tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520302768897328502012-01-09T19:32:10.076-08:00The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.comBlogger9901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-85307026967416636772011-01-01T00:24:00.000-08:002011-01-01T00:24:11.733-08:00

Take part in the voting at the new site! www.thecouchgymnast.com

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-23649883800148642122010-11-16T17:53:00.001-08:002010-11-16T17:53:50.824-08:00

ADJUST YOUR BOOKMARKS TO; WWW.THECOUCHGYMNAST.COM thanks!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-70735102937178962582010-11-11T20:12:00.000-08:002010-11-11T20:12:20.213-08:00

In the last two or three years I have written 1081 posts here on this blogger account.  Eek. In that time, you all have commented 3276 times.  So, you know, thanks for that! But the time has come people.  The Couch Gymnast is moving.  Find it here at the very simple; www.thecouchgymnast.com The entire archive is there for you to read, as well as some new bits and pieces very soon! Also,

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-23885633957596464312010-11-10T21:44:00.000-08:002010-11-11T15:32:18.487-08:00

As we know, the Asian Games in Ghanzhou are rapidly approaching and word on the streets....and from the Chinese press is that China is set to dominate.  The Chinese men are feeling pretty confident, considering Japan are not bringing their strongest team, and the Chinese woman probably always expected to dominate. China was also expected to dominate- or at least do very well in Rotterdam.  

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-26354589491283446302010-11-10T02:52:00.000-08:002010-11-10T05:06:22.222-08:00

Someone on Facebook (sorry I can't remember who exactly, but even if I did, I don't know if you want to be named, but thank you- you know who you are!!!) linked to this little baby Romanian gymnast.  Yes, there is no denying it, she has total shades of Porgras circa 2009 Worlds.  Excepty willowy little Paula is also like a new-born foal- all rickety graceful limbs that she doesn't quite know

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-9626575479049244812010-11-08T17:57:00.000-08:002010-11-08T17:57:16.890-08:00

Angelina Kislaya (http://www.angelinakislaya.com) I just received an update on Angelina Kislaya, the Ukrainian gymnast who was injured during the first day of podium training at the World Championships.  Angelina has torn a ligament in her knee and this injury could take 9 months to a year to fully heal.  The all-around silver medallist from the 2010 Nadia Comanecu Invitational is resting at

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-68826476767304933162010-11-08T14:36:00.000-08:002010-11-08T14:36:34.733-08:00

Marlies Rijken by Sandra Janssen It was definitely nice to see Dutch gymnast Marlies Rijken have such success at the Ojisek World Cup competition.  Marlies is a long gymnast, which gives her gorgeous lines on her best event, bars.  Funnily, she only won bronze there, taking gold on floor (13.250)  and beam (14.050), where she is also wonderful to watch. The Dutch gymnasts had an extraordinary

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-37614539278554195102010-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:57:29.504-08:00

As Gymnicetic has already pointed out, there is a new gymnastics blog among us called Between the Olympics (click to read).  It is early days, but BTO has already provided some gymnastics news, that Russian gymnasts junior star Daria Elizarova will now be competing for Uzbekistan.  Considering the depth of the Russian team, and the injuries Elizarova has had to deal with, I agree with BTO, that

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-47093161882908550402010-11-07T17:46:00.000-08:002010-11-07T17:46:50.071-08:00

Bea over at Gymnastics No Ceiling has written a great post introducing a group of Romanian juniors who are set to turn sixteen over the next year, including Diana Bulimar and Madalina Neagu.  To learn more, head HERE. It isn't the best situation, with a dearth of uninjured, competitive talent.  The news that there is only one  junior with a release move in their bars routine is a little

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-35877927085089864812010-11-06T21:39:00.000-07:002010-11-06T21:39:04.056-07:00

As you may have read on Gymnastics Coaching, Australian gymnast Daria Joura has officially retired from gymnastics this year. Hampered from a comeback by her foot injury, Dasha was unable to work effectively in the gym over the past two years since Beijing. Known for her infectious smile, her salute that you either loved or hated, her sassy floor routine and her all-around talent, Dasha was

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-88398180103994250082010-11-06T04:59:00.000-07:002010-11-06T05:00:01.708-07:00

Okay, so, being a good little Virgo I have finally found the time to put all of my Worlds photos in a series of albums on Facebook.  They are now organized by nations (more or less)  if you are interested in checking them out and are not tired of Worlds pics!  These are all the  action pictures, portraits and candids from the blog, from the galleries on the Gymmnastics Examiners plus some

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-31175601834875197652010-11-05T05:43:00.000-07:002010-11-05T05:43:15.491-07:00

Jennifer Khwela is one of the gymnasts on the meet trail this month. Sad because the big gymnastics event of the year is over? Well, never fear, it's not over by a long shot!  You think it is all going to end with Worlds, but do not despair, there are actually quite a lot of good competitions coming up in the gym world. For starters, we have the  DTB Pokal in Stuttgart from November 12-14

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-23022052072648152522010-11-03T04:06:00.000-07:002010-11-03T04:06:05.985-07:00

I like this funny little podium pic, via Spanish Blog Doble Plancha.  What's up girls?

