gymn Digest Thu, 5 Jan 95 Volume 3 : Issue 56
Today's Topics:
gymnasts and decision-making
gymnasts and decision making
Gymnasts and Smiles
help with gymnastics project.
Kim Zmeskal News? (3 msgs)
leaps and conditioning (2 msgs)
Miller wins Dial award
Network Addresses
News from France (6 msgs)
Olympicswatch
PR: American Classic (2 msgs)
Question on UB Dismounts
Shannon speculation (2 msgs)
the NCAA vote
TOPS? (2 msgs)
Tournament of Roses parade (2 msgs)
When is the vote?
Womens FX
Worlds (so I'm slow)
This is a digest of the gymn@athena.mit.edu mailing list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 09:06:34 -0800
From: ***@Eng.Sun.COM
Subject: gymnasts and decision-making
I wouldn't be too hard on gymnasts for giving their coaches the
"final word" on what to do or don't. And I certainly don't
see it as a bad thing. In fact, I`d be surprised if it were any
other way. That's what coaches get paid to do!
Coach Seifert (of the 49'ers) to Rice and Young: Okay, guys, we're
up 94-3. This game doesn't mean anything anyway. So why don't you
two come out and rest up for the palyoffs? We need to give Elvis
some game time, anyway.
Rice and Young (in unison): Stuff it, coach! We want to play!
We're grown men! Stop treating us like babies. Sheesh, you act
like we're seventeen-year-old girl gymnasts or something.
Seifert: Oh, okay. I respect you for making these kind of
decisions on your own and realize how it will help you in the
real world later on in life. We wouldn't want you to turn out
like sventeen-year-old girl gymnasts! Try not to get hurt...
(i.e. Wouldn't happen! My apologies for talking football. I
pick the '9ers and Steelers. ;^)
-George
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 15:51:48 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: gymnasts and decision making
>Coach Seifert (of the 49'ers) to Rice and Young: Okay, guys, we're
up 94-3. This game doesn't mean anything anyway. So why don't you two come
out and rest up for the palyoffs? We need to give Elvis
some game time, anyway.<
Well, I like the anology (where are you Adriana?) but it's a little far off
considering what actually happened. Rice and Young will always start but if
the Niners are winning by 91 points it is pointless for them to go in anymore
ie it's a sure victory. The Worlds was NOT a sure victory for the US, in
fact, a medal was going to be a challenge originally. The team needed
Shannon and she turned her back on them. Whether or not it was her coaches
decision or not and whether or not she has any spine or has any input about
her career remains to be seen but in the long run it is her that will be hurt
by this. Imho it is the team that comes first over personal glory and any
athlete that has ever competed on a team will tell you this. Including Steve
Young! (He told Radnich this after the Denver game.)
Amanda
>(i.e. Wouldn't happen! My apologies for talking football. I
pick the '9ers and Steelers. ;^)>
And I pick the niners.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 01:45:58 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: Gymnasts and Smiles
I agree that deep concentration often causes gymnasts to "forget" to smile.
But, I think that those gymnasts who remember to do so enhance their
performance and makes it more "entertaining" to watch.
Should adding expression to a performance be rewarded? Does it require
greater effort? Added training? Perhaps even choreography? I think for
some yes, and for some no.
Does adding expression make a routine appear superior, one an audience would
remember more and look forward to seeing? Without a doubt. All else being
equal, people just love a smile.
Wasn't it just that quality, that smile, that made so many around the world
remember Nadia, Olga and Mary Lou? It looked like they were really having
fun, didn't it?.
Well, that's how I feel about it. And one more thing, wasn't it "just
wanting to have fun" that got gymnasts enrolled in the first place? I think
that if a gymnast ever stops having fun, at any level, they are really
missing, or "forgeting" the point, (which judges just might be counting).
Jeff
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 10:02:32 -0500 (EST)
From: ***@laird.ccds.cincinnati.oh.us
Subject: help with gymnastics project.
Hi my name is Kelly Olson and i am doing a project on gymnastics
concerning all my classes ie.science of ,history of, language of,ect.
if you have any information concering this please write to me at
***@ccds.cincinnati.oh.us
thanks
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 01:12:01 -0500 (EST)
From: ***@infinet.com
Subject: Kim Zmeskal News?
