Gymcastic: The Gymnastics Podcast

In the News This week we are so happy to have Canadian, coach, brevet judge (inactive) and the most interesting gymnastics man in the world, Coach Rick Skype-ing in from Brazil with  Jessica, and Uncle Tim to chat about: The men's competition at the Rio Test Event including Germany, Ukraine and Coach Rick's homeland, Canada. Reports after the test event said there were serious safety issues, what does Coach Rick think Rio needs to do to prepare (11:50).  Cultural bias, American expectations and safety in developing countries; Podrão, Rio bridge collapse, the 1997 Maccabiah Games bridge collapsed and subsequent convictions.  Listener Nicholas suggests bringing limited compulsories back as part of the team score to balance out the big D's.  Gymternet News Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include (27:00): USA Gymnastics's docu-series Made in America review and preview of next week's episode. Who was invited but didn't give an interview Trinidad & Tobago update fo

Flávia Saraiva of Brazil (left, photo by FIG) and Nina McGee University of Denver (right, photo byChristy Linder) In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Recap of the Olympic Test Event in Rio; the final Olympic qualifier! (2:00) Trinidad and Tobago team drama once again. Thema Williams was pulled at the last minute and replaced by Marissa Dick, but this time Thema's coach, John Geddart, may be to blame.  Read his leaked emails here. (34:15) What does Rio need to fix before the gymnasts arrive for the Olympics in August; the list is long. (50:03) 2016 NCAA Gymnastics Championships recap (1:05:00) Men's NCAA Championships highlights (1:44:45) Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet include: Penn State has zero gymnasts in its senior class. We discuss The Daily Collegian's expose alleging abuse by coaches Jeff and Rachelle Thompson.  (1:58:00) Louis Smith apologizes for complaining about scoring.  Russia says the women's team stopped taki

In Part Two of this week's episode, UCLA head coach, Miss Val, wanted to clear the air about the do-overs. She talks to Uncle Tim about: The do-overs:  Why did Sonya Meraz get to restart both her beam and floor routine? What went on behind the scenes when Katelyn Ohashi got a beam do-over after her terrifying crash? Her side of the  Sabrina Schwab ending up at Utah.  The need for a recruiting calendar with blackout dates, and how schools with smaller budgets get screwed in recruiting. Coaching through grief and trauma: how Sadiqua Bynum made it from a walk-on through multiple achillies repairs and the death of her brother in her sophomore year to a senior scholarship athlete who was consistently ranked in the top 10 on floor this year.  In Part Two (19:20) our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet beings: USA Gymnastics reveals it's own documentary series, Made in America Maggie Nichols injured her mensicus on an Amanar and required surgery. The next FIG president might

In Part One of this weeks' show Jessica, Uncle Tim, Katie Foster and Nico chat about: Russian National Championships recap with a Russian speaker (Thanks, Nico!):  Angelina Melnikova is the new Russian champ but could Maria Kharenkova or Seda Tutkhalyan take the last spot on the Russian Olympic team?  Aliya Mustafina's return to competition  Why you are going to fall in love with Varvara Zubova even harder after this beam routine.  Pac Rim Championships (26:17): Why the USA Gymnastics live stream with hosts, Evan Heiter, Sam Peszek and Jonathan Horton was one billion times better than the NBC Live Extra broadcast, and why the producers of Live Extra should be forced to do push-ups while Nastia Liukin stands on them in her Louboutins.  What we thought of Simone's new floor routine and our concerns over the lyrics Which US team members improved their chances for their place on the Olympic team.  What the Australian team's performance here says about their chances at the Test Event.  Why Eddie Penev stole

 In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer from the Balance Beam Situation, and Jessica chat about: How to watch Pacific Rim Championships from anywhere in the world (3:45) NCAA Regionals (8:15) The heartbreak the terror, the need for warning labels and a recap from every regional Our favorite individuals going to NCAAs and superstars who didn't make it War on the Floor - Lindsay Mable vs. Nina McGee in Minnesota Why the regional format SUCKS and needs to be changed immediately  Doha World Cup (1:08:00) Catalina Ponor wins gold on BB Bai Yawen competed on a  futuristic beam that certainly was the cause of her almost fall Women's and LGBT human rights issues in Quatar How are the Romanian women looking heading into the Test Event Manrique Larduet of Cuba  Cottbus (1:15:24) Lisa Top proves the Dutch can do more than spin  Is Oksana Chusovitina changing her strategy to qualify for Rio Dominick Cunningham (GBR) insane new floor pass.  Oleg Verniaiev update  Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from arou

