USA Gymnastics Magazine - Winter 2017

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USA Gymnastics 132 Washington St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 U.S.A. $3.95 • CANADA $5.95 WINTER 2017 • VOLUME 47, #1

VALERI LIUKIN SET TO TAKE THE REINS OF U.S. WOMEN’S PROGRAM ...AND MORE!

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WINTER 2017

USA GYMNASTICS Publisher Steve Penny

Editor Scott Bregman Graphic Designer Jeannie Shaw

USA GYMNASTICS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Paul Parilla Vice-Chair/ Secretary: Gary Anderson Treasurer: Jim Morris National Membership – Women: Tom Koll National Membership – Women: Kelli Hill National Membership – Men: Yoichi Tomita National Membership – Men: Tom Meadows National Membership – Rhythmic: Brooke Bushnell-Toohey National Membership – Trampoline & Tumbling: Peter Dodd National Membership – Acrobatic Gymnastics: Dr. Jay Binder Advisory Council: Mike Burns Advisory Council: Casey Koenig

FEATURES SET TO TAKE THE REINS OF 10 LIUKIN U.S. WOMEN’S PROGRAM WINS 10 MEDALS 14 U.S. IN POLAND 24TH TOPS ANATIONAL CAMP 18 CONCLUDES KELLOGG’S TOUR WRAPS, 20 ASOLYMPIANS REFLECT AND LOOK AHEAD CENTER POSTERS KELLOGG‘S TOUR WINS BRONZE 36 OYAMA IN BARCELONA PETROSYAN, KANE, 40 SHYBITOV, BLIXT WIN 2016 FUTURE STARS ALL-AROUND TITLES

Advisory Council: Rome Milan Athlete Director – Women: Alicia Quinn

DEPARTMENTS

Athlete Director – Men: David Durante Athlete Director – Rhythmic: Ava Gehringer Athlete Director – Trampoline & Tumbling: Austin White Athlete Director – Acrobatic Gymnastics: Dylan Maurer Public Sector: David Benck Public Sector: Bitsy Kelley Public Sector: Jim Morris Public Sector: Mary Lou Retton CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: In order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of magazine, notice of change of address should be made eight weeks in advance. For fastest service, please enclose your

EVENTS SCHEDULE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

GYM UPDATE — 2016 NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY IS A GREAT SUCCESS

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present mailing label. Direct all subscription mail to USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Ste. 700, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Unless expressly identified to the contrary, all attributed solely to the author and USA Gymnastics expresses no opinion and assumes no responsibility thereof.

On the cover: Photos by John Cheng

4 USA 4 USA GYMNASTICS GYMNASTICS | WINTER | WINTER 2017 2017

PHOTO BY JOHN CHENG

articles, statements and views printed herein are

USA GYMNASTICS is published quarterly for $19.95 per year in the U.S., $32 per year in Canada or Mexico, and $45 per year in all other countries. USA GYMNASTICS is published by USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 237–5050, www.usagym.org. USA Gymnastics is the sole national governing body for the sport of gymnastics. A not-for-profit organization, USA Gymnastics selects, trains and administers the U.S. Gymnastics Team, including the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team. Contributions and support are always welcome and are tax-deductible. ©2017 USA Gymnastics. All rights reserved. Printed by Sport Graphics, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA.

EVENTS SCHEDULE

2017 JANUARY

7 1 0 2

6 – 8

Atlanta Crown Invitational (W)

6 – 8

Twistars Invitational (W)

13 – 15 Brestyan‘s Invitational (W) 13 – 15 Lady Luck Invitational (W)

13 – 15 CGA Coaches‘ Spectacular (W)

13 – 15 Legacy Elite Winter Classic (W) 13 – 15 Star Struck Invitational (W)

13 – 15 Tampa Bay Turners Invitational (W) 20 – 22 Sand Dollar Invitational (W)

FEBRUARY

20 – 22 Kim Zmeskal‘s Texas Prime Meet (W) 27 – 29 Fiesta Bowl Invitational (W)

Atlanta, GA

3 – 5

Arizona Sunrays Classic Rock Invitational (W) Phoenix, AZ

Dimondale, MI

3 – 5

Buckeye Classic (W)

Columbus OH

Medford, MA

3 – 5

Chow‘s Challenge (W)

Galveston, TX

Las Vegas, NV

3 – 5

Pikes Peak Cup (W)

CO Springs, CO

Cincinnati, OH

3 – 5

Classic Spectacular (W)

Minneapolis, MN

10 – 12 Gliders Invitational (W)

Ontario, CA

10 – 12 Chicago Style (W)

