contents
www.InsideGymnastics.com
June 2017
start list
features SPECIAL SECTION: Inside Gymnastics Celebrates 15 Years!!! 12 15th Anniversary Advertiser Thank You Page of Fame
On this 15th Anniversary of Inside Gymnastics, we thank and celebrate our partners in the field!
28 15 Covers to Remember!
We celebrate our favorite covers - photos that capture the essence of Inside Gymnastics! By Christopher Korotky
31 15 Moments That Made Us Cheer!
We look back at 15 years of moments that had us cheering, crying and celebrating our sport!
37 Visual Memory Lane
Our Inside team photographers Grace Chiu and Lloyd Smith share their Favorite 15 Photos!
41 Daniela Silivas: Living a Legacy
An interview with legend Daniela Silivas and her daughter, Ava Silivas Harper By Christy Sandmaier
45 University of Washington Gymnastics Here To Stay Under Coach Ray Spotlight on Elise Ray and the University of Washington Huskies Program By Christy Sandmaier
48 Paramour® - Bouncing To Broadway! Former trampolinist Harvey Donnelly shares his journey from the south of England to the bright lights of Broadway. By Christopher Korotky
51 Special Advertising Section: Our Annual Lovely Leotard Challenge Takes the Floor!
in every issue
Courtesy of Snowflake Designs
PICTURED A true fan favorite, 2003 World Champion (team and bars, tied with teammate Chellsie Memmel) Hollie Vise (USA) strikes an incredible pose on beam. Vise and her husband Alex Naddour, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist on pommel horse remain wonderful ambassadors for our sport, defining determination! PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU
I N S I D EGY M N A ST I C S . CO M
10 14 17 19 21
Publisher’s Page Picture Perfect: Nastia Liukin Inside Buzz Chalking Up People, Places and Faces 23 Opinion Line: In the Know with John Roethisberger: Special Edition – 15 Influences
25 Opinion Line: Shannon Says with Shannon Miller: Special Edition – 15 Year Reflections
ON THE COVER Simone Biles, simply, the Greatest of All Time. PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU
[
inside gymnastics
]
JUNE 2017
9
News, Notes & Quotes!
chalking up
Courtney Kupets Carter Named New Georgia Head Coach “I know it’s going to be challenging and I know it’s going to be a tough road ahead, but I think that’s the exciting part.” 2004 Olympian and standout NCAA Champion, Kupets will lead the legendary program into a new era. Kupets led Georgia to four national titles and two SEC championships from 2006-2009. She also won eight SEC event titles and nine NCAA individual crowns and was the Honda Award recipient in 2007 and 2009. She was named the best-ever NCAA women’s gymnast by the NCAA in April. In her press conference Kupets stated, “Georgia will, win championships again.” See InsideGymnastics.com for our complete interview with Courtney!
Lloyd Smith, Ricardo Bufolin, University of Utah
USA Gymnastics Search Committee Update In early May, USA Gymnastics provided the following updates in a release on their website. Here is a brief overview regarding the search and current leadership: • President/CEO search. The Search Committee appointed by the Board is overseeing and managing the nationwide search for a new president/CEO. The make-up of the Committee is: David Benck and Bitsy Kelley, current public sector members of the Board of Directors; Olympic medalists Raj Bhavsar, Chellsie Memmel, Shannon Miller and Kim Zmeskal-Burdette; and Jim Morris, past public sector Board member. • Office leadership. Ron Galimore, the chief operating officer since 2011, is leading the day-to-day operations of the office and organization and has done so since the resignation of Steve Penny.
New Hall of Famers 2017 USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame inductees include the Final Five, Mihai Brestyan, Gabby Douglas, Shawn Johnson East, and Chellsie Memmel. They will be inducted during a ceremony at the 2017 P&G Championships.
36-16-8-4… Is there a Future Final Four for NCAA? “You’ve got to create a format that’s going to appease the least among us and the greatest among us.” - Greg Marsden After posting the following on facebook, “Hearing the SEC coaches may propose a #NCAAGym Championship format that would add a Super-Regional weekend & #SayByeByeToTheByes: (36-16-8-4)...” Inside Gymnastics reached out to the legendary Utah Coach to get his take on creating a Final Four that works, parity in scoring, 6 up 6 count, live broadcasts, and much more. As committed to the sport of women’s NCAA gymnastics as ever, look for our conversation with Greg in a future issue of Inside Gymnastics and on InsideGymnastics.com
Trending
Laurie Hernandez Auditions for Disney! • #thewhi!enburg - Donnell Whi!enburg’s triple pike dismount off rings! • Inside Gymnastics Celebrates 15 Years!
