29 JANUARY - BRITISH OLYMPIC OFFICIALS FORCED TO TAKE OUT ONE MILLION POUND LOAN TO EASE CASH CRISIS!

BRIAN STOCKS WELCOMES NEWS BUT TREASURY TRY TO PUT SCHEME ON HOLD!

In shock news which is sure to pile huge pressure on the British Government, The Times newspaper reported on 26 January that Olympic Officials have been forced to take out a loan for an incredible one million pounds so that more of Britain’s competitors can start preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The move came as a direct result of the British Goverment’s continual failure to announce additional long-term funding. John Goodbody from the highly respected Times Newspaper reported that the bridging facility to help Olympic Sports such as gymnastics and  swimming has embarrassed Treasury Officials so much, that they have asked for the Scheme to be put on hold, as the Treasury is now expected to agree long term funding plans shortly!

Details of the plans were being discussed on Monday, which marked 200 days since London secured the 2012 Games, with the national governing bodies now optimistic that competitors would now finally receive the extra funding. Britain’s hopes of reaching the announced target of fourth place in the 2012 medals table suffered a massive setback last month after Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, failed to declare any extra funding in his annual spending round. Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister, had been lobbying the Treasury for assurances that sports bodies could start preparing for 2012. And the British Olympic Association have announced that they were seeking up to 100 million pounds a year for the 720 competitors across all 26 Sports.  The present sum is approximately £48 million.

The BOA declined to comment when they were contacted by The Times, but they have become increasingly frustrated by the Government’s failure to act after the BOA Chief Executive Simon Clegg, described the current situation as “ like entering an Olympic race with one hand tied behind our back”.

British Gymnastics and the British Swimming Association have won wide support for their high profile campaigns, and are desperate to start employing coaches and support staff. It is understood that the money guaranteed by the bank will go to the smaller sports rather than to those activities for which funding and sponsorship are assured.

Brian Stocks, the president of British Gymnastics, praised the BOA yesterday for its initiative in setting up the scheme with the bank. “It’s a brilliant idea,” Stocks said. “People will remember 2012 by the number of medals won, not by the magnificent buildings. In gymnastics, we do not automatically qualify as hosts; we have to go through the qualifying tournament in 2010. We have the money for the women’s artistic gymnastics and trampolining squads but not for the men’s. We need a properly funded programme now.” Brian Stocks had released a public statement in the day that the discussions took place. This appeared on the British Gymnastics’ Web Site on Monday 23 January which we have reproduced below stressing that 200 days have now passed and still no additional funding has been announced!

David Sparkes, the chief executive of British Swimming, said: “In getting the Olympics, there was tremendous work by the Government. However, now it has to get behind the competitors. This is a bold step by the BOA as we need the commitment for things such as hiring coaches, which can take six months to achieve.”

The Daily Mail have also been very supportive of Britain’s swimmers highlighting the numbers of London’s swimming pools which are being closed and school playing fields ripped up while the Government continually dither  over providing funds. 

Here at Gymnastics Online we are delighted at the BOA’s imaginitive move, but we urge the BOA not to delay funding for a single day longer than is absolutely necessary. Gymnastics in particular have already lost key coaching staff due to the funding cuts. Our potential Olympians MUST be given the funding immediately to give them the best possible chance of Olympic success and Medals! Gym fans, coaches, gymnasts, supporters and Clubs must involve the public and keep up the pressure on Ministers and MP’s, as it is clear that the Government face huge political and media embarrassment at the negative publicity on this issue. After jumping on the Olympic political band wagon when the television cameras were in London, beaming pictures of smiling politicians around the World, those same Politicians now ignore the pleas of our Coaches and National Bodies as soon as the Games were secured!

Just look at the success stories of our GB gymnasts on these pages, and our best ever Artistic results at a World Championships! Our leading gymnasts are denied funding even though they are achieving success on the European and World Stage! This deprives our future Olympians of the very funds they need to prepare for London 2012 and the high level centralised training and the support which they so richly deserve. Our Government must stop dithering and give British Gymnastics the money now!

23 January - Official Statement of the President of British Gymnastics
Brian Stocks

The week starting on Monday 23rd January 2006 marks 200 days since the official announcement of the successful London 2012 Olympic Bid.

We, at British Gymnastics, as all the nation, are thrilled about this unique opportunity to raise the standards of the sport in both our country and worldwide.

However, whilst the contracts to start building numerous Olympic facilities have already been raised, nothing has been done to support the preparation of our athletes for the greatest event on earth in 6 years time.

So far, we have not received any additional funding aimed at the long-term preparation of our athletes for the London 2012 Olympic Games, especially in those Olympic disciplines that are not funded.

In many sports, including Gymnastics, bringing a talent to the rostrum is a long, sophisticated process. Shall we leave our talent’s preparation in jeopardy?

Brian Stocks’ Profile

Brian Stocks is one of the most significant figures in the British and the International family of Gymnastics.

He is a Member of the Council of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG); Member of the Executive Committee of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and a Directors Board member of the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR).

Brian Stocks was Director of Sport for the Commonwealth Games held in Manchester in 2002 and Chief Operating Officer for the World Indoor Championships in Athletics 2003. He is currently employed as Head of Sport and International Events within the Local Services Directorate of Birmingham City Council.

26 January - CHINA AND JAPAN TO COMPETE AT OBI CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Two legendary nations powerhouses of Men’s gymnastics, China and Japan have confirmed that they will be sending Teams to the The Junior Team Cup previously known as the OBI Cup for the first time this year. This demonstrates the importance of this competition for junior male gymnasts around the World.

A record 26 Teams with junior gymnasts aged from 11 - 18 are expected to take part this year in the International Event which takes place in Berlin on 4th March. Such is the demand for places that the Organizers have moved to a new venue the “Große Sporthalle” which is larger compared to the one which was used for the last 10 years. 

The following Countries have now confirmed their attendance:-

 -Australia AUS
- Austria AUT
- Belgium BEL
- Czech Republic CZE
- Finland FIN (2 teams)
- Switzerland SUI
- Lithuania LTU (Kauno Centro Sporto Mokykla)
- Belarus BLR
- Switzerland SUI (NKL-Liestal)
- Germany GER (2 teams)
- Team Berlin GER
- China CHN
- Great Britain GBR (2 teams)
- Japan JPN
- Portugal POR
- Slovakia SVK
- South Afrika RSA (2 teams) - Spain ESP
- Greece GRE
 

26 January - ANNA BESSANOVA NAMED SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Anna Bessanova has been named as the the Sportswoman of the Year by the Ukranian Sports Federation after winning the Silver Medal in the Individual All Around Rhythmic World Championships.  Anna also placed 1st in the Individual Clubs Event and 1st in the Rope Finals. Her Team mate Natalia Godunko also placed 4th at the Individual World Championships with Ukraine also collecting a Silver Medal in the World Championships Team Final.

Anna also performed superbly at the Rhythmic World Games winning Gold in the Rope Final, Silver in the Ball event and bronze in the Ribbon Finals. She also won the Bronze Medal in the Individual European Rhythnic Championships in 2005, and some of our favourite photos of Anna appear below.

Congratulations Anna!

DISNEY FILM “STICK IT” FEATURING NASTIA & CARLY  TO HIT CINEMAS IN APRIL!

Great news for Gym fans around the World as Walt Disney completed filming of the new Gym film “Stick It” on the 22nd August. The film stars Jeff Bridges as a gym coach who tries to tame a rebellious elite gymnast who is played by Missy Perrygrym. The film is written and directed by ex elite gymnast Jessica Bendinger who wrote the excellent Cheerleading hit movie “Bring It On”, and features Nastia Liukin, Carly Patterson, Allana Slater, Isabelle Severino, China’s Yang Yun and Tania Gener from Spain. Many former Colliegate gymnasts also appear in the film.