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-58698446864313866682010-11-03T03:45:00.000-07:002010-11-03T03:45:11.294-07:00

Well, the fact that I have an answer to my question about whether there are any female elite MAG coaches out there already truly confirms Pierre Levy, the french cyber-theorist's predictions of how online communities create collective intelligences.  "No one knows everything," he said, "But everyone knows something.  All knowledge resides in humanity." Basically, together, we know a lot!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-66688931747558713482010-11-03T02:51:00.000-07:002010-11-03T02:51:30.336-07:00

Danusia does.... Total KUDOS POINTS if you can guess whose feet these are! 1

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-72802047573587229082010-11-02T20:25:00.000-07:002010-11-02T20:25:09.275-07:00

I was just having lunch with a friend and was telling him how among our news team for the World Championships there was a dearth of people who were expert, or even significantly conversant with MAG gymnastics.  That, of course, meant that a couple of people were left to bear the weight of the MAG side of reporting. My friend noted that he assumed men do men's gymnastics, and women would do

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-85737010475774580252010-11-02T15:32:00.000-07:002010-11-02T15:32:48.492-07:00

As I have said before, I like Hannah Whelan of Great Britain a lot.  I think she is the quiet achiever of the Brits.  Besides, one does have to pay kudos to a girl who came back from an interminable injury break to win the British Nationals.  That is impressive. Her coach, Amanda Kirby treated her performances at worlds as one of her first major international.  Funny, since the girl had

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-16882300481833770252010-11-02T15:18:00.000-07:002010-11-02T15:18:11.526-07:00

Orchard with Hopfner-Hibbs The Couch Gymnast was happy to find a news article this morning announcing the appointment of Carol-Angela Orchard to a specialist coaching job in England. For those of you who aren't acquainted with her, she was a Canadian gymnastics coach, in fact she was the women's technical advisor for Canada. Orchard was responsible for many great gymnasts, including upstart

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-17538163904895689272010-11-01T16:46:00.000-07:002010-11-01T16:46:22.412-07:00

Gymnastics Coaching has already directed readers to take a look at this article by Ollie Williams;  'Understanding China's Powerhouse', but I though I too would mention it in case you haven't yet looked. Williams attempts an interpretation of China's behaviors and reactions to their mixed success in Rotterdam, largely through a lens of cultural determinism.  In doing so, Williams asks many in

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-32819123920020334292010-10-31T15:24:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:24:55.083-07:00

Prosport asked Octavian Belu his thoughts on the Romanian results in Rotterdam.  He told them he believed they should not be considered in of themselves, but rather as hope for the future.  He, of course, is looking toward Tokyo next year and getting the girls ready for more difficulty and harder work.  He also admitted that he was not just in the stands during the World Championships.  This,

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-75035863730667753332010-10-31T15:14:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:14:31.729-07:00

As you all probably all know by now, the Swiss Cup was on this weekend.  The Swiss Cup has a strange format where two representatives, male and female, from each country compete together. It is like the Hopman Cup of gymnastics. In each round they comepte in one event each. Germany's pair, Fabian Hambuechen and Elisabeth Seitz managed to defeat Italy to win.  Teams from Romania, China, Ukraine

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-84037595047824328812010-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:00:11.691-07:00

The University of Iowa have gone and gotten themselves in trouble by NCAA officials for allowing to potential basketball recruits to meet US stars Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore.  Because Kutcher donates money to the basketball team, he is considered a representative of the University's athletic interests.  But guess who has also been known to go to the games?!  Apparently, according to one of the

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-15625101811498035062010-10-30T17:35:00.000-07:002010-10-30T18:56:36.374-07:00

It's time to cap off what I really thought was a spectacular Worlds WAG competition with TCG's personal Rotterdam Awards. The Skill Winner: Charlotte Mackie- congratulations to her for performing and nailing the one-armed Onodi!  Runners Up: Nabieva and Mustafina- The Amanars.  They were messy, but they were landed and they were spectacular. Elisabeth Seitz- The Def.  Awesome. Kristina

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-21669723185792375632010-10-24T14:10:00.000-07:002010-10-24T14:10:19.980-07:00

Beth Tweddle wiping something off the back of Bridget Sloan's neck coming off the bars line-up. "Thanks.  That would have looked real good." Sloan joked. Alicia Sacramone actually near-grinning during her beam set as she nailed another landing! Rebecaa Bross giving Leslie King, the USAG media lady her flowers in the mixed zone.  Leslie thought she was taking them to hold for her while she did