Anyone have any news about my favorite gymnast Kim Zmeskal?? I saw brief
glimpses of her during that Danskin event that was just on last weekend
but they didn't mention her at all! Bummed me out! They showed Nadia
and Bart a million times and showed Betty Okino, but nothing about Kim.
They showed Kim walking off with the rest of the performers at the very
end so I assume she performed. What is Kim up to now?
I am also looking for any videos or pictures that anyone might have of her.
Thanks,
George C.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 10:04:26 +1000
From: ***@pharm.med.upenn.edu
Subject: Kim Zmeskal News?
>Anyone have any news about my favorite gymnast Kim Zmeskal??
>
>George C.
Kim is still really recovering from her knee injury that happened with the
demo of USA v. Romania in Mass. Turns out as a result of the knee her
workouts are not going as often or as smoothly as she would like, and it is
also creating the problem of her taking off the weight that she gained
while in retirement and immediate knee rehab. According to "Mrs. Karolyi",
Kim needs to get down to a weight where the impact on the knee is not so
great that reinjury is a constant threat.
Also, I have an interesting side note -- we have been talking about the
maturity level and ability of these young women 17, 18+ Shannon & Dom to
make decisions, etc. After speaking with one of the USA Gym dance
teachers, choreographers (he doesn't work with Shannon, but with Dom) - she
is completely deferential to Kelly, just says yes to other people, and then
waits for Kelly to really make the reaction, decision, etc. I have a
feeling that when these and other great gymnasts enter the real world, be
it college or not, they will have a hard time really knowing how to make
the decisions that are basic to most of us.
Well, enough gossip
Mayland
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 22:32:36 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: Kim Zmeskal News?
I have been following this thread for a while, and I would like to speak on
behalf of Shannon and other gymnasts.
>From the gym settings I have been in, it is the coach who makes the
decisions. Yes, Shannon is a valuable member of the US team, but she is
first a gymnast in Nunno's gym. As we are not there in her workouts, there
is no way for us to know if he made the best decision for Shannon or for his
team. BUT, he is the coach and he runs the program. Not only that, he is in
charge and ultimate responsibility rests on his shoulders. Hopefully, he is
looking out for her and her teams best interests.
I am a coach, and I make the decisions as to which meets we will compete and
who will compete what. I may ask for input from the girls, but ultimately
the decision is mine as is responsibility for the girls. Hence, I try to
make decisions based on what is best for my team as a whole.
I would think Nunno does the same.
Debbie
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 01:47:12 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: leaps and conditioning
I am looking for the correct way to teach a split leap to Level 5 and 6
gymnasts. Over the years, I have heard differing views of the way leaps
should be done. Should the gymnast strive for distance when leaping, or
should she aim to use as little space as possible while lifting to the
complete split?
Secondly, we work out only 3 times a week, so I am looking for new ideas on
conditioning in a short period of time. That is, if we have just 20 minutes,
does anyone have any ideas or knowledge of how to best use the time?
Thanks!
Debbie
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 15:37:57 -0800
From: ***@sce.com
Subject: leaps and conditioning
>I am looking for the correct way to teach a split leap to Level 5 and 6
>gymnasts. ....
>
>Secondly, we work out only 3 times a week, so I am looking for new ideas on
>conditioning in a short period of time. That is, if we have just 20 minutes,
>does anyone have any ideas or knowledge of how to best use the time?
I'm the mother of an 8 year old level 6 gymnast at Charter Oak in Covina
California. What I've seen that's worked for her involves 5 pound ankle
weights.
1. They attach a weight to each ankle, hang from a high bar, and swing
their legs as though they're doing a split leap. I think they do three
sets of 20.
2. With ankle weights on they practice 10 leaps on floor and then remove
the weights and do more. This one really helped her get height and a
fuller split.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 17:58:43 -0700 (MST)
From: ***@rmii.com
Subject: Miller wins Dial award
I got this from USA Gymnastics who in turn got this from the BW SportsWire:
12/2/1994
"The Dial Award, America's most coveted award for high school seniors,
has been won by Shannon Miller, America's most decorated gymnast, of
Edmond North High School, Edmond, Okla., and Taymond Domzalski,
6-foot-10-inch basketball ace from New Mexico Military Institute,
Roswell, N.M.
