastics with straight ally Alicia Sacramone
8/4/2013 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode 42: 2013 Secret US Classic
Scott Bregman from USAG and Lauren Hopkins from The Couch Gymnast on the Chicago Classic
7/28/2013 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 7 seconds
Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez and Coach Maggie Haney
European Youth Olympic Festial, US Men's National Qualifier, Secret Classic Preview, Laurie "Baby Shakira" Hernandez
7/21/2013 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode 40: Stacey Ervin
The super tumbler from Michigan, World University Games and Rhythmic shakedown
7/14/2013 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode 39: Victoria Moors
The emerging leader of the Canadian team and only the second woman ever to compete a double twisting double layout
6/30/2013 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode 37: Julie Zetlin
Everything you ever wanted to know about rhythmic gymnastics but were afraid to ask with Olympian Julie Zetlin
6/16/2013 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode 36: Maddy Curley and Brooke Buffington
Stick It star, Maddy and writing partner Brooke, tell us about their new movie Chalk It Up
6/10/2013 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 22 seconds
Episode 35: Jake Dalton
Olympian, American Cup Champion, Oklahoma Sooner and Entrepreneur Jake Dalton
5/26/2013 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 15 seconds
Episode 34: Rick McCharles
Coach, former Brevet judge, FIG clinician and blogging pioneer Rick McCharles
5/19/2013 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 24 seconds
Episode 33: Simone Biles with her coaches
Simone Biles and her coaches discuss upgrades, camp and team double trouble
5/12/2013 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode 32: Sam Mikulak
Olympic vault finalist, two time NCAA Champion Sam Mikulak
5/5/2013 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode 31: Elise Ray
Olympic medalist, bars innovator, coach, Cirque acrobat, US and NCAA Champion Elise Ray
4/29/2013 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode 30: Women's NCAA and European Championships
Blythe reports on Moscow's European Championships. Uncle Tim and Jessica return from Los Angeles to report on the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships with special guest Lauren Hopkins
4/23/2013 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 29: Vanessa Zamarripa and Danusia Francis
NCAA's number one ranked all-arounder Zamarripa and British beauty Francis of UCLA
4/14/2013 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode 28: Kristen Maloney
2x US national champ, Olympic medalist and Iowa State coach Kristen Maloney
4/7/2013 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 44 seconds
Episode 27: Tricia Woo
Nebraska star Tricia Woo on greiving after retirment and finding happiness upside down as a Cirque du Soliel artist
3/31/2013 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode 26.5: BREAKING NEWS
EXCLUSIVE Jenny Hansen, Casey Jo Magee and Anna Li with breaking news
3/29/2013 • 22 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode 26: Ivana Hong
Stanford sophmore and 2007 World Champion, Ivana Hong, drunken gymnastics mistakes, Jesolo, Cottbus, French and GB Nationals, NCAA Conference meets.
3/24/2013 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode 25: Fan Ye
2003 Beam World Champ from China Fan Ye, French International, Florida at Utah scoring debaucle and show off gymnastics gone bad
3/17/2013 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode 24: Sho Nakamori and Justin Spring post match play meet
Interview with renaissance gymnast Sho Nakamori, Justin Spring debriefs us after the first match-play meet, and Stress Urinary Incontinence (AKA, peeing when you tumble) in gymnasts
3/10/2013 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode 22: Beth Tweddle
Win an Olympic gymnastics medal at age 27? No problem
2/24/2013 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode 21: Kyle Shewfelt
2004 Olympic FX Champion Kyle Shewfelt
2/17/2013 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode 20: Jenni Pinches
2012 British Olympian Jenni Pinches
2/10/2013 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode 19: Andreea Raducan
Stripped of her gold for taking a banned substance, 2000 Olympic All Around Champ Andreea Raducan talks about Sydney
2/3/2013 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 1 second
Episode 18: Bridget Sloan
Bridget Sloan and Beyond the Routine recap
1/27/2013 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 17: Growing Up At Round Lake
Growing up at Round Lake
1/19/2013 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 1 second
Episode 16: Elizabeth Price
Interview with Elizabeth Price, guest host Samantha Peszek and week one of NCAA season
1/12/2013 • 1 hour, 9 minutes
Episode 15: Little Girls in Pretty Boxes author Joan Ryan
Interview with Joan Ryan author of controversial expose on elite gymnastics, Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
1/6/2013 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode 14: Award Show
bests, worsts, favorite, atrocities, gym-crimes and our wishlist for 2013
12/29/2012 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 59 seconds
Episode 13: Justin Spring
Veronin Cup, Florica Leonida, AAU, fantasy gym acro combos and Illinois coach Justin Spring
12/16/2012 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 52 seconds
Episode 12: Miss Val Part Two
Stuttgart and Glasgow World Cups, YMCA, fantasy beam combos and UCLA's Miss Val part 2
12/8/2012 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 13 seconds
Episode 11: Miss Val
European fall series meets, Mexican Gala, Sokol's, fantasy bar combo's and UCLA's Miss Val
12/1/2012 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode 10: Greg Marsden
Asian Games, NCAA signings, proposed deductions for artistry in the 2013 code, history of modern gymnastics and Greg Marsden
11/18/2012 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 55 seconds
Episode 9: Chellsie Memmel
Swiss Cup, FIG presidential candidate proposals and a candid Chellsie Memmel
11/11/2012 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode 8: Jermaine Browne and Jill Hicks
kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions artistic director and Fierce Five chaperone and NCAA coach give us the deets
11/4/2012 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode 6: Jonathan X-Games Horton
Changes in the vault code, Horton interview and gymnastics portrayal in the media.
10/18/2012 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 48 seconds
Episode 5: Growing Up WOGA
Allison Taylor on being part of the greatest US elite program in history at WOGA. Uncle Tim's six-year-old buddy reviews Shawn Johnson on Dancing with The Stars and we tackle cyberbulling in gymnastics. Dvora Myers on making men's gymnastics more popular.
10/12/2012 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode 4: Louis Smith Interivew, Spanny's Athlete Oath, Men's Gymnastics
Interview with GB's Louis Smith about being on the show Strictly Come Dancing, pressure, role models, his famous pommel horse photo shoot, style and Rio. Spanny Tampson's Athlete Oath with special guest Dvora Meyers and how to make men's gymnastics more popular. Visit us at GymCastic.com
10/5/2012 • 45 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode 3: Alexandrov Out, Fashion in the Code, Anna Li Interview
Russia fires Alexandrov, Shawn is worth the most money, the new code of points addresses fashion, Anna Li on her neck injury and ugly tour costumes. Visit us at GymCastic.com
9/28/2012 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 8 seconds
Episode 2: Age of Olympians Increases and Tim Daggett on Kindness and The Code
Chinese nationals, missed opportunities on the kellogg's tour, a new gymnastics routine app, and the FIG's post-Olympic and part two of the Tim Daggett interview. He shares his thoughts on the code, the loss of the 10, cheating and kindness in coaching.
9/20/2012 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 48 seconds
Episode 1: Kellogg's Tour Review and Tim Daggett Takes On The Haters
Injuries on tour, Russians vacation-training in Spain, Kellogg's tour review, Chris Brown with Fierce Five at VMA's, interview with Olympic gold medalist, NBC commentator Tim Daggett about his life-threatening injury and what he wants his critics to know