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-47015374108067934242010-10-24T13:14:00.000-07:002010-10-24T13:14:44.183-07:00

All of my wishes for The World Championships came true! How did I not realize that until now? I wanted Russia to win the team finals.  I wanted Alicia Sacramone to win vault and be vindicated.  I would have been devastated if anyone but Porgras (or maybe Dementieva) won beam.  I wanted Tweddle for bars and was so so so a-wishing for Lozza to win a medal!  I did, however, really want Afanasyeva

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-44337616400829101542010-10-24T11:55:00.000-07:002010-10-24T14:23:33.542-07:00

Methinks there is something very cute and possibly superstitious going on in the Romanian camp. See the lady in the background of this shot? I don't know her name (someone will), but I think she is a doctor or a medical person and she has been around for ever. I noticed a couple of times this week that Ana Porgras (I can't think if I saw the other girls do it) would go over and get the

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-68104341213408066302010-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:002010-10-24T12:08:28.431-07:00

As much as I have adored the drama brought by the Russians the past ten days, there has to be a limit. I also understand that Aliya Mustafina has been working hard, and that she is probably very, very tired right now. I still don't accept tanking beam, which is pretty much what it looked like to me. Maybe it was more of the 'all or nothing' melodrama. Maybe she really couldn't save that fall,

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-64196550920418850652010-10-24T08:14:00.000-07:002010-10-24T08:14:30.723-07:00

She really really could not believe it.  I don't know what was more wonderful, Lauren or Martine's reaction from the stands!! As Peggy Liddick said, "Statistically, it was you turn, they just had to give it to you!!"

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-56906724511415572782010-10-23T15:47:00.000-07:002010-10-23T15:50:05.169-07:00

An article I wrote from an interview by Elena Davidova is now up on the Official Rotterdam World Championships Website if you would like to read it.  She talks about breaking her neck at the 1981 World Championships and Kristina Vaculik's injury. I also spoke to Kristina Vaculik while I was here, unofficially.  First, I have to say she is the hardest working gymnast I have watched in a long

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-61333341658050239062010-10-23T15:20:00.000-07:002010-10-23T15:20:32.024-07:00

A gallery of my All Around pictures are up at The Gymnastics Examiner for a look-see once more!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-60091952940192629002010-10-23T14:59:00.001-07:002010-10-23T14:59:23.862-07:00

I didn't see He Kexin fall.  I was taking a picture of Beth Tweddle, who, I have to say, I had every finger, toe and available limb crossed for. But I heard it. We all did.  And after she left the podium I was so close I could hear the quiet, distressing sobbing of He Kexin as she stood there waiting for a score she didn't want to see.  Her shoulder were heaving and  the tears running down

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-29409697383364372352010-10-23T14:59:00.000-07:002010-10-23T14:59:01.091-07:00

The vault line up was such a motley crew of girls.  It was guaranteed its fair share of drama with the presence of two Russians, of this year's Comeback Queen and of the usual random renegade vault finalists. You never know what's going to happen. There was no drama from Alicia this year, however.  What we got from Alicia was what she had been delivering all week- good, high and CLEAN vaults.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-60580161812949112812010-10-23T08:24:00.000-07:002010-10-23T09:07:29.102-07:00

Mihai Brestyan is one of those dream coaches to talk to.  You don't even have to ask much.  He offers.  I remarked to him how often it seems Alicia is in the unlucky situation of vaulting early and waiting for results. "Oh, it doesn't matter" He said.  We do it out of respect for the other gymnasts anyway.  We knew she just had to beat the first four girls.  We had done the numbers.  But we

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-17834603329112378572010-10-23T03:03:00.000-07:002010-10-23T08:35:08.030-07:00

We know all those well-worn cliches about the all-around competition. It is now every gymnast against herself, against the apparatus, against the best in the world, against the cream of the crop etc etc etc..... The thing is, they are mostly true. The all-around competition is such a different beast from the team final.  It is a quieter battle and, cliche or not, it is a battle maybe not

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-77460552323368402022010-10-22T06:08:00.001-07:002010-10-22T06:08:19.399-07:00

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-35568257889254990102010-10-22T06:04:00.000-07:002010-10-22T06:04:18.217-07:00

Ariella Kaeslin's floor routine is so unbelievably ready for NCAA.  Greg Marsden - sign her right up!!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-73085823249670228122010-10-22T04:35:00.000-07:002010-10-22T04:35:15.499-07:00

A gallery of my pictures from the Team Finals are up at The Gymnastics Examiner for you to see.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-89461138369410684572010-10-21T08:07:00.000-07:002010-10-21T08:07:06.468-07:00

Rick over at Gymnastics Coaching just informed us of the news of the passing of Boris Pilkin at the age of 82.  He was the man who  made gymnastics work around Svetlana Khorkina and all her length and leanness.  He was wise, innovative and more importantly for gymnastics and a gymnast like Svetlana, versatile. He watched from the sidelines as the drama that was her life in gymnastics