Inside on the scene with hot shots of people, places and faces!
people places faces
AAU James E. Sullivan Award, David Preston, Lloyd Smith, Gabby Douglas, Instagram, ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Adam Rose/FOX
ALL SMILES AT THE SULLIVAN AWARDS! Nominees Aly Raisman and Laurie Hernandez dazzled on the red carpet at the 2017 AAU Sullivan Awards! The AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been given out since 1930 to the nation’s best amateur athlete. Wisconsin Volleyball All-American Lauren Carlini was announced as the winner this year.
LSU’S ASHLEIGH GNAT AWARDED AAI AWARD For over 26 years, American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) has presented the prestigious AAI Award to the most outstanding senior female gymnast in the country. This award is considered the Heisman Trophy in gymnastics. Every year, college coaches are asked to submit their nominations for this award. The coaches then vote to narrow down these nominations to finalists, and ultimately the winner. Congratulations Ashleigh!
“SHE’S A BARBIE GIRL, IN A GABBY WORLD!” THE GABBY DOUGLAS BARBIE® DOLL HITS STORES! Continuing to inspire girls to be anything, Barbie honored Olympic Champ Gabby Douglas by unveiling a one-of-a-kind doll in her likeness right before Rio. Douglas is the first woman of color of any nationality and the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the Individual All-Around Champion. She has been a role model to girls throughout her career.
IT’S BAAAAAAAACK! So You Think You Can Dance returns for Season 14 this summer, and Inside Gymnastics got a sneak peek of the finalists during “Academy Week” recently in Los Angeles. Some of our favorite All Stars are back (including Allison Holker!) and the competitors are simply fierce. Look for bonus coverage of the season on our all-new website, InsideGym.com!
viewpoint Olympian Shannon Miller shares her take on hot topics and more!
SHANNON says
15
years of
Reflections
This 15-year anniversary is a great opportunity for all of us to look back on our lives and careers and appreciate the good times and all the things we learned from our challenges along the way. In my own life, I think of accomplishments like finishing my undergraduate degrees and law school. I think about having my two children, Rocco (7) and Sterling (4). There were more great moments in gymnastics as part of the 2004 and 2008 post-Olympic tours where I had the wonderful opportunity to perform, once again, doing a sport I love. I am an avid Olympic fan and thankful to remain involved in the sport on so many levels including as an analyst and commentator for each Olympic Games since 2000. Of course, we all face struggles and my toughest time came in the form of an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2011. Now six years cancer free, I am grateful to all of those who supported me along the way. Life is an incredible ride and this anniversary is a moment in time where we can take a breath and look back at those changes in our lives and in our sport. There have been equipment updates, scoring changes, rule changes, changes in the number of Olympic team members, and so much more. I always remind people that the only thing that doesn’t change in our sport is that it is always evolving. And thankfully, we have Inside Gymnastics to keep us updated on all of those exciting changes along the way! So congratulations to Inside Gymnastics on 15 years!! In some ways, it feels like Inside Gymnastics has been a part of our sport forever. It predates Facebook (2004), Twitter (2006), Instagram (2010) and even the first iphone (2007)! Yikes!
Two-time Olympian Shannon Miller is America’s most decorated gymnast. The 1993 and 1994 World All Around Champion, Miller was a part of the famed Mag 7 that won the first team gold medal for USA in Atlanta, where she also earned gold on beam. She is the author of It’s Not About Perfect: Competing for My Country and Fighting for My Life, and launched her company Shannon Miller Lifestyle: Health and Fitness for Women in July, 2010.
As we look back on an incredible 15 years we can all, as gymnastics fans, feel very fortunate to have such a tremendous supporter of our sport and all the things we love about it, in Inside Gymnastics. Thank you!
I N S I D EGY M N A ST I C S . CO M
[
inside gymnastics
]
JUNE 2017
25
15
of my favorite COVERS
By Chris Korotky
As a kid, I was the person carrying a camera around on family vacations and putting together photo scrapbooks to capture memories of my journeys. I can still remember the anticipation of getting photos back from a photo service, going through the photos and culling down to select which ones I’d use in my scrapbook. I guess, in a way, this was preparing me for what I’d one day do with Inside Gymnastics magazine! Photos have always been powerful for me, capturing a moment so brilliantly and stirring memories of a certain time and place. For that reason, when I launched Inside Gymnastics, I wanted stunning photography to be a core part of who we are. And for a magazine, there’s no photo more important than a cover image. Although it’s hard for me to narrow down from the nearly 100 covers from the past decade and a half to 15, here are a few of my favorites.