“ Stick It” is scheduled to be released in US Cinemas in April, and the U.K. shortly afterwards. If it’s as good as “Bring It On”, then gym fans will love it! . It’s great to see Disney producing and investing in gymnastics films to help meet the huge demand from fans and gymnasts.

RUSSIAN JUNIORS  DOMINATE WOGA CLASSIC UNDER NEW CODE!

JENNA KERBIS WINS AA AND JESSICA GAZZI COMES 5TH!

The excellent new Russian Juniors dominated the 2006 WOGA Classic winning the highest scores on each event in the Junior competition. The meet used the new Code of Points which eliminates the “perfect 10” top score and for many of the competitors and Coaches this was their first opportunity to compete using the new Code’s more demanding elements.

Canada's Jenna Kerbis performed superbly to take the Senior All-around Title with a 52.850, plus individual titles on balance beam with a score of 14.250, and floor exercise with her 12.950. Kerbis, who trains at Brandon Eagles in Manitoba, pipped WOGA's own Christine Nguyen  in front of her home crowd with a score of 50.950 to win the Silver Medal and Japan's Izithi Hana 50.850 for bronze. Jessica Gazzi from Wales finished 5th in the Senior All -Around with a score of 49.250, with team mates Charlotte Cosgrove and Olivia Bryl in 8th and 9th positions in a terrific performance against top class International opposition, particularly as this was their first competition under the new Code. Sadly Sam Bayley was unable to compete as she is continuing her recovery from injury alongside Welsh team mate Rhian Pugh as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games in March. t

Karina Myasnikova won the junior all-around with a 55.600 and placed first on vault and uneven bars. Myasnikova who is only 14, had a nervous start on balance beam with several major wobbles but her packed routine included a front handspring mount; tour jeté-half, Onodi, full-twisting back dive to handstand/front walkover to front aerial, side somi; 1 1/2-twisting straight jump; Russian Rulfova; Omelianchik; double tuck to score 13.150. Her Coach at Dinamo in Moscow previously inspired World Medalist Lyudmila Yezhova and the influence was clearly seen with excellent form on Bars where she performed Hindorff and a hop-full Tkatchev to Pak to take the Individual Bars Title with a score of 13.90 ahead of 12 year old Samantha Shapiro from All Olympia in Silver Medal in a closely fought contest .

Shapiro  finished second in the all-around, uneven bars and balance beam just behind Gold Medalist Myasnikova in all 3 competitions, and it will be exciting to see these two go head to head in the future! Russia's Alyona Sosnovtseva finished third and won balance beam and floor exercise, and scored the highest score of the meet with a 14.900 on balance beam which included punch front; Kochetkova; ff, whip; Onodi, front aerial, side somi; and double pike.

But it was not all plain sailing for the Russian's as Nadezhda Chikhiryova finished fourth after falling twice from beam. WOGA's own Rebecca Bross finished fifth all-around, with a Silver on vault and bronze on beam. Rebecca performed a beautiful well executed floor routine opening with a powerful half-in, half-out on floor exercise, but was unfortunate to fall on her layout front, double-twisting front combination.

The event also featured a terrific exhibition from WOGA Gymnast Nastia Liukin, together with Jana Bieger, Chelsie Memmel and Alicia Sacramone as the second day of the USA Women’s Victory Tour and the girls must have signed hundreds of autographs for fans as well as a question and answer session giving gym fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet their favourite stars! Olympic champion Carly Patterson sang a hearty version of the national anthem to give a truly patriotic start to the Meet and fellow US Team mate and WOGA Gymnast Hollie Vise also appeared and signed autographs for the fans. See the full article below for more details of the Victory Tour!

Full results from the WOGA Classic appear below:-

2006 WOGA Classic
Jan. 14, Allen, Texas

Senior All-Around
1. Jenna Kerbis CAN 52.850
2. Christine Nguyen (WOGA) 50.950
3. Izithi Hana JPN 50.850
4. Mana Ezaki JPN 50.400
5. Jessica Gazzi WAL 49.250
6. Sarah Miller NZL 49.100
7. Olivia Jobsis NZL 48.650
8. Charlotte Cosgrove WAL 48.400
9. Olivia Bryl WAL 47.600
10. Jordan Harvie CAN 47.400
11. Belinda Castles NZL 46.500
12. Rika Kurokawa JPN 45.100
13. Nana Takeda JPN 44.150

Junior All-Around
1. Karina Myasnikova RUS 55.600
2. Samantha Shapiro (All-Olympia) 55.350
3. Alyona Sosnovtseva RUS 54.200
4. Nadezhda Chikhiryova RUS 53.400
5. Rebecca Bross (WOGA) 52.750
6. Shannon Crandall (All-Olympia) 52.300
7. Mai Yamagiahi JPN 52.100
8. Christa Tanella (WOGA) 51.400
9. Shannay Gentles JAM 49.875
10. Anzhela Golovina RUS 48.350

Senior Vault
1. Vanessa Schoelkopf (WOGA) 14.650
2. Jenna Kerbis CAN 13.960
2. Christine Nguyen (WOGA) 13.960

Senior Uneven Bars
1. Alice Barnett NZL 12.600
2. Izitha Hana JPN 12.400
2. Christine Nguyen (WOGA) 12.400

Senior Balance Beam
1. Jenna Kirbis CAN 14.250
2. Jordan Harvie CAN 14.200
3. Sarah Miller NZL 13.750

Senior Floor Exercise
1. Jenna Kirbis CAN 12.950
2. Sara Stone (Metroplex) 12.700
3. Mana Ezaki JPN 12.600

Junior Vault
1. Karina Myasnikova RUS 14.750
2. Rebecca Bross (WOGA) 14.450
3. Nadezhda Chikhiryova RUS 14.350
3. Samantha Shapiro (All-Olympia) 14.350

Junior Uneven Bars
1. Karina Myasnikova RUS 13.900
2. Samantha Shapiro (All-Olympia) 13.450
3. Christa Tanella (WOGA) 13.400

Junior Balance Beam
1. Alyona Sosnovtseva RUS 14.900
2. Samantha Shapiro (All-Olympia) 14.300
3. Rebecca Bross (WOGA) 13.700

Junior Floor Exercise
1. Alyona Sosnovtseva RUS 13.850
2. Karina Myasnikova RUS 13.800
3. Nadezhda Chikhiryova RUS 13.550

USA WOMEN’S VICTORY TOUR HUGE SUCCESS AND CARLY AND HOLLIE GUEST AT WOGA

 CHELLSIE GIVEN A CAR AS A SURPRISE PRESENT AFTER HER TRIP TO ENGLAND!

  The USA Women’s Team from the World Championships completed their 3 day Victory Tour last weekend and were delighted with the reaction from the fans as they signed autographs and answered questions before performing stunning exhibition routines from the World Championships to packed houses.

New All Around World Champion Chellsie Memmel appeared with World All Around Silver Medalist Nastia Liukin, Alicia Scramone and Jana Bieger at Bestyans, M&M and WOGA where they were joined by Olympic All Aroubd Champion Carly Patterson and Holly Vise, member of the 2003 USA World Championships Team! A star studded line up included interviews with the whole USA World Championship Team and WOGA Gymnast Carly performing the National Anthem before the start of the 9th Annual Invitational. Carly also revealed that she has recorded demo disc with Joe Simpson, father of recording artists Ashlee and Jessica Simpson which she hopes to release later this year! .Hollie Vise also looked back on her great career as she thanked fans for their support after her disappointment at missing a chance to compete in Athens due to a lower back injury which she sustained at the Olympic Trials after her dismount from Beam. She bravely continued the Trial but missed the final cut. Holly said "It was a little tough at first not qualifying for the Olympics, but I realize that I gave everything I had after the injury. A national championship in college will provide solace for missing the Olympics." Vise will attend Oklahoma on a Gymnastics Scholarship after signing with them on November 9th. She was impressed with the progression and high standards of gymnastics, "There are a lot more children starting gymnastics at a younger age and the code of points gets higher every four years. The standard of excellence has definitely been raised since I started."