Above - World Champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, and two time NCAA Champion, Officer Terin Humphrey. This week in meet news: Larisa Iordache pulls out both fulls on beam at Elite Gym Massilia but first year British senior Claudia Fragapane stole the show, yet another World Champion for the US, as Brandon Krzynefski wins in tumbling, NCAA signing day excitement happened here, while Catalina Ponor was adorable with her boyfriend for the Gala de Estrellas de Gimnasia series in Mexico. Around the Gymternet we chat about:  Al Trautwig going semi-postal on a Tweeter; Jessica tells her leotard injury story; gymnastics' answer to Batkid, Faith Falzon who's wish to  compete in a gymnastics meet came true; video of Simone Biles double double off beam, Aly Raisman training and Jordyn Weiber's new release and a scary new study about a possible carcinogens in pits. Our lovely guest this week is Terin "I'm a very honest person" Humphrey. Oh, is she ever! She told us about conditions at The Ranch back in the day,

This week Olympic medalist, World Champion and NCAA Champion, Sam Peszek, along with Evan Heiter, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: NCAA Conference Championships: Pac-12 Championships: what went wrong for Utah, why people are freaking about UCLA's insane beam team and Arizona State's emotional Olympic meet. What's it's like for Sam to be on the other side of the camera as an analyst (19:50) Elizabeth Price (Ebee) and the vault The sad truth about first-up sacrificial lamb of college gymnastics rotations. Sam responds to our in-depth discussion in episode 185 about whether or not Sophia de Jesus could do her college choreography in elite. (22:00) Gym Myth Busters: do judges really score higher later in the day. (37:00) SEC Championships (40:35): Florida won, but could Alabama or LSU take them out at NCAAs?  How did the end of the meet get conspiracy theorists buzzing; and what really happened? (42:50) Who was the overshadowed star of the first session/ had best meet of her life?  Spoiler aler

We are trying something new this week. The show has been broken into three parts for your enjoyment; Netflix binge style. Listen to all the three parts sequentially or pick the subject you want to start with first. Tell us what you think of this experiment.  In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Spanny, and Jessica chat about: Part Three of three episode 190 podcasts: NCAA: Oklahoma of the West Coast: Cal Berkeley, the little brainiac school that could.  Why Stanford, the best team on paper, could end up out of the NCAA Championships (3:00) Sonya Meraz (UCLA) was allowed to repeat her beam routine after a fall when the judge reviewed video and saw a camera light during the crash. Do the rules really allow for this? (19:45) Pac12 Network worker walks onto the vault runway during warmups. Jessica loses her mind, demands punishment and firing.  Is a gift of a 10 for a career where many 10s were not given ok? Gymternet News (31:00) Test Event horror (33:30): Can Romania make it to the Olympics with star,

 We are trying something new this week. The show has been broken into three parts for your enjoyment; Netflix binge style. Listen to all the three parts sequentially or pick the subject you want to start with first. Tell us what you think of this experiment.   In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Spanny, and Jessica chat about: Part Two of Three podcasts: McKayla Maroney's coaches, Artur and Galina, responded to her interview with us. See the photos they sent with their response here. Gymnix (5:00): Mini-World Championships level gymnastics; better than junior Euros; hands-down the best Gymnix ever. Varvara Zubova (RUS): Her form isn't perfect yet, but the 1970's Soviet-esque pixie sent to the future with junior Komova-ish difficulty and Eythora fluidity turned heads. Watch her beam here.  Onysko leading Canada and the Belgian seniors team win Contest Alert!  What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10 How

We are trying something new this week. The show has been broken into three parts for your enjoyment; Netflix binge style. Listen to all the three parts sequentially or pick the subject you want to start with first. Tell us what you think of this experiment.    In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Spanny, and Jessica chat about: Part One of Three podcasts today: How to hold a gym nerd's mock press conference. The Glasgow World Cup recap (7:00) MyKayla Skinner's new floor routine. Ellie Seitz's new Latin-flavored floor. If the British can up their medal haul from London based on their performances here. What: The GymCastic Mock Press Conference Contest Prize: Two all-session passes to the 2016 Pac Rim Championships in Everett, WA April 8-10 How: Hold a mock press conference as if you have won the contest. Record yourself (or friend, pet, stuffed animal etc.) answering any question as if you have won. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #PacRimPC  (PC as in press conference). One entry per day. Watch