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

Atlantic City, NJ

Bradenton, FL Orlando, FL

Irving, TX

10 – 12 Greensboro Gymnastics Invitational (W)

Greensboro, NC

17 – 19 Charity Choice Invitational (W)

Tacoma, WA

17 – 19 Magical Classic (W)

Orlando, FL

Chandler, AZ

17 – 19 Excalibur Cup (W)

VA Beach, VA

27 – 29 Circle of Stars Gymnastics Invitational (W) Indianapolis, IN

17 – 19 WOGA Classic (W)

Frisco, TX

27 – 29 Metroplex Challenge (W)

17 – 20 Presidential Classic (W)

Fort Worth, TX

W = Women, R = Rhythmic, TR = Trampoline, M = Men, GFA = Gymnastics for All, TU = Tumbling, AG = Acrobatic Gymnastics, B = Business, TT = Trampoline/Tumbling NOTE: Dates and events are subject to change or cancellation.

Orlando, FL

USA GYMNASTICS | WINTER 2017

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P RE S I D EN T M E S S A G E M E S S A G E M E S S A G E

FROM THE

Greetings and Happy New Year!

2016 was an amazing year for USA Gymnastics. We had a historic showing at the Olympic Games in Rio where Team USA won 12 medals, including four golds. It was the culmination of a quadriennium where the U.S. women and Simone Biles dominated world competition, taking 32 World and Olympic medals (19 of those belong to Simone).

After Team USA returned from Rio, we embarked on the 36-city Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, where America’s Team performed for hundreds of thousands of fans. We would like to thank our partners who made the incredible Tour possible – Kellogg’s, AEG, P&G, Hershey’s, GK Elite, AAI, Chobani, International Gymnastics Camp and Hilton.

The Rio Games also marked the end of an era when longtime Women’s National Team Coordinator Martha Karolyi retired. Her guidance of the U.S. women’s team is unparalleled, having led the USA to an unmatched 96 World and Olympic medals since 2001. We thank her for her many years of service to USA Gymnastics.

The new quad is always an exciting time for USA Gymnastics – four years ago, we saw Simone Biles emerge as a dominant force on the world stage and watched as she never relinquished her spot atop the podium. As we begin the road to Tokyo, we are excited to have 1988 Olympic gold medalist Valeri Liukin leading the women’s program as national team coordinator. I have every confidence in his ability to continue the success we’ve seen in recent years and assist new stars to emerge for Team USA. We hope to see you at our premier events in 2017, which begin with the American Cup at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on March 4. Once again, the event will be held in conjunction with the Nastia Liukin Cup and the Men’s Elite Team Cup. If you can’t join us, make sure to follow coverage online at ATTAmericanCup.com, on social media and on NBC Sports!

The beginning of the New Year also means that many of our Junior Olympic athletes are heading into the heart of their competitive season. I want to wish all of our athletes, coaches and parents the best of luck as they compete in the greatest sport in the world.

See you in the gym,

Steve Penny President & CEO USA Gymnastics

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INSIDE THE MAGAZINE’S MISSION STATEMENT

USA Gymnastics, a quarterly magazine, is a benefit of membership from USA Gymnastics. The mission of USA Gymnastics magazine is to communicate with gymnasts, parents, coaches, judges, volunteers, clubs and fans of the sport in order to promote the programs, people, events and services of USA Gymnastics.

VISION

The vision of USA Gymnastics is to inspire and enable our members to achieve excellence in the sport of gymnastics and in life.

THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION

The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics.

CORE OBJECTIVES

n Build the base n Promote the sport n Achieve competitive success USA GYMNASTICS SPONSORS AND SUPPLIERS

FEATURE ARTICLE PHOTOS BY FIG MEDIA

LIUKIN SET TO TAKE THE REINS OF U.S. WOMEN’S PROGRAM

BY NICK MCCARVEL

Valeri Liukin is a two-time Olympic cham-

“I don’t know if I can say it’s a dream

led the team to an unprecedented period

pion himself, a father to another and one

come true, but it feels like one,” he said of greatness over the last 15 years with 96

of the most highly regarded coaches in

in a phone interview. “I don’t know how to

all of gymnastics. But when he found out

describe it.”

World and Olympic medals.

“We are at the highest level there is,”

The word that has described the U.S.

said Liukin. “It’s not going to be easy —

new women’s national team coordina- women’s program over the last detor, he still — despite his many and var- cade-plus has been “golden,” and its

it shouldn’t be — but I have been a part

that he was to become USA Gymnastics’

of this team for many years in one way or

ied accomplishments in the sport — ever-present leader, Martha Karolyi, another. I have been at The Ranch since struggled to find the words to express stepped away from her position after the 1999 and have coached several generahis excitement.