Both 17 years old, Miller and Domzalski were chosen by a nationwide
panel of high school athletic administrators, sports journalists,
academicians and athletic federation members who base their vote on
three areas of accomplishment: athletic, academic an d civic."
Miller and Domzalski will get their award at the 60th Annual Awards
Dinner on the 21st, at the Touchdown Club at the Washington Hilton
Hotel in D.C.
"The black-tie banquet is an annual event attended by well-known
entertainment and sports stars, as well as Washington politicians,
Supreme Court justices and top brass from the military services. Dial
will fly both winners and their parents to Washington to accept their
silver trophy awards. On behalf of the two winners, Dial will also
present a $5,000 grant to each of their high schools."
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 95 15:00:31 EST
From: ***@BBN.COM
Subject: Network Addresses
I've meant to post this for a while. Maybe it would fit into
some part of the FAQ as well? At any rate, here are the
addresses of the broadcast and non-premium cable networks
most likely to show gymnastics. If you want to praise,
complain, or plead, here's where to do it:
ABC
77 W. 66th St.
New York, NY 10023
CBS
51 W. 52nd St.
New York, NY 10019
ESPN [or ESPN2, I assume]
ESPN Plaza
935 Middle St.
Bristol, CT 06010
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
TNT or TBS
One CNN Center
P.O. Box 105366
Atlanta, GA 30348
Cheers,
>>Kathy
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 21:10:07 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: News from France
French Nationals:
Elodie Lussac, 1993 Jr. Euro Champ in the AA and three events, tied with
Laetitia Begue, 1994 Jr. Euro AA runner-up, for the French National title.
Begue won compulsories (38.950) over Lussac (38.775) but a 9.4 on vault in
optionals gave Lussac the optional win and resulted in a tie (78.025).
Frederic Lemoine won the men's meet over Eric Poujade, 94 Worlds Silver
medalist, 108.65-107.4.
The French are cool.
***************
The Golden Talent Tournament
Orleans, France, 14 and 15 October 1994
(This was an international Junior Competition)
Men:
1. Yevgeni Podgorny (RUS)- 55.1
2. Nikolai Krukov (RUS)- 54.25
3. Laurent Landi (FRA)- 52.1
4. Yohan Renne (FRA)- 51.85
5. Vasile Ciona (ROM)- 51.75
6. Robert Gal (HUN)- 50.35
7. Yoann Benhamou (FRA)- 49.4
8. Mitja Petrovsek (SLO)- 49.1
9. Dorin Petcu (ROM)- 47.6
10. Georges Avranidis (GRE)- 47.2
11. Mandi Karabatsiakis (GRE)- 44.7
Podgorny won every event but pommels which Krukov won (Podgorny second).
Women:
1. Yulia Korostileva (RUS)- 38.475
2. Camelia Andronic (ROM)- 38.3
3. Yelena Dolgopolova (RUS)- 37.975
4. Emilie Volle (FRA)- 37.150
5. Aurelia Gheba (ROM)- 36.45
6. Aurore Aghillianon (FRA)- 35.9
7. Mojra Mavric (SLO)- 35.6
Dolgopolova won vault, Korostileva won beam and bars, and Andronic won floor.
**********
Isabelle Severino, 94 Jr. European Bars Champion, has recorded an album
titled "Tomorrow or After Tomorrow" ("Demain ou Apres Demain"). In
association with the choir, Petits Ecoliers Chantants, and composer/author
Sergei Gregor, whom Isabelle had admired, and who has also been associated
with gymnastics during the shows he produces involving dancers and gymnasts
and musicians.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 95 11:16:13 GMT
From: ***@ic.ac.uk
Subject: News from France
> French Nationals:
> Elodie Lussac, 1993 Jr. Euro Champ in the AA and three events, tied with
> Laetitia Begue, 1994 Jr. Euro AA runner-up, for the French National title.
When was this? Didn't someone say Lussac was injured and would be out of
action for a few months?
> Women:
> 2. Camelia Andronic (ROM)- 38.3
Go Camelia!