  In the news, NCAA Champion and former US men's national team member, Stacey Ervin joins Uncle Tim, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Why the American Cup and NBC's coverage of it, sucks so hard (1:07:45). Our favorite routines or moments from the American Cup and Nastia Cup: Carlotta Ferlito floor performance and elegance.  This genius routine from Helen Hu The best vault of the weekend from Rachael Lukcas Tabea Alt's (GER) bad ass side aerial loso loso beam routine glory. Tisha Vollman's (NED) pandering but extremely well done ode to Brazil floor choreography.  Gabby Douglas won her second but first official win at the American Cup, her wisdom despite Marta questioning her preparation, Jess's concerns about her vault technique. Instructions for the national anthem : what not to do. (21:00) Maggie Nichols New beam routine and it's many many wolf turns.  (40:00) Can Maggie's increased difficulty beat Gabby or will Gabby throw everything at the last minute before Rio. How the hell was Carlotta Ferlitio'

Kyla Ross by Christy Linder Dr. Caroline Just (00:01:15) She studied psychology and neuroscience in university, and then went to medical school at McMaster University. She is currently in the middle of her training as a neurology resident physician in London, Ontario, Canada. She has an interest in preventative medicine and public health awareness. She talked to us about concussions in gymnastics: Euphemisms for concussions from "rocked," "shaken up," "bell rung," "loopy" to "seeing stars." Second Impact Syndrome Blain Wilson's 2004 Olympic fall and all of the euphemisms that were used to describe his traumatic brain injury. Best Practices for for coaches, parents and teammates: ANY head injury during practice or a meet should be investigated with a concussion checklist, because if you keep going without it, the second concussion could make things much worse.  Print out a checklist and put it on the wall of the gym or download the Heads Up App Take Tylenol not aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naproxen o

Olympic gold medalist, Amanda Borden   The smiliest gymnastics queen in all the land visited Uncle Tim this week. On the 20th anniversary of her Olympic gold, the commentator, gym owner, coach and member of the Magnificent Seven, Amanda Borden, chatted about (01:15:10): Why that forward shoulder roll in 1992 compulsory beam routine was so hard Whether or not horrific fall replays should be shown on TV Committing to the University of Georgia; going pro and never leaving home for training Her thoughts on the gymnastics fans theory that Mary Lee Tracey has an injury curse If  NCAA coaches should ditch the ties and heels and rock a warmup suit like elite coaches Being one of Mary Lee Tracy’s first stars and learning to navigate that elite world together The significance of female head coaches winning the first team Olympic gold medal  Jessica, Spanny and Lauren have your weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet: Uncle Tim's major news (forgive us this indulgence, we are really exci

                                                              AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE Our first ever commissioned podcast! Club Gym Nerd member, Red, ordered a recap of the 2008 women's Olympic all-around finals with "fairytale expectations as if we didn't know what happened to the competitors." We talk about the medal contenders, the fan favorites, sideline shenanigans, judging flubs, standout skills and routines, with routine play by plays. From Anna Pavlova, Stelliana Nistor, Chusovitina, Jiang Yuyuan, Kesenia Semenova, Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Yang Yinlin; we cover all the juicy details and include leotard fashion reports. Spencer, Uncle Tim and Jessica take you through every last drop.    Club Gym Nerd members support the show and in return are automatically entered to win 6 awesomely gym nerdy prizes per year. This month, one lucky member will win the exclusive, sold-out, Cloud & Victory Commission your own podcast here.  Join Club Gym Nerd here. Or buy one of our awes

  In the gymternet news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, Spanny Tampson and Jessica chat about: The Bronze trailer got even raunchier and we can't wait for this movie to come out! Mustafina's bad joke: a photo of her holding a gun to her head Liang Chow posting photo of himself and his gymnasts holding Jeb Bush signs American Cup roster updates and why Jesolo is becoming the greatest meet ever.  Our sadness of the lack of camp news. Lauren's profile on 26 year-old Armenian-American, Houry Gebeshian who could be the first female gymnast ever in the Olympics for Armenia. (30:00)What kind of themed gymnastics video what Mr Moceanu (Dr. Mike Canales) should do for his 40th birthday with his wife, Dominique Moceanu. What gymnastics spin is greater than the Temple women's team who turned getting stuck in a blizzard for 30 hours into a team building event. (00:46:00)Feedback from Angela who thought our discussion of transgender athletes was uninformed, to say the least. (01:03:00)NCAA NEWS: Why we love Elizabeth (Ebe