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Rio Olympics last month to retire, having

tions of national team members. I know

the drill. I grew up in that system as a gymnast, and I’ve raised my athletes in that same system, too.”

It’s a system that brought the U.S. nine medals in women’s gymnastics — four of them gold — at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in August, and one that Liukin plans to work himself into as its leader. For the last three years, he has been the elite developmental coordinator, helping recognize and foster talent at the younger levels.

Having started WOGA — a Dallas-area chain of world-class gymnastics facilities — in 1994, Liukin served as a national team coach from 1998 to 2011. He will continue in his role as developmental coordinator, as well.

“One of the greatest assets that Valeri brings to the table is his work ethic and his passion,” said Rhonda Faehn, USA Gymnastics senior vice president of women’s program. “He has the credentials of a gymnast himself, as a coach and a gym owner, but in terms of his work ethic and his passion, I was able to get a great view of that stepping away from his personal accomplishments and seeing what he has done in his role of developmental coordinator.”

The role that many — most — gymnastics fans know Liukin from is that of father and coach to 2008 Olympic champion Nastia Liukin.

WOGA also helped produce 2004 Olympic champ Carly Patterson, as well as 2016 team gold medalist and uneven bars silver medalist Madison Kocian. In addition to Nastia, Valeri personally coached World medalists Rebecca Bross and Ivana Hong.

“I’ve never been more proud to be his daughter,” said Nastia.

“He’s always been my father, but he’s also been a role model and inspiration for me, so to see him achieve something that he has wanted to do for so long, to see him lead the U.S. team, that makes me very proud of him.”

Valeri oversaw his first national team camp at the Karolyi Ranch in Texas in late September. While Nastia said that many of the athletes will have to get used to seeing a new face in charge at camp, Valeri said it

will be business as usual as the 2020 quad a lot of new people. That’s what makes it exciting and fun.” officially kicks off.

Nastia said what is most similar about “There is no point in changing someher father and Martha is their want — thing that isn’t broken,” he said of the protheir need — for perfection in their athgram that Karolyi has run over the last 15 years. “There is nothing new for me. I be- letes. It’s a good quality for any gymnastics coach. lieve in it.”

“I think him being a perfectionist is As a gymnast for the Soviet Union in the something that will help lead the team to 1980s and early 90s, Liukin won four medsuccess,” she said. “It doesn’t come with als — two golds and two silvers — at the giving up. Something that really helped 1988 Seoul Olympics, and has a high bar me was that he had been in my shoes — in skill named after him. He is a two-time inall of our shoes as an Olympian. He wantternational coach of the year and has been ed me to come away with a gold medal. He inducted into both the international and is going to pass that along to the next genU.S. gymnastics halls of fame. eration. Whether it’s your personal coach “Valeri has excelled as a personal or the team coach, you want them to becoach, and he has demonstrated his abil- lieve that you can be the greatest. He defiity to lead and guide other coaches through his efforts as the elite developmental coordinator,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “He will provide a smooth transition from the program that has been created.”

Valeri said he plans to have regular chats with the Karolyis, who live on the property where The

nitely has huge shoes to fill.

Martha has been so successful the last few quads.”

Faehn believes Valeri is up to that test, however.

“The coaches and athletes had a tremendous amount of respect for Martha, and I feel as though Valeri commands that same respect,” she said. “He Ranch — the national training center for knows what it takes. He knows the kind of the women’s program — is set, as he setwork and desire that is required to achieve tles into his new position and beyond. these results.”

He said he will set a goal as golden as Liukin will draw on his differing layers the one that Martha Karolyi accomplished of experience — as a decorated Olympian, quad after quad after quad. coach of an Olympic champion, develop“We are basically going to have a brand mental coordinator, gym owner and father. new national team,” Valeri said. “I have “It’s not just about being a good coach, kids that are going to come to camp that I it’s about being a good manager,” he said. have been working with already. There are “I think we’re ready.”

USA GYMNASTICS | WINTER 2017

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GYM UPDATE

2016 NATIONAL GYMNASTICS DAY IS A GREAT SUCCESS

O

n Sept. 17, 2016, Gymnasts and gym clubs from the United States and nine other countries celebrated USA Gymnastics’

annual National Gymnastics Day. In addition to the day-long festivities at gym clubs, gymnasts and fans alike documented their involvement by posting photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the social media 12

USA GYMNASTICS | WINTER 2017

campaign “Show Off Your Skills Challenge.” The three contest winners earned tickets to the 2016 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions.