Vise still works out at WOGA in preparation for moving onto the collegiate level. Carly Patterson hasn't been in the Gym as much lately but she does take time to instruct younger gymnasts, and it’s fantastic to see both girls giving back some of their enormous talent and experience to the sport and help others try to achieve their dreams.

CHELLSIE’S DELIGHT AS SHE IS GIVEN A CAR AS A SURPRISE PRESENT!

The final leg of the 3 day Victory tour was at the home of new All Around World Champion Chellsie Memmel after she won the World Title by one thousandth of a point ahead of Nastia, And boy was she in for a surprise from her Coach and Dad Andrew Memmel!

Chellsie had fallen in love with a Silver Audi T-T which she saw in England during the World Cup Finals in England in 2004. Andrew said his daughter pointed out Audi’s every time they saw one, and he promised he would buy her one if she won the World Championships and her parents never forget a promise! .

17 year old Chellsie was given a fantastic 2002 Silver Audi T-T with only 15,000 miles on the clock at the M&M Invitational and can’t wait to try it out!

CLICK HERE TO SEE FANTASTIC PHOTOS FROM USA VICTORY TOUR NOW HERE INCLUDING WOGA, M&M AND BRESTYANS!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield 25th August, 2008

DRAGULESCU, SUCIU AND PONOR WIN TOP ROMANIAN SPORTS AWARDS
 

Marian Dragulescu and three other top Romanian gymnasts including Catalina Ponor were honoured at the 2005 Sports Gala organized by the Romanian National Sports Agency and Olympic Sports Committee on Sunday.

Marian Dragulescu was declared Romania’s top male athlete after the C.S. Dinamo Bucharest Champion won two Gold Medals, including the World Vault Title in Melbourne in November, and Gold on Floor at the European Championships in Debrecen.

Gymnasts Catalina Ponor, Alin Jivan and Ioan Suciu were among the 12 athletes awarded for their individual performances at the Sports Gala. This was a poignant award after a difficult year in 2005, which resulted in Romania’s top Women’s Coaches quitting and the Romanian Women’s Team being disbanded.

See the article further down this page for more news Octavian Belu’s new job plus the appointment of a new Romanian Women’s Team Coach, plus the latest news on Catalina!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield 25th August, 2008

USA WIN 3 WAY MEET AGAINST JAPAN AND NEW ZEALAND

USA Junior Shawn Johnson celebrated her 14th birthday on Thursday by winning the All Around, Vault and Beam Finals as the US Juniors secured victory over Japan and New Zealand in a 3 way International at the Karolyi ranch in Huntsville, Texas.

Shawn also won the Silver medal on Floor and bronze on Beam plus the highest score of the meet with a 15.550 on beam using the new scoring system in a hugely impressive performance by the talented youngster.

Jacquelyn Johnson, 16, of Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy placed second all-around and won titles on uneven bars and floor exercise in an impressive start to 2006 after her 10th place at the US Visa All Around Senior Championships last year. Ivana Hong, 13, of Great American Gymnastics Express won bronzes in the all-around, balance beam and floor exercise and fellow Cincinatti Gymnastics Academy Senior, Hilary Mauro, made it a clean sweep for the American Team  as she placed 4th in the All Around..

2006 USA vs Japan vs New Zealand
Jan. 19, Huntsville, Texas

Team
1. USA 237.10
2. Japan 215.05
3. New Zealand 197.80

All-Around
1. Shawn Johnson USA 60.20
2. Jacquelyn Johnson USA 57.45
3. Ivana Hong USA 56.75
4. Hillary Mauro USA 56.60
5. Mai Yamagishi JPN 55.35
6. Sarah DeMeo USA 55.05
7. Izithi Hana JPN 54.00
8. Mika Hirayama JPN 53.65
9. Sarah Miller NZL 53.60
10. Belinda Castles NZL 53.30
11. Olivia Jobsis NZL 51.40
12. Mana Ezaki JPN 51.35
13. Rika Kurokawa JPN 50.95
14. Nana Takeda JPN 49.50

Vault
1. Shawn Johnson USA 14.95
2. Randi Stageberg USA 14.80
3. Mai Yamagishi JPN 14.65

Uneven Bars
1. Jacquelyn Johnson USA 15.10
2. Bianca Flohr USA 15.00
3. Shawn Johnson USA 14.90

Balance Beam
1. Shawn Johnson USA 15.55
2. Bianca Flohr USA 15.20
3. Ivana Hong USA 14.90

Floor Exercise
1. Jacquelyn Johnson USA 15.20
2. Shawn Johnson USA 14.80
3. Ivana Hong USA 14.75

Content removed - Ken Summerfield 25th August, 2008

 20 January - IPSWICH OPEN NEW £750,000 EXTENSION TO NEW GYM TOMORROW!

ROSIE HUTTON AND ANDY WOOD FEATURED ON LOCAL T.V AS PIPERS VALE CELEBRATE OPENING

WOW! Three great news stories for British Clubs! - Tonight Ipswich Gymnastics Centre appeared on local T.V. as the home of Pipers Vale prepare to celebrate the opening of their brand new extension which cost three quarters of a million pounds!

The extension officially opens tomorrow and top British Coach Andy Wood looked absolutely delighted as the Centre already attracts over 1,900 gymnasts every week! And this number is sure to grow with the fabulous new facilities on offer. The Gym already features International Competitions including Great Britain versus Romania and the British Men’s Championships and is well established on the International circuit with top Romanian Coach Octavian Belu paying a warm tribute to the Ipswich Club at the 2004 International.

Top British Gymnast Rosalie Hutton trains at Pipers Vale and the gymnast who finished 6th in the British Championships has already been selected to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games in March. No doubt Rosie will have lots of new fans as even more people will be trying out the great new facilities in Ipswich!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield 25th August, 2008

BIG LOTTERY FUND: NEW £600,000 GYMNASTICS CENTRE OPENS IN PETERBOROUGH!

We are absolutely delighted to bring you more great news for British Gymnastics as a brand new purpose - built gymnastics Centre costing £600,000 has just been opened in Peterborough! And even better news as the Big Lottery Fund made a substantial contribution towards the costs of refurbishing the Sports Hall at Jack Hunt School, in Netherton. And the school stumped up an extra £110,00 for the purpose-built gymnastics centre, due to be officially opened on Friday. The facility is also home to the City of Peterborough Gymnastics Club.

The Centre includes a new sprung floor, for both Men and Women’s Artistic gymnastics and Sports Acrobatics, plus single, asymmetric and parallel bars, vault, beam, pommel, rings and pre-school equipment to help develop curriculum and community gymnastics.


Acting Head Teacher Roy Duncan was absolutely delighted and commented said: "This is a magnificent and unique facility available to students and the people of Peterborough. City council staff worked closely with the school's head of PE, Chris Game, to ensure the success of the project."

Clare Bishop, facilities development officer with Peterborough City Council, said the new gymnastic centre would provide "a fantastic boost for local sport and fitness" in Peterborough. Investment of this scale is creating great new opportunities for people throughout the community. We hope that one of the young beneficiaries may even be inspired to represent the country at the 2012 Olympics in London."

An open day for residents to tour the facilities was held on Saturday from 10am to 2pm, and received wide support from local residents.

Cllr Matthew Lee, cabinet member for community services, said: "It is a good example of how we are all working together to grow the city in the right way. "I would urge anyone interested in gymnastics to visit the centre to see exactly what is on offer."

The new centre is one of five projects that have received over £2 million to improve school sports facilities under a New Opportunities in Physical Education and Sport initiative.

It will allow the school to dedicate more curriculum time to gymnastics at Key Stage 3 and 4 and include more gymnastics clubs in its extra-curricular activities.

This is an excellent example of how locl Councils, Schools and Communities can work together to provide top quality facilities for local gymnasts and congratulations to everyone involved for your dedication and hard work and the opening of what is sure to be a great attraction for City of Peterborough and budding gymnasts in the area.

