Tuesday, April 28, 2009
and a small update on Anna...
she had another operation on April 1st which was successful, but doesn't know yet whether she'll recover fully.
Klyukina will compete in May
She will compete in the Dityatin Cup in St Petersburg on May 22-25th. I don't know whether she will be doing all events or not. Svetlana was injured at the Russian Championships (I don't think she performed at all) - she had surgery in October of last year.
Another interview with Ksenia - thanks to Alan who does her website
Ksenia, you have added this prestigious title to the ones you already have - World UB champion, and European UB and BB champion last year. After those successes, many hoped you could win gold in Beijing...
"Then I have disappointed our gymnastics fans, not having been able to pass Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson of America, and China's Yang Yilin."
Unless you weren't disappointed with fourth place?
"No. I performed all my routines in Beijing without falls or serious mistakes. It was my difficulty that was not up to scratch with the main competitors."
Was it possible to upgrade before Beijing?
"For that moment - it was not possible."
Your trainer Marina Nazarov was very much disturbed that in the six months leading up to Beijing you grew six centimetres. Was that the reason?
[I think she says she has had problems since 15yrs old]
To you they assign the phrase - The greater I work, the cleaner will be my lines and it will come easier [?] - you have said this?
"Yes, to the trainers of the national team also, and on seeing the magnificent performance at the Olympic Games of the new champion Nastia Liukin. [....]
You are familiar with her?
"Certainly, our Russian American. I sincerely supported her in Beijing, and wanted her to win. We have been familiar with her for over two years."
[something about Nastia]
"And for me, bars, it is the same! For some reason, I loved the bar exercises since childhood. I have always loved to turn and fly on my hands."
You have been called the "gymnastics child". Perhaps because you grew up in a gym?
"Yes - my mother was a former athlete, and then a coach. I would crawl around on the floor mats from when I was two. I began to take gymnastics seriously at the age of five."
Tell us, Ksenia, when were you last as school?
"In the fifth class, on September 1st. After performing well in the All-Russia Youth tournament, I lived and trained in the Moscow suburbs at our centre, Round Lake. I finished eleventh grade in absentia, so to speak. Teachers come to us, we do lessons, we hand in homework. Actually it can be quite difficult, and sometimes you don't even have time to read a book, or look at the TV. But I have lived many years like this; I'm used to it. By the way, we do get out to the cinema sometimes, with the younger girls. And to take a walk."
When is it possible?
"Ususally when our parents come on a visit. And sometimes we will meet with friends to go to a shopping centre. Because we are normal people, not strange in any way. On the contrary, we know we have a business to which we must give all our energy. For example, I know that I should still be studying. But when you have three intense trainings in one day, you have concentrate on that."
The silver medal in Milan was won by your friend and namesake, Ksenia Afanasyeva. Friendship with your contender in big-time sports is a rarity. And you room together with Afanasyeva at Round Lake.
"And we train together under Marina Nazarov. We have grown up together, training and competing together. I know that without Ksenia, in training and in the national team, it would be very hard."
When you first made a stir at the European Championships last year, in that same competition, Oksana Chusovitina from Germany became the champion on vault. And you were not even born at all when her team won the 1992 Olympic Games. Would you desire the same longevity?
"It is possible only to dream of it! At least, now, when gymnastics is interesting and a novelty. I would like to hope that ahead is a long career, with health and strength...I have five years to think about it! But perhaps I would get bored?...
Sorry about the terrible translation!! Hope you can get something out of it!
"Then I have disappointed our gymnastics fans, not having been able to pass Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson of America, and China's Yang Yilin."
Unless you weren't disappointed with fourth place?
"No. I performed all my routines in Beijing without falls or serious mistakes. It was my difficulty that was not up to scratch with the main competitors."
Was it possible to upgrade before Beijing?
"For that moment - it was not possible."
Your trainer Marina Nazarov was very much disturbed that in the six months leading up to Beijing you grew six centimetres. Was that the reason?
[I think she says she has had problems since 15yrs old]
To you they assign the phrase - The greater I work, the cleaner will be my lines and it will come easier [?] - you have said this?
"Yes, to the trainers of the national team also, and on seeing the magnificent performance at the Olympic Games of the new champion Nastia Liukin. [....]
You are familiar with her?
"Certainly, our Russian American. I sincerely supported her in Beijing, and wanted her to win. We have been familiar with her for over two years."
[something about Nastia]
"And for me, bars, it is the same! For some reason, I loved the bar exercises since childhood. I have always loved to turn and fly on my hands."
You have been called the "gymnastics child". Perhaps because you grew up in a gym?
"Yes - my mother was a former athlete, and then a coach. I would crawl around on the floor mats from when I was two. I began to take gymnastics seriously at the age of five."
Tell us, Ksenia, when were you last as school?
"In the fifth class, on September 1st. After performing well in the All-Russia Youth tournament, I lived and trained in the Moscow suburbs at our centre, Round Lake. I finished eleventh grade in absentia, so to speak. Teachers come to us, we do lessons, we hand in homework. Actually it can be quite difficult, and sometimes you don't even have time to read a book, or look at the TV. But I have lived many years like this; I'm used to it. By the way, we do get out to the cinema sometimes, with the younger girls. And to take a walk."
When is it possible?
"Ususally when our parents come on a visit. And sometimes we will meet with friends to go to a shopping centre. Because we are normal people, not strange in any way. On the contrary, we know we have a business to which we must give all our energy. For example, I know that I should still be studying. But when you have three intense trainings in one day, you have concentrate on that."
The silver medal in Milan was won by your friend and namesake, Ksenia Afanasyeva. Friendship with your contender in big-time sports is a rarity. And you room together with Afanasyeva at Round Lake.
"And we train together under Marina Nazarov. We have grown up together, training and competing together. I know that without Ksenia, in training and in the national team, it would be very hard."
When you first made a stir at the European Championships last year, in that same competition, Oksana Chusovitina from Germany became the champion on vault. And you were not even born at all when her team won the 1992 Olympic Games. Would you desire the same longevity?
"It is possible only to dream of it! At least, now, when gymnastics is interesting and a novelty. I would like to hope that ahead is a long career, with health and strength...I have five years to think about it! But perhaps I would get bored?...
Sorry about the terrible translation!! Hope you can get something out of it!
The two Ksenias - separate phenomen on the national team
Marina Nazarov:
Two Ksenias - Semenova and Afanasyeva - the separate phenomenon in our national team. They are together nearly all the time - they met each other at the Tula school and are great friends. Their characters are completely different, but they supplement each other. Afanasyeva - quieter, judicious. Semenova - bright and witty. She will joke caustically, but always mildly.
If someone on the team is having a problem, or did not perform well in a competition, Ksenia Semenova will always help. Any problem solved in a minute!
One of Semenova's hobbies is computers. She will take offence if you consider it frivolous.
"For some reason, everyone thinks that all I do on computers in my free time is play games. But I'm not a child, and I don't go for any childish nonsense. Most of the time I spend looking at records of performances of competitors.
"I try not to miss any competition. And I like to communicate on the Internet. Often with friends, or discussing topics in chatrooms or forums," she told "Soviet Sports".
Two Ksenias - Semenova and Afanasyeva - the separate phenomenon in our national team. They are together nearly all the time - they met each other at the Tula school and are great friends. Their characters are completely different, but they supplement each other. Afanasyeva - quieter, judicious. Semenova - bright and witty. She will joke caustically, but always mildly.
If someone on the team is having a problem, or did not perform well in a competition, Ksenia Semenova will always help. Any problem solved in a minute!
One of Semenova's hobbies is computers. She will take offence if you consider it frivolous.
"For some reason, everyone thinks that all I do on computers in my free time is play games. But I'm not a child, and I don't go for any childish nonsense. Most of the time I spend looking at records of performances of competitors.
"I try not to miss any competition. And I like to communicate on the Internet. Often with friends, or discussing topics in chatrooms or forums," she told "Soviet Sports".
Interview with Forminte
from Romanian Gymnastics Blog
For a long time now, Nicolae Forminte has been doing in Deva what he calls ”lab work”. He says he didn’t count the medals won by his gymnasts, but quickly adds that “there were people who started to count them” and there seem to be tens of them. He believes that the general public doesn’t know the real problems that Romanian gymnastics is facing and reminds us of the huge efforts done by those involved in the sport for exceptional results.
We live under the terror of comparisons
“I am here 24 hours of 24 and I go home, to Constanta, once in a month and a half, in week-ends. But, in addition to the 6-7 hours of daily training at the gym with the girls, there is always something to be done. Even if I just stay and look at the Fortress’ Hill, I cannot stop thinking about a training plan, which girls have health issues, with whom I should replace them in case something goes wrong.” He’s doing this job of great responsability for a similar salary of any other sports teacher and believes that one of the reasons gymnastics is going through a period of crisis is that coaches aren’t motivated in Romania. “Everybody is used to expect results from the gymnasts and, to most people, this sport is like “the hen with the golden eggs”, but almost nobody knows the deep changes and obstacles that the National team’s staff is facing day by day. We live under the terror of comparisons and we have to put up with any problem that comes along; in what concerns the money I survived by using my own saving.”
The selection is sublime, but entirely missing
According to Forminte, the interest for gymnastics is much smaller, because the children of today have a variety of alternatives. “The generations that we coached starting with 2005 are the generations of children who were born free, after the Revolution, and there have been some drastical changes in the mentality of people. Perhaps the biological material has changed, too. We don’t have the same pool of athletes anymore, but again, the coaches are poorly paid, there is basically no selection in schools anymore, and without permanently descovering new athletes, there is no future,” continued the head coach of the women’s gymnastics national team. To be able to collect the necessary funds, he often used his own relations that sponsored the team out of admiration, but this is not the solution, he adds, and he is convinced that the Romanian state should have fiscal policies to support those who choose to invest into a sport.
What does the Romanian school of gymnastics need?
"We need a national strategy to develop physical education, an inventory of both human and financial resources. It is vital that the specialists are motivated, otherwise the risk is that we may one day have gym clubs with all the necessary equipment, but empty - because no one is willing to voluntarily make such sacrifices."
What is the secret of a successful coach?
"Work. Health. And a bit of chance. As a coach, all you can do is to bring the gymnast as close as possible to the medals, but once in competition, everything can change in a blink of an eye. An athlete can perform a zillion of perfect routines at the training gym and it can simply happen that she makes one mistake. In competition."
How is Romania perceived at competitions?
“Look at them! Still around, they wouldn’t die!” In the past, Romania was received with sympathy by the Western world because we counterbalanced the U.S.S.R power, now everybody is looking in admiration to the newcomers: Australia, Japan, Swiss, France. Add to this the loss of our position at the International Federation, and you can get robbed right away, without any shame whatsoever."
Dislikes:
“Stupidity and superficiality, everything done in a bombastic way, the “laissez-faire” way of working (let do, we’ll see later about this…). I hate to beg and that’s why I’ve always been like at war, fighting everybody. I’d rather live poor.”
Likes:
“I don’t regret anything that I have done, or the things that I haven’t. This has been my life so far. I love my job, I would have given up long ago if I didn't, like so many teachers before me, or I would have left the country.”
For a long time now, Nicolae Forminte has been doing in Deva what he calls ”lab work”. He says he didn’t count the medals won by his gymnasts, but quickly adds that “there were people who started to count them” and there seem to be tens of them. He believes that the general public doesn’t know the real problems that Romanian gymnastics is facing and reminds us of the huge efforts done by those involved in the sport for exceptional results.
We live under the terror of comparisons
“I am here 24 hours of 24 and I go home, to Constanta, once in a month and a half, in week-ends. But, in addition to the 6-7 hours of daily training at the gym with the girls, there is always something to be done. Even if I just stay and look at the Fortress’ Hill, I cannot stop thinking about a training plan, which girls have health issues, with whom I should replace them in case something goes wrong.” He’s doing this job of great responsability for a similar salary of any other sports teacher and believes that one of the reasons gymnastics is going through a period of crisis is that coaches aren’t motivated in Romania. “Everybody is used to expect results from the gymnasts and, to most people, this sport is like “the hen with the golden eggs”, but almost nobody knows the deep changes and obstacles that the National team’s staff is facing day by day. We live under the terror of comparisons and we have to put up with any problem that comes along; in what concerns the money I survived by using my own saving.”
The selection is sublime, but entirely missing
According to Forminte, the interest for gymnastics is much smaller, because the children of today have a variety of alternatives. “The generations that we coached starting with 2005 are the generations of children who were born free, after the Revolution, and there have been some drastical changes in the mentality of people. Perhaps the biological material has changed, too. We don’t have the same pool of athletes anymore, but again, the coaches are poorly paid, there is basically no selection in schools anymore, and without permanently descovering new athletes, there is no future,” continued the head coach of the women’s gymnastics national team. To be able to collect the necessary funds, he often used his own relations that sponsored the team out of admiration, but this is not the solution, he adds, and he is convinced that the Romanian state should have fiscal policies to support those who choose to invest into a sport.
What does the Romanian school of gymnastics need?
"We need a national strategy to develop physical education, an inventory of both human and financial resources. It is vital that the specialists are motivated, otherwise the risk is that we may one day have gym clubs with all the necessary equipment, but empty - because no one is willing to voluntarily make such sacrifices."
What is the secret of a successful coach?
"Work. Health. And a bit of chance. As a coach, all you can do is to bring the gymnast as close as possible to the medals, but once in competition, everything can change in a blink of an eye. An athlete can perform a zillion of perfect routines at the training gym and it can simply happen that she makes one mistake. In competition."
How is Romania perceived at competitions?
“Look at them! Still around, they wouldn’t die!” In the past, Romania was received with sympathy by the Western world because we counterbalanced the U.S.S.R power, now everybody is looking in admiration to the newcomers: Australia, Japan, Swiss, France. Add to this the loss of our position at the International Federation, and you can get robbed right away, without any shame whatsoever."