Since its inception in 1999, National Gymnastics Day has evolved into a celebration and promotion of gymnastics that includes local outreach, social media activation and charitable activities. 78 different USA Gymnastics member clubs received

grants from the National Gymnastics Foundation and the Nastia Liukin Fund to host special National Gymnastics Day events promoting fitness and gymnastics, as well as providing opportunities for children who do not have access to gymnastics.

For more information on “Show Off Your Skills Challenge,” and/ or National Gymnastics Day go to gymnasticsday.com

EVENT RESULTS

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U.S. WINS 10 MEDALS IN POLAND

U.S. athletes won 10 medals (five gold, three silver and two bronze) at the 2016 Poland World Cup and International Acro Cup in Rzeszow, Poland. Maren Merwarth and Jessica Renteria both of San Antonio, Texas/Acrobatic Gymnastics of San Antonio, clinched the women’s pair title at the Poland World Cup competition. Team USA also won four gold medals at the International Acro Cup: senior mixed pair — Aisley Boynton and Maxim Sedochenkoff, both of Riverside, Calif./Realis Gymnastics Academy; senior women‘s group — Emma Bentov-Lagman of Annapolis, Md., Cristin Connerney of Annapolis and Lilianna Dyer of Arnold, Md./1st Class Gymnastics; junior women’s pair — Samantha Conway and Lally Seither, both of New Orleans, La./Crescent City Gymnastics; and 11– 16 women’s pair — Nicole Powell of Bethesda, Md., and Taylor Royes-Fletcher of Potomac, Md., both of Xtreme Acro.

In the senior women’s pair final at the Poland World Cup, Merwarth and Renteria scored a 27.190, giving them first place and the gold medal.

when Bentov-Lagman, Connerney, and Dyer scored 26.580 to clinch the title. Conway and Seither added a gold medal, taking first in the junior women’s pair final at 27.500, and Powell and Royes-Fletcher earned the 11–16 women’s pair crown with a score of 27.250.

Additional medalists from the International Acro Cup are listed below.

• Elanor Chang of Columbia, Md., Calista Davis of Ijamsville, Md., and Madison Freed of Mt. Airy, Md., all of Emilia’s Acro Gymnastics and Cheer, women‘s group — junior, 27.300, second place • Jarrett Darrah and Emma Fitzgerald, both of Pla-

cerville, Calif./Nor Cal Acro, mixed pair — junior, 27.300, second place • Aidan Merwarth and Devon Merwarth, both of San Antonio, Texas/Acrobatic Gymnastics of San Antonio, mixed pair — 11–16, 27.550, second place • Hannah Alonzo of San Antonio, Texas, and Jor-

Boynton and Sedochenkoff posted a 27.430 for first place in the senior mixed pair final at the International Acro Cup. The Americans picked up another gold medal in the senior women’s group final

dan Liberto of Boerne, Texas, both of Boerne Gymnastics

Center,

women’s pair — 11–16, 26.750, third place • Isabel

Chang

and

Cade Shields, both of Columbia

Md./Emil-

ia’s Acro Gymnastics, mixed pair — 11–16, 27.000, third place

2016 Acrobatic Poland delegation.

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EVENT RESULTS

24 TOPS A TH

NATIONAL CAMP CONCLUDES

HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Dec. 14, 2016 —

F

or this year’s TOPS A National Team camp that wrapped up on Dec. 9, 55 athletes and their coaches traveled to the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch, a U.S. Olympic Training Site. The gymnasts earned a spot on the TOPs A National Team based on placement in the TOPs National Testing last October.

The camp started with TOPs national physical abilities testing. The gymnasts who placed in the top three in testing are: Madison Katz of Ace Gymnastics of New Jersey; Dereka Sikes of Salcianu Elite; and Lydia Rak of San Mateo.

National Team Coordinator Valeri Liukin, two-time 1988 Olympic gold medalist, led the

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camp and was joined by members of the National Coaching Staff to train the athletes and educate their coaches in basic skills, compulsory elite routines and optional skill progressions. Coaches’ lectures were held after every training session.

All of the gymnasts received TOPs National Team apparel, which included an exclusively designed leotard and warm-ups provided by GK Elite. GK Elite has sponsored the TOPs Program for many years.

Forty-four gymnasts from the TOPs National Testing and TOPs A National Team Camp received invitations to the January Developmental Invite Camp.

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EVENT RESULTS

AS KELLOGG’S TOUR WRAPS, OLYMPIANS REFLECT AND LOOK W AHEAD

BY NICK MCCARVEL hile Simone Biles and some of her fellow Olympic teammates are unsure of what comes next for them at the conclusion of the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, there is one thing they are certain they’ll miss: The family they’ve created as they’ve crisscrossed the country over the last two-and-a-half months.