Sherwin
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 07:42:47 -0700 (MST)
From: ***@rmii.com
Subject: News from France
|
| > French Nationals:
| > Elodie Lussac, 1993 Jr. Euro Champ in the AA and three events, tied with
| > Laetitia Begue, 1994 Jr. Euro AA runner-up, for the French National title.
|
| When was this? Didn't someone say Lussac was injured and would be out of
| action for a few months?
Well, I read in _IG_ that after her injury at Worlds in Australia,
"Three weeks later Elodie is back in competition. And not a small
one. The European championships were in Stockholm, Sweden, and Elodie
had two choices: withdraw, or recover in time to help her teammates.
She never considered the first option; Elodie is definitely a
fighter." (January 1995, p. 48)
Rachele
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 95 15:21:50 GMT
From: ***@ic.ac.uk
Subject: News from France
>From Rachele,
> |
> | > French Nationals:
> | > Elodie Lussac, 1993 Jr. Euro Champ in the AA and three events, tied with
> | > Laetitia Begue, 1994 Jr. Euro AA runner-up, for the French National title.
> |
> | When was this? Didn't someone say Lussac was injured and would be out of
> | action for a few months?
>
> Well, I read in _IG_ that after her injury at Worlds in Australia,
> "Three weeks later Elodie is back in competition. And not a small
> one. The European championships were in Stockholm, Sweden, and Elodie
> had two choices: withdraw, or recover in time to help her teammates.
> She never considered the first option; Elodie is definitely a
> fighter." (January 1995, p. 48)
Well, this was the article that I was referring to (from Debbie on
22 Dec):
> Yesterday's _l'Equipe_ ran a story (I don't have time tonight to translate
> it all) entitled "A Difficult Blow for Lussac." To sum up, her back had
> been hurting her very much during the Dortmund Worlds and, upon her return
> to Marseille, several tests were performed.
>
> The diagnosis is a compression fracture of the vertebrae. Lussac will have
> to wear a brace for 3 months, followed by at least 2 months of
> rehabilitation.
>
> Debbie
I'm assuming that the French Nationals were held before her op? Or maybe
she's so tough that she isn't go to have an op? The French Nationals were
probably held before Dortmund Worlds (like our British Nats), that's the
only explanation I can think of... (but then I'm guessing...)
Sherwin
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 21:45:28 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: News from France
IMHO, I think the US is foolish to ignore the junior meets.
Mara
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 02:03:26 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: News from France
>> French Nationals:
> Elodie Lussac, 1993 Jr. Euro Champ in the AA and three events, tied
with
> Laetitia Begue, 1994 Jr. Euro AA runner-up, for the French National title.
>When was this? Didn't someone say Lussac was injured and would be out
of action for a few months?<
French Nationals were held 21-23 October.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 09:59:19 -0800
From: ***@Eng.Sun.COM
Subject: Olympicswatch
A bit of a play on words. Swatch is the official time piece of the
'96 Olympic games. FYI, Delta is the official airline, Coca-Cola the
official beverage (does this surprise you?) I bet you peaches are
the official fruit. Other sponsors (don't know why I'm telling you
this) are: Kodak, Visa, Baush&Lomb, Xerox, Sports Illustrated,
Panasonic, IBM, John Hancock, UPS, Nations Bank, Champion, Home
Depot (?), Budweiser (???), McDonalds (?????), and AT&T. Can't
you just see the ads we'll be watchig waiting for Doni Thompson's
floor routine?
At any rate, just got back from Atlanta. Let me tell you the town's
a buzzing. There's a daily column about the Olympics in the Atlanta
Constitution. Construction is going on everywhere. People are
brushing up on their Russian. Okay, I made the last one up, but it
would probably be a good idea.
It's amazing how an Olympiad shapes a town. New baseball stadium,
airport extensions, etc. etc. Something tells me it shouldn't be
this way, but hey, on to gymnastics!
I picked up an information brochure at the Olympic Experience at
Underground Atlanta. It's really just a shop for T-shirts and stuff,
but it's fun to go to, and they do have some cool displays, and even
a touch screen for information. There were quite a few foreign
accents there when I went. People are modifying their travel plans
so they can buy Olympic T-shirts, I guess. Sounds familiar, since
this is what I was doing!