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-86885270903571249862010-10-21T02:55:00.000-07:002010-10-21T10:34:02.664-07:00

Being on the floor taking photographs during a major competition is great in some respects. You get the great shots, up close with the action. But it certainly has its downsides too.  Jostling with other photographers for the reaction shots, or the right beam spot.  Being limited in your movements and watching the whole thing through the narrow confines of a viewfinder. I only knew Nabieva

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-55583953768990569332010-10-20T14:12:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:12:18.793-07:00

New photo Galleries of my pictures up at The Gymnastics Examiner for your perusal- including Russia and Australia.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-65130185639309024692010-10-20T13:21:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:21:13.095-07:00

We are doing our best to sway the journalists whose job it is to vote for the Longines Prize for Elegance!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-10507579077116727632010-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:002010-10-20T12:27:02.037-07:00

Hey Guys, i don't know if I will get to post tonight, even though there is a lot to say about being on the sidelines.  But for now, if you want to see some photos, as i process them for other stuff, I am sticking them up on the Facebook bit by bit.  Join it or just go there if you are already a 'friend'.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-29359750617763800632010-10-19T13:46:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:17:01.289-07:00

Today was a last big day in training and getting ready for the team competition.  Here are some bits and notes from my day in the Ahoy. Ksenia Afanasyeva hooded up to do strength.  She was NOT training bars! Russia looked okay.  I mostly saw bars.  They are really working Kurbatova on them today.  Anna Dementieva cried twice after coming off, but I think she always cries- at least twice a

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-66342112256285265452010-10-19T04:12:00.000-07:002010-10-19T05:39:38.216-07:00

making sure Chelsea's shoulder won't go the way of her knee cap. Race seems to be training again. Dementieva strength training. Nabs training her release Yang Yilin is ALWAYS asking someone to do this- I swear!! A meeting of the minds Raluca gets a much needed lift to the high bar- and a push! Afanasyeva stretches. Team Colombia stretch and relax! Some fancy

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-14714865382050412632010-10-19T01:50:00.000-07:002010-10-19T01:50:16.939-07:00

By the way, an article I wrote about Australian team 'veteran' georgia Bonora is up on the Official Rotterdam World website.  Read it HERE Also, a small article about Elisabeth Seitz I wrote based on my friend Fredereike's interview with her is there too.  Read it HERE. I should have more articles up today.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-45258344136148248922010-10-18T11:56:00.000-07:002010-10-18T11:57:09.796-07:00

Now there is a gallery of my pictures of Romania, Brazil, Israel and Poland at The Gymnastics Examiner if you want to take a look!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-88836336363816690532010-10-18T11:29:00.000-07:002010-10-18T11:30:00.313-07:00

Hi all, I won't get much of a chance to post more photos from qualifications here until at least tomorrow, so if you want sneak previews, 'friend' the Couch Gymnast Facebook and check out the wall gallery. Also, the first of a group of galleries, one of China, Argentina, Italy and Hong Kong have been put up at The Gymnastics Examiner- so head on over there to take a look.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-54238131051461080882010-10-18T10:14:00.000-07:002010-10-18T10:14:53.630-07:00

We have all wondered about the incredible likeness between Asac and her 'mini-me' Aly Raisman.  Strength, power, big skills, and yes, choreography. Well, guess who was putting the polish on Aly's moves in training today?  And then guess who stepped in to help?  All this to get one pose right. You can't say they don't work on it.....

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-13878957414199563552010-10-17T02:07:00.000-07:002010-10-17T02:07:39.874-07:00

Team USA were pretty damn great just now. Surprise:  Bridget Sloan  nailing everything, but messing her floor landings.  No good. Duh:  Alicia's vaults.  Fantastic as expected. I will be seriiously p'ed off if a Russian wins vault just because they have a messy Amanar.  I will not be happy at all.  Her vaults are not just dynamic and huge, they are truly beautiful too! Tragedy:  Mattie

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-3957864832785336882010-10-15T14:09:00.000-07:002010-10-15T14:09:04.871-07:00

Preziosa More of my pics have been posted at The Gymnastics Examiner if you are interested.  Includes Japan, Italy, Argentina and others.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-32209624932046223792010-10-15T13:35:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:35:47.197-07:00

Not too much to say about today.  I spent the morning covering a subdivision of the men’s podium training.  That was real fun considering I didn’t know the name of any but three gymnasts or the name of any men’s skills.  Good times. It was pretty quiet in the training halls today.  Romania and Japan didn’t come back for their second session.  Russia showed.  I watched them vault which is always

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-35268337190935039652010-10-15T06:33:00.000-07:002010-10-15T09:19:09.671-07:00