“The best part to me has been traveling to all the different cities and states —

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it’s like being on a road trip with a group of your best friends,” Biles told USA Gymnastics.

“When we are together, we’re like a big family,” added Laurie Hernandez.

Since late September, that gymnastics family has performed some 38 shows in 36 different cities. Hundreds of thousands fans have seen them live, a good number of those fans being young, aspiring gymnasts themselves, all getting the chance to see their Olympic heroes up close.

“When we were in Rio and competing, we didn’t actually see how many people were watching and supporting us,” said Aly

Raisman. “To see it in person, it’s been really cool.

It puts everything in perspective and makes me appreciate all of the cool stuff we’ve gotten to do.”

Performing on the road is something all of the gymnasts have enjoyed, a welcomed change from the high-pressure situations they faced in the lead up to the Summer Games and then in Rio itself.

“There’s no pressure,” explained Sam Mikulak.

“You get an adrenaline rush every time, which we all love as performers. If you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. You get to joke about it latcontinued...

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EVENT RESULTS

er. Everyone has always been in such great spirits.”

But with the conclusion of the tour the real world is beckoning: What’s next for the best gymnasts in the U.S.?

“I don’t think tour is the time to think about what comes next,” said Biles, a smile spreading across her face.

“You have to embrace the moment.”

Biles has said she plans on a return to elite gymnastics for Tokyo 2020, however, as has Raisman. Though, for Aly, not before one of her famous naps — a long one.

“I definitely need a break, I’m exhausted right now,” said Raisman, who hopscotched the nation on the 22

USA GYMNASTICS | WINTER 2017

last week of tour for a variety of commitments. “I’ll probably do what I did four years ago: I’m not going to rush back to competition. I’m not going to come back if I can’t compete at the Olympics. That’s the one that everyone wants to be at.”

Raisman was joined by 2012 teammate Gabby Douglas on the comeback trail for this Olympics, but Douglas is unsure of her plans, saying she’s going to be “taking some time to decide” what to do next.

“I have a few things I want to do” in the meantime, Douglas explained.

“I‘m interested in pursuing some acting opportunities, and having the chance to volunteer for some causes

that are near to my heart.”

Douglas was touched by the many kids she met on tour, including one young girl in the Atlanta area that is part of the Make-A-Wish program.

Hernandez — like Biles — has a book due out, but first wanted to finish the season of “Dancing With the Stars” on a strong note, as well.

“I’ve loved having the chance to do both; it’s been an honor,” she said of participating in the TV show as well as tour. Then, she echoed Raisman: “I need a nap!”

There will be no nap for Biles, whose own book, “Courage to Soar,” came out Nov. 15. From the tour, she headed to New York, California and

her home state of Texas to promote it on a mini book tour. Hernandez’s book (“I Got This”) is due out this month.

What are the near-future plans for the rest of the touring Olympians? We found out: MADISON KOCIAN Kocian is fully settled in at UCLA for her freshman year of school and first season of college gymnastics, though tour stops in Los Angeles, Texas and Boston have had her doing some homework on back-and-forth flights. She will take next season off from elite gymnastics, then decide what’s next.

“I am having a lot of fun, especially with the great team that I’m on here,” she said from Los Angeles. “I’m going to focus on doing college gymnastics and just be a freshman. The plan right now is to compete all-around, which I’m really excited about. After the season, I’m going to see how my body is feeling and what is making me happy.”

SAM MIKULAK Mikulak is making plans to join Kocian in Southern California, though he’s not sure exactly where yet. “After tour I’m going to move back to Colorado Springs and train there, I would like to move back to California to train as soon as possible,” he said.

First Mikulak has to get his training situation settled, then he will make the move. “I want to be close to family and friends.”

He added: “I’ve spent so much of my life outside of California and gotten the chance to experience a lot of different cultures and I’ve learned a lot about myself, but I want to be in a place now where I am familiar, where I feel comfortable. I want to use that to my advantage in my training.

DANELL LEYVA Another soon-to-be Californian is Leyva, who is heading to Tinseltown with the same dream of many Americans: Making it as an actor. “I’m focusing on acting for some time, but

I’m not ruling out gymnastics just yet,” Leyva said. “I want to do all kind of acting — anything and everything. I would probably do TV at first and then if I can work my way into movies that would be great. The plan is to head there immediately after tour.”

ALEX NADDOUR Naddour said that the support on tour has been incredible to see in person: “We hear it and see it on social media, but it’s a different thing to have the crowd here to cheer for us and celebrate our accomplishments, he said.