Anyway, the brochure is titled "The Games of the Century" and it's
accented in the trademark green and gold (they appear to be the colors
for the Atlanta game.) It's interesting that the last time I was there
the info sheet was really just a Xeroxed (tm) page of events and prices.
This one is a real brochure. The front cover gives a little blurb about
the father of the Modern Olympiad, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. Successive
pages are mostly pictures of athletes in competition from previous
Olympics. The bottom of each page gives facts and figures about
tickets and prices. 75% of the event tickets will cost less than $40,
and each sport will have at least one session that will cost $25 or
less. Event tickets will include transportation to the Olympic venue
within metro Atlanta (first time ever.)
Artistic Gymnastics will be held in the Georgia Dome Saturday, July
20th to Thursday, July 25th, and Sunday, July 28th to Tuesday, July
30th. The Gala event (whatever that is) will be on the 30th.
Rhythmic Gymnastics will be at Morehouse College from Saturday,
August 1st to Tuesday, August 4th (same day as closing ceremony.)
Artistic ticket prices range from $25 to $250, and Rhythmic prices
go from $10 to $50.
If you're into rhythmic gymnastics, it looks to be a steal of a deal.
Best seat in the house for $50. I didn't used to think much of
rhythmic gymnastics until I got into it during the '92 games. I
happened by the TV when it was on and was enthralled! This is where
I'll be!
Tickets are expected to go on sale in May of '95 (or so the woman
at the store told me. The brochure says "Spring", so be on your
toes if you want to buy some.) The brochure explicitly states:
"Orders for tickets *will not be accepted* before the on-sale date."
So I wouldn't even bother to try before then. "All tickets will be
delivered to buyers in the summer of 1996."
There are numbers listed on the bottom for further information:
404-744-1996 Ticket info
404-658-1996 Mail order merchandise requests
The T-shirts are way cool, but if you buy one for Rachele, don't get
her a white one ;^)
Yours in Gymnastics,
-George
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 18:00:34 -0700 (MST)
From: ***@rmii.com
Subject: PR: American Classic
>From USA Gymnastics Online!:
1995 AM CLASSIC AND PAN AM TRIALS QUALIFYING MEET (12/5/94)
1995 American Classic and Pan American Games Trials Qualifying Meet
> Sponsored by the Northern California Women's Gymnastics Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAILED: 12/1 5/94
1995 American Classic Tickets Now On Sale
Oakland, CA (Special)--The 1995 American Classic/Pan American Games Trials
may still be three months off, but interest is building.
Advance tickets are now available, and more than 300 have already been sold
for this USA Gymnastics-sanctioned national women's competition, according
to Meet Director Bill Strom. A sellout is expected.
"Bay Area gymnastics fans are excited about this meet, and it's easy to see
why," said Strom, owner of Gymtowne Gymnastics in San Bruno. "With athletes
such as Dominique Dawes Shannon Miller, Keri Strug, and San Jose's own Amy
Chow all on schedule to qualify for the meet, a great competition is
already anticipated... even now, three months in advance."
The 1995 American Classic/Pan American Games Trials, sponsored by the
Northern California Women's Gymnastics Association, is slated for February
15, 17 and 18 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) at Oakland's Henry J. Kaiser
Arena. Thursday has been desig nated as a training session, with
compulsories set for Friday and optionals scheduled for Saturday.
Individual tickets, good for all three sessions, are priced at $15, or fans
may view the Thursday training session only for just $5. Group discounts
are also available through local gymnastics clubs.
For more information on the meet, individual ticket orders or group
discounts, call 800/ON-2-OLYMPICS (800/662-6596).
- Walker Enterprises -
(ps -- George lives in Oakland!)
Rachele
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 95 8:19:17 PST
From: ***@sol.metaware.com
Subject: PR: American Classic
> 1995 American Classic and Pan American Games Trials Qualifying Meet
>
> 1995 American Classic Tickets Now On Sale
>
> The 1995 American Classic/Pan American Games Trials, sponsored by the
> Northern California Women's Gymnastics Association, is slated for February
> 15, 17 and 18 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) at Oakland's Henry J. Kaiser
> Arena. Thursday has been desig nated as a training session, with
> compulsories set for Friday and optionals scheduled for Saturday.