Dislikes:
“Stupidity and superficiality, everything done in a bombastic way, the “laissez-faire” way of working (let do, we’ll see later about this…). I hate to beg and that’s why I’ve always been like at war, fighting everybody. I’d rather live poor.”
Likes:
“I don’t regret anything that I have done, or the things that I haven’t. This has been my life so far. I love my job, I would have given up long ago if I didn't, like so many teachers before me, or I would have left the country.”
USA-GER meet - live ticker coverage
I'm not really sure what that is, but go to www.turnteam.de and you can watch the competition on a "real time basis".
Chusovitina retiring!!!! nooooo!!
Five time Olympian Oksana Chusovitina is considering calling it quits later this year, according to German newsagency Sport-Informations-Dienst. The 33-year-old told the agency, "I absolutely want to take part in October in London once again in the world championships, but then it is enough." Chusovitina is still unable to train fully following surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon and another operation on her shoulder. The annoucement of her impending retirement is a surprising change of heart from Chusovitina, who had until very recently angrily brushed aside any claims that her competitive days were numbered.
Monday, April 27, 2009
He Kexin AAer
from IG forum:
Reporter: On the bars, she's still the Bars princess that we are familiar with but she participated in the AA this time. For someone who was a specialist, not only is this challenging skill-wise but also a strength challenge
Kexin: Today, it can be counted as my first time doing the AA. I was a little nervous. I have done AA before but now, my difficulty is much greater, and it has been a long time since I last did the AA.
Reporter: He Kexin's performance has gotten the attention of head coach Lu. He believes she has all-around potential.
Lu: for our national team right now, we really need this kind of AA competitor. We need an AA competitor where they have one event where they specialize in and is able to stand out. We need them for London Olympics and Kexin has taken the first step in this area.
[He has a new combination of layout-Jaeger - Pak salto on UB]
Reporter: On the bars, she's still the Bars princess that we are familiar with but she participated in the AA this time. For someone who was a specialist, not only is this challenging skill-wise but also a strength challenge
Kexin: Today, it can be counted as my first time doing the AA. I was a little nervous. I have done AA before but now, my difficulty is much greater, and it has been a long time since I last did the AA.
Reporter: He Kexin's performance has gotten the attention of head coach Lu. He believes she has all-around potential.
Lu: for our national team right now, we really need this kind of AA competitor. We need an AA competitor where they have one event where they specialize in and is able to stand out. We need them for London Olympics and Kexin has taken the first step in this area.
[He has a new combination of layout-Jaeger - Pak salto on UB]
Yana Demyanchuk interview on her success at Europeans
At the recent European Championships, the Ukrainian team brought home four medals: gold, silver and two bronzes. 15 year old Yana Demyanchuk became the European Champion on balance beam.
How was it possible to win in Milan?
"I think the judges estimated both complexity and quality. Though my routine was initially more difficult. But before the final, my trainers decided to simplify a combination slightly, so that I could execute it better. And it worked, and I was glad! But to be frank, I did not believe that I had won."
Prior to the European Championships, did you have a goal to take a medal?
"I wanted to perform my routines well. If they were good enough, I would get a medal."
After your fourth place in qualifications, did you think about the possibility of medalling in the all around?
"For me the first day was the most important, because the rest of the championship depended on it. I tried to be calm, because after all, it was my first European championship! When I passed the qualification I was more confident. I lost points only in the floor exercise, and I wasn't upset with that - I had achieved the main task - to pass qualifications."
Who were your main competitors?
"Definitely Ksenia Semenova from Russia. Then the Romanians. They are very strong on beam."
You will now prepare for the World Championships in London?
"Certainly. It is certainly the highest level. There will be the Chinese women, the Americans...But I am not afraid. I believe in myself now."
And the World Cup stages?
"I will participate in them. The Moscow WC is coming up, so of course I will go. I have already started to prepare my routines."
What's your usual training regime?
"Twice a day, about six hours altogether."
What do you do apart from study and training?
"I draw, I listen to music. I like the group "Encore", and also foreign music, like Britney Spears."
Yana, you are a native of Ivano-Frankovsk. For how long have you been in Kiev?
"Yes, I was born in Ivano-Frankovsk, and I started gymnastics there when I was nine. I moved to Kiev when I was eleven. Now I study here, in a sports boarding school. When we returned from the championships, little girls met us with posters, and even composed little verses.
How did your parents react to your success?
"They congratulated me, certainly...my mother cried with happiness. I don't think anybody expected such success."
How was it possible to win in Milan?
"I think the judges estimated both complexity and quality. Though my routine was initially more difficult. But before the final, my trainers decided to simplify a combination slightly, so that I could execute it better. And it worked, and I was glad! But to be frank, I did not believe that I had won."
Prior to the European Championships, did you have a goal to take a medal?
"I wanted to perform my routines well. If they were good enough, I would get a medal."
After your fourth place in qualifications, did you think about the possibility of medalling in the all around?
"For me the first day was the most important, because the rest of the championship depended on it. I tried to be calm, because after all, it was my first European championship! When I passed the qualification I was more confident. I lost points only in the floor exercise, and I wasn't upset with that - I had achieved the main task - to pass qualifications."
Who were your main competitors?
"Definitely Ksenia Semenova from Russia. Then the Romanians. They are very strong on beam."
You will now prepare for the World Championships in London?
"Certainly. It is certainly the highest level. There will be the Chinese women, the Americans...But I am not afraid. I believe in myself now."
And the World Cup stages?
"I will participate in them. The Moscow WC is coming up, so of course I will go. I have already started to prepare my routines."
What's your usual training regime?
"Twice a day, about six hours altogether."
What do you do apart from study and training?
"I draw, I listen to music. I like the group "Encore", and also foreign music, like Britney Spears."
Yana, you are a native of Ivano-Frankovsk. For how long have you been in Kiev?
"Yes, I was born in Ivano-Frankovsk, and I started gymnastics there when I was nine. I moved to Kiev when I was eleven. Now I study here, in a sports boarding school. When we returned from the championships, little girls met us with posters, and even composed little verses.
How did your parents react to your success?
"They congratulated me, certainly...my mother cried with happiness. I don't think anybody expected such success."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
US team named for US-GER meet
Bridget Sloan
Bridgette Caquatto
Corrie Lothrop
Kytra Hunter
Mackenzie Caquatto
Mattie Larson!!!! :D
Olivia Courtney
Sabrina Vega
German Team:
Anja Brinker
Desiree Baumert (Jnr)
Elisabeth Seitz
Katja Roll (Jnr)
Kim Bui
Bridgette Caquatto
Corrie Lothrop
Kytra Hunter
Mackenzie Caquatto
Mattie Larson!!!! :D
Olivia Courtney
Sabrina Vega
German Team:
Anja Brinker
Desiree Baumert (Jnr)
Elisabeth Seitz
Katja Roll (Jnr)
Kim Bui
Sandra Izbasa has had surgery
She had surgery on her foot and cannot train properly for two or three weeks. Full translation here.
Translation of update on Chinese team (thanks to longdongdoy)
Anchorwoman: Welcome back to the worlds sports news. Having your name being elected onto the Golden Hall of Champions is certainly one of the greatest honor in ones life; and it happens to the Chinese gymnastic team every year. This morning, there were a total of seven new additions of honored Chinese athletes to the Golden Hall of Champions.
Anchorman: That's right. The Beijing Olympics Women Gymnastic Team Champions, He Kexin, Yang Yilin, Jiang Yuyuan, Li Shanshan and Deng Linlin [Cheng Fei?], and gold medalists Zhang Hung Hao and Feng Zhe at last year's World Cup Finals, are the latest additions of honored athletes.
Anchorwoman: As we saw the end of this cycle of the honorable Olympic ceremony, the now well-known Olympic champions stepped off the stage and got right back into their next level of training; while they started off refreshed and energized, some are going through the agony of injuries.
Anchorman: He Kexin, who earned 2 gold medals at the Olympics, was arranged to be the spokesperson for the honored group at the ceremony, but due to time restriction, her part of the ceremony was canceled.
(video shows He Kexin interviewed by Zhang Jie)
Kexin: This was my printed speech.
Zhang: Let me look at it.
Kexin: I didnt get the chance to present it.
Zhang: How many times did you go through it?
Kexin: Many times. I was supposed to give this speech, but I didn't get to do it. I got so nervous for nothing. *laughs*
Narrator: Back from the Olympics, there were changes in the lives of these champions; for example, the juniors of the provincial teams look up to them as idols, writing letters and sending gifts to their seniors. These colorful hair clips were from the juniors.
Kexin: When we go out, folks on the streets would call out our names.
Zhang: Were you excited when they do that?
Kexin: Yes.
Yilin: When I get online, I'm so grateful that the fans are so caring towards us.
Zhang: Do you have a lot of fans?
Yilin: Yes, I have a lot.
Zhang: How do they praise you?
Yilin: Er that I'm pretty with fine temperament. *embarrassed smile*
Narrator: And Deng Linlin feels that she's now more valued by the national team coaches, and they love to have jokes with her.
Linlin: I'm a shorty, and from time to time they ask, Have you grown some yet? I said yes, and they go, How much? And I said, 1 centimeter.
(scene switches to the main training hall)
Narrator: On the day of the ceremony, the champions arrived very early; when they first joined the national team, they had dreamed of this moment.
Yuyuan: At first, I was thinking when would I get there, because I thought it was quite impossible for me. But now it's happening.
Kexin: My standards were low when I first came in; I felt it keenly when I saw how my big sisters trained (the senior gymnasts). I only dared to wish to get to the top 3 position and that it would make me very happy.
Narrator: The Olympic Team Championship made their dream come true; from now on, their pictures on the wall will be a motivation for the junior national team members.
(national team head coach, Lu Shan Zhen, being interviewed)
Coach Lu: At this cycle, our women team performed outstandingly. The honored athletes are the most this time around. From that side on (pointing at pictures) Zhang Nan, Pang Panpan, Li Ya, He Ning, Zhou Zuo Ru, He Kexin, Yang Yilin, Jiang Yuyuan, Li Shanshan, Deng Linlin; this is the most at this cycle. An important point is that, we had made breakthrough in our training concepts; great changes in training methods, in competitive mentality; it leads us to these fine results, and got so many of our athletes up on the Wall of Champions.
Narrator: The ceremony had set the motion for the 2012 Olympics. New rules will be implemented at the London Olympics; also, with the upcoming talented group of juniors, the champions will have to adapt to face these challenges.
Among the new generation of champions, He Kexin's skills stands out distinctively; apart from her advantageous UB technique, Kexin is focusing currently on training all around.
Kexin: I feel that at this stage as I work towards reaching my peak, I will strive hard to achieve the highest level that I could possibly get to.
Narrator: Since the Olympics, Yilin's teammates are envious as shes grown taller.
Zhang: You have grown taller since the Olympics, havent you?
Yilin: I have. They keep saying that I'm much taller now. But I worry that I couldn't flip if I get too long. *laughs*
Narrator: Due to an operation for her injury at the lower back, Yilin did not train normally the entire winter training; and that was the crucial training to develop difficulty value.
Zhang: Were you worried as everyone else was working on new techniques and having their difficulty value increased?
Yilin: I was. Kexin is getting much stronger on her Uneven Bars. And with the new rules being implemented, I don't know what new routine I will be working on.
Zhang: You feel that you can't see clearly towards where your next level leads to?!
Yilin: That's correct.
Narrator: Currently, Yilin's back on track, gradually; the upcoming national competition is her immediate target.
Narrator: There are many new junior teammates at the national training center now; the next Olympics in 2012, at London, has again placed all junior and senior athletes on the starting line.
Anchorman: That's right. The Beijing Olympics Women Gymnastic Team Champions, He Kexin, Yang Yilin, Jiang Yuyuan, Li Shanshan and Deng Linlin [Cheng Fei?], and gold medalists Zhang Hung Hao and Feng Zhe at last year's World Cup Finals, are the latest additions of honored athletes.
Anchorwoman: As we saw the end of this cycle of the honorable Olympic ceremony, the now well-known Olympic champions stepped off the stage and got right back into their next level of training; while they started off refreshed and energized, some are going through the agony of injuries.
Anchorman: He Kexin, who earned 2 gold medals at the Olympics, was arranged to be the spokesperson for the honored group at the ceremony, but due to time restriction, her part of the ceremony was canceled.
(video shows He Kexin interviewed by Zhang Jie)
Kexin: This was my printed speech.
Zhang: Let me look at it.
Kexin: I didnt get the chance to present it.
Zhang: How many times did you go through it?
Kexin: Many times. I was supposed to give this speech, but I didn't get to do it. I got so nervous for nothing. *laughs*
Narrator: Back from the Olympics, there were changes in the lives of these champions; for example, the juniors of the provincial teams look up to them as idols, writing letters and sending gifts to their seniors. These colorful hair clips were from the juniors.
Kexin: When we go out, folks on the streets would call out our names.
Zhang: Were you excited when they do that?
Kexin: Yes.
Yilin: When I get online, I'm so grateful that the fans are so caring towards us.
Zhang: Do you have a lot of fans?
Yilin: Yes, I have a lot.
Zhang: How do they praise you?
Yilin: Er that I'm pretty with fine temperament. *embarrassed smile*
Narrator: And Deng Linlin feels that she's now more valued by the national team coaches, and they love to have jokes with her.
Linlin: I'm a shorty, and from time to time they ask, Have you grown some yet? I said yes, and they go, How much? And I said, 1 centimeter.
(scene switches to the main training hall)
Narrator: On the day of the ceremony, the champions arrived very early; when they first joined the national team, they had dreamed of this moment.
Yuyuan: At first, I was thinking when would I get there, because I thought it was quite impossible for me. But now it's happening.