We sincerely hope that other Councils and local authorities will see the success if this project and help support local Clubs in their areas develop their facilities and programs which will be even more important as we head towards London 2012!

LOCAL FIRMS STEP IN TO SAVE EARLS FROM CLOSING NEXT MONTH!

Our third good news story tonight as an under-threat Halesowen gymnastics academy which coaches Olympics hopefuls has been thrown a lifeline after a desperate appeal for cash. Local Businesses have donated vital funds to the Earls Gymnastic Centre which feared it would have to close in February due to cash flow problems.

Earls is a 14 year old Centre of Excellence for Men’s Gymnastics and thousands of pounds have been raised for the group following a public appeal after Dudley Council withdrew funding.

Earls have consistently produced excellent results at National Level, and members include Kristian Thomas, aged 16, and Ryan Bradley, aged 21, who hope to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Melnourne, Australia in March. Other top names who have represented Earls at National Level include Aaron Darby who is currently a member of the Junior Men’s GB Squad. Aaron won the Silver Medal in the British Under 14 All Around Championships in 2004, plus a Silver Medal on Bars and Bronze on Pommels in the Individual Apparatus Finals .

Head coach Michelle Bradley said there had been a "fantastic" response to the appeal, which was featured in the local Express & Star newspaper raised a fantastic total of £6,000. Michelle said "We had a fantastic response to the appeal. It's superb that we got so much in donations. It means we can carry on for another year now instead of having to fold in February and that's due to people coming forward with donations. We are so grateful."

The former council-run club was transferred to parents' control in 2001. We hope that the Council will recognize the strong support from the local community and will restore the previous funding to enable the Club to continue to provide top quality Men’s Gymnastics and the boy’s bid for selection to the Commonwealth Games.

OCTAVIAN BELU AND MARIANA BITANG ACCEPT NEW ROLES IN ROMANIA!

Two legendary Coaches have accepted an offer from the Romanian President to be National advisors on sport related issues. Octavian Belu and Marian Bitang were thought to be heading to China or the USA after resigning from the National Squad last year after winning an incredible 5 Team Gold medals at World Championships and two Olympic Games in 10 years. The Romanian Women’s Team won an amazing 4 Gold medals out of 6 at the 2004 Olympics but disbanded the Team last year after senior team members left their hotel to attend a birthday party without permission.

But the Romanian President himself met with the Coaches on Thursday to offer a role which will keep them involved in Romanian Sport. "We have no clear information about what we are supposed to do but as far as I am concerned, it will be only issues related to sports, general problems that sports are facing and monitoring sports events that have great importance for Romania," Belu told the Bucharest Daily News.

Belu and Bitang have also received a seperate offer from the Romanian Olympic Committee to help head an Olympic Academy in the city of Izvorani and the Coaches are now considering this offer.

However, Adrian Stoica, president of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, accused the government of interfering with the federation's business. "This is a very complicated matter. As far as I know, according to the law, the federation is the one that deals with gymnastics in Romania," Stoica said.

But Ioan Dobrescu, secretary-general of the Olympic Committee, suggested the government's actions were necessary to keep the two veteran coaches in the country.

Meanwhile  Nicolae Forminte the former Coach to former Olympic and World Champion Simona Amanar has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Women’s Team. He confirmed that he will continue with centralized training which was so successful for his predecessors.

"I'm convinced that you can achieve the greatest performance in gymnastics only through joint preparation and not through separate training sessions (at their clubs)," Forminte said.

He confirmed that he has a Squad of 22 gymnasts training in Deva for the 2008 Olympic Games, but only Sandra Izbasa, Andreea Munteanu and Steliana Nistor, will be ready to compete in the 2006 European Championships in Greece, in April.

Three time Olympic champion Catalina Ponor, who won Romania's lone medal at the 2005 worlds, has said she will continued to train at her home club in Constanta.  But Forminte confirmed that "I'll keep the door open to all members of the old Olympic team if they want to return to the squad and train with us. But each of them must be in the best shape if they want to join us”. When asked about Belu and Bitang, he said "Their performance is hard to repeat,. but I want to go further based on their legacy. It's hard to think that you might face Belu and Bitang as opponents. But I have my winning card and I want to play it wisely."

He certainly faces a very tough act to follow after the Romania Team’s incredible success at previous World’s and Olympic Games, after the team only managed to win one bronze medal in Melbourne. But Forminte is an excellent Coach with vast experience and a proven track record of producing a World and Olympic Champion in Simona Amanar.

We can’t wait to see the new faces at the European Championships and the group of exciting Romanian Juniors who we will get a chance to see first hand in competition later this year !

Look out everyone, the Romanian’s are back!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield, 25th August, 2008

 ANDREAS WECKER SELLS OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL ON e-BAY FOR $32!

Four time Olympian Andreas Wecker from Germany has reportedly sold his 1996 Olympic High Bar Gold Medal on e-Bay for 26.37 Euros ( $31.98 ). Wecker won five Olympic and none World Championships in a glittering career, and retired in 1997, but returned in 1999 and made the German Team for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Andreas turned 36 on January 2nd and some reports claim that he is in financial difficulties. The sale of his medal must have been extremely tough for an International gymnast as it represents every gymnast’s dream - an Olympic Gold Medal!

His daughter Nathalie hopes to follow her father’s gymnastics success after making her International debut for Germany in May 2005 where she won Bronze in the All Around against Belgium and the Netherlands. 

CHERMOND FIND NEW GYM AND RACE IS ON TO RAISE FUNDS!
 

Excellent news for another of Britain’s Gym Clubs as Chermomd announced that they have managed to find a new base for their 60 members after years training in temporary accommodation. The good news comes after a troupe of talented young gymnasts from the club jetted off to the USA in November to take part in an international competition.

 The Club which has been running in Norwich for more than 25 years, have now been offered a warehouse in Whiffler Road, Mile Cross, if members and supporters can raise enough support for the new premises. This is a big boost for the Club after it’s former premises at the Gurney Centre were demolished in 2002 to make way for a new Community Centre. Gym members staged a sit in protest at the time without water and electricity to try and save the building but to no avail.

Designs to rebuild a £4.5 million centre with funding from the North Earlham, Larkman, and Marlpit (NELM) Trust were criticised earlier this year by group leaders because they did not include plans for a gymnasium, despite earlier promises to house club facilities.
 

But when the group asked Norwich City Council for a grant of £250,000, it has been told there is not enough money left this year to support the new venue. The group have been told the City Council does not have the funds to back the new venture this year.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Norwich City Council has received an initial enquiry regarding the Chermond Gym Club applying for £250,000. There is, however, no funding available in this year's core grant budget. If they were to make an official application it would be considered along with other applications made in the next financial year. Norwich City Council recently awarded the Chermond Gym Club a grant of £1,500 to enable the club to purchase a new piece of equipment.”


Cherie Alcock, 57, who founded the gym with her husband Raymond, 60, in 1980, said: “This is good news but we still need to find someone to back us. It will cost a lot of money to convert the warehouse and we need some sort of solid backing to show we will be able to afford to lease it. It would be such a big boost to our members. We just need to find a way to be able to prove we can back it financially for at least two years to get the leasehold. We have been practising at Earlham School and we have been very happy there but we do need our own premises to get the youngsters to the highest standard they can go. It will be a very big financial responsibility so we just need to secure the funding for the next two years before we go ahead with anything.”

We wish Chermond all the best in their fund raising efforts and if you can help in any way then please contact Chermond directly or us here at Gymnastics Online and we will be very happy to pass details on.

IOC CHIEF DEFENDS BEIJING’S RIGHT TO HOST OLYMPIC GAMES AFTER PINSENT REPORT! 

The head of the International Olympic Committee has defended Beijing’s right to host the 2008 Olympic Games following reports on the BBC from Rowing Legend and four time Olympic Gold Medalist Matthew Pinsent which claimed that China’s gymnasts were mistreated by their Coaches. 

