Gymcastic: The Gymnastics Podcast

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW If you are a regular listener, you know that USA Gymnastics is embroiled in a massive sexual abuse scandal that was first brought to light by the Indianapolis Star in the summer of 2016.  Today’s show will focus on an incident that illustrates the compounded fear athlete victims have when their life’s work is at stake. On Sunday, August 24, 2014 after the P&G Championships in Pittsburgh, Olympic hopeful Steven Legendre and his wife Alaina went to the hotel bar. It was there that Alaina alleges U.S. Olympic Training Center men’s coach, Vitaly Marinitch sexually assaulted her. Since the incident isn’t mentioned as a catalyst for Vitaly's stated voluntary resignation, the Legendres have decided to publicly share their story to offer greater transparency to the sport they love and have dedicated their lives to. Alaina Legendre (née Williams) was a U.S. trampoline national team member for six years and national champion several times over. Steven Legendre is an assistant coach at the Un

MEET NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Hall of 10's  Alex McMurtry scored a 10 on UB   Madison Kocian scored a 10.0 on UB Peng Peng Lee *finally* scored a 10.0 on UB Maggie Nichols 10.00 on FX  Gymnastics theme meets we want to see: GymKata, Sean Melton-themed, Screw Elite Gymnastics theme, Judges Appreciation theme, Save the Tatas Education with live demonstrations. Funniest (only because she is ok) vault crash we've ever seen Morgan Lane ranked 4th now on BB 9.950  What constitutes over celebrating on the mat in NCAA? Why Kyla Ross changed her floor routine Crack or Correct: The Most Controversial Scores of the Week One judge gave Katelyn Ohashi a 10 for this beam routine One judge gave Rachel Slocum a 10 for this vault One judge gave Kyla Ross a 10 for this bar routine The end of Chalkography? New rule .02 deduction for "excessive chalk" in NCAA  Men's NCAA Gymnastics update New men's national team qualifying rules at Winter Cup that make Jessica rage GYMTERNET NEWS

IN THE NEWS In the news Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Quiz: World, Olympic and National Team Members in the NCAA (sexy data here)   Elite Canada (6:20) Junior Ana Padurariu swept and beat the seniors scores (bars, beam featuring the back dive mount)  The Reykjavik International 2017 videos here (11:00) Ethora BB (featuring the Friends’s fu sign) and her newish floor routine  Sydney Johnson-Scharpf won floor  NCAA (19:40) Kiana Winston joins the 10.0 Club on floor, but then drinks water Ebee would have joined if there were justice in the world Lizzy Leduc is becoming a star at Illinois (9.950 BB) Brianna Comport is throwback perfection front tumbling goddess Crack or Correct Britney Ward (Missouri) absolutely robbed of a 10 on this vault Mia Hambrick (LSU) SAME Kyrstin Hoffa (UW) floor  demonstration mastery and amplitude on every single skill  GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (39:00): Trampoline champion Pam Clark slams B

THE NCAA NEWS Spencer and Jessica recap the week in college gymnastics: Who has joined the hall of 10's. McMurtry DTY, Karas Michigan 1.5 for 9.975, Zaakira Muhammad, WVU, perfection on a full for 9.900. Kennedi Edney wasn’t supposed to do AA, steps in on floor with this--that wasn’t even in the lineup before, wins AA. Taryn Fitzgerald at Stanford front aerial landing on two feet. Crack or Correct: The most controversial scores of the weekend. McMurtry’s DTY - only got a 9.995. Should it have been a 10?  Sofie Seilnacht got a 9.7 from one judge, 9.75  from the other for this gorgeous beam routine. Robbed or fair?  THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEWS The 2015 team World Champion, bronze medalist on floor and national treasure, Maggie Nichols, talks about her transition from elite to college gymnastics at Oklahoma. KJ Kindler, two-time national championship coach of the defending NCAA champs at OU join us to nerd out about: Maggie Nichols (21:00):  The arm landing position question answered! Oversplits How she incr

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Ruby Harrold from Bristol, England (The Academy Portishead), has graced our country by competing in college for Louisiana State University. She was an alternate for the London Olympics in 2012, an integral part of the historic bronze medal for Team GB at the Glasgow Worlds in 2015, and has revitalized bars like no one else. We discuss: How, as a reluctant GB elite, she was recruited to college gymnastics Biggest cultural difference training at LSU The bars skill she has never mastered Glasgow team medal vs. her Rio experience  Resurrecting the Zuchold-Schleudern and keeping her difficulty in college. Amy Smith, NCAA champion gymnast and current associate head coach at the University of North Carolina tells us about the historic #BeTrue, LGBTQ Community Support meet at UNC vs. Florida last weekend. This first of its kind in the history of gymnastics, had the largest crowd EVER for the UNC gymnastics program. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome swag here.  