Premiere Issue Cover
MAY/JUNE 2004
MAY/JUNE 2002
HOLLIE VISE PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU
TASHA SCHWIKERT PHOTO BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA
This striking visual of Hollie Vise on balance beam really captured her style, strength, poise and confidence. Still one of my top three favorite covers, it’s one of our largest selling back issues ever!
Every time Tasha and I talk about this cover shoot, we both remember it as if it were yesterday. When I launched Inside Gymnastics, I didn’t want it to be just about competition but a behind-the-scenes look at the sport, and life both inside and out of the gym - hence, the ‘Inside’ name!
MARCH/APRIL 2005 • SASHA ARTEMEV • PHOTO BY LLOYD SMITH When I think back of routines through the last decade and a half that still stand out so vibrantly in my mind, Sasha Artemev on pommel horse is among the top. Simply stunning gymnastics. His artistry shined so brilliantly on this event, and this photo captured that style – flawless toe point and all!
MARCH/APRIL 2006
ANNA PAVLOVA PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU
We always want our covers to be stunning, but with our 50 Most Photogenic issue, we strive to select a photo that personifies the state of the sport at the time. Anna Pavlova’s photo on this cover felt so active, as if she were literally leaping onto the page!
MARCH/APRIL 2007
NASTIA LIUKIN PHOTO BY SCOTT EINUIS
JUNE 2010
APRIL 2011
Just as Ivana Hong let her gymnastics do the talking, this photo speaks for itself. We actually have this cover framed in our office, in our conference room, and every time I see it, I’m reminded of the grace and beauty that is the sport of gymnastics and how I want to continue to capture that in the pages of the magazine.
We did our photoshoot with Paul at the University of Illinois. They say the eyes are the window into the soul, and I remember when this issue came out, many people talking about being drawn to his eyes in the photo. He’s not only a great gymnast, but truly one of the nicest people in the sport...
IVANA HONG PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU
28
J U N E 2 01 7
[
PAUL RUGGERI PHOTO BY LORI NORDSTROM
inside gymnastics
]
Even at such a young age, you knew Nastia Liukin was destined to be a star. When we decided to do an annual 50 Most Photogenic issue, it was only natural that Nastia graced the cover of the inaugural edition. She’d go on to be featured on seven covers of Inside Gymnastics.
I N S I D E GY M N A ST I C S . CO M
AUGUST 2011 • JONATHAN HORTON • PHOTO BY LLOYD SMITH Jonathan was the heart and soul for Team USA during his competitive days. For this particular cover, Horton soaring on p-bars in red, white and blue while the stars and stripes waved in the background, captured the essence of who he is.
AUGUST 2013
KYLA ROSS PHOTO BY LLOYD SMITH A recipient of the 2013 Longines Award for Elegance, Kyla Ross personifies class and style. From her soaring leaps to her charminglychoreographic sets, Ross knows how to connect with fans and judges alike.
APRIL 2013
JAKE DALTON PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU
APRIL 2014
MCKAYLA MARONEY PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU For our 2014 cover with McKayla, we wanted to showcase her brilliant smile and magnetic personality. And the golden girl shined like the star she is, lighting up this cover that exudes energy!
We’re always amazed by how easy it is to find a stunning photo of Jake Dalton for print – his form is literally pictureperfect on almost every skill of every routine, even in the most intricate of combos. A focus on form has been the cornerstone of his gymnastics, and it shows time and time again.
APRIL 2015
ALY RAISMAN PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU From calm confidence on her face to that striking red, white and blue patriotic leotard, this image felt quintessential “Aly” to us. She’s talked often about how proud she is to represent her country on the world stage, and sharing her journey through the years.
AUGUST 2015 • SAM MIKULAK • PHOTO BY GRACE CHIU One of the most charismatic characters in the sport today is Sam Mikulak. His unique style is showcased on and off the mat, and his Air Flair is symbolic of that persona. Drawing “oooohs and aaaahhs” along with thunderous applause every time he performs the skill, Sam is always a crowd favorite!