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph Olympic President Jacques Rogge confirmed that he will investigate reports that China’s child gymnasts and swimmers were hit by their Coaches if they made an error. However Rogge refused to condemn the training methods outright, and instead compared the alleged punishment with Britain’s Public Schools who used corporal punishment until the 1970’s when the practice was banned.

Rogge said human rights still had to be respected but emphasised the hosts had "evolved a lot since 1949. Does that mean everything is perfect? No, but let's look at the progress they have made. One has to judge China in the true perspective of realising that 50 years ago they were nowhere and seeing what they have achieved now and what their evolution will be in the next 10 to 15 years. We need to establish if this is systematic or whether there are regrettable isolated cases which will also have to be tackled. If the IOC believe the methods are widespread and unacceptable, then we will talk to the authorities."

Pinsent had been asked to assess China’s preparation for the Games and was shocked at some of the training methods. Subsequent reports have revealed that the same gym was visited by the Media 20 years ago when similar concerns were raised, but nothing seems to have changed.

Pinsent commented that "When I talked to the vice-principals, they said hitting was against the law, but then there were parents who want you to do it.”

Although the school has denied allowing "physical abuse", Jacques Rogge said the IOC was looking into Pinsent's assessment. However, Rogge said the reported treatment should not be exaggerated. "While it is not for us to condone what might not be acceptable, you also have to look at the cultural factor. I don't need to remind you of the fact that physical punishment was still in use in English public schools until, I believe, the 1970s. Your society has decided that there will be no physical punishment in the UK, and I approve of that. But it was not so long ago that it was being used."

Pinsent told BBC Radio Five Live "I've been thinking about it a lot. I was wondering whether it's a kind of Western approach, compared to an Eastern approach. And, at the end of the day, I definitely think those kids were being abused, definitely. "It was a pretty disturbing experience, I've got to say. I know, of course, it is gymnastics and that sport in particular has to start their athletes young; and I am, after all, in China which is pretty unremitting in its drive to win the gold medal tally in Beijing; but I was really shocked by what went on."

 However Pinsent’s Translator said he spoke  to one of the gymnasts and reported: "Actually, the boy told me they got beaten by their coach. If they made a serious mistake, the coach, well, beat them and they got used to it. They take it as a normal thing. The boy said they don't hate the coach. Actually, they think that's a good thing, think the coach cares about you. They like you, so they train you strictly."

Britain’s Culture Minister Tessa Jowell also expressed her concern at the reports and agreed that the claims require further investigation.

Gymnastics Online understands the cultural differences between Eastern and Western Society and the desperate poverty which affects families in China however we totally condemn any form of child abuse in any form. We continue our call for an independent investigation to determine whether the training methods used are excessive as this must never be allowed in any Society, particularly one which in only 2 years time will host the biggest sporting prize in the World - the Olympic Games! We are fortunate in the U.K. to have strict Child Protection laws but surely every child in the World deserves the same protection regardless of race, colour or the country which they live in?

Click here for details of the Pinsent report and the reaction from the Shichahai Sports School

COME AND MEET THE US STARS FROM THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THEIR VICTORY TOUR THIS WEEKEND!

Calling all you lucky fans and gymnasts in Boston, Dallas and Milwaukee! This weekend you will have the chance to meet the 2005 U.S. Women’s World Championships Team, Jan. 13-15, during the Women’s World Victory Tour, celebrating their record-setting performance at the 2005 World Gymnastics Championships!

Chellsie Memmel, Nastia Liukin, Alicia Sacramone and Jana Bieger will be together for the first time since their return from Melbourne. In each city, fans will have the chance to ask questions and get autographs, as well as see them perform routines and a group presentation! Each visit is being held in conjunction with a local top gymnastics event.

Schedule

• · Jan. 13, 4:30 p.m. – Regis College, Weston, Mass., prior to the start of Brestyan’s Invitational
• · Jan. 14, 12 p.m. – Allen (Texas) High School, prior to the start of the WOGA Classic
• · Jan. 15, 12:30 p.m – West Allis (Wis.) Central High School, prior to start of the M&M Midwest Challenge

The U.S. Women’s Team claimed a total of nine medals (four gold, four silver, one bronze) at the 2005 World Gymnastics Championships in Melbourne, Australia, for the most dominant performance by a women’s team at a world championships since 1985

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see your favourite gym stars and if you require more details please visit the Official Web Sites for the Brestyan’s Invitational in Boston at www.brestyans.com or call 508-881-7770, and www.woga.net or 972-985-9292 for the WOGA Classic in the Dallas area; and www.mmgymnastics.com or 262-789-6885 for the M&M Midwest Challenge in the Milwaukee area.

UK Fans will be hoping that the US Team decide to visit us so that we can see this great show and get an opportunity to see the fabulous US Team direct from World’s! We’ll keep you posted with any other dates that are announced right here on Gymnastics Online!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield, 25th August, 2008

WELSH TEAM SELECTED FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES!

RHIAN, SAM, JESSICA, LYNETTE & MEL ALL PICKED FOR MELBOURNE GAMES!

The Selectors today named the Welsh Team who will compete in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March. The  exceptionally strong Welsh Team includes three out of the Top 5 gymnasts from the Senior All Around British Championships last year!  

Rhian Pugh, the GB International and former European Junior Champion on Bars suffered the bitter disappointment of having to withdraw just hours before the World Championships were due to begin after a fall from Bars in the same venue in November. But Rhian will be determined to put the disappointment behind her as the Welsh Selectors backed Rhian to recover full fitness and challenge for a Commonwealth Medal in March. Rhian also won the Silver Medal on Bars at the British Championships, and placed 5th in the All Around, and she was in superb form in the build up to World’s.  

The seven strong Team also includes Samantha Bayley from the Welsh Institute of Gymnastics who also suffered the disappointment of being injured before the Trials for World’s, after her terrific performance at the British Championships. Sam won the Silver Medal in the British Artistic Senior All Around Championships last year, where she finished just 1.0 behind 5 time All Around Champion Beth Tweddle, and she also won Bronze Medals in the Vault and Bars Apparatus Finals Mel Roberts from City of Liverpool is also included after her 4th place in the All Around at the British Championships, and Lynette Lisle is named after winning three medals at the North European Championships! Jessica Gazzi from City of Swansea is also included after her strong performance at British Junior Championships where she won a Silver Medal on Vault, and finished 6th in the All Around.

The Welsh Team will also be challenging for Commonwealth glory in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Event as Francesca Jones from Nene Valley will represent Wales. Francesca won the Silver Medal in the Senior British All Around Rhythmic Championships, plus Gold in the Ribbons Final, and three more Silver Medals in the Apparatus Finals!

The Welsh will also be represented in the Men’s Gymnastics Event by 25 year old David Eaton after he won 4 medals at the North European Championships including 2 Gold Medals in the Floor and High Bar Finals, plus Silver on Pommels and Bronze in the All Around. David is currently based in San Francisco where he attends University and his superb all around performance will be one to look out for.

Congratulations to all of the Gymnasts on their Selection for the Commonwealth Games and good luck in Melbourne!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield 25th August, 2008

DON’T MISS FANTASTIC 2 HOUR GYM & SKATING SPECTACULAR THIS SUNDAY ON NBC!

CARLY, DOMI, SHANNON, NASTIA, PAUL & MORGAN HAMM PLUS FORMER WORLD SPORTS ACROBATICS CHAMPIONS SET TO APPEAR!

An event not to be missed for US Fans this weekend as NBC TV show the Hilton Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular featuring top gymnasts and skating stars from around the World on Sunday! Please can someone tape this for us and contact me with your details as we would love to see this show!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2006

Time: 4:00-6:00 EST
Where: NBC (check your local listings)

Skating cast:
Brian Boitano. Elvis Stojko, Steven Cousins, Yuka Sato and Jason Dungjen, Rory Flack Burghart, Debbie Park. Violetta Afanasieva and Peter Dack

Gymnasts:
Carly Patterson, Paul Hamm, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Kyle Shewfelt, Jordan Jovtchev, Morgan Hamm, Nastia Liukin, Ivan Ivankov, and Former World Sports Acrobatics Champions Shenea Booth and Arthur Davis.