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: The University of North Carolina gymnastics team is hosting an LGBTQ Community Support meet on Friday, January 20th. UNC is home of Morgan Lane and this beam series Artistic themes for floor routines that absolutely need to be performed ASAP (4:24) The NCAA Recap:  Oklahoma (15:51) Chayse Capps beam 9.975  vs Peng Peng beam   Most controversial comments made by Kelly Garrison (Steves) Funderburk  Florida (27:16) Rachel Slocum's vault McMurtry is 4th member of Club DTY  Kennedy Baker and her Dos Santos are anchoring floor  Amelia Hundley happiness bars  Mollie Korth of Kentucky, Belarus call her up FX Alabama ( 35:06) Kiana Winston's 9.950 bar routine   Aja Sims police siren floor routine  Windy City Invitational (43:08) The strangest trend in NCAA right now - teams running behind the vaulter (39:30)  The most controversial scores of the week (41:38): Ashleigh Gnat LSU 10 for her DTY vault and Chayse Capps UB 9.9 GYMTERNET

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Our favorite and least favorite moments from 2016 NCAA Recap Five freshman World Champions competed this weekend, including for the first time ever, two Olympic gold medalists. The Bars score controversies - Skinner and Kocian Balance beam situations - Georgia and UCLA Natalie Brown's Syrian refugee-themed floor routine (from preseason) Beam Queens: Sarah Finnegan's 9.950 beam routine, Kiana Winston's 9.950 beam routine  SWAGGIE MAGGIE NICHOLS!!!! Macy Toronjo (UCLA/Texas Dreams) exhibitions after going blind in both eyes earlier this year. NC State: The puking beam dismount Chayse Capps and Ashley Gant superstar-ness GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Aliya Mustafina doesn't miss gymnastics Oleg Stepko's coach went back to Ukraine Cheerleading granted provisional Olympic status  Pegxit : Peggy Liddick will lease Gymnastics Australia Jake Martin on coming out to his OSU team

We'll be back next week on our regular schedule. Until then, enjoy all the NCAA recaps from Spencer at https://balancebeamsituation.com/  

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW If you need inspiration, are a coach of a gymnast who doesn’t quite get it, or need New Year’s resolution help, this is the episode for you. Chris Brooks has been through all the things and his message is very powerful. From the great Texas gymnastics tradition, he overcame personal tragedy and a horrific injury to make the Rio Olympic team at age 29. He had grip lock as a junior, but recovered and won an NCAA Championship at Oklahoma. While in college, his father, who got him into gymnastics and was a gymnast himself, was killed in a car accident. Chris was named Olympic team alternate in 2012. Then he made the all-around final at the Rio Olympic Games just a few months before his 30th birthday. We discuss: The full Cheeseburgers on Horse story The famous hug between John Orozco and Chris Brooks after being named to the 2016 Olympic Team. How he peaked and gave up excuses to finally make the Olympic team.  Is the U.S. men's team really not doing well or is it actually improving?  Was 

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Danell Leyva is back on the show (listen to his first appearance here)!  The eight-time World and Olympic medalist was the only American man to earn a medal for the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games with a bronze in the all-around. He did that after not even being named to the team! When John Orozco was hurt, he moved from Rio alternate to team member. He was the 2011 world champion on the parallel bars, defending silver medalist going in to 2015 Glasgow World, but failed to reach the podium. He came back a year later at the 2016 Olympics in Rio to win parallel bars and horizontal bar silver. We discuss: Why dog bites are obviously good luck for him.  Who should have won the Rio Olympic all-around and p-bars finals.  Rio got bad press, but London had some of the same problems. What he thinks of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse allegations. Being called the "temperamental Cuban American" in the pre-event finals arena video at Worlds in 2015. Girlfriend Power: How he changed his mindset fro

 IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Cottbus Results (6:00) Rayderley Zapata did his 1.5-twisting double front.  The “We Don’t Need Your Stinking Olympics” tour, starring Kristian Berki and Emily Little. Leah Griever stunning on floor. Rok Klavern’s form and rosted-tips. Skills & Career Updates: Chiaki Hatakeda of Japan on beam. Thais Fidelis of Brazil on floor. Mykayla Skinner's vault is so clean in college! Whittenburg working on a triple pike back dismount off Rings. The latest interview with Oleg Verniaiev. GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (30:00): Tickets for Worlds are on sale now. College Fantasy Gymnastics draft is now open. It closes on December 30th. The Simone Biles News: Florida, Competing in Montreal and some favorite parts from her book, "Courage to Soar." 33% of the FIG delegates wanted to maintain their conflicts of interest. Laurie Hernandez reportedly made $360,00o on Dancing With T

IN THE NEWS Karla commissioned this episode because she wants everyone "to be able to appreciate the beauty that was Ukrainian gymnastics back when artistry was expected and not shockingly rare.”  Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Legacy of Champions (4:30) Lilia Podkopayeva: that  floor routine from 1996 and her beam complete with headspin.  Tatiana Lysenko and her beam geniusness.  Larisa Latynina and Victoria Karpenko: floor 1999, 2000 Olympic FX routine first pass disaster, Bulgarian years were a hot mess sauce. Bogdan Makuts and his triple back, Grigori Misutin vault double front with knees together, Oleg Verniaiev. Favorite Skills (24:31) Nina Bocharova on bars. Irina Yarotska on beam. Inga Shkarupa on floor. Baitova’s beam mount circles to flairs! Yulia Kut. Ludmilla Stovbchataya’s rainbow sash leotard floor routine with handstand choreography and a backspin. Omelianchek’s freakin’ sissons and Omelianchik vault. Natalia Sirobaba handspring front on beam. Maria Livchikova amazing pow

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Nutrition and supplements are something we don't hear about a lot in gymnastics, unless we are looking at Jonathan Horton's Instagram or Jake Dalton's Snapchat. We wanted to know what the latest science was and what progress was being made at USA Gymnastics in terms of eduction and outreach for the national team. This week we learn about the new partnership between Thorne Research and the United States Olympic Committee. Dr. Allan Miller N.D., Executive Director of Medical Education at Thorne Research discusses all things gymnastics and nutritional science: The latest science: what coaches, athletes, parents and national team coordinators should know. How gymnasts can take advantage of this new partnership.  The WADA hack and anti-doping quality controls for supplements.  WellnessFX - it's exactly what McKayla Maroney said the national team program needed! Diagnostic testing, nutritional science, and medicine help gymnasts peak when it counts.  Gym MythBusters: Muscle soreness can be s

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Elite Massillia WOGA trained Russian born, US green card holder, Irina Alexeva won the open division. Alexeeva's bar routine (6.2 D / 14.833) Anastasia Ilyankova (RUS) insane bar routine. Alison Lepin (FRA) finished second AA with her upper-body gravity defying bars.  Lepin’s coaches demonstrated WHY we pull the board We solve Seda Tutkhalyan (RUS) falling five time problems (BB example here). Blume Memorial  Nikita Nagornyy (RUS) stuck triple back Man with suspenders holding up his wind pants distracted us.  Arthur Gander Memorial Here are a few of Angelina Melnikova's (RUS) routines from the Arthur Gander Memorial, which she won.  Igor Radivilov (UKR) stuck Dragilescue We discuss the prize money NCAA National Signing Day BB Situation highlights: Kyla Bryant - Stanford - floor - DLO, open double tuck Kyana George - Cal - is a queen! If Katelyn Ohashi competes her laid out full on beam, we think it will be the first ever do

COMMISSIONED EPISODE: Club Gym Nerd member, Gym Coach Diana, has commissioned an episode all about the glorious leotard! Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about leos leos leos; biggest leotard fails, the most patriotic, custom theme leos, Australia, cut outs, crushed velvet, rules for leotard design, technology, sewn in underpants, leotard deductions, controversies and the most notorious leotards of all time.  GO TO OUR WEBSITE GYMCASTIC.COM TO SEE THE LEOTARDS! 