Kexin: My standards were low when I first came in; I felt it keenly when I saw how my big sisters trained (the senior gymnasts). I only dared to wish to get to the top 3 position and that it would make me very happy.
Narrator: The Olympic Team Championship made their dream come true; from now on, their pictures on the wall will be a motivation for the junior national team members.
(national team head coach, Lu Shan Zhen, being interviewed)
Coach Lu: At this cycle, our women team performed outstandingly. The honored athletes are the most this time around. From that side on (pointing at pictures) Zhang Nan, Pang Panpan, Li Ya, He Ning, Zhou Zuo Ru, He Kexin, Yang Yilin, Jiang Yuyuan, Li Shanshan, Deng Linlin; this is the most at this cycle. An important point is that, we had made breakthrough in our training concepts; great changes in training methods, in competitive mentality; it leads us to these fine results, and got so many of our athletes up on the Wall of Champions.
Narrator: The ceremony had set the motion for the 2012 Olympics. New rules will be implemented at the London Olympics; also, with the upcoming talented group of juniors, the champions will have to adapt to face these challenges.
Among the new generation of champions, He Kexin's skills stands out distinctively; apart from her advantageous UB technique, Kexin is focusing currently on training all around.
Kexin: I feel that at this stage as I work towards reaching my peak, I will strive hard to achieve the highest level that I could possibly get to.
Narrator: Since the Olympics, Yilin's teammates are envious as shes grown taller.
Zhang: You have grown taller since the Olympics, havent you?
Yilin: I have. They keep saying that I'm much taller now. But I worry that I couldn't flip if I get too long. *laughs*
Narrator: Due to an operation for her injury at the lower back, Yilin did not train normally the entire winter training; and that was the crucial training to develop difficulty value.
Zhang: Were you worried as everyone else was working on new techniques and having their difficulty value increased?
Yilin: I was. Kexin is getting much stronger on her Uneven Bars. And with the new rules being implemented, I don't know what new routine I will be working on.
Zhang: You feel that you can't see clearly towards where your next level leads to?!
Yilin: That's correct.
Narrator: Currently, Yilin's back on track, gradually; the upcoming national competition is her immediate target.
Narrator: There are many new junior teammates at the national training center now; the next Olympics in 2012, at London, has again placed all junior and senior athletes on the starting line.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Beth Tweddle opens new Scarborough Gymnastics Academy
Froma Scarborough Evening News:
"Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle helped put Scarborough's aspiring gymnasts through their paces and offered some expert advice.
The 24-year-old world champion was in Scarborough over the weekend to officially open Scarborough Gymnastics Academy in Barry's Lane.
Beth said the Academy held "the potential stars of the future" and that the new facilities were something to proud of.
She said: "Seeing clubs around the country like this is one of my dreams. It is really nice to see so much enthusiasm for the sport, not just from the children but the coaches too. These facilities give the kids a safe environment to work in. They have a lot of talent here."
She added: "I have had an excellent time in Scarborough. Everybody has been very friendly and I have been made to feel very welcome. I have been impressed with the amount of talent there is here considering they had just been training in a school gym before now. They are all very enthusiastic and willing to learn which is the main thing."
Scarborough Gymnastics Academy moved from Scalby School to the new facilities in Barry's Lane in September. It is estimated the project cost more than £100,000 and has been funded from a range of sources, including grants.
Gymnast Beate Richings, 12, said: "It's been exciting having Beth here. I have watched her in the Olympics on the TV. She is really nice and has been helping us a lot."
Beth trained Maddie Jepson, nine, while she was on the bars. Maddie said: "It has been really exciting. She has been able to tell us what we can improve on. She told me to pike more when I was on the bars and to imagine there was something above me that I was trying to reach. It did really help and I will think about what she has told me when I am doing it in the future."
Head coach Nikii Walker said: "The new facilities here are excellent and much-needed. We have been wanting to develop something like this for the last six years. Beth is a fantastic role model for the kids. We have all been really overwhelmed meeting her, and the kids have really tried their best while she has been here."
The club treated Beth to a special gymnastic display and she was shown a short film about how the club had evolved, and the move from Scalby School to the new facilities. Beth accepted the club's invitation to open the new facilities after seeing a presentation on DVD made by the children.
Miss Tweddle was the 2006 World Champion and European Champion on the uneven bars. She was the first gymnast from Britain ever to win a medal at the World and European Champion-ships, and is considered to be the most successful British gymnast of all time."
"Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle helped put Scarborough's aspiring gymnasts through their paces and offered some expert advice.
The 24-year-old world champion was in Scarborough over the weekend to officially open Scarborough Gymnastics Academy in Barry's Lane.
Beth said the Academy held "the potential stars of the future" and that the new facilities were something to proud of.
She said: "Seeing clubs around the country like this is one of my dreams. It is really nice to see so much enthusiasm for the sport, not just from the children but the coaches too. These facilities give the kids a safe environment to work in. They have a lot of talent here."
She added: "I have had an excellent time in Scarborough. Everybody has been very friendly and I have been made to feel very welcome. I have been impressed with the amount of talent there is here considering they had just been training in a school gym before now. They are all very enthusiastic and willing to learn which is the main thing."
Scarborough Gymnastics Academy moved from Scalby School to the new facilities in Barry's Lane in September. It is estimated the project cost more than £100,000 and has been funded from a range of sources, including grants.
Gymnast Beate Richings, 12, said: "It's been exciting having Beth here. I have watched her in the Olympics on the TV. She is really nice and has been helping us a lot."
Beth trained Maddie Jepson, nine, while she was on the bars. Maddie said: "It has been really exciting. She has been able to tell us what we can improve on. She told me to pike more when I was on the bars and to imagine there was something above me that I was trying to reach. It did really help and I will think about what she has told me when I am doing it in the future."
Head coach Nikii Walker said: "The new facilities here are excellent and much-needed. We have been wanting to develop something like this for the last six years. Beth is a fantastic role model for the kids. We have all been really overwhelmed meeting her, and the kids have really tried their best while she has been here."
The club treated Beth to a special gymnastic display and she was shown a short film about how the club had evolved, and the move from Scalby School to the new facilities. Beth accepted the club's invitation to open the new facilities after seeing a presentation on DVD made by the children.
Miss Tweddle was the 2006 World Champion and European Champion on the uneven bars. She was the first gymnast from Britain ever to win a medal at the World and European Champion-ships, and is considered to be the most successful British gymnast of all time."
Diego Hypolito - "My new objective is to fight for medals in vault"
Despite placing 7th on vault in Maribor, Hypolito is not discouraged. Upon returning to Rio de Janeiro, he said he would train harder to get results in vault as he did on floor.
Diego observed that the quality of the competitors will be a difficult obstacle since the apparatus is not his specialty. "The Dutch Jeffrey Wammes, who won in Cottbus, finished sixth here. So the competition level is very high. To obtain better results, I'm keeping an eye to the training of the European and Japanese gymnasts."
The gymnast used the opportunity to praise the performance of Ana Claudia Silva and Ethiene Franco. In the uneven bar final, they placed fifth and third respectively.
"They are excellent athletes and have trained well. Ethiene has already won two medals this year, and Claudia has also performed well and gained experience. The WAG team of Brazil is well represented," he concluded.
Diego observed that the quality of the competitors will be a difficult obstacle since the apparatus is not his specialty. "The Dutch Jeffrey Wammes, who won in Cottbus, finished sixth here. So the competition level is very high. To obtain better results, I'm keeping an eye to the training of the European and Japanese gymnasts."
The gymnast used the opportunity to praise the performance of Ana Claudia Silva and Ethiene Franco. In the uneven bar final, they placed fifth and third respectively.
"They are excellent athletes and have trained well. Ethiene has already won two medals this year, and Claudia has also performed well and gained experience. The WAG team of Brazil is well represented," he concluded.
Alexander Alexandrov - I hope that our team will have confidence to compete with China and America as equals
Yesterday at the third World Cup competition in Maribor, the Russian WAG team won four gold medals. Alexander Alexandrov spoke to All Sports about the performance of the team, and the prospects of individual gymnasts.
At the competition, our gymnasts won four gold medals - you are probably in a good mood?
"Certainly! I am very glad that out gymnasts won separate exercises. After an unsuccesful last season, we have done well here and at the European Championships. I hope that now our team will have confidence that we can compete on the same level as America and China."
You were pleased with the quality of performance of the girls?
"Well, the scores were not the highest. The girls made some errors. And in connection with the FIG's new rules, almost all competitors have new programs with new complexities. We will develop further skills. But at the same time, I do not wish to belittle the achievements of the girls; all the competitors were on equal footing. And the strongest won."
So you're writing off the errors, because of changes to rules and competition?
"[....gargh] Secondly, we brought to this World Cup competition gymnasts for whom this was their first competition where they must compete for their country. The leaders of the national team are still recovering from injuries, but we cannot wait for them. Therefore we give these younger gymnasts experience."
Is this generation of gymnasts different from those ten years ago?
"Naturally! First of all, those ten years ago were brought up in the Soviet Union. The present gymnasts - they are wholly Russian. In the 1990s much was lost - training centres were closed, trainers left for overseas. Then we just reaped the fruit of those years - no time for a powerful system, we had to make do with what is left. Today, of course, the situation is diffferent again. The state is paying more attention to sports. But we cannot see a return for a few years. I think that already next year, we will have gymnasts with more potential than we do now. The present girls are at a transition period - neither due to the fault of their trainers, or of them. The main thing is a desire to fight. The doors of our national training centre are open to all. For the World Championships, the very strongest will get to London."
How is the World team selected?
"We are continually watching the girls. At the same time, each new competition gives us a chance for reflection. The first of these was the Russian Championships. From it, we selected the team for the European Championships. It is very good that Ksenia Semenova and Afanasyeva took first and second place in the all-around. Such success we did not have for about the last seven years. Now the gymnasts will compete in several international competitions and the Russian Cup. Following the results of these competitions, we will select the strongest gymnasts to go to London in the autumn. The Americans and Chinese will be there. But I do not think we will be merely "extras". I think the Russian team will be strong competition for any other team."
At the competition, our gymnasts won four gold medals - you are probably in a good mood?
"Certainly! I am very glad that out gymnasts won separate exercises. After an unsuccesful last season, we have done well here and at the European Championships. I hope that now our team will have confidence that we can compete on the same level as America and China."
You were pleased with the quality of performance of the girls?
"Well, the scores were not the highest. The girls made some errors. And in connection with the FIG's new rules, almost all competitors have new programs with new complexities. We will develop further skills. But at the same time, I do not wish to belittle the achievements of the girls; all the competitors were on equal footing. And the strongest won."
So you're writing off the errors, because of changes to rules and competition?
"[....gargh] Secondly, we brought to this World Cup competition gymnasts for whom this was their first competition where they must compete for their country. The leaders of the national team are still recovering from injuries, but we cannot wait for them. Therefore we give these younger gymnasts experience."
Is this generation of gymnasts different from those ten years ago?
"Naturally! First of all, those ten years ago were brought up in the Soviet Union. The present gymnasts - they are wholly Russian. In the 1990s much was lost - training centres were closed, trainers left for overseas. Then we just reaped the fruit of those years - no time for a powerful system, we had to make do with what is left. Today, of course, the situation is diffferent again. The state is paying more attention to sports. But we cannot see a return for a few years. I think that already next year, we will have gymnasts with more potential than we do now. The present girls are at a transition period - neither due to the fault of their trainers, or of them. The main thing is a desire to fight. The doors of our national training centre are open to all. For the World Championships, the very strongest will get to London."
How is the World team selected?
"We are continually watching the girls. At the same time, each new competition gives us a chance for reflection. The first of these was the Russian Championships. From it, we selected the team for the European Championships. It is very good that Ksenia Semenova and Afanasyeva took first and second place in the all-around. Such success we did not have for about the last seven years. Now the gymnasts will compete in several international competitions and the Russian Cup. Following the results of these competitions, we will select the strongest gymnasts to go to London in the autumn. The Americans and Chinese will be there. But I do not think we will be merely "extras". I think the Russian team will be strong competition for any other team."
Monday, April 20, 2009
More results from Portimão World Cup
ROPE FINAL
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Anna Bessonova UKR
Aliya Garayeva AZE
Melitina Staniouta BLR
Aliya Yussupova KAZ
Irina Resenzon ISR
Marina Shpekht RUS
Caroline Weber AUT
HOOP FINAL
Anna Bessonova UKR
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Lyubov Charkashyna BLR
Vera Sesina RUS
Aliya Yussupova KAZ
Neta Rivkin ISR
Irina Risenzon ISR
Inês Gomes POR
Aliya Garayeva AZE
BALL FINAL
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Vera Sesina RUS
Anna Bessonova UKR
Aliya Yussopova KAZ
Melitina Staniouta BLR Lyubov Charkashyna BLR
Irina Risenzon ISR
Neta Rivkin ISR
RIBBON FINAL
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Melitina Staniouta BLR
Vera Sesina RUS
Anna Bessonova UKR
Irina Risenzon ISR
Aliya Yussopova KAZ
Lyubov Charkashyna BLR
Aliya Garayeva AZE Inês Gomes POR
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Anna Bessonova UKR
Aliya Garayeva AZE
Melitina Staniouta BLR
Aliya Yussupova KAZ
Irina Resenzon ISR
Marina Shpekht RUS
Caroline Weber AUT
HOOP FINAL
Anna Bessonova UKR
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Lyubov Charkashyna BLR
Vera Sesina RUS
Aliya Yussupova KAZ
Neta Rivkin ISR
Irina Risenzon ISR
Inês Gomes POR
Aliya Garayeva AZE
BALL FINAL
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Vera Sesina RUS
Anna Bessonova UKR
Aliya Yussopova KAZ
Melitina Staniouta BLR Lyubov Charkashyna BLR
Irina Risenzon ISR
Neta Rivkin ISR
RIBBON FINAL
Yevgenia Kanaeva RUS
Melitina Staniouta BLR
Vera Sesina RUS
Anna Bessonova UKR
Irina Risenzon ISR
Aliya Yussopova KAZ
Lyubov Charkashyna BLR
Aliya Garayeva AZE Inês Gomes POR
Chellsie Memmel returning - as a specialist
Article from Dallas News:
Olympic gymnast Chellsie Memmel stopped by her parents' Milwaukee-area gym recently with her new Teddy Bear puppy, Lexi.