>
> For more information on the meet, individual ticket orders or group
> discounts, call 800/ON-2-OLYMPICS (800/662-6596).
>
I'll call this number, but I was wondering if anyone new if tickets are
going to be sold through any regular ticket agency, or if only by phone.
Anyone have any idea?
--Robin
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 23:51:36 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: Question on UB Dismounts
Since I don't have a copy of the Code at my fingertips, and Adriana is away,
I thought I would toss a question out there:
How does the current Code treat UB dismounts off the *low bar* such as
Mukhina's back tuck?
Low bar dismounts, along with general use of the low bar, started to die out
in the early '80s if I recall correctly.
If anyone has a Code, could you please comment?
Mara
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 02:21:52 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: Shannon speculation
>Where were the other elites during the Goodwill
Games? They were at home preparing for US Championships.
So I guess they were turning their back on their country?
No. They made a decision that was in their best interest.<
Really? There wasn't a trials for Goodwill. Wasn't it up to Nunno to pick
the best team or something? Surprise surprise he picked all his own girls.
Certainly Goodwill can't be compared to Worlds because it was much more of
an individual honors type thing than an important team meet. Worlds of
course for those of us who remember used to be a VERY prestigious meet but I
guess it's not so any more.
> Here Shannon was injured.<
Was she? I hadn't heard. What is her injury? Why didn't anybody mention
this than? Why didn't Tim or Elfie mention it? Why didn't Nunno offer it as
an explanation? If she was injured of course, that's one thing.
>If she competes here, who knows if she's gonna be there for the
US in95 or 96. Whereas if she misses this meet, the chances
are much better. So, the US highlights Dom, trusts its other
very talented gymnasts, and does well.<
How does competing in this competition hurt her chances for Atlanta? Aren't
Dawes and Milo aiming toward 96?
Of course, every time a gymnast competes (where there's no spot compared to
training) there is a higher risk of an injury. Every competition carries
that risk. The fact of the matter imhaco is that this just wasn't an
*important* enough of a meet for Miller's coach. Enough said. Like I said,
Worlds used to be a big deal... Oh yeah and remember when there was bonus
for originality too?
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 08:25:34 -0700 (MST)
From: ***@rmii.com
Subject: Shannon speculation
Well, either I missed a msg, or Amanda is quoting a post that was
written privately to her. At any rate...
| Really? There wasn't a trials for Goodwill. Wasn't it up to Nunno to pick
| the best team or something? Surprise surprise he picked all his own girls.
Nunno was allowed to hand-pick the team for Goodwill? Where did you
get that information? All that I can find on Goodwiill Games
selection is from the Elite Ad Hoc Committee Meeting on 1/16/94.
Section VI says (in part):
"Recommendation to the Selection Committee that when considering
assignments for the international competitions and the Hilton, Budget,
and Goodwill Games, three age divisions can be considered. The Senior
15 and over, the Seniors 13 & 14 (age eligible for the Olympic Games),
and the Juniors (12 to 14). Motioned by Michelle Dusserre, and
seconded by Tony Gehman. Passed. Those 13 & 14 year old Seniors MUST
finish in the TOP 15 combined All-Around at the American Classic to be
considered."
| Was she? I hadn't heard. What is her injury? Why didn't anybody mention
| this than? Why didn't Tim or Elfie mention it? Why didn't Nunno offer it as
| an explanation? If she was injured of course, that's one thing.
What elite gymnast *isn't* injured to some degree? It is certainly
quite possible that she had an injury and didn't announce it to the
world. Just because Tim, Elfie, or Nunno didn't mention it does not
mean it's not there; all it means is that Miller and Nunno did not
offer up an injury as an excuse for leaving the meet.
| How does competing in this competition hurt her chances for Atlanta? Aren't
| Dawes and Milo aiming toward 96?
Every gymnast's situation is different. What is particular to
Shannon's situation, I don't know, but Nunno does, and since she pays
him to coach her (and most obviously does NOT pay me), I would have to
guess that he's more qualified than I to make that decision.
There are more reasons to decline a meet than the risk of injury.
Training schedule, for one.