Entertainer:
American Idol Finalist Diana DeGarmo
Commentators:
Nadia Comaneci, Bart Conner, Rosalynn Sumners

The Event will also be screened on Bravo on January 20th and repeated on 22nd from   6pm - 8pm! It is not clear if UK Fans will be able to see this on the U.K. version of Bravo but we will check this and announce any details here on Gymnastics Online.

Some of the legendary gym stars who will appear in the Gym & Skating Spectacular this Sunday! Top left, Olympic Champion Carly Patterson, and right Paul & Morgan Hamm on the Rostrum at Athens!

Middle - The legendary Magnificent 7 including Shannon Miller and pictured above Dominique Moceanu from Atlanta 96. Left Ivan Ivankov from Anaheim 2003 World Championships.

All photos are copyright and must not be reproduced without permission.

ZAMO AND WATANABE WIN GOLD IN MOSCOW AND NEW RUSSIAN JUNIORS WIN ALL AROUND TITLES

The 12th Voronin Cup took place at the world famous Moscow Dinamo Club on December 15th and 16th and Elena Zamolodchikova was back on top form to claim Gold in front of her home fans.

The Vironin Cup is held in honour of the late Mikhail Voronin who was the 1966 World Champion and led Dinamo’s program for many years. Spectators included new All Around World Champion Nastia Liukin and Russian Olympic legend Alexei Nemov as well as newlywed Ludmila Yezhova.

Unfortunately Zamo fell during her new floor routine which she performed for the first time in Melbourne to widespread acclaim. Coach Nadezhda Maslennikova was delighted with her overall performance after a disappointing Word’s by her standards, where Elena finished 16th in the All Around, but placed fourth in the Floor and Vault Finals. Maslennikova commented "After the year we had, it would be desirable to head into the New Year's holiday as a winner, so Lena gave all her best here just like she did at the worlds. Two fourth places at the world championships are not an occasion for pride, but on the other hand, I'm convinced that only judging mistakes deprived her of the silver medal on floor. And also it must be mentioned that we were plagued this season with serious injuries." She confirmed that Zamo will rest over Christmas and the New Year before resuming serious training in January to prepare for the American Cup and the Russian National Championships in March.

Olga Scherbatykh from the Ukraine won the Silver Medal in the All Around with Russia’s Polina Miller taking the bronze. Oksana Chusovitina from UZB won Gold in her strongest apparatus, the Vault, with the Russian’s Polina Miller claiming Gold on Bars, and Maria Chiboskova winning the Gold on Floor. Marina Proskurina from the Ukraine won the Beam Final finishing 0.225 ahead of Zamo who won Silver.

After the World Championships, we particularly looked forward to seeing the new Russian Juniors who went head to head with American Juniors from the WOGA Club who were coached in Moscow by the legendary Yevgeny Marchenko. Marchenko guided Carly Patterson to the Olympic All Around Title in Athens 2004. The American Juniors won four medals, but the Junior Event was dominated by the exciting new Russian Juniors Karina Myasnikova and Emin Garibov who won the Junior All Around Titles, plus two titles each in the Individual Apparatus Finals.

Marchenko was at the Voronin Cup for the first time and revealed that he was tempted to come from the stories of his coaching partner Valeri Liukin who has brought gymnasts to the Voronin Cup for the last few Championships.

Liukin commented that "For me it is a remarkable opportunity to communicate with old friends, and for American juniors, it gives them the chance to prove themselves in Russia,. It's important; despite the difficulties of the present time, Russian gymnastics will always be a leader. The traditions in this sport in this country are great."

In the Men’s Events Japan's Kyouichi Watanabe won the senior men's All Around Title with team mate Tatsuki Nakashima and Russia’s Dmitry Barkalov tieing for the Silver Medals. Japan took Gold in the Men’s Team Event with Ukraine earning Silver. Great Britain also performed well in the Men’s competition claiming 4th place in the Team Event just 0.200 behind the All Russia Dinamo Team who won bronze.

 2005 Voronin Cup
Moscow, December 15-16

Women's Team
1. Moscow Dinamo 73.275
2. Ukraine 71.275
3. All-Russia Dinamo 69.950

Senior Women's All-Around
1. Yelena Zamolodchikova RUS 35.750
2. Olga Scherbatykh UKR 35.725
3. Polina Miller RUS 35.400
4. Marina Proskurina UKR 35.100
5. Maria Chibiskova RUS 34.450
6. Anna Grudko RUS 33.800
7. Alexandra Vanina RUS 33.375
8. Christine Nguyen USA 32.950
9. Leyla Gruzdeva RUS 32.850
10. Valeria Maksyuta UKR 32.650

Senior Women's Vault
1. Oksana Chusovitina UZB 9.350
2. Anna Grudko RUS 9.150
3. Yelena Zamolodchikova RUS 9.00

Senior Uneven Bars
1. Polina Miller RUS 9.500
2. Svetlana Klyukina RUS 9.300
3. Marina Proskurina UKR 8.400

Senior Balance Beam
1. Marina Proskurina UKR 9.325
2. Yelena Zamolodchikova RUS 9.100
3. Olga Scherbatykh 8.725

Senior Floor Exercise
1. Maria Chibiskova RUS 9.250
2. Yelena Zamolodchikova RUS 9.000
3. Olga Scherbatykh UKR 8.800

Junior Women's All-Around
1. Karina Myasnikova RUS 35.975
2. Ksenia Afanaseva RUS 34.875
3. Alyona Sosnovtseva RUS 34.750

Junior Women's Vault
1. Alyona Sosnovtseva RUS 9.225
2. Nadezhda Chikhiryova RUS 8.975
3. Kristyana Olavsdottir ISL 8.650

Junior Uneven Bars
1. Karina Myasnikova RUS 9.100
2. Rebecca Bross USA 8.150
3. Taylor Spears USA 7.500

Junior Balance Beam
1. Karina Myasnikova RUS 9.425
2. Ksenia Afanaseva RUS 9.000
3. Christa Tanella USA 8.500

Junior Women's Floor Exercise
1. Ksenia Afanaseva RUS 9.300
2. Alyona Sosnovtseva RUS 8.925
3. Christa Tanella USA 8.525

Men's Team
1. Japan 106.300
2. Ukraine 106.000
3. All-Russia Dinamo 105.200
4. Great Britain 105.000
5. Dinamo Moscow 103.500
5. Russia 102.400
6. Kazakhstan 102.300

Senior Men's All-Around
1. Kyouichi Watanabe JPN 53.400
2. Dmitry Barkalov RUS 53.00
2. Tatsuki Nakashima JPN 53.000
4. Ruslan Panteleimonov GBR 52.800
5. Ilya Giorgadze GEO 52.700
6. Pavel Skiba UKR 52.700
7. Dmitry Gogotov RUS 52.200
8. Maxim Devyatovsky RUS 52.200

Senior Men's Floor Exercise
1. Gogotov RUS 9.200
2. Barkalov RUS 9.150
3. Baitsev KAZ 8.800

Senior Pommel Horse
1. Kryukov RUS 9.550
2. Petrishko KAZ 9.400
3. Lobachyov RUS 9.300

Senior Still Rings
1. Vorobiev UKR 9.600
2. Kozlov BLR 9.250
3. Devyatovsky RUS 9.700

Senior Men's Vault
1. Gogotov RUS 9.300
2. Skiba UKR 9.275
3. Bondarenko RUS 9.200

Senior Parallel Bars
1. Kryukov RUS 9.625
2. Giorgadze GEO 9.500
3. Nakashima JPN 9.000

Senior High Bar
1. Likhovitsky RUS 9.700
2. Skiba UKR 9.600
3. Kruzhilov BLR 9.450

Junior Men's All-Around
1. Emin Garibov RUS 50.100
2. Hiroyuki Imai JPN 50.000
3. Hitoshi Aoyama JPN 49.400

Junior Floor Exercise
1. Garibov RUS 8.450
2. Imai JPN 8.200
3. Aoyama JPN 9.150

Junior Pommel Horse
1. Petrov RUS 8.950
2. Aoyama JPN 7.650
3. Garibov RUS 7.550

Junior Still Rings
1. Kukushkin RUS 8.300
2. Aoyama JPN 7.700
3. Cherkasov RUS 7.550

Junior Men's Vault
1. Aoyama JPN 9.050
2. Ignatenkov RUS 8.800
3. Imai JPN 8.775

Junior Parallel Bars
1. Garibov RUS 8.650
2. Petrov RUS 8.400
3. Imai JPN 7.900

Junior High Bar
1. Imai JPN 9.050
2. Petrov RUS 8.600
3. Garibov RUS 8.350

WELSH TEAM TO COMPETE AT WOGA CLASSIC THIS WEEKEND!