Andy Memmel, Chellsie's father and coach, folded up a piece of paper into an airplane and shot it at his daughter.
As Memmel unfurled it, she realized she was looking at a proposal for a new uneven bars routine.
"I could probably do that," she responded, her plans becoming clearer.
The fact that Memmel, in town this week to promote the Aug.12-15 Visa U.S. Championships at American Airlines Center, still wants to compete inspires a "huh?" from many observers.
This is the same gymnast who already won the world all-around title in 2005 and an Olympic silver with the U.S. team in August in Beijing – earned partially by Memmel's gutsy willingness to compete on the bars despite a broken ankle.
In June, she'll turn 21, close to ancient for female gymnasts. She already owns her own house. She could go to college.
What gives?
"I still love it, I still enjoy it," she said. "I needed a physical and mental break, but I'm starting to miss it again."
That's why Memmel is working out with a personal trainer. She'll need to start work on routines at her parents' gym full time within a month or so if she'll be able to compete here, and then possibly at the World Championships in October in London.
She has decided she won't compete in the all-around, sticking to bars and the balance beam.
Memmel hasn't attended any of the U.S. team camps this year in New Waverly, Texas, but has chatted with Martha Karolyi, the U.S. national team adviser, who told her she'd support whatever Memmel decided.
"It's hard to give something up," Memmel said Karolyi told her. She knows it well.
For all the glory she's earned, Memmel has carried more than her share of pain. She injured her foot leading up to the 2004 Athens Olympics, relegating her to alternate status. She ripped up her right shoulder while competing in the 2006 world championships, a lingering injury that put her comeback in doubt until weeks before the U.S. Olympic trials last summer.
Then, on the second day of training in Beijing, Memmel completed a tumbling pass and, upon landing, knew it all was in jeopardy again.
"I have impeccable timing with injuries," she said.
Despite the X-ray showing the ankle to be broken, Memmel fought through the pain on every landing from her bars routine leading up to and during the team preliminaries and final. She had no time to mourn the loss of her chance to compete in the other events.
Memmel performed on the ensuing Tour of Gymnastics Superstars last fall – along with Dancing With the Stars' Shawn Johnson and Parker golden girl Nastia Liukin. Liukin was in New York while Memmel visited town this week, so they couldn't meet up.
Memmel finally had surgery to insert a screw into the slow-healing ankle in January.
The comebacks are the worst, Memmel said. The soreness. More pain. But it would be worth it to do gymnastics again.
"You have to give 100 percent; she's done it for so many years," Andy Memmel said. "You tell her not to do it. It's just something that's in them, their drive."
Olympic gymnast Chellsie Memmel stopped by her parents' Milwaukee-area gym recently with her new Teddy Bear puppy, Lexi.
Andy Memmel, Chellsie's father and coach, folded up a piece of paper into an airplane and shot it at his daughter.
As Memmel unfurled it, she realized she was looking at a proposal for a new uneven bars routine.
"I could probably do that," she responded, her plans becoming clearer.
The fact that Memmel, in town this week to promote the Aug.12-15 Visa U.S. Championships at American Airlines Center, still wants to compete inspires a "huh?" from many observers.
This is the same gymnast who already won the world all-around title in 2005 and an Olympic silver with the U.S. team in August in Beijing – earned partially by Memmel's gutsy willingness to compete on the bars despite a broken ankle.
In June, she'll turn 21, close to ancient for female gymnasts. She already owns her own house. She could go to college.
What gives?
"I still love it, I still enjoy it," she said. "I needed a physical and mental break, but I'm starting to miss it again."
That's why Memmel is working out with a personal trainer. She'll need to start work on routines at her parents' gym full time within a month or so if she'll be able to compete here, and then possibly at the World Championships in October in London.
She has decided she won't compete in the all-around, sticking to bars and the balance beam.
Memmel hasn't attended any of the U.S. team camps this year in New Waverly, Texas, but has chatted with Martha Karolyi, the U.S. national team adviser, who told her she'd support whatever Memmel decided.
"It's hard to give something up," Memmel said Karolyi told her. She knows it well.
For all the glory she's earned, Memmel has carried more than her share of pain. She injured her foot leading up to the 2004 Athens Olympics, relegating her to alternate status. She ripped up her right shoulder while competing in the 2006 world championships, a lingering injury that put her comeback in doubt until weeks before the U.S. Olympic trials last summer.
Then, on the second day of training in Beijing, Memmel completed a tumbling pass and, upon landing, knew it all was in jeopardy again.
"I have impeccable timing with injuries," she said.
Despite the X-ray showing the ankle to be broken, Memmel fought through the pain on every landing from her bars routine leading up to and during the team preliminaries and final. She had no time to mourn the loss of her chance to compete in the other events.
Memmel performed on the ensuing Tour of Gymnastics Superstars last fall – along with Dancing With the Stars' Shawn Johnson and Parker golden girl Nastia Liukin. Liukin was in New York while Memmel visited town this week, so they couldn't meet up.
Memmel finally had surgery to insert a screw into the slow-healing ankle in January.
The comebacks are the worst, Memmel said. The soreness. More pain. But it would be worth it to do gymnastics again.
"You have to give 100 percent; she's done it for so many years," Andy Memmel said. "You tell her not to do it. It's just something that's in them, their drive."
Cerasela Patrascu to make her comeback in June
She will return to competition on 5th June at the Romanian Open, according to Romanian Gymnastics.
Nicolae Forminte: “At the moment she is struggling with her weight, but we can say that she made progress. She is still motivated and eager to recuperate the inactivity period. Her goal is to perform as well as possible during the Romanian Open, where she is going to compete on uneven bars and beam."
(Patrascu tore her right meniscus landing her UB dismount at Euro prelims last year.)
Nicolae Forminte: “At the moment she is struggling with her weight, but we can say that she made progress. She is still motivated and eager to recuperate the inactivity period. Her goal is to perform as well as possible during the Romanian Open, where she is going to compete on uneven bars and beam."
(Patrascu tore her right meniscus landing her UB dismount at Euro prelims last year.)
Russians at Maribor, from Russian Gymnastics site
"Four out of four possible medals were won by the Russian gymnasts in their first world cup competition of the year. The fifth gold medal was won by the men's team. The triumphers: Anna Myzdrikova (vault), Yekaterina Kurbatova (bars), Kristina Goryunova (beam and floor) and Konstantin Pluzhnikov (rings). Also, Myzdrikova was second on floor, Kurbatova on vault, and Goryunova on the bars. The young gymnast, Andrei Perezhnikov, from near Moscow, at his second competition on the nationals team, took third place on pommel horse.
Already, in the second successive competition of the year, the Russian gymnasts have shown good results. And if at the European championships they proved that, then the strongest continent at Maribor were the Brazilian team, still following the school of the present Russian trainer Oleg Ostapenko. It is necessary to consider that our team in Maribor was mostly different from at Europeans.
Among the men, Konstantin Pluzhnikov from Severska has risen to the top of the podium for the first time. Andrei Rodionenko, senior coach, said after the European Championships that Pluzhnikov should appear among the strongest in rings.
Andrei Perezhnikov, bronze medallist on floor, has trained only half a year so far with the national team."
Already, in the second successive competition of the year, the Russian gymnasts have shown good results. And if at the European championships they proved that, then the strongest continent at Maribor were the Brazilian team, still following the school of the present Russian trainer Oleg Ostapenko. It is necessary to consider that our team in Maribor was mostly different from at Europeans.
Among the men, Konstantin Pluzhnikov from Severska has risen to the top of the podium for the first time. Andrei Rodionenko, senior coach, said after the European Championships that Pluzhnikov should appear among the strongest in rings.
Andrei Perezhnikov, bronze medallist on floor, has trained only half a year so far with the national team."
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Juegos del Alba
Cuba has been the most successful team so far, winning the women and men's TF and AA, and 5 medals in the EFs.
WAG Results
TEAM
Cuba
Colombia 202.45
Venezuela 201.65
All Around
1. Jennifer Alike (Cuba) 55.250
2. Nathalia Sánchez (Colombia) 53.850
3. Madelén Tamayo (Cuba) 53.300
4. Ivette Rojas (Venezeula) 50.850
5. Elid Helwigg (Ecuador) 50.800
6. Yarimar Medina (Venezuela) 48.550
7. Marcela Sandoval (Colombia) 46.750
8. María de los Angeles Cajilema (Ecuador) 45.250
VAULT
1. Jennifer Alike (Cuba) 14.338
2. Elid Helwigg (Ecuador) 13.938
3. Catalina Escobar (Colombia) 13.713
4. Jainer Fuenmayor (Venezuela) 13.363
5. Dayana Rodríguez (Cuba) 13.275
6. Gabriela Gómez (Colombia) 13.200
7. Eliana González (Venezuela) 12.800
UNEVEN BARS
1. Elid Helwigg (Ecuador) 13.650
2. Nathalia Sánchez (Colombia) 13.625
3. Madelen Tamayo (Cuba) 13.250
4. Ivette Rojas (Venezuela) 12.725
5. Catalina Escobar (Colombia) 12.025
6. Fanny Briceño (Venezuela) 12.000
7. Dayana Rendo (Cuba) 11.925
8. María de los Ángeles Cajilema (Ecuador) 9.575
MAG Results
TEAM
Cuba A 337.05
Venezuela 323.45
Cuba B 316.25
All Around
1. Gerardo Medina (Cuba) 86.400
2. Jorge Hugo Giraldo (Colombia) 85.275
3. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 84.825
4. Fidel Silot (Cuba) 82.425
5. Sergio Restrepo (Colombia) 78.450
6. Johny Parra (Venezuela) 78.100
7. Boris Merchán (Ecuador) 70.475
8. Daniel Abad (Ecuador) 70.075
FLOOR
1. Randy Leroux (Cuba) 15.000
2. Santiago López (Mexico) 14.350
3. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 13.800
4. Irving Arroyo (Cuba) 13.750
5. Nelson Fuenmayor (Venezuela) 13.675
6. Sergio Restrepo (Colombia) 13.550
7. Boris Merchán (Ecuador) 13.325
8. Santos Martínez (Mexico) 12.875
POMMEL HORSE
1. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 14.125
2. Jorge Hugo Girlado (Colombia) 14.050
3. Johny Parra (Venezuela) 13.700
4. Gerardo Medina (Cuba) 13.350
5. Carlos Campaña (Cuba) 12.275
6. Santiago López (Mexico) 11.525
7. Daniel Abad (Ecuador) 11.400
8. Didier Lugo (Colombia) 11.175
RINGS
1. Jorge Hugo Giraldo (Colombia) 14.950
2. Gerardo Medina (Cuba) 14.500
3. Fidel Silot (Cuba) 14.150
4. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 14.025
5. Sergio Restrepo (Colombia) 12.975
6. Carlos Carbonell (Venezuela) 12.475
7. Boris Merchán (Ecuador) 12.075
Cuba hasn't taken a team to a major competition since Worlds 2003. They should now!
WAG Results
TEAM
Cuba
Colombia 202.45
Venezuela 201.65
All Around
1. Jennifer Alike (Cuba) 55.250
2. Nathalia Sánchez (Colombia) 53.850
3. Madelén Tamayo (Cuba) 53.300
4. Ivette Rojas (Venezeula) 50.850
5. Elid Helwigg (Ecuador) 50.800
6. Yarimar Medina (Venezuela) 48.550
7. Marcela Sandoval (Colombia) 46.750
8. María de los Angeles Cajilema (Ecuador) 45.250
VAULT
1. Jennifer Alike (Cuba) 14.338
2. Elid Helwigg (Ecuador) 13.938
3. Catalina Escobar (Colombia) 13.713
4. Jainer Fuenmayor (Venezuela) 13.363
5. Dayana Rodríguez (Cuba) 13.275
6. Gabriela Gómez (Colombia) 13.200
7. Eliana González (Venezuela) 12.800
UNEVEN BARS
1. Elid Helwigg (Ecuador) 13.650
2. Nathalia Sánchez (Colombia) 13.625
3. Madelen Tamayo (Cuba) 13.250
4. Ivette Rojas (Venezuela) 12.725
5. Catalina Escobar (Colombia) 12.025
6. Fanny Briceño (Venezuela) 12.000
7. Dayana Rendo (Cuba) 11.925
8. María de los Ángeles Cajilema (Ecuador) 9.575
MAG Results
TEAM
Cuba A 337.05
Venezuela 323.45
Cuba B 316.25
All Around
1. Gerardo Medina (Cuba) 86.400
2. Jorge Hugo Giraldo (Colombia) 85.275
3. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 84.825
4. Fidel Silot (Cuba) 82.425
5. Sergio Restrepo (Colombia) 78.450
6. Johny Parra (Venezuela) 78.100
7. Boris Merchán (Ecuador) 70.475
8. Daniel Abad (Ecuador) 70.075
FLOOR
1. Randy Leroux (Cuba) 15.000
2. Santiago López (Mexico) 14.350
3. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 13.800
4. Irving Arroyo (Cuba) 13.750
5. Nelson Fuenmayor (Venezuela) 13.675
6. Sergio Restrepo (Colombia) 13.550
7. Boris Merchán (Ecuador) 13.325
8. Santos Martínez (Mexico) 12.875
POMMEL HORSE
1. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 14.125
2. Jorge Hugo Girlado (Colombia) 14.050
3. Johny Parra (Venezuela) 13.700
4. Gerardo Medina (Cuba) 13.350
5. Carlos Campaña (Cuba) 12.275
6. Santiago López (Mexico) 11.525
7. Daniel Abad (Ecuador) 11.400
8. Didier Lugo (Colombia) 11.175
RINGS
1. Jorge Hugo Giraldo (Colombia) 14.950
2. Gerardo Medina (Cuba) 14.500
3. Fidel Silot (Cuba) 14.150
4. Adicks Trejo (Venezuela) 14.025
5. Sergio Restrepo (Colombia) 12.975
6. Carlos Carbonell (Venezuela) 12.475
7. Boris Merchán (Ecuador) 12.075
Cuba hasn't taken a team to a major competition since Worlds 2003. They should now!