NOVEMBER 2016
LAURIE HERNANDEZ PHOTO BY RICARDO BUFOLIN When it comes to star quality, Laurie Hernandez has that “It Factor.” And that mega-watt smile just lights up the television screen (or an entire arena for that matter!). I loved the intensity, the form, the focus and the dramatic look on our December 2016 cover. We also featured her bright smile on full display in our Final Five collector’s edition cover!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
THE FINAL FIVE • PHOTO BY RICARDO BUFOLIN Wide World of Sports opened with the saying, “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.” In both, it’s a reminder of the rollercoaster of emotions involved in gymnastics, or any sport. Seeing the joy on the faces of the Final Five members as they stood atop the podium in Rio after a monumental victory at the 2016 Olympic Games still gives me chills when I see it – what an incredible moment for the sport and these amazing ladies.
I N S I D EGY M N A ST I C S . CO M
[
inside gymnastics
]
JUNE 2017
29
livinga LEGACY Daniela Silivas and Ava Harper Silivas
When you ask Ava Silivas Harper who her favorite gymnast is she looks down, slowly points to her Mom with the sweetest, shyest of smiles and then bursts into what seems like embarrassed giggles. You see, Mom just happens to be Daniela Silivas, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, earning six individual World Championships titles as well as the 1987 European Championships allaround title and six Olympic medals. A true fan-favorite, Daniela lights up the gymternet each time one of her classic, artistic routines is shared. And, with long limbs, a graceful style and strong affection for the uneven bars, Ava just might be following in Daniela’s footsteps. Known for her technical and artistic brilliance, difficult routines and charming personality, you could see just how much Daniela enjoyed reflecting on her career as we sat side-by-side on the floor watching Ava and her teammates wrap up conditioning late morning on a typical weekday at Georgia All-Star Gymnastics, where Ava had recently relocated her training. Once we started chatting, I learned quickly that Daniela’s brightest and best memories all include her Romanian teammates. And probably not at all surprising to fans of 80s gymnastics, her favorite competition was the 1987 World Championships where she helped lead her team to the title, defeating the Soviets in one of the most storied team finals ever. When I asked her if 1987 was also when she was at her best as an athlete – her strongest gymnastics – she emphatically said, “yes,” even moreso than 1988 when she emerged from the Seoul Olympics with a medal on every event and seven perfect 10s. For Daniela, it was always about her team – her second family – and what they accomplished together.
Inside recently chatted with the pair during a morning training session for Ava and just a few days before Daniela flew home to see family and watch the 2017 European Championships in Cluj. By Christy Sandmaier
has remained, raises her family and coaches gymnastics. She recalls one of her biggest adjustments when she began coaching in the United States was understanding that kids no matter the level or goal or talent, could all do gymnastics.“It was hard for me to learn that doing gymnastics could be for more than being number one and winning. I learned so much as a coach from then until now. And I keep in touch with those kids I coached in the beginning. They turned out okay!” she laughs. We shared memories of her favorite floor routine (and mine) - her 1987 masterpiece to “Dark Eyes.” And we noted how much difficulty she and her teammates and all of the top teams at the time, were competing huge tricks with an incredibly high level of artistry. Naturally, during this part of our conversation, we couldn’t help but chat about Simone Biles’ superior height and difficulty in her tumbling and vaulting. When I reminded Daniela about throwing her own double double in team finals in Seoul, she laughed “Yes, even with a huge step!” And then showed me (off the floor) where she needed to start running in order to generate enough speed to do it well,“Simone is here, I was way back here!” Her trip home was also the perfect time to reflect on the current state of Romanian gymnastics. “It’s hard, we’re missing a lot of coaches, club coaches. It’s a different life somewhere else and I understand why they leave. I think Romania was used to taking care of the main coaches but you have to take care of them at the club levels.” When asked about the demise of the program, “I saw it coming and I think (the federation and coaches) saw it coming, too,” she says. “They didn’t have a lot of gymnasts and a lot of them were injured. And they were hurt because they didn’t train the right way. When you don’t have a lot of kids and you don’t take care of them and instead, push and push them, it’s going to happen. It’s sad, but in way, it had to happen.”
Collection from Daniela Silivas
living “It wasn’t just because it was a great year for us for gymnastics, but the team was so close together. We worked so well together and with the coaches. I think everyone expects me to say the Olympics, but it was really the ’87 Worlds. That bond that we had… even before the competition people were saying we had a chance to win, to beat Russia. It was a miracle. It was so important for us to have that.” Daniela was born in Deva and started gymnastics at the age of 6. Her first World Championships was Montreal in 1985. In 1991, she settled in Atlanta, Georgia where she
I N S I D EGY M N A ST I C S . CO M
And perhaps now, a light is appearing at the end of the tunnel. At European Championships, veterans Catalina Ponor and Larisa Iordache competed and took home gold and bronze on beam, respectively. Daniela noted, “We can say we need to change things and it’s starting to. You need to make the right investment in the coaches. I know it’s easier for me to say because I’m here, but I understand how it works.”