TOP RUSSIAN JUNIORS AND NATASHA KELLY ALSO CONFIRMED!

Wales are sending 6 of their top gymnasts to the WOGA Classic in Allen, Texas this weekend including 4 girls who will represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games. Samantha Bayley, Jessica Gazzi, Lynette Lisle, and Melanie Roberts will be aiming for places on the Rostrum alongside Welsh Teammates Olivia Bryl and Charlotte Cosgrove in the top class International Invitational.

 The WOGA Classic will also feature top Russian Juniors including Karina Myasinkova and U.S. Junior  Champion Natasha Kelley plus competitors from the U.S., Japan, Canada and New Zealand, and will provide great experience in the build up to Commonwealth’s for the young Welsh girls.

Karina is an exciting new face on the Russian Junior Team and at last month’s Vironin Cup at the World famous Dinamo Club in Moscow, she won the Junior All Around Title as well as claiming Gold Medals in the Individual Bars and Beam Finals! She will be joined by Moscow Team mates Alyona Sosnovtseva who won the Bronze Medal in the All Around plus Gold on Vault and the Silver Medal on Floor at the Vironin Cup. Nadezhda Chikkiryova is the third member of the Russian Team after winning the Silver Medal on Vault in Moscow and she will go head to head with her Russian team mate Alyona who won Gold! The fourth member is the highly rated new Russian Junior Anzhela Golovina who looks an exciting prospect. 

WOGA will be represented by Christine Nguyen, Kailey Tissue, Christa Tanella, Rebecca Bross, Catherine Nguyen and Taylor Spears where a packed home crows will be roaring them on. The US Girls are joined by three gymnasts from the All Olympia club in Los Angeles: 2005 Level 10 national champion Mattie Larson, Shannon Crandall and Samantha Shapiro, as well as Sarie Morrison and Sara Stone (Metroplex) and Elise Bases (Infinite Bounds).

The highlight of the WOGA Classic will be the appearance of WOGA's top gymnast, world gold medalist Nastia Liukin, with her US World Championships team mates Jana Bieger, Chellsie Memmel and Alicia Sacramone who will perform an exhibition and sign autographs as part of the US Women’s Victory Tour!

Don’t miss your chance to see some of the top International Juniors plus US stars from the World Championships this Sunday at the Allen High School in Texas! We will bring you all the news and results here on Gymnastics Online and good luck to the Welsh Team!

Content removed - Ken Summerfield 25th August, 2008

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ELENA GOMEZ RETIRES!

Elena Gomez Servera announced her retirement today from competitive gymnastics at an Official Press Conference in Spain. Elena made history for Spain at the World Championships in Debrecen in 2002 when she won the World Championships on Floor and became the first Spanish female gymnast to win a World Title. Her exquisite dance and beautiful choreography won Elena fans from around the World.

Elena went on to win the Gold on Floor again at the 2003 World Cup in Paris and then at Anaheim she collected the bronze medal in the 2003 World Championships. Elena’s success continued at the Athens Olympics in 2004 when she reached two Finals and finished in 8th place in the All Around competition, and a 5th place with the Spanish Team.

Sadly Elena suffered a back injury, preventing her competing and training at the highest level, and she has decided to retire to concentrate on her studies.

Thank you Elena for some fantastic memories and good luck in your future career. Below some great memories of Elena during her fabulous performances.

NICK AND SARAH WIN ACRO GOLD IN BELARUSSIA ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

 While most of us were tucking into our Christmas dinners, Wakefield Acrobats Nick Illingworth and Sarah Cameron were winning Gold in Belarussia!

Sarah had a very busy Christmas as she only returned from a Display in Spain on the 20th December before flying to Bellarussia to compete on Christmas Day, and then returning home on Boxing Day!

This was a fantastic achievement in the stronghold of Sports Acrobatics.

Congratulations to Nick and Sarah on a superb performance.

Pictured below, Nick & Sarah.

SPELTHORNE DRAWS RECORD CROWDS FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW GROUP ROUTINE AT CHRISTMAS DISPLAY!

Spelthorne Acrobatics, Great Britain’s leading Sports Acrobatics Club drew record crowds to their excellent Christmas Display this year. The Club were forced to arrange an extra show to cope with demand for the Display which featured the World Premiere of the “Dead Routine” choreographed by Simon Horrill.

Spelthorne have an outstanding record at National and International Level and have won over 170 Gold Medals at National and International Events including 8 at World Championships! And over 200 performers from tiny Recreational Gymnasts through to British and European Champions performed superbly to packed houses who gave enthusiastic noisy support. The show alternated between the younger groups and International Acrobats, with great choreography and terrific production and lighting complimenting the daring feats from the Acrobats, who were just feet away from the audience.

Highlights included Simon’s Bohemian Rhapsody which was first performed at the World Sports Acrobatics Championships Opening Ceremony in Manchester in 1997, and has featured in top gymnastics events around the World. “Bo Rap” features between 12 and 24 Acrobats and split second timing and wonderful interpretation which made the routine as fresh and exciting as ever. With great choreography and dynamic presentation this routine is world class and not to be missed.

“Men in Black” complete with great costumes was witty, stylish and hugely enjoyable as the Acrobats produced an impressive interpretation of Nicola Yellop’s innovative choreography to Will Smith’s movie theme.

There were so many individual highlights, but standout’s included Christian Beecher and Katie Axten and Men’s Pair Johnathan Stranks and Liam Durbridge, plus the excellent Men’s Group. Other standouts included the Women’s Pairs, Groups and Mixed Pairs as they performed their superb Gold Medal winning routines and received a great reaction from the packed audience 

As the Display built towards the World Premiere of the “Dead Routine” a wave of anticipation went around the packed hall including Acrobats who were clinging to bars at the back of the Arena to make sure they did not miss a second of the performance.  As the Acrobats entered the Floor, good lighting and sound combined with scary costumes and make up to great effect. As Carmina Burana’s instantly familiar music began, the audience which included many former British, European and World Champions, were on the edge of their seats! Although completely different from Bohemian Rhapsody, the excellent choreography and production gave the Routine it’s own identity and both the audience and performers gave it their all. I will not spoil the ending as many of you will see this routine at events in 2006, but the audience cheered and stamped their feet as the Acrobats reached the finale and brought the gymnasts back for an encore! If you can’t wait then click here to see the Routine now!

An excellent show and a great night which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, gymnasts and very proud parents and coaches. We can’t wait for next year!  

Content removed - Ken Summerfield, 25th August, 2008

 NEW ROLE FOR FORMER RUSSIAN HEAD COACH LEONID ARKAYEV

Former Russian Head Coach Leonid Arkayev has become the new Head Coach of the Korean Gymnastics Team as they prepare for the 2006 Asian Games and Beijing in the 2008 Olympics.

Arkayev was the former Head Coach of the Soviet and Russian Men’s Team from 1973 to 1992, and then became Head of the Russian Men and Women’s Team from 1992 - 1994 and President of the Russian Gymnastics Federation. But he was ousted from the roles after disappointing results from Athens and became a member of the F.I.G. Executive Committee.