Rachele
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 08:13:29 -0600 (CST)
From: ***@rainbow.uchicago.edu)
Subject: the NCAA vote
According to my best sources, the NCAA convention starts this
Saturday afternoon with registration and other administrative tasks.
The first working session is Sunday. The delegates will be voting on
145 measures, but they will not vote on the moratorium to save
Men's Gymnastics (and the other non-traditional sports) until late
Tuesday afternoon since this issue is one of the most important of
the entire meeting.
Chuck
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 22:36:40 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: TOPS?
What exactly is the TOPs program? Who is in it, and how are the kids chosen?
What are the benefits?
Also, is there anyone out there who gets results from Minnesota gymnastics?
If so, please let me know.
Debbie
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 10:41:46 -0400 (EST)
From: ***@indiana.edu
Subject: TOPS?
> What exactly is the TOPs program? Who is in it, and how are the kids chosen?
> What are the benefits?
My daughter has been involved with the TOPS program. It stands for
talent opportunity program. The coaches take their top kids age 11 and
under to a regional testing. They take lots of measurements, height,
weight, body fat, limb length ratios, etc. They measure everything on
the kid! They used to test Strength, flexibility, musicality and skills
at the regional and the national testing. But now they just test strength
and flexibility at the regional testing and if you make it to the national
testing you can show skills.
My kid made it the first year and got to go to a week long training camp with
her coaches in Birmingham, Alabama. They gave her a nifty jacket, an
olympic leotard and a certificate.
This year she made it past regionals and went to the national testing in
Phoenix. She had a great time but didn't make the national cut off.
She did get a T-Shirt.
I believe that physical attributes are a significant part of the score.
So, if your gymnast it taller than ideal it really counts against them.
(or if she weighs mor than ideal, or the ratios are a little different)
The skills don't really count for that much. Unfortunately, my daughter
has great skills, but is a little taller than she needs to be.
I think that these kinds of things are really good for the kids. It gives
them an opportunity to travel and meet other kids. The first year, she got
to work with Betty Okino, Geza Pozar, etc. and had a great time.
She had a great time this year eventhough she didn't make the cut off.
I made sure to explain to her that some of the factors were beyond her
control, so that if she didn't make it, she wouldn't feel bad.
The regional training camps also give the kids the opportunity to travel,
work with other coaches and meet other kids. They get to know each other
and really have a positive experience. It creates a great sense of
community in an otherwise large world. I don't know if the other regions
have these or not. (we're in region 5)
>
> Also, is there anyone out there who gets results from Minnesota gymnastics?
> If so, please let me know.
>
> Debbie
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 21:33:22 -0700 (MST)
From: ***@rmii.com
Subject: Tournament of Roses parade
Just thought it was worth a mention on Gymn that a Chinese float in
the New Year's Day Rose Bowl parade (I think it was the Rose Bowl
parade) had a "gymnastics" float! It was pretty cool, I thought. A
huge paper mache-looking gymnast (white pants, yellow comp top) was
swinging on high bar. Amazing, his legs never came apart -- what
form. He basically just did intermediate swings (piked enough on the
forward part of the swing that one might think "he" wanted to do a
kip) to "build up to a giant". I never saw a giant before that began
and ended *under* the bar, but hey, we can cut him some slack. When
he did finally make it around the bar, it was a bit odd because he was
hollowed, one might almost say piked, throughout, but the last giant
"he" did, he managed to open his shoulder angle and straigten out. =)
The float was surrounded by about 10 young rhythmic gymnasts dressed
in black and using red/pink ribbons.
Rachele
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 02:28:06 -0500
From: ***@aol.com
Subject: Tournament of Roses parade
Yeah! Wasn't it beautiful! What a great way to build gymnastics awareness
and an appreciation for the "art".
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 17:27:16 -0700 (MST)
From: ***@rmii.com
Subject: When is the vote?
Does anyone on Gymn know when the vote will be for the NCAA proposal?
The vote is sometime this week, I'm pretty sure...
If so, please post to Gymn!
Rachele
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 03 Jan 95 17:14 PST
From: ***@MVS.OAC.UCLA.EDU
Subject: Womens FX
I must agree that there is VERY little dance in womens FX nowadays.