The Bad News: Chelsea Davis just had a really nasty landing on floor exercise and had to be carried out by Valeri to medics. The Good News: She did, however, walk back with ice strapped to her leg, but walking normally.  She may be okay. As many of you now know, it has been confirmed as a dislocated kneecap.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-23044319034901407482010-10-15T04:28:00.000-07:002010-10-15T04:28:03.804-07:00

By the way, there is now another photo gallery of my pictures up at The Gymnastics Examiner.  Go check it out!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-11370818700227422612010-10-14T14:01:00.000-07:002010-10-14T14:01:35.504-07:00

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-28196025800821021322010-10-14T11:41:00.000-07:002010-10-14T11:42:16.352-07:00

Just to let you know, a full gallery of my Chinese and Russian podium training photos are up on The Gymnastics Examiner if you want to go take a look. For extra photo moments and notes, friend The Couch Gymnast Facebook (over there on the right)! I try and post as many pics here as I can, but sometimes it is quicker and easier to jump on FB and throw some photos out there.  So join if you

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-41099919651563356532010-10-14T11:37:00.000-07:002010-10-14T11:45:27.762-07:00

I just finished watching Romania train.  I missed bars, which seems to be the pattern of the day. They looked pretty good. Ana Porgras has just been exceptional this week.  She fell from beam once in about eight routines and I did not see a noteworthy mistake on floor.  She is so together right now. Raluca Haidu looked good on beam.  Her splits are just perfect in her leaps.  She fell once,

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-89474446807819045522010-10-14T11:07:00.000-07:002010-10-14T11:07:00.378-07:00

So, I saw China earlier today.  They looked exceptional on beam.  Especially Sui Lu and Deng Linlin, who is much improved from the other day.  She nailed two near-perfect beam sets in a row.  Her double pike was low, but that was the same for all the girls, really. Sui Lu stayed on the beam until the last possible moment, working her set. The tumbling on floor is still a big worry, as many of

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-40074515017043434022010-10-14T01:26:00.000-07:002010-10-14T01:27:31.452-07:00

For a reader who wants to see the Kiwis in action!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-56024941782757480842010-10-14T01:09:00.000-07:002010-10-14T01:17:42.337-07:00

Team Venezuela Hiya all.  Here is my report on the eleventh Podium training session, with Mexico, Venezuela and Germany. It was a really really fun session to watch.  I love the Mexicans and Venzuelans especially! Alexa Moreno Mexico were so much fun on floor!  They all have really sassy and fun routines.  Elsa Garcia was her usual magic self in dance, but unfortunately, she just could

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-5148903465925351752010-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:002010-10-13T13:05:48.495-07:00

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-55663950544476724922010-10-13T12:47:00.000-07:002010-10-13T12:47:01.106-07:00

A new photo gallery of my portraits of the USA at podium training have been posted at the Gymnastics Examiner.  Head over there to check it out!  Blythe is also liveblogging podium training when she can and i am taking as many pictures as I can!!  As Rick says- it's all getting very blogging incestous over here!  But that just makes us better!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-79163394820586489092010-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:002010-10-13T08:46:41.517-07:00

You know I don't do MAG, but my friend did just hear that Yuri Van gelder has been dropped by his biggest sponsors after Cocainegate II.  That is the beauty of the press room- overheard gossip! Just watched a bit of Russia training with Blythe and Rick of Gym Examiner and Gymnastics Coaching, who it has been really, really wonderful to meet.  They are now providing coverage of Worlds too- so

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-18133100703762082772010-10-13T03:10:00.000-07:002010-10-13T03:10:17.063-07:00

Once again, 'friend' the Couch Gymnast Facebook to see more photos and updates before I have time to put them up on the blog.  The link is on the right of the page.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-60952110142471479592010-10-13T03:03:00.000-07:002010-10-13T03:03:26.630-07:00

Okay, I just saw the USA.  I missed bars.  Here is what I know. My friend told me that Bross was excellent-missed nothing. Davis did clean work- but unspectacular. Macko showed lots of height. Mattie nailed her double layout, which she has been doing all week, and had amazing tension and form.  All her handstands were perfect. Aly sat down her beam dismount a couple of times, then landed

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-53906147989202167612010-10-12T15:50:00.000-07:002010-10-12T15:50:53.116-07:00

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-56468743022732903252010-10-12T15:30:00.000-07:002010-10-12T15:31:45.479-07:00

Hi guys- this is a quickie.  I just saw Russia and GBR and Australia and others. Australia looked great.  Bars was wonderful.  All the girls hit, including Larissa Miller and her phenomenal dismount.  I don't know if it is up t last year's standard, but it is good. Lauren did a killer beam training.  She looked way better than Commonwealths to me, where I saw her as tentative.  Her floor was a

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-58972305425151530412010-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:002010-10-12T08:42:20.249-07:00

Okay, some quick notes on Romania.  Bars didn't look bad at all.  Gabi did a clean routine, as did Raluca, and she was doing lovely dismounts.  Beam was a problem for both of them.  Gabi started out well, but then had a lot of trouble landing her two-and-a-half dismount near the end.  Raluca kept messing her dismount AND her full twist.  Octavian was talking about her to Lili and then made them

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-1056965242884048092010-10-12T07:27:00.000-07:002010-10-12T07:27:21.251-07:00

If you haven't already, be sure to friend my Facebook (over on the side- look left!)  I post some pictures up there as well while I am here- such as this beauty! I am so in love with this photo.