Portimão Rhythmic World Cup
Yevgenia Kanaeva (RUS) won the all-around.
Yevgenia Kanaeva (RUS) 111.850
Vera Sesina (RUS) 110.550
Anna Bessonova (UKR) 108.650
Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 106.300
Marina Shpekht (RUS) 104.075
Irina Risenzon (ISR) 103.725
Melitina Staniouta (BLR) 103.600
Lyubov Charkashyna (BLR) 103.350
Alexandra Ermakova (RUS) 102.875
Neta Rivkin (ISR) 102.125
Yevgenia Kanaeva (RUS) 111.850
Vera Sesina (RUS) 110.550
Anna Bessonova (UKR) 108.650
Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 106.300
Marina Shpekht (RUS) 104.075
Irina Risenzon (ISR) 103.725
Melitina Staniouta (BLR) 103.600
Lyubov Charkashyna (BLR) 103.350
Alexandra Ermakova (RUS) 102.875
Neta Rivkin (ISR) 102.125
Daniela Druncea retired
According to Inspired by Nadia, she left due to "lack of motivation mainly generated because of not participating in competitions."
However, she said, "I will never regret starting in artistic gymnastics." So at least she's happy.
Argh, Romania are losing all their gymnasts.
EDIT: Nicolae Forminte: "An analysis was made and the conclusion was that there was no rate of progress, and what she had already learned is not enough for fighting for a medal. As in Romania just participating is not an option, but only winning, she decided to give up. Moreover, this year there is no team competition, while next year the new seniors would have much bigger chances to make the team, this being another reason for her decision. It was a mature decision, taken together with her family." (Romanian Gymnastics Blog).
However, she said, "I will never regret starting in artistic gymnastics." So at least she's happy.
Argh, Romania are losing all their gymnasts.
EDIT: Nicolae Forminte: "An analysis was made and the conclusion was that there was no rate of progress, and what she had already learned is not enough for fighting for a medal. As in Romania just participating is not an option, but only winning, she decided to give up. Moreover, this year there is no team competition, while next year the new seniors would have much bigger chances to make the team, this being another reason for her decision. It was a mature decision, taken together with her family." (Romanian Gymnastics Blog).
MAG results
VAULT
Stanislav Valiyev 16.0
Marek Lyszczarz 15.712
Tomi Tuuha 15.687
Oleg Ossipov 15.612
Cristian Bataga 15.45
Jeffrey Wammes 15.3
Diego Hypolito 14.875
Ali Al Asi 14.225
PARALLEL BARS
Mitja Petkovsek 15.725
Adam Kierzkowski 15.275
Epke Zonderland 15.175
Arkaitz Garcia 14.85
Samuel Piasecky 14.85
Roman Kulesza 14.55
Dmitry Gogotov 14.0
Nikola Dudek 13.675
HIGH BAR
Epke Zonderland 15.55
Aljaz Pegan 15.35
Marco Baldauf 14.625
Jeffrey Wammes 14.6
Arkaitz Garcia 14.175
Anatoly Vasilyev 13.4
Dmitry Barkalov 13.35
Roman Kulesza 11.775
Stanislav Valiyev 16.0
Marek Lyszczarz 15.712
Tomi Tuuha 15.687
Oleg Ossipov 15.612
Cristian Bataga 15.45
Jeffrey Wammes 15.3
Diego Hypolito 14.875
Ali Al Asi 14.225
PARALLEL BARS
Mitja Petkovsek 15.725
Adam Kierzkowski 15.275
Epke Zonderland 15.175
Arkaitz Garcia 14.85
Samuel Piasecky 14.85
Roman Kulesza 14.55
Dmitry Gogotov 14.0
Nikola Dudek 13.675
HIGH BAR
Epke Zonderland 15.55
Aljaz Pegan 15.35
Marco Baldauf 14.625
Jeffrey Wammes 14.6
Arkaitz Garcia 14.175
Anatoly Vasilyev 13.4
Dmitry Barkalov 13.35
Roman Kulesza 11.775
Maribor WAG Results - day 2
BEAM
Kristina Goryunova 14.35
Ana Claudia Silva 13.55
Martha Pihan-Kulesha 13.6
FLOOR
Kristina Goryunova 14.0
Anna Myzdrikova 13.95
Martha Pihan-Kulesha 13.6
Yay for Kristina!! double winner!
and Russian sweep!!!:D
I will post the men's results later.
Kristina Goryunova 14.35
Ana Claudia Silva 13.55
Martha Pihan-Kulesha 13.6
FLOOR
Kristina Goryunova 14.0
Anna Myzdrikova 13.95
Martha Pihan-Kulesha 13.6
Yay for Kristina!! double winner!
and Russian sweep!!!:D
I will post the men's results later.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Russian women leading Maribor WC!!
On the first day of competition, Anna Myzdrikova, Kristina Goryunova and Yekaterina Kurbatova lead the qualifications on all four events. On the second day, they took first and second on both event finals, VT and UB!!
Results:
VAULT
Anna Myzdrikova 14.062
Yekaterina Kurbatova 14.037
Annika Urvikko 13.8
Fieke Willems 13.725
Laura Gombas 13.687
Tijana Tkalcec 13.625
Tunde Scsillag 13.612
Ethiene Franco 13.3
BARS
Yekaterina Kurbatova 14.325
Kristina Goryunova 13.7
Ethiene Franco 13.65
Hanna Grosch 13.35
Ana Claudia Silva 13.0
Mayra Kroonen 12.9
Monika Frandofert 11.825
Laurie-Eve Pepin-Gagne 11.775
Men's EF: Konstantin Pluzhnikov won the rings:D, Diego Hypolito the FX and Donna-Donny Truyens (what a name!) from Germany won pommel horse.
Full results:
FLOOR
Diego Hypolito 15.3
Alexander Shatilov 14.95
Filip Ude 14.8
Tomislav Markovic 14.725
Dmitry Barkalov 14.575
Rok Klarova 13.725
Tomi Tuuha 12.9
Dmitry Gogotov 12.65
POMMEL HORSE
Donna-Donny Truyens 15.075
Saso Bertoncelj 14.85
Zoltan Kallai 14.75
Andrei Perevoznhikov (RUS) 14.75
Andrei Ursache 14.475
Vladimir Oleniko 14.3
Cristian Bagata 14.1
Alexander Shatilov 13.375
RINGS
Konstantin Pluzhnikov 15.65
Irodotos Georgallas 15.0
Regulo Carmona 14.8
Al Asi Ali 14.775
Sergio Eras 14.65
Olli Torkkel 14.475
Eduard Gholub 14.4
Attila Racz 14.1
Results:
VAULT
Anna Myzdrikova 14.062
Yekaterina Kurbatova 14.037
Annika Urvikko 13.8
Fieke Willems 13.725
Laura Gombas 13.687
Tijana Tkalcec 13.625
Tunde Scsillag 13.612
Ethiene Franco 13.3
BARS
Yekaterina Kurbatova 14.325
Kristina Goryunova 13.7
Ethiene Franco 13.65
Hanna Grosch 13.35
Ana Claudia Silva 13.0
Mayra Kroonen 12.9
Monika Frandofert 11.825
Laurie-Eve Pepin-Gagne 11.775
Men's EF: Konstantin Pluzhnikov won the rings:D, Diego Hypolito the FX and Donna-Donny Truyens (what a name!) from Germany won pommel horse.
Full results:
FLOOR
Diego Hypolito 15.3
Alexander Shatilov 14.95
Filip Ude 14.8
Tomislav Markovic 14.725
Dmitry Barkalov 14.575
Rok Klarova 13.725
Tomi Tuuha 12.9
Dmitry Gogotov 12.65
POMMEL HORSE
Donna-Donny Truyens 15.075
Saso Bertoncelj 14.85
Zoltan Kallai 14.75
Andrei Perevoznhikov (RUS) 14.75
Andrei Ursache 14.475
Vladimir Oleniko 14.3
Cristian Bagata 14.1
Alexander Shatilov 13.375
RINGS
Konstantin Pluzhnikov 15.65
Irodotos Georgallas 15.0
Regulo Carmona 14.8
Al Asi Ali 14.775
Sergio Eras 14.65
Olli Torkkel 14.475
Eduard Gholub 14.4
Attila Racz 14.1
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bessovova wins Kiev Grand Prix
All Around:
Anna Bessonova (UKR) 111.075
Daria Kondakova (RUS) 105.875
Irina Risenzon (ISR)104.800
Alina Maksymenko (UKR)100.600
Anna Rizatdinova (UKR)100.375
Svetlana Rudalova (BLR)100.325
Silviya Miteva (BUL)100.050
Anna Gurbanova (AZE)96.850
Neta Rivkin (ISR)95.800
Daria Kushnerova (UKR)95.325
Event finals are tomorrow.
Anna Bessonova (UKR) 111.075
Daria Kondakova (RUS) 105.875
Irina Risenzon (ISR)104.800
Alina Maksymenko (UKR)100.600
Anna Rizatdinova (UKR)100.375
Svetlana Rudalova (BLR)100.325
Silviya Miteva (BUL)100.050
Anna Gurbanova (AZE)96.850
Neta Rivkin (ISR)95.800
Daria Kushnerova (UKR)95.325
Event finals are tomorrow.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thomas Bouhail to have surgery
He's going to have surgery on his right shoulder tomorrow and probably won't be able to compete for six months, but he hopes to be ready for Worlds, and medal in floor and vault.
He sees the competition for vault title "the Russian Golotsutskov, the Belorussain Kasperovich, one or two Romanians, and Li Xiaopeng."
Bouhail also spoke to L'Equipe about Yann Cucherat, who also won a European title: "He's definitely the leader of the team. We're constantly learning with him, whether it be about success or failure. He's always supporting us, and so therefore he has a big role in the team. He's an exceptional gymnast who should be proud of having won the title, since he has a young daughter and prepared for this competition without much sleep! But he can always count on the support of his family, and of his team."
He sees the competition for vault title "the Russian Golotsutskov, the Belorussain Kasperovich, one or two Romanians, and Li Xiaopeng."
Bouhail also spoke to L'Equipe about Yann Cucherat, who also won a European title: "He's definitely the leader of the team. We're constantly learning with him, whether it be about success or failure. He's always supporting us, and so therefore he has a big role in the team. He's an exceptional gymnast who should be proud of having won the title, since he has a young daughter and prepared for this competition without much sleep! But he can always count on the support of his family, and of his team."
Jade returning in August!!
She plans to compete at the Brazilian Nationals. Having a break from serious training has helped her wrist to heal some, although the doctors warn the pain will come back if she returns to competition. But she sounds pretty determined, " I don't know if it will be with only one arm, but I will compete."
Full article in International Gymnast.
Full article in International Gymnast.
For RGers...interview with Inna Zhukov, Belarussian newspaper
The silver medallist of the Beijing Games, Inna Zhukov, has retired from her career and become the manager of one of the insurance companies. Especially for this newspaper, she has recounted some of the best times of her career, and admitted that it was hard to become the "present fighter".
Inna, how are you dealing with not training any more?
"Yes, I have got tired of sports. Gymnastics is not longer enough for me anymore. But I do miss those moments when I have done well and people applaud me, and those pleasant times when I went up on the podium."
Would you like to return to gymnastics in a new role, for example, as a coach?
"I don't see myself as a coach. But I may eventually change my mind. At the moment I am engaged in advertising. This is new to me - difficult and interesting."
How are you keeping yourself in shape, now you are not training?
"I do exercises when I can. At the insurance company, all the time, you are sitting and working with papers. It's hard for me - I would rather spend my energy running and jumping. For three months after I retired I was invited to demonstration performances, therefore I had to train. In February and March I participated in the program "Dancing with the Stars". But I didn't get far - there was too much competition."
But now you are allowed to eat sweets now, which you could not before?
"I've never had problems with my figure. I didn't put on 10kg after retiring, as others do. I always ate sweets when I wanted."
In this new season gymnasts will be competing under new rules. What would you like to change?
"I would enter event finals into the Olympic program because I consider it unfair that other athletes can earn several medals, we can only earn one for a complete set (AA). I find it insulting."
At the Olympic Games you were quite reserved. How did you feel when you became the silver medallist?
"For me, the Olympic Games are magical! I always wished to get on the podium in the AA, but I managed it very infrequently. I was always in fourth place, the worst place to be. A lot of people said I was worthy of a medal. Then at Europeans when I was again one place away from the podium, I felt I would rather quit, I told myself: "The Olympic Games is a different competition altogether - there, you will be on the podium." And when, at last, I realised I had taken the second place, I felt I had achieved my dream. I taken away all my other medals, and replaced them with my Olympic silver. All visitors with pleasure are photographed with my award."
How did you manage to cope with the enormous pressure? Also, before one of your exits, there was a problem.
"I knew this would be my last competition. If something went wrong, all there same I should leave with good memories of my performances. I competed with this attitude."
Was it frustrating to you that you were not able to compete with your best apparatus, the ball?
"Yes, it was frustrating. But we tried to create a hoop routine that was similar to my ball one. And it was unique and interesting. Everyone waited for me to catch it at the end. And I felt like in a game of roulette, will I catch it or not?"