The kick-over-front, front-toss, dump, chicken-flip has an actual name, the "Rowe". Gymnast photos by the wonderful Christy Ann Linder of Gym Focus.    In the news, Jessica, Uncle Tim, Spanny Tampson, and Spencer chat about: Gymternet News: Russian news: Mustafa is back on bars! Rodionenko announced retirements, but are they all true? And why Russian athletes go to Germany for treatment.  The IOC announced that transgender athletes can now compete without gender reassignment surgery. We wonder how the gymnastics community will react and discuss why the IOC is far ahead of the NCAA when it comes to trans issues. Grandi says people think he is obsessed with justice. Has his biggest impact in the sport been one of fairness in judging or nah?  A kick-over-front tuck on beam was at one time named after "Rowe" but it's also known by 700 other crazy names. We establish the best name ever (see eponymously named episode) Listener Feedback (23:00): NastiaFan101 says we're wrong about Valerie and his WOGAtchev, s

Paul Ruggeri, Steve Legendre, Brandon Wynn, Donell Whittenburg, Sam Mikulak, Danell Leyva, Alex Naddour and Jake Dalton (L-R) at training camp in Rio.     In the news, Jessica, Spanny Tampson, and Lauren Hopkins chat about: The most important innovator on vault of all time, Natalia Yurchenko gave a fantastic interview  which made us wonder if more cultural context is needed when commentary is given about the Russian gymnast's sideline  Who we are most excited to see at the American Cup and why Mai Murakami is going to win floor according to Jessica.  NCAA (19:00) Why aren't there more head coaches of color in the NCAA?  Heroes of the week: Alex Marks (OU), Kennedy Baker (FL), Michaela Gerber (UCLA)  The Yurchenko 1.5 situation Can someone interpret Charity Jones (OU) floor routine for us?  Which team we'd buy a workout video from because their conditioning is insane! Gymternet News (49:00) Afanasyeva has ankle treatment in Munich Why do all the Russians have to go to Germany for medical care?  Nica Hul

D.C. is on our radar! The 2016 George Washington University Gymnastics team scored a 196 to open the season. They are the hipster, underdog team to root for this year. Photo by Carl Cox.[/caption] In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Why Uncle Tim is soooooooo over the NCAA vs. Elite debate.  Which elite superstars we are following in college.  Our top skills, hilarious commentary fails and squeal worthy moments from the first week of full NCAA competition.  Why water bottles should never, ever, ever be on a gym floor. Ever. Spencer's first "Balance Beam Situation" Code of Points rule.  Which school all the hipster kids will be fan-girling over this year. Haaaai, George Washington with your 196.  Reasons why the rare and hardly ever seen in the wild, side tumbling pass for women should be worshipped and appreciated (Thank you, Sadiqua Bynum  of UCLA) Ebee didn't compete with a concussion.  Banning the WOGAtchev  Sabrina Schwab's (Utah) floor routine.  Nina McGee's 10! A review of the

  In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer from The Balance Beam Situation, and Jessica chat about: A clarification to start the year off : USA Gymnastics did not actively delete Marvin Sharp's name from Bridget Sloan's biography page, it was automatically deleted when his gym became ineligible for sanctioned competition.  Why flamethrowers are the must-have accessory for 2016 and our favorite trends from 2015 American Cup competitors announced while Russia names 90% of it's Olympic team and Romania announces the Rio training squad.  Our thoughts on Shawn Johnson's new wedding-YouTube channel.  Spencer tells us which elites are killing it in NCAA already, which freshman are on his must-watch list and we discuss our hopes and dreams for the new Greg Marsden, Sam Peszek, Alicia Sacramone commentary team.  Lots of listener feedback about: MyKayala Skinner's use of the N word on twitter Do we victim blame on the show?  Who won Uncle Tim's Tattoo World Championships in Glasgow Take our survey! Help us make the show

Olympian, Khorkina beater, adult elite, mother and jet pack booty owner, Lisa Mason.   Lady Lisa Mason, as she will be known on this show because she is the owner of the sexiest gymnastics property in the land (AKA, her Instagram), is an Olympian; a World Cup champion; won the British Championships three time in a row; was the youngest British Champion ever and even beat Produnova and Khorkina on Floor at a World Cup on her way to a historic all-around appearance final in Sydney--the first ever for a Brit. She's back, competing again at age 32. Oh, and she has a daughter, goes to night school, works for a living and trains for elite competition yet still finds time to make us laugh with her uncensored tweets. We discuss: Missing out on the balance beam final at the Sydney Olympics, the vault height debacle, its effect on her to this day, and her opinion of Raducan's ban for taking cold medicine. How her training has changed over the years, the dance secret that allows her to keep going, adjusting to the new