[
inside gymnastics
]
JUNE 2017
41
H ERE TO
STAYUN D E R
COACH RAY U N I V E R S I T Y O F WA S H I N G TO N GY M N A S T I C S
Olympic bronze medalist and 2000 U.S. National all-around champion, first-year Washington Huskies Head Coach Elise Ray reflects on a historic season, reviews her team’s goals, and looks ahead to a bright future. As you reflect on this season, what are you most proud of? What surprised you the most? This year was an unbelievable year, we broke many records and did things that haven’t been done in decades. But what I’m most proud of is that every single person on our team was bought in and committed. That in itself, is a huge success. I’ve never experienced a team like that, whether I was on it, or coaching it. The goals we set for ourselves in the beginning of the season were difficult and I could tell in the team’s eyes when they saw those goals, they weren’t sure if they could do it. So to take each large goal, break it into smaller goals, attain the smaller goal, then watch the reaction of the girls when they actually reached the larger goal, was incredibly fulfilling. I’m most proud that this team had a breakthrough year, not in what we “did” but by what they now know they’re capable of. I really think that belief will be a huge ... thanks to NCAA catalyst for us. Gymnastics, thanks to Michigan, I had four amazing Talk about how you and your team were feeling once years of gymnastics after you knew you were going to Nationals. that experience and it The feeling of making Nationals was incredible! I was completely healed me, made overwhelmed with happiness for the team because it was living proof that hard work and commitment me fall in love with the sport to something pays off. I don’t think a lot of our team again… - Coach Ray has experienced something like that before, so I kept thinking that it really signified a beginning. Our Senior class is one of the most incredible groups I’ve ever worked with, so for it to be their last year, and for us to make it for the first time in 19 years, was so emotional and so joyous. Going back to the first day you walked into the gym at UW, did it feel like home? I would have never guessed I would be where I am, doing what I’m doing if you asked me 10 years ago. I’m a huge believer in following life’s signs and listening to your gut even when you’re not sure why it’s saying what it’s saying. My path to UW was very unexpected and full of a lot of questions, but there’s no doubt I’m exactly where I should be. I never even thought I would coach! But the longer I’m in this profession, the more passionate I am towards the young women I’m able to mentor, and it’s abundantly clear that’s why I was led to UW. What is the feeling among the returning athletes now? We imagine they can’t wait to start working towards next year! We watched Super Six as a team in St. Louis and the team was so fired up; they wanted to keep training and keep competing. It was amazing to see the fire in their eyes. Now, summer has hit and it’s my job to remind them daily of that feeling! Because we are a team that still has to upgrade and learn new skills to stay competitive, summers are very important. So, we keep next year’s goals in the forefront of our mind. The energy in the gym lately has been awesome.
BOUNCING to BROADWAY!
Former trampolinist Harvey Donnelly shares his journey from the south of England to the bright lights of Broadway… By Chris Korotky
“I’ve often referred to being in the circus world as what I would imagine it feels like to live in the X-men mansion,” Harvey Donnelly tells us in his distinguished British accent, aptly referencing the fictional comic book heroes who are blessed with superhuman abilities. “You spend years being the kid who can flip higher, faster or longer than the others. To now be surrounded by some of the most talented acrobats in the world is nothing short of humbling.”
Six years into his time as an artist with Cirque du Soleil™, Donnelly is living the dream that he first imagined as a seven-year-old kid. “My mum took me to London when I was seven to watch my first Cirque Du Soleil™ show,” he remembers with a smile. “I watched these guys fly through the air with such confidence and land with such precision. I left thinking, ‘How do you become the guy that flies through the air at the circus, how does that ever become your job? I was so inspired.’” Growing up in the south of England, Donnelly started out as an artistic gymnast before transitioning to trampoline. “My favorite part of the (artistic training) session was always the last 15 minutes when I’d get the chance to play on a trampoline - seeing who could do the most somersaults or the most twists, it was like a game and I was addicted to it,” he remembers. Now 25, Donnelly has been a part of a Vegas resident show, a touring show and most recently, was a featured acrobat in Cirque’s Broadway production Paramour®, which just ended its spectacular run. Inside Gymnastics visited one of the final weeks of performances of the show where we caught up with Donnelly, who treated us to a backstage tour of the famed Lyric Theatre. Here, Donnelly shares more of his inspiring story…