[can't understand next question.]
What is your favourite routine that you've performed?
""The Portuguese Rose" which I did in 2007. That beautiful music we later used for a hoop exercise."
What about your favourite move?
"There was a time when it was possible to be original, where there was a bonus for originality. I was the first to perform the "butterfly" jump, which was entered into the rules. I am very proud of that."
You have a lot of costumes in your collection. Which will you keep?
"Yes, I have a lot of them! Usually we hand them down to the younger girls, or sell them. But I would like to keep the ones I wore for the Olympics, because they were made specially."
Inna, your nickname - the Hindu - when did you begin to be called this?
"When I was in Minsk. I was never called by my first name, only the Hindu, or sometimes Zhucha. These are my nicknames."
[question incomprehensible]
"My back problems began when my training increased. I often swore at my coach because of it."
If not for these injuries, would you still be competing?
"My health was a main factor in my retirement. I thought about leaving earlier, but I understood that I had not fulfilled my purpose in gymnastics. That feeling would remain if I had not medalled at the Olympics. But now I am fully satisfied. I am glad I did not retire earlier."
Whom do you wish to thank for your successes?
"First of all my mother who has lived all her life in Krasnodar, but for the sake of me, sacrificed everything and accepted Belarussian citizenship, and supported me in every possible way. I never knew how much she had to give up. My coach, who is like a second mother. I would go to her for help more often than my mother, because I spent more of my time in the training centre than at home. I am grateful to Irina Jurevne who made me somebody when I was nobody [I think], who forced me to believe in myself and brought me up as the person I am. And I am grateful that the state has given me an appartment. It is wonderful when your country appreciates your work."
In sports you achieved your goals. And what else would you like to achieve in your life?
"I would like to have a family, but not straight away. I have many friends here at work, and we go out together every Friday, for a break. Before now, I could not do that. When new people enter your life it is very interesting."
Would you want to meet your future husband in the environment where you are now?
"It could be any person."
Inna, how are you dealing with not training any more?
"Yes, I have got tired of sports. Gymnastics is not longer enough for me anymore. But I do miss those moments when I have done well and people applaud me, and those pleasant times when I went up on the podium."
Would you like to return to gymnastics in a new role, for example, as a coach?
"I don't see myself as a coach. But I may eventually change my mind. At the moment I am engaged in advertising. This is new to me - difficult and interesting."
How are you keeping yourself in shape, now you are not training?
"I do exercises when I can. At the insurance company, all the time, you are sitting and working with papers. It's hard for me - I would rather spend my energy running and jumping. For three months after I retired I was invited to demonstration performances, therefore I had to train. In February and March I participated in the program "Dancing with the Stars". But I didn't get far - there was too much competition."
But now you are allowed to eat sweets now, which you could not before?
"I've never had problems with my figure. I didn't put on 10kg after retiring, as others do. I always ate sweets when I wanted."
In this new season gymnasts will be competing under new rules. What would you like to change?
"I would enter event finals into the Olympic program because I consider it unfair that other athletes can earn several medals, we can only earn one for a complete set (AA). I find it insulting."
At the Olympic Games you were quite reserved. How did you feel when you became the silver medallist?
"For me, the Olympic Games are magical! I always wished to get on the podium in the AA, but I managed it very infrequently. I was always in fourth place, the worst place to be. A lot of people said I was worthy of a medal. Then at Europeans when I was again one place away from the podium, I felt I would rather quit, I told myself: "The Olympic Games is a different competition altogether - there, you will be on the podium." And when, at last, I realised I had taken the second place, I felt I had achieved my dream. I taken away all my other medals, and replaced them with my Olympic silver. All visitors with pleasure are photographed with my award."
How did you manage to cope with the enormous pressure? Also, before one of your exits, there was a problem.
"I knew this would be my last competition. If something went wrong, all there same I should leave with good memories of my performances. I competed with this attitude."
Was it frustrating to you that you were not able to compete with your best apparatus, the ball?
"Yes, it was frustrating. But we tried to create a hoop routine that was similar to my ball one. And it was unique and interesting. Everyone waited for me to catch it at the end. And I felt like in a game of roulette, will I catch it or not?"
[can't understand next question.]
What is your favourite routine that you've performed?
""The Portuguese Rose" which I did in 2007. That beautiful music we later used for a hoop exercise."
What about your favourite move?
"There was a time when it was possible to be original, where there was a bonus for originality. I was the first to perform the "butterfly" jump, which was entered into the rules. I am very proud of that."
You have a lot of costumes in your collection. Which will you keep?
"Yes, I have a lot of them! Usually we hand them down to the younger girls, or sell them. But I would like to keep the ones I wore for the Olympics, because they were made specially."
Inna, your nickname - the Hindu - when did you begin to be called this?
"When I was in Minsk. I was never called by my first name, only the Hindu, or sometimes Zhucha. These are my nicknames."
[question incomprehensible]
"My back problems began when my training increased. I often swore at my coach because of it."
If not for these injuries, would you still be competing?
"My health was a main factor in my retirement. I thought about leaving earlier, but I understood that I had not fulfilled my purpose in gymnastics. That feeling would remain if I had not medalled at the Olympics. But now I am fully satisfied. I am glad I did not retire earlier."
Whom do you wish to thank for your successes?
"First of all my mother who has lived all her life in Krasnodar, but for the sake of me, sacrificed everything and accepted Belarussian citizenship, and supported me in every possible way. I never knew how much she had to give up. My coach, who is like a second mother. I would go to her for help more often than my mother, because I spent more of my time in the training centre than at home. I am grateful to Irina Jurevne who made me somebody when I was nobody [I think], who forced me to believe in myself and brought me up as the person I am. And I am grateful that the state has given me an appartment. It is wonderful when your country appreciates your work."
In sports you achieved your goals. And what else would you like to achieve in your life?
"I would like to have a family, but not straight away. I have many friends here at work, and we go out together every Friday, for a break. Before now, I could not do that. When new people enter your life it is very interesting."
Would you want to meet your future husband in the environment where you are now?
"It could be any person."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Mexican Championships
Yessenia Estrada won the Mexican National Championships with a score of 49.73?! She also won vault and floor, silver on bars and bronze on beam.
Elsa Garcia and Maricela Cantu were not there.
Full results:
All-Around
Yessenia Estrada 49.730
Maricela Arizmendi 49.210
Clarissa Gonzalez 47.030
VAULT
Yessenia Estrada 13.850
Maricela Arizmendi 13.800
Maria Jose Sarda 13.220
BARS
Maricela Arizmendi 13.100
Yessenia Estrada 11.200
Clarissa Gonzalez 11.180
BEAM
Daniela Espinoza 12.030
Maria Jose Sarda 11.630
Yessenia Estrada 11.480
FLOOR
Yessenia Estrada 13.200
Maria Jose Sarda 12.450
Daniela Espinoza 12.200
Elsa Garcia and Maricela Cantu were not there.
Full results:
All-Around
Yessenia Estrada 49.730
Maricela Arizmendi 49.210
Clarissa Gonzalez 47.030
VAULT
Yessenia Estrada 13.850
Maricela Arizmendi 13.800
Maria Jose Sarda 13.220
BARS
Maricela Arizmendi 13.100
Yessenia Estrada 11.200
Clarissa Gonzalez 11.180
BEAM
Daniela Espinoza 12.030
Maria Jose Sarda 11.630
Yessenia Estrada 11.480
FLOOR
Yessenia Estrada 13.200
Maria Jose Sarda 12.450
Daniela Espinoza 12.200
Leonid Arkayev - the most terrible punishment - to do nothing
On Sunday March the 29th, in Saransk, in the presence of the minister of sports of the Russian Federation, Vitaly Mutko, and the head of Republic Mordovia, Nikolay Merkushkina, will pass the ceremony of the opening of a new training centre in Detsko - Olympic reserve school bearing the name of the head - the great Leonid Arkayev. On the eve of this event, All Sports reporter Evgeniy Slyusarenko has asked Leonid Arkayev about the new training centre, preparation of London 2012 and his desire to return to the Russian national team.
The training centre of Saransk - the best in the world.
How was it possible to entice you into Saransk? - the great Arkayev?
"A good question *smiles*. First of all, I have direct Morodovian roots. My parents were natives of the village Saygushi, near Saransk. Besides, I the head of the republic, Nikolay Ivanovichem Merkushkin, well - we are friends. And the main thing - I was enticed here by a training centre. More precisely, not this centre - a centre which did not exist two years ago. I remember perfectly our conversation two years ago. "With pleasure I will return to my native land, but I have no place to work for you." He cut me off. "The place will be.""
And what is in this hall?
"Actually, the most important thing is not the hall, but what is in it. The republic has bought all the best equipment for sports training in the world. As you can see, it is literally larded (?!) by all the advanced training equipment. According to Mekushkin, it cost about a million dollars."
What, it is really a great training centre?
"Now you do not respect (believe?) me. I have said: with respect to equipment, it is the best in the world. And also: a separate training complex, and a building where children can rest in between training."
How many are at the school?
"First of all, I tell you that we accept all. Moreover, we have gone to kindergartens. In five areas of the republic we have trainers who are engaged in search of the presented kiddies. Thus, we now have about a thousand pupils (wow!) The majority of them are kindergarteners."
Why so young?
"[...] Now it is necessary to have taken gymnastics for at least eight years (or from eight years old, I'm not sure) to train professionally, to eat professionally. Because for the development of the Olympic athlete eight to ten years are necessary. Only then will it be possible to have the preparation necessary for Olympic victories. From this point of view, all conditions are created in Saransk. So I think that in the next few years, we will have very strong gymnasts."
The next few years are how many?
"Four to six years. But we will already try to get gymnasts on the London team. Certainly, much will depend on good luck, and from our patience, and from their objective possibilities."
Those who have not seen me for several years, say that I look younger!
When did you start to work in Saransk?
"About March of 2007. No, before that as well, but the level was low. It was no shock to me - I have spent time in Saransk before - for example, the Cup of Arkaev - and I knew what was happening here."
And where did you work before the opening of the hall?
"We had a small centre. All this time, I worked and waited for the hall promised by Merkushkin. I knew that he would make good on his promise."
Where do you live?
"In the usual one-room apartment. It suits me. Well, I was promised something bigger, but I don't need it. The main thing is the hall to work in. [something....] I rise at 4:30 in the mornings, and begin trainings at 6:30."
What have you returned to the USSR? (?)
"That's an interesting question. I can tell that in Morodovia everything is done that people can participate in sport. And children here, you know, are somehow more conscious. They already understand, not simply that they are trained, but that they prepare in the future to represent their republic, their country. I did not notice this in the last few years of the national team."
Do you not miss the "big gymnastics"?
Absolutely not. On the contrary, I have received rest here. In big-time sports, the main stimulus for sportsmen is urging them on. Children are more susceptible [something], with them you see the fruits of your work faster. Medals, cups - all is nonsense, it happens in the end. And with the children I see how they are growing not by day, but by hour! Those who haven't seen me for years, say that I look younger! *smiles*
I don't aspire to train a national team again
And if you were called back to train the national team?
"I would think very hard, so that I could make the right decision. I would weigh all the pros and cons. But I am comfortable here in Saransk, I constantly see progress, I feel the support of the republic management. It would take a very good argument to leave."
You don't dream to train the national team again?
"At the present, I do not dream of it at all. I did not really like it [I'm not sure if I got that right] and it was work, heavy work. On the one hand, popularity, honour, respect - on the other, all mortal sins (meaning pride etc). I have learnt it well. Then nothing will rescue you - not friendship, nor old merits. Therefore I do not aspire to it. But if there is a need, then I am ready to help. Without big ambitions."
Tou do see is necessary to return Russian gymnastics to its former heights?
"First, the Soviet techniques need to be understood correctly. It is not enough to follow them blindly, without understanding. And then it will be different analysis, the extraction of the abilities from the students. And, of course, it will be necessary to work in the way we worked before."
And this is not happening now?
"I am no longer with the national team, but even so I can tell if there are the relations between gymnasts and coaches to work as a team, not as individuals. [that bit was muddly, and i may not have got it quite right] If it is so, good results will come. Actually, the Olympic Games in Beijing have shown that. The gymnasts worked not for a team, but for themselves."
And what about the spitpoisons [ha I love Russian idioms!] who say, "here Arkayeva has found a cushy job to meet his old age"?
"I will agree with them. I have really found a place where it is possible to adequately meet old age *laughs*. And what is bad about it? The point is - to be worthy, to work. I know inactivity. For half a year after the Athens Games when I had left, I did nothing. I felt as though I began to die. I sat and waited to die. Now I understand - to do nothing, it is horror, the most terrible punishment for the person."
The training centre of Saransk - the best in the world.
How was it possible to entice you into Saransk? - the great Arkayev?
"A good question *smiles*. First of all, I have direct Morodovian roots. My parents were natives of the village Saygushi, near Saransk. Besides, I the head of the republic, Nikolay Ivanovichem Merkushkin, well - we are friends. And the main thing - I was enticed here by a training centre. More precisely, not this centre - a centre which did not exist two years ago. I remember perfectly our conversation two years ago. "With pleasure I will return to my native land, but I have no place to work for you." He cut me off. "The place will be.""
And what is in this hall?
"Actually, the most important thing is not the hall, but what is in it. The republic has bought all the best equipment for sports training in the world. As you can see, it is literally larded (?!) by all the advanced training equipment. According to Mekushkin, it cost about a million dollars."
What, it is really a great training centre?
"Now you do not respect (believe?) me. I have said: with respect to equipment, it is the best in the world. And also: a separate training complex, and a building where children can rest in between training."
How many are at the school?
"First of all, I tell you that we accept all. Moreover, we have gone to kindergartens. In five areas of the republic we have trainers who are engaged in search of the presented kiddies. Thus, we now have about a thousand pupils (wow!) The majority of them are kindergarteners."