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-60506968158375466092010-10-12T03:33:00.000-07:002010-10-12T03:33:35.556-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know I watched some of China's training for the first time.  Beam was fantastic, as was bars.  They look just like you expect them to be.  He Kexin was mentally doing her bars exes before doing them on the bars.  She was great.  Talking to herself works! Beam was beautiful.  Floor was.... scary.  The chory is gorgeous, but the amount of

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-14884941653343573142010-10-11T16:05:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:05:20.625-07:00

Yanni- this is the Greek top! I should also remind you to keep checking up on the Official Rotterdam World Championships website over the next few days, as we begin to post stories and articles.  Some of my pictures from accreditation days, as well as articles will be appearing on the site.  And a bunch of good writers are working on bringing you news over there.  So keep checking it. *****

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-15544828264345839242010-10-11T15:56:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:56:25.987-07:00

Here are some all-Russia shots!(Also, I haven't seen the Chinese as they were on very early and didn't seem to have a second session like all the others) Aliya Mustafina Ana Dementieva Ekaterina Kurabtova Ekaterina Kurbatova Ekaterina Kurbatova Ana Myzdrikova Tatiana Nabiyeva Nabiyeva Tatiana Nabs The Russian HBICs Semmy Ana and Semmy Ksenia

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-59007104255016564912010-10-11T15:34:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:39:27.970-07:00

For the Romanian devotees.  As I said, they were at the far end of the hall, so the pics aren't great.  But enjoy while you can and ask before posting (except you, Jerry Lynch- you now know the protocol!).... Ana Ana Ana Chelaru Chelaru Lili spots Gabi Lili and Gabi Haidu on beam Haidu 

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-49643098309496995442010-10-11T14:52:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:38:34.210-07:00

As per usual, enjoy, but please ask my permission before using these. Otherwise, I'd rather you just linked here..... Lauren Mitchell and Georgia Bonora. Japan! (with Alina Kozich!!) Romania outside The Bross. Dom Pegg and Charlotte Mackie Mattie Larson is soooo focussed! Guess who!!!! Nabieva is always cheeky! Nabieva The wild Izbasa mane!!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-91750850627100623002010-10-11T13:53:00.000-07:002010-10-11T13:53:26.595-07:00

Danusia Francis Okay, so today was the start of business at the Ahoy, with all the delegations beginning training in the training halls.  It is hard to believe that only yesterday it was a car show, complete with Hot Rod cars and dancing girls.  After a huge overnight working bee, it has been turned into a six-room training hall!  And yes, many volunteers worked alongside Jantssen Fritzen to

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-30825542449975988212010-10-11T05:42:00.000-07:002010-10-11T05:42:50.271-07:00

Hey guys- just a taster.  My 'job' here is doing the news team, gathering stores for the Rotterdam website and the daily news and stuff- as a volunteer of course!  The day i get paid for this kind of stuff is the day I am a happy lady.  So far, it is a very fun job and we are very free to come up with stories etc. It is almost more fun than being media as you get to know everyone who is doing all

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-22645418401593498392010-10-10T12:34:00.000-07:002010-10-10T13:54:46.234-07:00

Hiya peeps! I am sans pictures for now, but what I can tell you is that it has been a busy day in the Ahoy at Rotterdam.  The delegations have begun arriving and everyones has been very busy accrediting them. My job today is to cover the arrival of the delegations and talk to everyone about their journeys, so it has been quite fun. Funny stuff. Talking to the US girls in the morning was

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-56284288851075002132010-10-09T09:41:00.000-07:002010-10-09T09:41:02.078-07:00

The lovely Jerry Lynch over at the IG Forum always does a terrific job of translating Romanian gymnastics articles for all to enjoy.  He has translated a Prosport interview with Octavian Belu about what he will be doing over here in Rotterdam; Prosport: Romania will go back to where 23 years ago, Aurelia Dobre became the absolute world champion ... Belu:There is no connection between

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-91872618539388613172010-10-09T09:37:00.000-07:002010-10-09T09:37:56.772-07:00