He’s motivated to continue to train, though he will “play it by ear.” He said: “If I continue on — which I’m planning on as of right now — I’ll probably do three to four events maximum. I really want to push the younger generation. Sometimes all of the guys stop (in one generation) and the younger ones get a pass onto the national team. I’m going to continue on so I can push them and help grow the sport in the U.S.” continued on page 28...

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EVENT RESULTS

JAKE DALTON Dalton is on a mission — or missions, rather. “I’ll go back home to Oklahoma and start training to see how my body feels,” he said. “I also want to get into the fitness industry, create a lot of things with Brandon Wynn because we want to do a lot with fitness.” Dalton said his body needs a break, perhaps a little holiday indulgence over Thanksgiving and Christmas, then a week-long vacation in January. Then, however, he has his eye on 2017 Worlds. “Individual worlds is a goal if my body can hold up and I can push through,” he said. “I’m not thinking too far ahead, especially as I get older, I’m taking things year by year.”

CHRIS BROOKS Brooks continues the let’s-seehow-it-goes theme of the men’s team. “I’m going to go back to Colorado and take it one day at a time,” he said, saying he needs a check-in

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with his body, as well. “If I can make some adjustments to these new coaching changes and focus on parallel bars and high bar, then I want to chase that one more world medal at individual Worlds. It’s a goal. It’s not top priority because I know, realistically, I have to check in with my body and see where I am.”

JOHN OROZCO With his Olympic dreams dashed by an ACL tear in July, Orozco has been showered with support during his time on tour, saying he’s felt overwhelmed at times with fans checking in on the progress of his knee.

He would like to return to competition, though he doesn’t want to rush the decision.

“It’s a big question mark,” he said.

“I feel like I don’t want to end my career on a low note.”

“I want to see what happens when continued on page 30...

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EVENT RESULTS I get back to 100 percent healthy and see how I feel about competing then,” he said. “It’s easier to make a decision when I’m fully healthy.”

NICOLE AHSINGER Making the 2016 Rio Olympics was unexpected for trampolinist Ahsinger, but the experience has only made her want to do it all over again.

“I’m going to national team camp a few days after tour,” she said. “I have already decided that I’m going to go for 2020. I am still young and trampolinists don’t peak until their late 20s or 30.”

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LOGAN DOOLEY Fellow trampoline Olympian Dooley will also be at national team camp, though he’d is unsure of what his coaching set up will be after that. (He’s looking to make a change.) “It’s going to be very hard and very difficult, but hopefully I can keep up with everybody that is out there still playing the game hard,” he said. “First, though, I need a little downtime before I ramp up for another Olympic cycle.”

LAURA ZENG Zeng, who finished 11th in rhythmic gymnastics, would like to make another Olympics, as well. “I’ve already

gotten all my new routines, so what’s next is just continuing to practice and improve upon myself and keep going,” she said. “2020 is always a little bit in the back of my mind, but in order not to get caught up in everything, I have to focus on one season at a time. The Olympic cycle was one heck of a ride.

I think the next cycle will be much different. I think I achieved so much this time around that it’s going to be hard to continue on my same trajectory. I just have to work even harder.”

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FEATURE ARTICLE

OYAMA WINS BRONZE IN BARCELONA

K

anji Oyama of Huntington Beach, Calif./University of Oklahoma won the all-around bronze medal over the weekend at the 2016 Joaquim Blume Memorial competition in Barcelona, Spain.

Oyama posted a 85.350 to finish third in the all-around. His event

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scores were: 14.200, floor; 13.550, pommel horse; 14.400, still rings; 14.950, vault; 14.350, parallel bars; and 13.900, horizontal bar. Nikita Nagornyy of Russia claimed the gold medal at 88.900, and Spain’s Ruben Lopez captured the silver with his 85.950.

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EVENT RESULTS

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SHYBITOV, PETROSYAN, KANE, BLIXT

WIN 2016 FUTURE STARS

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ALL-AROUND TITLES

leksandr Shybitov of Lakeshore Academy, Vahe Petrosyan of Gymnastics Olympica USA, Sebastian Kane of Metropolitan Gymnastics, and Landen Blixt of Infinity Gymnastics won the 10-, 11-, 12-, and 13-year-old all-around titles, respectively, at the 2016 Future Stars National Championships at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Future Stars National Championships is held in conjunction with the National Coaches Workshop, the premier educational event for the men‘s program.

In the 10-year-old division, Shybitov won the all-around title with an 84.450. Cooper Kim of Twistars USA placed second with 82.10. Jelani Scott of Lakeshore Academy was third at 81.30.