Why so young?
"[...] Now it is necessary to have taken gymnastics for at least eight years (or from eight years old, I'm not sure) to train professionally, to eat professionally. Because for the development of the Olympic athlete eight to ten years are necessary. Only then will it be possible to have the preparation necessary for Olympic victories. From this point of view, all conditions are created in Saransk. So I think that in the next few years, we will have very strong gymnasts."
The next few years are how many?
"Four to six years. But we will already try to get gymnasts on the London team. Certainly, much will depend on good luck, and from our patience, and from their objective possibilities."
Those who have not seen me for several years, say that I look younger!
When did you start to work in Saransk?
"About March of 2007. No, before that as well, but the level was low. It was no shock to me - I have spent time in Saransk before - for example, the Cup of Arkaev - and I knew what was happening here."
And where did you work before the opening of the hall?
"We had a small centre. All this time, I worked and waited for the hall promised by Merkushkin. I knew that he would make good on his promise."
Where do you live?
"In the usual one-room apartment. It suits me. Well, I was promised something bigger, but I don't need it. The main thing is the hall to work in. [something....] I rise at 4:30 in the mornings, and begin trainings at 6:30."
What have you returned to the USSR? (?)
"That's an interesting question. I can tell that in Morodovia everything is done that people can participate in sport. And children here, you know, are somehow more conscious. They already understand, not simply that they are trained, but that they prepare in the future to represent their republic, their country. I did not notice this in the last few years of the national team."
Do you not miss the "big gymnastics"?
Absolutely not. On the contrary, I have received rest here. In big-time sports, the main stimulus for sportsmen is urging them on. Children are more susceptible [something], with them you see the fruits of your work faster. Medals, cups - all is nonsense, it happens in the end. And with the children I see how they are growing not by day, but by hour! Those who haven't seen me for years, say that I look younger! *smiles*
I don't aspire to train a national team again
And if you were called back to train the national team?
"I would think very hard, so that I could make the right decision. I would weigh all the pros and cons. But I am comfortable here in Saransk, I constantly see progress, I feel the support of the republic management. It would take a very good argument to leave."
You don't dream to train the national team again?
"At the present, I do not dream of it at all. I did not really like it [I'm not sure if I got that right] and it was work, heavy work. On the one hand, popularity, honour, respect - on the other, all mortal sins (meaning pride etc). I have learnt it well. Then nothing will rescue you - not friendship, nor old merits. Therefore I do not aspire to it. But if there is a need, then I am ready to help. Without big ambitions."
Tou do see is necessary to return Russian gymnastics to its former heights?
"First, the Soviet techniques need to be understood correctly. It is not enough to follow them blindly, without understanding. And then it will be different analysis, the extraction of the abilities from the students. And, of course, it will be necessary to work in the way we worked before."
And this is not happening now?
"I am no longer with the national team, but even so I can tell if there are the relations between gymnasts and coaches to work as a team, not as individuals. [that bit was muddly, and i may not have got it quite right] If it is so, good results will come. Actually, the Olympic Games in Beijing have shown that. The gymnasts worked not for a team, but for themselves."
And what about the spitpoisons [ha I love Russian idioms!] who say, "here Arkayeva has found a cushy job to meet his old age"?
"I will agree with them. I have really found a place where it is possible to adequately meet old age *laughs*. And what is bad about it? The point is - to be worthy, to work. I know inactivity. For half a year after the Athens Games when I had left, I did nothing. I felt as though I began to die. I sat and waited to die. Now I understand - to do nothing, it is horror, the most terrible punishment for the person."
Interview with Ksenia Semenova
"I'm having a rest after the European championships," laughs Ksenia Semenova. "Of course I must go to training, but only short sessions. Maybe I will go to the cinema."
At Europeans, you won three medals. How would you rate your performance?
"About a four. I know I did well, but I'm not completely happy. I could have done a lot better in beam finals. Despite the bronze in floor, I'm not absolutely happy with that either. But the bar final turned out well in the end!"
Nevertheless, you had to concede the UB title to Beth Tweddle...
"Yes, and we competed against each other last year also, at Europeans. Then she made errors, and I won the final. But here, Tweddle's difficulty score was two-tenths above mine. That's a lot. Both of us executed our routines well, but it was the difficulty score that made the difference."
Tweddle is seven years you senior, and more powerful. Does this give her an advantage?
"I don't know. It could work either way. Results come to those of all ages, no matter how many times you have competed. I didn't feel any disadvantage because of my age."
This year you began to train all-around. Has this weakened your favourite event, uneven bars?
"I wouldn't say so; they are at the same level as before. Basically, I trained all-around now, and earlier, but now I am improving the apparatuses that are not as good - vault and floor. I'm still training as much as I did before the Olympics, but it is organised differently.
Was it your decision to train all-around?
"My coaches decided, but I'm happy to do it."
You know that the last European all-around champion we had was Svetlana Khorkina, seven years ago?
"Yes. I know Sveta, and we sometimes communicate. No, she doesn't give me any special advice, just chatting."
Do you like Khorkina's style?
"Yes, but also Tweddle, and Romanians Steliana Nistor and Sandra Izbasa."
Was it hard to begin training again after the Olympics?
"[can't understand] but then I began to train as before. It seems to me that I am now taking gymnastics more seriously."
What relationship do you have with the new senior trainer, Alexander Alexandrov?
"His appointment hasn't changed anything for me. I work with my trainer, Marina Nazarovoj, as before. Alexander Sergeevich, of course, watches our training, and sometimes advises or helps."
How is it possible to combine gymnastics with study?
"Somehow it is possible *laughs*. Teachers work with us at Round Lake, in between training, and I also do homework. I don't know what I want to do after school. I haven't thought about it yet."
At Europeans, you won three medals. How would you rate your performance?
"About a four. I know I did well, but I'm not completely happy. I could have done a lot better in beam finals. Despite the bronze in floor, I'm not absolutely happy with that either. But the bar final turned out well in the end!"
Nevertheless, you had to concede the UB title to Beth Tweddle...
"Yes, and we competed against each other last year also, at Europeans. Then she made errors, and I won the final. But here, Tweddle's difficulty score was two-tenths above mine. That's a lot. Both of us executed our routines well, but it was the difficulty score that made the difference."
Tweddle is seven years you senior, and more powerful. Does this give her an advantage?
"I don't know. It could work either way. Results come to those of all ages, no matter how many times you have competed. I didn't feel any disadvantage because of my age."
This year you began to train all-around. Has this weakened your favourite event, uneven bars?
"I wouldn't say so; they are at the same level as before. Basically, I trained all-around now, and earlier, but now I am improving the apparatuses that are not as good - vault and floor. I'm still training as much as I did before the Olympics, but it is organised differently.
Was it your decision to train all-around?
"My coaches decided, but I'm happy to do it."
You know that the last European all-around champion we had was Svetlana Khorkina, seven years ago?
"Yes. I know Sveta, and we sometimes communicate. No, she doesn't give me any special advice, just chatting."
Do you like Khorkina's style?
"Yes, but also Tweddle, and Romanians Steliana Nistor and Sandra Izbasa."
Was it hard to begin training again after the Olympics?
"[can't understand] but then I began to train as before. It seems to me that I am now taking gymnastics more seriously."
What relationship do you have with the new senior trainer, Alexander Alexandrov?
"His appointment hasn't changed anything for me. I work with my trainer, Marina Nazarovoj, as before. Alexander Sergeevich, of course, watches our training, and sometimes advises or helps."
How is it possible to combine gymnastics with study?
"Somehow it is possible *laughs*. Teachers work with us at Round Lake, in between training, and I also do homework. I don't know what I want to do after school. I haven't thought about it yet."
Next World Cup competition - Maribor
Here is the lineup.
Yay for Goryunova! I'll be glad to see her again after she had to withdraw from the Euro AA.
Yay for Goryunova! I'll be glad to see her again after she had to withdraw from the Euro AA.
American Classic
Ashley Stott and McKenzie Wofford won the senior and junior titles. The meet also acted as a qualifier to Nationals, with seniors needing 54.0 and juniors 52.0. McKenzie was the only junior to qualify, but in the senior section, Kimberly Jacob, Brooke Parker and Christa Tanella (who won the WOGA classic) also qualified.
Ashley's floor from 2007 Nationals (couldn't find anything of her from last year)
and McKenzie's floor from last year's Nationals.
Ashley's floor from 2007 Nationals (couldn't find anything of her from last year)
and McKenzie's floor from last year's Nationals.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Beth wins UB! - event finals
Yay Beth won bars with her crazy new routine! - Ksenia came in second (her form seems to have gotten worse, she keeps wobbling in her handstands). She also won bronze on floor:D and Beth took the gold! Sandra didn't medal at all because the judges devalued her triple twist dismount to a 2 1/2; as she'd already performed that, she ended up with no dismount>:( & Ferrari took the silver with watered-down tumbling but actually some effort at dance!! I'm shocked.
Beam was won by Yana Demyanchuk!! with the two Romanians medalling also. I love her routine! Her knee is still wrapped up (it was at WOGA earlier this year).
And another medal for Russia: Yulia was second on vault!! Ariella Kaeslin won; I think she must have fallen in qualifications.
I'll post full results later, when I have time. Haha I have a 2000 world essay due in on Thursday which I started yesterday
Beam was won by Yana Demyanchuk!! with the two Romanians medalling also. I love her routine! Her knee is still wrapped up (it was at WOGA earlier this year).
And another medal for Russia: Yulia was second on vault!! Ariella Kaeslin won; I think she must have fallen in qualifications.
I'll post full results later, when I have time. Haha I have a 2000 world essay due in on Thursday which I started yesterday
Andrei Fedorovich on the Europeans
Andrei Fedorovich, in comparison with the women's team, two-thirds of the men did not do so well?
"Pluzhnikov has shown the best routine here; 15.325 was his best score. Our problem is that his best is not up to the best of the world on rings. Except for one Chinese, all the leaders on rings were here. So his sixth place is basically his place in the world elite. And this placing does not satisfy us. We will revise his exercise so that his difficulty is raised."
What about the disappointment caused by Anton Golotsutskov!
"He was aiming for medals on floor and vault, but did not make it. He used an old floor routine (or combination, I'm not sure which) and others went ahead of him [he was 5th on fx.] With a difficulty of 6.2, it was impossible to medal. And he did not. However, he executed the routine very well, with his E score 9.0."
And he did not even make the vault final.
"That was entirely his own fault. I do not wish to discuss that."
It seems to me, at you claims cannot be only to Ryazanov and Perevoznikov.
I am convinced that if Ryazanov had executed better, he would have won the silver. And if he had more difficulty, he would have won...We are already working on this - in training he works on harder elements than he showed at the European Championships. He will be able to perform them soon. With Perevoznikov it is different. It was the first time he has appeared at a large competition. The judging was therefore stricter for him. So I consider his fourth plaving a good result. And it will be better at Worlds. But we must have a harder dismount."
The girls have pleased you?
"First of all, thanks to the girls and trainers, and to the senior trainer of the women's team, Alexander Alexandrov, and to all personal coaches of the gymnasts. Especial thanks to Ksenia Semenova and all who worked with her. For five years, our gymnasts never won the European all-around title. And now Ksyusha has returned this title to Russia. We brought to Milan three gymnasts (four??) The all-around success was with two of them. Then the medal Yulia Berger won is very important; nobody had thought of her as a contender for a vault medal."
How do you estimate the contenders?
"Gymnastics has grown much in Europe, especially with the men. The girls, to a lesser degree. [something incomprehensible...] I speak of Beth Tweddle in particular. Concerning men's gymnastics, it is impossible to look only to Asia. Europeans are also very competitive! Take Hambuchen, for example. He showed great difficulty."
How much of this competition was useful to you, as head coach of a national team?
"Very useful. In the individual competition, it is possible to gauge development tendencies. If in the winter we were uncertain of the new rules, we are familiar with them now. [something about Worlds.]"
Tell us, will the lineup for the World Championships be changed a lot?
"Those who can bring their routines into accord with the new requirements will make the national team. And they will be the gymnasts who will try for medals. But of course I cannot name them now."
"Pluzhnikov has shown the best routine here; 15.325 was his best score. Our problem is that his best is not up to the best of the world on rings. Except for one Chinese, all the leaders on rings were here. So his sixth place is basically his place in the world elite. And this placing does not satisfy us. We will revise his exercise so that his difficulty is raised."
What about the disappointment caused by Anton Golotsutskov!
"He was aiming for medals on floor and vault, but did not make it. He used an old floor routine (or combination, I'm not sure which) and others went ahead of him [he was 5th on fx.] With a difficulty of 6.2, it was impossible to medal. And he did not. However, he executed the routine very well, with his E score 9.0."
And he did not even make the vault final.
"That was entirely his own fault. I do not wish to discuss that."
It seems to me, at you claims cannot be only to Ryazanov and Perevoznikov.
I am convinced that if Ryazanov had executed better, he would have won the silver. And if he had more difficulty, he would have won...We are already working on this - in training he works on harder elements than he showed at the European Championships. He will be able to perform them soon. With Perevoznikov it is different. It was the first time he has appeared at a large competition. The judging was therefore stricter for him. So I consider his fourth plaving a good result. And it will be better at Worlds. But we must have a harder dismount."
The girls have pleased you?
"First of all, thanks to the girls and trainers, and to the senior trainer of the women's team, Alexander Alexandrov, and to all personal coaches of the gymnasts. Especial thanks to Ksenia Semenova and all who worked with her. For five years, our gymnasts never won the European all-around title. And now Ksyusha has returned this title to Russia. We brought to Milan three gymnasts (four??) The all-around success was with two of them. Then the medal Yulia Berger won is very important; nobody had thought of her as a contender for a vault medal."
How do you estimate the contenders?