Bea over at Gymnastics No Ceiling has posted about the interesting little final meet they had in Romania yesterday.  Here's the start; Octavian Bellu and Mariana Bitang have scheduled a workout yesterday in conditions of maximum stress to check their athletes' ability to concentrate. The coaches have tried to simulate the conditions under which the gymnasts will have to compete in Ahoy arena:

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-52379469328871914032010-10-08T05:23:00.000-07:002010-10-08T05:23:23.183-07:00

with Ban back in the day! Okay, this will be quick because I am one jetlagged lady. Interesting that Bitang is not going with the team to Worlds and that they are going with the old gang.  I found it interesting that she said she wasn't into her gymnasts becoming attached to just one coach.  Didn't she remain with the Romanian National team a little extra longer just so she could take Cata

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-92047491726599979342010-10-06T19:13:00.000-07:002010-10-06T19:13:57.089-07:00

USA Rebecca Bross Mackenzie Caquatto Chelsea Davis Mattie Larson Alexandra Raisman Alicia Sacramone Bridget Sloan Yay!  Chelsea Davis is among them!  Woot!  I really like this team.  I feel sorry for Kytra, though.  But she will rock college gym!!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-31370364930039496692010-10-06T06:41:00.000-07:002010-10-06T13:42:41.870-07:00

So, Australia came back from some shaky performances last night to take the top three spots in the Commonwealth Games All-around.  It went a little something like this; 1. Lauren Mitchell 2. Emily Little 3. Georgia Bonora I am very pleased for Lauren Mitchell, and so happy to see her back.  But of course she should have won.  She has the biggest skills, the most experience and enough

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-62665994191743822692010-10-05T20:57:00.000-07:002010-10-05T20:57:50.893-07:00

Emma on right (Photo www.gymn.ca) So, I was a little bit impressed by the lovely beam work of Emma Willis of Canada last night.  Despite my general rage at the Ten netowrk, I managed to notice that, despite a fall, she had hard skills and some really pretty work. She qualified second highest of the Canadians in the AA. I decided to look her up on Youtube.  I actually couldn't find a video of

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-4135726247956265002010-10-05T06:14:00.000-07:002010-10-05T06:14:04.544-07:00

Well, t'was a comedy of errors and the worse beam rotation Australia has ever produced to start, but we did it!  Another Commonwealth Games team Final gold.  Go ladies!  Special commendation to Lozza Mitchell for coming back on floor (thought Ten didn't deign to show it) after falling from beam, Emily Little for a beautifully executed vault vault, and to Georgia Wheeler for pulling out a good

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-90940745981198187182010-10-05T04:56:00.000-07:002010-10-05T05:35:13.619-07:00

An exciting floor final.... And the winner? They have to win with style, with joy and with stuck tumbling. I have resigned myself to less than beautiful choreography.  I have accepted that not every gymnast out there receives rigorous ballet training or has a gifted choreographer at their disposal.  I understand that athleticism does in no way equate with lyricism or musicality.  I know that

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-83040561897345427062010-10-04T23:15:00.000-07:002010-10-04T23:15:56.370-07:00

Oh my lord, I am so tired from staying up and working on last minutes things but I just found out I can watch the Aussie girls on the teev tonight!  Woot!  I thought the Comm Games were only being shown on PayTV.  Yay! Come on my funny little Aussie team- you can do this!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-87847536159421179272010-10-04T20:26:00.001-07:002010-10-04T20:26:58.120-07:00

That's right- they say they are the worse kind! And I guess I am one of them.  As much as I whined and complained about the behaviour of Andrea Joyce toward Alicia Sacramone after the Beijing Olympic Team final, I did precisely nought about it (except publicly complain here, I guess!). Well, last week, I got an email from a guy who did do something.  Nick did it the old fashioned way.  He

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-41374100336560651582010-10-04T02:56:00.000-07:002010-10-04T02:56:48.868-07:00

Tasha Schwikert gave some really interesting and honest answers to the questions I asked her about performing as part of a team; I have to say that coming from the elite environment to the college environment was an adjustment that took some time getting used to. I loved the fact that I had my teammates around me at meets and training for motivation and the energy we could feed off each other,

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-33875271584081064272010-10-03T15:16:00.000-07:002010-10-03T15:16:33.392-07:00

The Minnesota Star Tribune has published an in-depth interview with Bela Karolyi- the mouth, if not the man, of USAG.  It is a good read, and Bela says some interesting things.  I particularly liked what he had to say about Shawn Johnson; I knew the time would come very, very shortly to see her back with the same kind of hunger and same kind of desire like she had before. Shawn Johnson coming

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-15212367254260078042010-10-03T15:00:00.000-07:002010-10-03T15:00:41.266-07:00

Ana Porgras takes beam.....or at least medals....  I was by no means the first or the last gymnastics fan to be somewhat enchanted by Ana Porgras' entrance on the gymnastics scene.  A gymnast who was obviously in possession of a lucky mix of a traditionally Romanian skill-set on beam, Khorkina-esque leggy elegance and a bucket-load of poise, she was a welcome delight at the 2009 Worlds

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-41619128768224302952010-10-02T21:40:00.000-07:002010-10-02T21:40:58.973-07:00

He Kexin picking up Yang Yilin so she can wave at the crowd after her Beijing bar routine is out and out one of the cutest things I have ever seen in this sport.  She lifted her, like, five inches higher!