South Korea and North Korea will form one unified team at the 2006 Asian Games and 2008 Olympic Games.

PRESIDENT OF BRITISH GYMNASTICS APPEALS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON FUNDING CUTS!

Brian Stocks, the President of British Gymnastics has spoken out over the devastating funding cuts for British Gymnasts and is appealing for YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT in raising funding for British Gymnasts in their bid for Medals.

Speaking in this month’s “The Gymnast” magazine in a fascinating article which first appeared in The Guardian, , Brian reveals that British Gymnastics suffered a 45% cut in funding after the Olympics which forced the release of 13 members of the BG Performance Team! He quotes the cases of top British Gymnasts Ross Brewer and Imogen Cairns who both represented Great Britain at the World Artistic Championships, and reveals that Ross who qualified for the final of the Men’s All Around has to train in a local School and put out the equipment himself! And Imogen qualified for the World Championships Vault Final despite only having 13.5 metres of the required 25m approach available to practice her routines!

He calls for planned, long term investment in the country’s sporting infrastructure and states that British Gymnastics believes that a new funding program for the 2012 Olympics should have been put in place immediately after London won the Games back in July last year! The earliest that British Gymnastics can now hope for any more funding is April 2006 which is far too late, as we are in the middle of an Olympic cycle, and Brian states that our ability to attract staff from around the World is virtually non existent due to lack of funding.

He states that “ It takes 8 to 12 years to develop a talented young gymnast to full Olympic potential. Initial qualification for London 2012 is in 2010. By then we must be in the one of the top 24 teams in the World. A year later, we have to be in the top 12. By not turning on the funding stream now is to deny British Gymnastics a fighting chance. More important, it may be denying a wealth of talented young performers the opportunity to compete in London 2012”

Despite these strong words, no further funding has been announced by the British Government or U.K. Sport, and now Brian says in his Presidential Comments that Lia Borrotzu and many others are fighting a campaign to bring this into the public arena and they must be joined by as many voices as possible to obtain the resources that Government must invest in our sport.

He appeals for your help and ideas and sets a target of one million pounds to give our children the best possible chance of achieving medal success in 2012. Please contact Brian at brian.stocks@ukgateway.net with your ideas to help raise funds or sponsorship.

We are totally behind this campaign and if anyone wants to contact us at Gymnastics Online with ideas or offers of funding, we will gladly forward these to Brian.

It is ironic that I watched a documentary on the BBC News 24 T.V. station in the U.K. this week which featured the successful London Bid. Two of the promotional videos featured young gymnasts, one a young Chinese girl watching gymnastics on T.V. with the words “London 2012 - It’s not just a dream”. The girl was then shown performing a fantastic Floor Routine and dreaming of Olympic Glory in our own Capital City. Male gymnasts are also shown in our Bid for the Games, and just look at the success stories in the article above! What an insult to British Gymnasts, Coaches and Clubs that the Government which won so much free publicity over the Bid, does not care one iota about one of the very sports which was used to promote and help win the the greatest sporting prize of them all - the Olympic Games. And when it came to funding our elite gymnasts and programs, the Government cynically cast aside gymnastics and our future Olympians, as soon as the greatest prize had been won! Instead of investing in our elite programs, and supporting athlete’s potential, U.K. Sports policy seems to only fund proven athletes and sports who have already won Olympic Medals or medal at World level. How can our gymnasts hope to achieve this if their centralized training programs and funding no longer exists, and our International gymnasts train in School Halls?

Ironically a winning lottery ticket for 8.4 million pounds has just been lost as the winner did not claim his or her prize on time! If only one million pounds of that money was given to British Gymnastics and the remainder allocated to other sports who are also affected by the funding cuts, just think what GB could achieve in London 2012!   

WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!

It is vital that this issue receives greater publicity and public debate to persuade U.K. Sport and the Government to restore funding. So it’s over to you! We want to know if you or your Gymnasts and Clubs have been affected by the cuts and how this has impacted on your training programs and preparation for major competitions, especially at National and International level! E-mail us now and we will publish some of your stories and views! 

REVIEW OF 2005 COMING SOON! WE WANT YOUR NOMINATIONS AND TOP 3 HIGHLIGHTS!

What a year it’s been for British and World Gymnastics! From Beth and Imogen’s fantastic achievements in Melbourne and the best ever results for the GB Team at a World Championships, to the successful bid for London 2012! And our amazing Sports Acrobats from Wakefield and Spelthorne winning 3 European Titles, to our British Junior & Senior Men’s superb performances on the World and International stage. And don’t forget 2 GB Rhythmic Gymnasts at World’s for the first time plus the emerging new young talent from British Rhythmic Clubs!

GB Trampolinists and Tumblers won a total of 14 Medals in the International T&T Age Group Games, including 6 Gold Medals, 4 Silver Medals and 4 Bronze to finish second in the Final Medals Table behind Russia! A superb achievement and a just reward for the incredible efforts of our trampolinists in particular who achieved outstanding results! The GB Men’s Trampoline Team also qualified for their first World Championships Finals. It’s been an exceptional year for our Gymnasts in the International arenas!

Of course there have been disappointments too, from Rhian’s desperately unlucky injury during the Podium Training at World’s, Sam Bailey’s injury just before Trials, and Kath Peberdy also injured just before major Championships. And of course the devastating impact on elite programs caused by the British Government’s and U.K. Sport’s ridiculous Funding Cuts, despite the huge advances made by our gymnasts! Plus we said farewell to the Perfect Ten!

Very soon we will bring you our favourite highlights from British and World Gymnastics from 2005, but WE WANT YOUR HIGHLIGHTS TOO! Was it the US clean sweep in Melbourne or the fantastic performances from new International stars such as Monette Russo and Nastia Liukin? Or maybe that fantastic Summer’s Day when London won the ultimate prize - the Olympic Games?

CONTENT REMOVED - KEN SUMMERFIELD 25TH AUGUST, 2008

TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING CAMP 2005 RAISES $17,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN USA

130 gymnasts travelled from 18 States to attend the 2nd Annual T&T Scholarship Clinic and Summer Camp at Corey Lake in Michigan where they were joined by the USA Trampoline Team for a pre- World Championships Training Camp!

The gymnasts aged from 8 to 17 were taught by top world class and National Coaches Dmitri Poliaroush (LA) David Popkin (NJ) Peggy Rayson (IN) Mary Swafford (MO) and Joy Umenhofer (ID) who gave their time free of charge to ensure the gymnasts enjoyed “national training Camp” quality instruction and training. They all left their busy gyms and athletes to give so generously to the USAG T&T Program. In addition 13 other Coaches were in attendance to help and learn from the world class coaches. Several national team members also gave up their free time to participate as camp counselors and assistant clinicians.

Athletes trained & played in an outdoor gym with four trampolines, two double mini tramps and one rod floor. Additionally, all the campers enjoyed the new camp home at Camp Wakeshma on the shores of Corey Lake.

The Camp also featured fantastic leisure activities including canoeing, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding and, of course, all enjoyed “combat tubing”. With 4 professional waterski boats, a 24’ pontoon boat, and a fleet of canoes, sailboats and kayaks the campers spent ample time on the waters of Corey Lake, and enjoying cabin life.

The Camp raised over $17,000 towards the T&T Scholarship Fund which is a tremendous achievement, and thanks go to all of the Coaches, Staff and Sponsors who worked so hard to make this a great event for all of the gymnasts.

MORE GREAT GYM NEWS AND FEATURES COMING SOON INCLUDING:-

 NEW PHOTOS FROM HARROW SPORTS ACROBATICS

FORMER USA GYMNAST RACHEL KIDD RETIRES

GYM POLLS REVIEW PLUS NEW POLLS COMING SOON!

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST FEBRUARY GYM NEWS!

CLICK HERE FOR DECEMBER NEWS!