Petrosyan claimed the 11-yearold all-around top spot by posting an 84.600. Kai Uemura of Lakeshore Academy scored an 83.000 for second, and Jack Barden of Lakeshore Academy was third with 80.800.

For the 12-year-old crown, Kane tallied an 81.750 for first, followed by RGA’s Kristian Grahovski (81.500) and Kennett School of Gymnastics’ David Shamah (81.300) in second and third, respectively.

Blixt garnered Future Stars allaround gold when he won the 13-yearold title with an 84.95 total. Denis Irimiea of Universal Gymnastics took second with 84.40. Rounding out the medals podium was Levon Chalikyan of Gymnastics Olympica USA (83.05).

The Future Stars National Championships showcase the USA‘s top 10-, continued on page 42...

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EVENT RESULTS

11-Y E A R-O R 10-Y E A

11-, 12- and 13-year-old male gymnasts who perform special Future Stars competitive routines. Based on the results at the championships, USA Gymnastics identifies the Junior National Developmental Team, which includes the top 16 gymnasts in both the 10- and 11-year-old divisions, 12 gymnasts in the 12-year-old division, and the top six gymnasts in the 13-yearold division. The top eight athletes in the 10- and 11-year-old divisions, the top six athletes in the 12-year-old division, and top three athletes in the 12-Y E A

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13-year-old division will be invited to a special Future Stars camp to be held at the USOTC next summer.

In addition to the competition, Future Stars athletes and their parents participate in workshop activities that feature lectures, technical presentations, and hands-on coaching sessions. Presenters include Junior National Coaching Staff members, National Team coaches, sports science personnel, U.S. Olympic Committee staff and special guests.

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The Future Stars program is designed is to identify talented athletes and to start them on the right developmental path to national and international success. The program uses a special competitive routine format to evaluate the skill, strength and flexibility development of the elite athlete.

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Red, White & Blue 4 U

GYMNASTIC LEOTARDS, TEAM LEOTARDS & ACCESSORIES SNOWFLAKEDESIGNS.COM

888.509.6234

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GYM UPDATE

ATTENTION

PARENTS AND ATHLETES!

STICKING SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY

BY BRITTANY PERNA, NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN

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oday’s generation doesn’t remember a time when “Let’s take a picture” meant “Let me grab my camera.” Smartphones allow users to post content online in seconds, meaning that kids are sharing more images of themselves than ever before. Parents aren’t off the hook here either; most children’s social media presence begins well before they ever touch a smartphone, with proud parents posting all about their little ones online. Check out these guidelines for prudent posting: • Know who can see what you’re sharing: Only add people you know in person to your social media lists. You can control who sees your posts on most platforms. Take the time to set your preferences in the privacy sections of your account settings, it’s a lot easier than you think!

• Understand Tagging: Depending on your settings, anyone can mention and tag you in any comment, video or image. Being tagged in a post often makes it visible to your friends and followers. Additionally, your location may be geo-tagged to content you post online, especially if you “check-in” or post on public WiFi networks.

• Don’t be afraid to report inappropriate behavior: If someone is making mean or threatening posts, persistently contacting you or circulating inappropriate images, this is harassment, and you have the right to report it to the app or website where it is happening. You can also report it to www.CyberTipline.org.

For more internet tips, visit www.NetSmartz.org and for more information on the prevention of sexual misconduct visit www.usagymparents.com/we-care/.

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POSITION AVAILABLE

GYMNASTICS DIRECTOR: Camp Danbee a premier summer camp for girls located in Western Massachusetts seeks coaches and athletes to serve as Director for a comprehensive gymnastics program for campers ages 7 – 15.

Beginner through advanced classes. “State of the Art” facility includes; spring floor, beams, tumble track, unevens, and vault. Comprehensive salary, room, board, and travel allowance.

Camper scholarship available for applicant with camp age children. Gymnastics instructors also needed. Program runs June 14 – August 11, 2017.

Contact Camp Danbee 800-392-3752 check us out at www.campdanbee.com and apply on-line.

You can e-mail a resume or with questions at mark@campdanbee.com.

FOR SALE

GK RISK-FREE PROGRAM: NOW offering FREE Shipping, plus all new styles, fabrics and colors to give your Pro Shop the largest assortment of the best fitting gymnastics apparel. In addition, GK now offers free scrunchies with each leotard, price coded merchandise and an online order form to make it even easier to sell GK in your Pro Shop.

There is nothing to lose, you only pay for what you sell. Sign up today! Call Risk Free Customer Service 1-800-345-4087 for more information.