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: All-time greatest Hero vs. Villain match-ups in gymnastics What gymnastics costumes do you really hope we see for Halloween Best gymnastics in a movie that is NOT a gymnastics movie Our declarations for the incoming FIG President GymCastic elections Gymternet News: (37:22)  Books releases Maroney photo hacker sentenced Peggy Liddick's job is available. Kyla Ross adjusting to college USA Gymnastics makes men’s team leadership overhaul:  Kevin Mazeika loses his Marta job. USA Gymnastics statment on USOTC resident men's coach, Vitaly Marinitch, “USA Gymnastics has reviewed the needs of the men's resident program, including concerns that have been shared, and felt a change was necessary at the U.S. Olympic Training Center program in Colorado Springs.  When this was discussed with Vitaly Marinich, he chose to resign.” New Lawsuit against Larry Nassar, the Karolyis, USA Gymnastics, current president Steve Penny, past president Robert Colar

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim; Spencer; Jessica; and special guest, Charlie Burrows, acrobatic talent scout for Cirque du Soleil joins us to chat about: Romanian juniors are scoring 56's: Junior national champion, Olivia Cimpian scored a 56.700 We kind of love Miss Galota's throwback Geza Pozar floor routine.  Andrea Raducan got married!  British Gymnastics news: Georgia May Fenton and Tyesha Mattis are back from injury.  Georgia's bar routine shows shades of Tweddle level potential.  Kelly Simm's beam mount is the kind of mount we long for elites to do!  Louis Smith and Luke Carson did something dumb and may be punished or not. (35:00) Charlie tells us what's new with Cirque: Casting is happening and they are looking for gymnasts Charlie's most embarrassing moments on stage His trip to the Japanese Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships Recruiting in Japan: slippers and bowing and mis-translations Can retired gymnasts make successful returns to Cirque? The case of Imogen Cairns.  Would Charli

  COMMISSIONED EPISODE This week's episode is brought to you by Club Gym Nerd members: Nicole Langevin of Precision Choreography, Rebecca W., Alison S. Allison B., Mary Anne M., and Suzanne M.    Uncle Tim, Spencer,  Jessica and very special guest, 1992 U.S. Olympic medalist, Wendy Bruce Martin chat about the 1992 Olympics Games in Barcelona: The pre-Olympic Climate: How the end of the Cold War shaped the Games The media pressure on Kim Zmeskal and the heartbreaking life of Svetlana Boginkaya after the 1988 Olympics. Kim Kelly and the shadiest U.S. Olympic Team selection of all time. (6:00) Wedgie-gate, was it fair to punish three athletes for ill-fitting leotards? (16:00) Uncle Tim's 1992 Code of Points and Competition Rules Quiz-Mageddon! (23:00) The magic of the 1992 broadcast that included interviews with every controversial figure. The Competition (42:00): Compulsories that took our breath away and should we still have them? Exhibit A: Vanda Hădărean (ROM) or Gruneneva (Unified Team). Eastern Bloc b

THIS WEEK While we are preparing for next week's epic commissioned episode, please enjoy, not one, but two blog-casts from The Balance Beam Situation. If you'd like to hear a sample of our commissioned episodes, check out our recap of the 2008 Olympic all-around final here. RELATED LINKS The Balance Beam Situation full blog posts with gifs and screen caps galore: American Horror Story: The Ranch here. Vampires and Nadia Comaneci: The Karolyi Story here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Commission your own episode or join the group commissions here.  RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles Heig

THIS WEEK While we are preparing for next week's epic commissioned episode, please enjoy, not one, but two blog-casts from The Balance Beam Situation. If you'd like to hear a sample of our commissioned episodes, check out our recap of the 2008 Olympic all-around final here. RELATED LINKS The Balance Beam Situation full blog posts with gifs and screen caps galore: American Horror Story: The Ranch here. Vampire and Nadia Comaneci: The Karolyi Story here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. Commission your own episode or join the group commissions here.  RELATED EPISODES 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 221: Jane Doe vs. USAG Doctor US Olympian Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against US Team Trainer/Physician 220: Get Your Random Trash Aerial Off My Lawn 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! Greatest Gymnast Ever by Medal Count: Svetlana Khorkina vs. Simone Biles Heigh