Everyone is too busy fulfilling requirements to actually dance and perform.
Even Khorkina just kind of throws attitude (Yurchenko style) instead
of really dancing.
The only gymnasts I can think of offhand who have actually danced since the
new code went into effect are Coffe (FRA), Todorova (BUL) , Vandisheva (RUS)
and Umeh (CAN)
There are probably others though. Those just stand out.
Seriously, watch a routine from the mid 80's, the difference is overwhelming.
-Brett
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 95 15:50:06 EST
From: ***@BBN.COM
Subject: Worlds (so I'm slow)
Actually, I've been on vacation the last couple of weeks, so I'm
just now catching up on all the gymn (and other) e-mail.
Just a few comments:
I was taken aback by Scott Keswick's televised comments, partly
because it seemed bad judgment for him to do it (and it almost
seemed like the network aired the comments to stir up a
little controversy and allow them to be shot down by
the commentators). Since I saw the network coverage
before viewing Billy's tapes of Dortmund and Brisbane
(now *there's* a fine way to spend your vacation),
I made a point of looking at the U.S. men. My conclusion
was that they looked pretty good in their rotation
at Dortmund (with Canada, Korea, etc.), but that
when you went on to the next rotation (China, Russia, Belarus, etc.),
the difference was obvious. I was reminded of my reaction to
the TV coverage of the women's gymnastics at the 1990 Goodwill Games.
The American women looked pretty good, and then the Russian women
showed you how good it can be. I remember thinking, "I really
would like to think the U.S. women are as good as the Russians,
but they just aren't yet." That's the way I feel about
the U.S. men now. Keep at it, guys--look at where the U.S. women
are 5 years later.
My roommate (the one who only sees what he does because
he's stuck with me :-) demonstrated that you don't have to
be any kind expert to see the difference between the best and
the rest. He was watching the tapes of Worlds with me
for women's vault and bars, and could tell who the top
girls were just by how well they swung bars ("her routine
flows so much better than the others"). (He was also
impressed with Mo's Gaylord and Fontaine's multi-release
routine, and Khorkina's vault.)
On a related topic, I really don't understand what the deal is
with the extreme lack of TV coverage of the men (any men).
It wasn't that long ago that the NCAA men's championships
got an hour or so of coverage (vs 1.5 hours for the women)--
not much, but they get no coverage at all now. They could
at least show us high bar; even casual gymnastics fans go
for that. I would have thought that Trent Dimas' gold
medal and Vitaly Scherbo's awesome performance at the
Olympics would have increased men's coverage, but
it seems that all that happened was that the women's
coverage was increased at the expense of men's coverage.
I can understand the U.S. men being bitter over that,
but the folks to complain to/about are the networks,
not their fellow women gymnasts.
Personally, I much prefer Kelli Hill's "It's over, it's gone,
forget about it," to "I checked the obituaries and I didn't
see your name there," as a motivating comment.
I hope Kerri Strug continues on her comeback all the
way to '96.
I don't think there's much point in speculating who made
what decisions about Shannon going home after compos, but
the result of the team competition and U.S. nationals
might break the spell of Nunno being *the* U.S. coach
who can produce champions. The U.S. wouldn't have placed
higher than silver even if Shannon had stayed. As
someone else said, if I had a daughter who was an
elite gymnast, Hill or Tracy would strike me as a
better choice of coach, and their girls seem to be
doing pretty well.
I also thought the editorial in I.G. about the scoring
of Shannon's bars routine was weird and ultimately
pointless: if half the judges gave an impossibly
high score, then the problem would seem to be a
judging problem rather than an American judge problem.
Someone was commenting about how little dance there
often seems to be in floor ex these days. While
watching Kochetkova's floor ex from Brisbane,
during the "break," when she does her vine/shuffle
step, I found myself thinking: "Why does this
seem so different from the others? Good grief,
it's because she's actually dancing!" :-)
Our Boston NBC and CBS stations swapped affiliations
yesterday. The now-NBC affiliate used to consistently
preempt the weekend CBS figure skating for reruns
of Rescue 911. I hope they don't do the same to
NBC's weekend gymnastics coverage!
>>Kathy
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End of gymn Digest
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