Email: ProShopPros@gkelite.com.

EDUCATION

ARE YOU STRUGGLING AND FRUSTRATED BY A PERFORMANCE BLOCK? • Learn what causes blocks • How to work through and prevent them Has an injury resulted in fear, anxiety or nerves?

Looking for more confidence, more energy or greater focus?

Aspire Winning Edge specializes in working with gymnasts and uses the following techniques: • Performance Coaching • Sport Hypnosis • Mind Energy Agility Training • Brainspotting

Check out the website Aspirewinningedge.com for more information or call Jessica Crowley at 1-844-GET-AWE1 GYMCERT COACHES TRAINING PROGRAM: GymCert’s Training manuals, Safety Awareness Posters, article downloads & Online Certification for Recreational & Competitive Gymnastics Instructors Levels 1 through Level 6. GymCert offers Boys 1 & Girls Spanish Level 1. GymCert is a MUST for staff training; cuts lesson planning time significantly; use to coordinate class progressions & skill training methods; quick & easy reference guide including Lesson Planning Forms & Class Evaluation Forms. Available February; NEW UPDATED “Skills & Drills” for 2013–2020 Compulsory Routines! The GymCert manuals provide concise instruction, clear illustrations, & several coaching, spotting & safety tips. Group discounts! Order at www.gymcert.com or direct by calling 407-444-5669 EST. GYMNASTICS; YOUR BEST MEET EVER! (LATEST BOOK) Gymnastics; Your Best Meet Ever! was written to help Beginning & Intermediate level gymnasts focus on making each competition the BEST possible. Great book as a reference for all gymnasts.

Fears are a major cause of poor performance. If the gymnast is able to face each fear or worry & take specific action to minimize its effect on her performance, she will take a giant step toward winning in both gymnastics & life! Preparation is the base that supports the ability to adapt to new & changing competition scenarios! Find the Secrets to a Successful Competition! Author, Rita Brown; Two-Time Olympic Coach — Available @ www.amazon.com.

FUNDRAISING

PLUMRAISERS: RAISING DOLLARS FOR DREAMS EMAIL, PROMOTE, RAISE. Plum Practicewear puts the fun back into your fundraising needs.

Earn $5 for each product that is sold through your organization. Select your dates and email Plum Practicewear @ info@plumpracticewear. com to receive custom marketing materials

to promote your “Plumraiser”. Rebates are mailed within 7–10 business days following the completion of the promotion. Visit PlumPracticewear.com for more information!

NEED A FUNDRAISER? How about an 1800 thread count Sheet Fundraiser? Since everyone needs linen, this has been a very successful fundraiser. You’ll make large profits selling a great product at a fabulous price. Some Fundraiser success stories are: Jasper Middle School Band (Jasper, GA) raised $4000+, Rose’s Gymnastic Training Center (Greenville, NC) has raised over $15,000 and River Ridge Cheerleaders (Canton, GA) raised $9,450 in 3 weeks. Your customers will be impressed and coming back for more! Satisfaction guaranteed! NO start up costs! Get started today, email Mary @ marysmonogramming@gmail.com or call 770-893-8842.

PARENTS OF GYMNASTS RAISE YOUR DAUGHTER‘S GYMNASTICS SCORES & CONFIDENCE. Do you need help understanding what the gymnastics judge is looking for in your daughter‘s gymnastics routines? Visit www.JudgeGymnast.com. Here to help your child be successful by helping both you and her understand what the gymnastics judge is looking for and how the judge arrives at the score. JudgeGymnast.com will provide valuable feedback on you child‘s gymnastics routines so she can make adjustments to raise her score.

Why guess at what she needs to work on? Register for free at www.JudgeGymnast.com.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD RATES

1 –100 words = $100, 101 – 200 words = $200 Your ad in USA Gymnastics magazine will automatically be placed online for 30 days at no additional charge. The address is: www.usagym.org/classifieds/. Your 30 days will begin on the next regular posting date.

ISSUE Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-Jun Jul-Aug Sep-Oct Nov-Dec

DEADLINES

DEADLINE FOR AD & PAYMENT December 1 February 1 April 1 June 1 August 1 October 1

NOTE: If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the preceding work day is considered the deadline.

USA Gymnastics is received by more than 100,000 members plus thousands of viewers will be exposed to your ad online. Advertise your employment opportunity, product, service, or competition here for great results.

Email sbregman@usagym.org or call

317-829-5650

PAYMENT

ADS AND PAYMENT ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY OR OVER THE PHONE. Ads submitted without payment will not be published. USA Gymnastics reserves the right to vary format.

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