"Gymnastics has grown much in Europe, especially with the men. The girls, to a lesser degree. [something incomprehensible...] I speak of Beth Tweddle in particular. Concerning men's gymnastics, it is impossible to look only to Asia. Europeans are also very competitive! Take Hambuchen, for example. He showed great difficulty."
How much of this competition was useful to you, as head coach of a national team?
"Very useful. In the individual competition, it is possible to gauge development tendencies. If in the winter we were uncertain of the new rules, we are familiar with them now. [something about Worlds.]"
Tell us, will the lineup for the World Championships be changed a lot?
"Those who can bring their routines into accord with the new requirements will make the national team. And they will be the gymnasts who will try for medals. But of course I cannot name them now."
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Russian coaches on Semenova and Afanasyeva's victory
OK this is really hard to make sense of, but here's what I can understand:
Ksenia Semenova, from near Moscow, became the all-around European champion. In second place was her friend - Ksenia Afanasyeva. They both train with Marina Nazarovoj.
It seems that even Marina Nazarovoj has not taken in what has happened. She is completely exhausted, hardly speaking.
The girls have not simply won. They have done much more than is possible. They have not only won the European championships, they shown the absolute result under the regulations - only two gymnasts per country. One took the gold, the other - silver!
Valentina Rodionenko's state trainer cries: "How many humiliations were there after the Olympic games! And there will be no magic wands - there will be times of victory, but not before times of defeat. [something about Alexandrov] He (Alexandrov) has created a miracle - which the Russian gymnasts have never managed - not to be confused with the Soviets.
Semenova began with bars. She fell in qualifications, so we simplified a combination. It was not a case of reproaches, but of tactics. In the all-around it is not necessary to have full difficulty to win. She got a good score - 14.925. Then she came to the beam. I'm not sure, but it seemed that the hall was dead silent while Semenova performed. She made a few errors, but very small ones. 14.8, and she was comfortably in the lead. After her bar routine, Afanasyeva was in second.
Many, last year, have considered that Semenova has acted on her best pieces. But they have not seen the new routines? of the new champion. Ksenia loves her floor routine (I think) and in Bryansk had a leotard to show the routine more brightly, but also in a feminine way. (Argh, translation muddly. sorry.) However, that leotard did not come under the regulations (I wonder what it was!!) so she could not wear it at the European championships. After floor Semenova had 43.95. And it was almost quiet. Her vault - all she had to do was land it accurately. No more than that.
Afanasyeva had fallen on beam to take the score of 13.575. But the lead she had gained in the first half of the competition allowed her to stay in second.
And then there was the last rotation. Semenova vaulted near the start. 14.225 - and she was unbeatable! In some minutes the winner of the silver medal was known. With Afanasyeva's finishing performance, "unique, the most complicated and extraordinarily expressive," as one of our colleagues from a gymmedia site put it, her floor exercise put her up to 57.6.
And we have burst into tears and have burst out laughing...
Ksenia Semenova, from near Moscow, became the all-around European champion. In second place was her friend - Ksenia Afanasyeva. They both train with Marina Nazarovoj.
It seems that even Marina Nazarovoj has not taken in what has happened. She is completely exhausted, hardly speaking.
The girls have not simply won. They have done much more than is possible. They have not only won the European championships, they shown the absolute result under the regulations - only two gymnasts per country. One took the gold, the other - silver!
Valentina Rodionenko's state trainer cries: "How many humiliations were there after the Olympic games! And there will be no magic wands - there will be times of victory, but not before times of defeat. [something about Alexandrov] He (Alexandrov) has created a miracle - which the Russian gymnasts have never managed - not to be confused with the Soviets.
Semenova began with bars. She fell in qualifications, so we simplified a combination. It was not a case of reproaches, but of tactics. In the all-around it is not necessary to have full difficulty to win. She got a good score - 14.925. Then she came to the beam. I'm not sure, but it seemed that the hall was dead silent while Semenova performed. She made a few errors, but very small ones. 14.8, and she was comfortably in the lead. After her bar routine, Afanasyeva was in second.
Many, last year, have considered that Semenova has acted on her best pieces. But they have not seen the new routines? of the new champion. Ksenia loves her floor routine (I think) and in Bryansk had a leotard to show the routine more brightly, but also in a feminine way. (Argh, translation muddly. sorry.) However, that leotard did not come under the regulations (I wonder what it was!!) so she could not wear it at the European championships. After floor Semenova had 43.95. And it was almost quiet. Her vault - all she had to do was land it accurately. No more than that.
Afanasyeva had fallen on beam to take the score of 13.575. But the lead she had gained in the first half of the competition allowed her to stay in second.
And then there was the last rotation. Semenova vaulted near the start. 14.225 - and she was unbeatable! In some minutes the winner of the silver medal was known. With Afanasyeva's finishing performance, "unique, the most complicated and extraordinarily expressive," as one of our colleagues from a gymmedia site put it, her floor exercise put her up to 57.6.
And we have burst into tears and have burst out laughing...
Valentina Rodionenko on Euro qualifications
Who will compete in the All-Around? According to regulations, only two gymnasts per country may compete.
"Kristina has a badly injured ankle. So we will put Afanasyeva in instead of her."
In your opinion, how likely is it that Ksenia Semenova will win?
"More than likely. The most important thing is not to waver. Tomorrow it begins again at zero. And it will be necesary to win again."
Will Semenova perform to standard on bars? Will today's fall affect her?
"I very much hope that Ksenia will recover from the fall, though it will be difficult. It is a new, complicated routine (?), and it causes problems. And there is strong competition: Beth Tweddle from England, in excellent form!"
(BTW: if Ksenia had not fallen, she would have a higher UB score than Beth by about a couple of tenths.)
"Kristina has a badly injured ankle. So we will put Afanasyeva in instead of her."
In your opinion, how likely is it that Ksenia Semenova will win?
"More than likely. The most important thing is not to waver. Tomorrow it begins again at zero. And it will be necesary to win again."
Will Semenova perform to standard on bars? Will today's fall affect her?
"I very much hope that Ksenia will recover from the fall, though it will be difficult. It is a new, complicated routine (?), and it causes problems. And there is strong competition: Beth Tweddle from England, in excellent form!"
(BTW: if Ksenia had not fallen, she would have a higher UB score than Beth by about a couple of tenths.)
SEMENOVA EUROPEAN AA CHAMPION!!!!!!!!
And Afanasyeva got put in because Goryunova was injured and came in second behind her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Third was Ariella Kaeslin.
On the men's side, Yuri Ryazanov (Russia) was 3rd:D; Fabian Hambüchen first and Daniel Keatings from GBR second.
Third was Ariella Kaeslin.
On the men's side, Yuri Ryazanov (Russia) was 3rd:D; Fabian Hambüchen first and Daniel Keatings from GBR second.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
European qualifications!!
Ksenia Semenova is in first place after qualifying round with 57.625!!!!!!!!!!!
Also Yulia Berger qualified first to vault final!!!!
VAULT
Yulia Berger RUS 14.287
Jana Komrskova CZE 14.225
Anna Kalashnyk UKR 14.112
Kim Bui GER 14.087
Aagje Van Walleghem BEL 14.075
Ariella Käslin SUI 14.062
Becky Downie GBR 14.025
Wyomi Masela NED 14.025
BARS
Beth Tweddle GBR 15.275
Anja Brinker GER 15.025
Ksenia Afanasyeva RUS 14.825
Youna Dufournet FRA 14.750
Anastasia Koval UKR 14.625
Valentyna Holenkova UKR 14.500
Becky Downie GBR 14.475
Ksenia Semyonova RUS 14.425 (with a fall on her pak)
BEAM
Vasiliki Millousi GRE 14.725
Anamaria Tamarjan ROM 14.525
Ksenia Semyonova RUS 14.475
Yana Demyanchuk UKR 14.450
Valeria Maksyuta ISR 14.375
Gabriela Dragoi ROM 14.350
Marine Petit FRA 14.050
Yasmin Zimmermann SUI 14.025
FLOOR
Beth Tweddle GBR 14.975
Sandra Izbasa ROM 14.475
Vanessa Ferrari ITA 14.425
Ksenia Semyonova RUS 14.400
Anamaria Tamarjan ROM 14.200
Ana Maria Izurieta ESP 14.050
Lia Parolari ITA 14.025
Valentyna Holenkova UKR 13.950
Anamaria Tamarjan was second in the all-around standings and Diana Chelaru in 15th; Yana Demyanchuk is in 4th!! good for her. The other Russian to qualify was Kristina Goryunova in 16th.
Afanasyeva had a rough day, falling on pretty much everything...in bars she only mucked her dismount so managed to qualify. Aarghhhh
& Beth's new routine is incredible!! I saw her performance from Jesolo...Iit should be a great showdown between her and Ksenia. I'm not sure which one I want to win!
Also Yulia Berger qualified first to vault final!!!!
VAULT
Yulia Berger RUS 14.287
Jana Komrskova CZE 14.225
Anna Kalashnyk UKR 14.112
Kim Bui GER 14.087
Aagje Van Walleghem BEL 14.075
Ariella Käslin SUI 14.062
Becky Downie GBR 14.025
Wyomi Masela NED 14.025
BARS
Beth Tweddle GBR 15.275
Anja Brinker GER 15.025
Ksenia Afanasyeva RUS 14.825
Youna Dufournet FRA 14.750
Anastasia Koval UKR 14.625
Valentyna Holenkova UKR 14.500
Becky Downie GBR 14.475
Ksenia Semyonova RUS 14.425 (with a fall on her pak)
BEAM
Vasiliki Millousi GRE 14.725
Anamaria Tamarjan ROM 14.525
Ksenia Semyonova RUS 14.475
Yana Demyanchuk UKR 14.450
Valeria Maksyuta ISR 14.375
Gabriela Dragoi ROM 14.350
Marine Petit FRA 14.050
Yasmin Zimmermann SUI 14.025
FLOOR
Beth Tweddle GBR 14.975
Sandra Izbasa ROM 14.475
Vanessa Ferrari ITA 14.425
Ksenia Semyonova RUS 14.400
Anamaria Tamarjan ROM 14.200
Ana Maria Izurieta ESP 14.050
Lia Parolari ITA 14.025
Valentyna Holenkova UKR 13.950
Anamaria Tamarjan was second in the all-around standings and Diana Chelaru in 15th; Yana Demyanchuk is in 4th!! good for her. The other Russian to qualify was Kristina Goryunova in 16th.
Afanasyeva had a rough day, falling on pretty much everything...in bars she only mucked her dismount so managed to qualify. Aarghhhh
& Beth's new routine is incredible!! I saw her performance from Jesolo...Iit should be a great showdown between her and Ksenia. I'm not sure which one I want to win!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wang Yan recovering from UB accident
From "People's Daily Online"
Teenager Wang Yan is walking, talking and text messaging her friends less than two years after suffering a nightmarish accident on the uneven bars that put her in a coma and was expected to leave her permanently paralyzed.
Wang, 17, no longer requires help with her day-to-day life after experiencing a miraculous recovery from surgery that saw her on crutches two months after her horrific tumble in the summer of 2007.
She said she is literally taking her rehabilitation one step at a time. "I am still walking very slowly and when I speed up, I lose my rhythm," she was quoted as saying by Sina.com.
Her doctors remain cautious about the level of muscular atrophy in the Chinese gymnast's left leg and both arms however and her training program has been tailored around these deficiencies.
"Her hands are pretty articulate," one of her doctors told the same Chinese portal, without providing his name. "She can knit, type on computers and send mobile phone messages like other people."
The aspiring star from Zhejiang province fell into a coma at the national gymnastics championships in Shanghai on June 10, 2007, after landing headfirst on the mat following her dismount from the uneven bars.
Despite the poor to non-existent odds of her walking again after fracturing her second and third vertebrae, Wang is getting faster by the day during her rehab sessions at the hospital attached to Zhejiang Vocational College of Sports.
Doctors there say she will need their assistance for another 12 months. After that, Wang will be able to do all her rehab at home - a program she will need to follow for the rest of her life.
To keep her mind occupied while her body recuperates, she has begun hitting the books.
"I expected to become a coach one day, before my injury, but now I hope to do some kind of civilian job for the gymnastics team," she said. "Since I have missed so much studying time, now is the perfect time to catch up."
Scary!...good luck for your recovery, Yan!
Teenager Wang Yan is walking, talking and text messaging her friends less than two years after suffering a nightmarish accident on the uneven bars that put her in a coma and was expected to leave her permanently paralyzed.
Wang, 17, no longer requires help with her day-to-day life after experiencing a miraculous recovery from surgery that saw her on crutches two months after her horrific tumble in the summer of 2007.
She said she is literally taking her rehabilitation one step at a time. "I am still walking very slowly and when I speed up, I lose my rhythm," she was quoted as saying by Sina.com.
Her doctors remain cautious about the level of muscular atrophy in the Chinese gymnast's left leg and both arms however and her training program has been tailored around these deficiencies.
"Her hands are pretty articulate," one of her doctors told the same Chinese portal, without providing his name. "She can knit, type on computers and send mobile phone messages like other people."
The aspiring star from Zhejiang province fell into a coma at the national gymnastics championships in Shanghai on June 10, 2007, after landing headfirst on the mat following her dismount from the uneven bars.
Despite the poor to non-existent odds of her walking again after fracturing her second and third vertebrae, Wang is getting faster by the day during her rehab sessions at the hospital attached to Zhejiang Vocational College of Sports.
Doctors there say she will need their assistance for another 12 months. After that, Wang will be able to do all her rehab at home - a program she will need to follow for the rest of her life.
To keep her mind occupied while her body recuperates, she has begun hitting the books.
"I expected to become a coach one day, before my injury, but now I hope to do some kind of civilian job for the gymnastics team," she said. "Since I have missed so much studying time, now is the perfect time to catch up."
Scary!...good luck for your recovery, Yan!
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