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-75087163374398247502010-10-02T21:00:00.000-07:002010-10-02T21:00:01.235-07:00

I love how onto it gym fans are.  AP just got onto this... LAUSANNE, Switzerland — International gymnastics officials are investigating another case of possible age falsification, this time of a North Korean gymnast who listed three different birth dates.North Korea and Hong Su Jong will be given a chance to explain the discrepancies at a hearing and in written statements, the International

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-28241170983740347942010-10-02T18:43:00.000-07:002010-10-02T18:45:06.824-07:00

I loved Maria Olaru and Geogia Bonora's take on being part of a team in this issue of The Couch Gymnast Magazine.  Maybe because they are older- they had some particularly insightful things to say; Georgia Bonora; How does it feel to be a reserve? Is it hard to stay motivated?It’s very frustrating to feel like you’re just there, but there is always a chance you will be needed so you still

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-83102803611184238212010-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:002010-10-03T03:58:44.517-07:00

This weekend saw another Worlds preparation meet between Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Spain.  it was held in Mortara, Italy.   According to Giuly, my Italian correspondent, from the information she has received, the results went like this. Full results HERE 1 Italy 219,500 2 Spain 216.100 3 Holland 209,80 AA 1 Vanessa Ferrari (ITA)57,80 2 Ana Maria Izurieta (ESP) 56.700 3

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-9183337457168419242010-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:002010-10-02T18:27:51.042-07:00

It's been really nice watching these new training videos of Shawn Johnson back in the gym.  She looks to be doing extremely well after such a short time back at it. She seems to be training a double layout with full twist on floor and what looked like a whip into double twist as well. Her bars are looking good too.  Forgive me if I get this wrong- I am shocking with bars- but to me it looked

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-91773436703869808752010-10-01T06:28:00.000-07:002010-10-01T06:28:58.795-07:00

Here's why! Cover Photograph by Vanessa Steck (http:wildprecious.net) Yep! Issue Seven of The Couch Gymnast Magazine!It's my favorite.  But then I say that about every issue!INTERVIEWSThema Williams- We meet Trinidad's gymnastics star, Thema Williams, the first gymnast from her nation to qualify to the Pan American Championships, and learn what life and training is like in her small island

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-9702989483215644442010-09-29T22:07:00.000-07:002010-09-29T22:16:55.745-07:00

THEN HOW MANY ITALIANS WILL DO A PRESS OR PLANCHE MOUNT AT WORLD THIS YEAR? "How many what?" Does anyone want to be in charge of doing the Couch Gymnast Magazine quiz each month.  It is nearly always the straw that breaks this editor's back!! Email me: listaday@gmail.com

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-61729995278670228602010-09-29T19:53:00.000-07:002010-09-29T19:53:29.154-07:00

It's called where's Nicolae? I know!  I know !  Ooh pick me!  Yes!  Me!  I know!Apparently some rather  lovely Italian folk have offered Nicolae Forminte a casual job in Italy- in Cesena.  This is not, however, a permanent move it seems, from the rather dodgy (as usual) translation.  Rather, he continues work in Constanta and will accompany it by commuting and working in Italy as well when

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-18079646642924461822010-09-29T15:49:00.000-07:002010-09-29T15:49:45.206-07:00

(From British Gymnastics) Great Britain...... Remember in Beijing, when Great Britain, although they had some fabulous gymnasts, were looking distressingly borderline? Remember when, despite having stand outs like the phenomenal Beth Tweddle, the new all-around talent of Becky Downie, the leg strength of Marissa King, the steadiness of Imogen Cairns and Becky Wing and the delightful new

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-29497792316231520542010-09-28T15:57:00.000-07:002010-09-28T15:57:37.605-07:00

I had forgotten about this.  She was sooo little (and so scared) back then. Something tells me she won't need Nadia this year! If this tumultuous year hasn't given her #$%^& of steel, Mariana Bitang will..... Or HERE

The Couch Gymnasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861321213288107250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52030276889732850.post-54640072327401550142010-09-28T15:30:00.000-07:002010-09-28T15:30:49.102-07:00

The comeback of Lauren Mitchell. To win a major medal on beam was always a possibility for Mitchell.  She possesses a natural talent for the apparatus.  The fact that it was a silver and that  it happened at a World Championships was just magical.  To win another on floor?  Well, it felt like Christmas when Mitchell was rewarded for her clean execution, interesting choreography and difficult 

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