Glasgow Grand Prix

British superstar Beth Tweddle, the recently crowned European uneven bars and floor exercise champion, headlines the Glasgow Grand Prix that begins Friday.

Beth Tweddle at the 2009 Europeans

Tweddle and four other British Olympians are among gymnasts from 24 countries scheduled for this weekend's Glasgow Grand Prix, five months before London plays host to the 2009 World Championships.

The annual Glasgow Grand Prix typically takes place in the fall, but was moved up this year to accommodate the world championships, scheduled for Oct. 13-18 at the O2 Arena in London.

The British men's lineup includes 2008 Olympic pommel horse bronze medalist Louis Smith and 2009 European all-around silver medalist Daniel Keatings. Both gymnasts are scheduled to compete pommel horse only at the Glasgow Grand Prix, part of the FIG World Cup series for individual events only.

Tweddle is scheduled to compete on uneven bars and floor exercise, the events she won at the European Championships held last month in Milan. Reigning British champion Becky Downie is in the lineup for vault, uneven bars and balance beam, and Olympic teammate Hannah Whelan plans to compete on beam and floor.

Other European, world and Olympic medalists scheduled for Glasgow include Diego Hypolito (Brazil), Anton Golotsutskov (Russia), Yuri van Gelder (Netherlands), Gabriela Dragoi (Romania), Krisztian Berki (Hungary), and Mitja Petkovsek and Aljaz Pegan (Slovenia).

A few top competitors expected in Glasgow withdrew, British Gymnastics spokesman Tim Peake said.

"As always there have been late changes — Sandra Izbasa (Romania) is out as are the Latvian and Ukrainian delegations," Peake told IG.

Swiss star Ariella Käslin, the 2009 European champion on vault, also withdrew after breaking her toe in practice.

The men's roster notably includes two gymnasts from North Korea, a nation which rarely competes in international events. The spectactular Ri Se Gwang is in the lineup for four events, including his specialties of floor exercise and vault. Ri, the 2006 Asian Games champion on vault, has competed a piked Dragulescu (double front-half) on the event.

London is also the site of the 2012 Olympics, while Glasgow will play host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

GIBSON ATHLETIC is a worldwide provider of gymnastics needs and equipment. Please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call us at 1-800-275-5999 for information and pricing.

Source: intlgymnast.com

Shawn Johnson Wins Dancing with the Stars!

CONGRATULATIONS FROM GIBSON ATHLETIC!

09 US Women's JO National Gymnastics Championships

PUYALLUP, Wash., May 17, 2009-Region 5 won three of the eight team titles at the 2009 Women's U.S. Junior Olympic National Championships at the Puyallup (Wash.) Fair Showplex. The two-day event featured nearly 450 of the USA's best Level 10 gymnasts, who compete on the highest level in the Junior Olympic program that is just under the elite level. Both Region 1 and Region 3 won two titles each, with Region 7 also winning a team crown.

The Junior Olympic National Championships is the culmination event for the competitive season. The competition features eight age divisions (Junior A, Junior B, Junior C, Junior D, Senior A, Senior B, Senior C and Senior D), which are determined by age and birth date. USA Gymnastics has eight regions.

The champions by division are as follows.

Junior A Lizzy Le Duc, WGA Texans, Spring, Texas, 37.750
Junior B Keeley Kmieciak, Phenom Gymnastics/Aurora, Ill., 38.450
Junior C Jaclyn McCarlin, CO Gliders/Covina, Calif., 38.400
Junior D Kayla Williams, Bozhi's Gymnastics/Huntington, W.Va., 38.525
Senior A Kaylan Earls, Arena Gymnastics/Joliet, Ill., 38.400
Senior B Abbey Habicht, Orlando (Fla.) Metro, 38.050
Senior C Noel Couch, North Stars Gymnastics Academy/Boonton, N.J., 38.250
Senior D Makayla Stambaugh, Byers Sacramento (Calif.), 38.500

The U.S. Junior Olympic National Championships is one of the national championships of USA Gymnastics, the sport's national governing body in the United States. Many Junior Olympic champions have gone on to make the U.S. National Team and represent the United States in international competition and/or to compete in collegiate gymnastics.

GIBSON ATHLETIC would like to congratulate all the athletes that participated in the JO National Championships!

WEIGH IN THE LOBBY

In an attempt to extend President Barack Obama's rapidly evolving to do list, more than 30 national health, fitness, medical and scientific organizations recently called for a greater focus on physical fitness to help combat the nation's health care crisis.

"We ask you to focus.. on the important role of phyisical activity in preventing and managing numerous and troubling health problems in the United States," read a letter to the President dated March 13 and signed by representatives from, among other groups, the American Council on Exercise, Pop Warner Football, the Womens Sports Foundation, and the International Health, Racquet and SportsClub Association. It also urged Obama to consider the value of promoting increased fitness for all Americanswhen appointing the new US surgeon general and directors of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A week before that letter was mailed, at least 100 physical education teachers, sports and fitness industry leaders and celebrity athletes met with members of Congress for the 10th anniversary of National health Through Fitness Day in Washington DC. They lobbied for the continued existence of the Physical Education for Progress bill, which has provided millions of dollars in grants to school districts and other organizations that support innovative PE methods, as well as for the passage of the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) bill, which would encourage increased physical activity by making fitness and recreatoin programs around the country more affordable through the use of pre-tax dollars.

Recent studies indicate that more than 150 million Americans over the age of 20 are either overweight or obese, and by some estimates, 20 percent of all children in the country will be obese by as early as next year. "That trend needs to be halted," says Bill Sells, vice president of government relations for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, which sponsors National Health Through Fitness Day. " If not, our nation's healthcare costs could reach $4 trillion by 2015.

Gibson Athletic is a strong advocate of healthy living and personal fitness. What ever you need to assist you in this quest for personal health and fitness please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call 1-800-275-5999.



Source: Michael Popke, Athletic Business Magazine.

Bhavsar wins South Asian Excellence Awards for sports

05/12/2009

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 10, 2009 – 2008 Olympic team bronze-medalist Raj Bhavsar of Houston was named as the receipient of the South Asian Excellence Award for sports at a black-tie gala in the Grand Ballroom of Cipriani’s Hotel in New York City on May 9.

Bhavsar helped the U.S. men win the team bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Bhavsar, an alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, was initially an alternate to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, but was named to the squad after Paul Hamm withdrew due to an injury. He was a member of the 2001 U.S. World Championships Team that earned an unprecedented silver medal, and he helped the U.S. men defend that medal at the 2003 World Championships. He is the 2002 NCAA all-around champion and won the 2001 NCAA team title as a member of the Ohio State men’s gymnastics team. Bhavsar competed in the Tyson American Cup in 2007-08. He graduated from Ohio State University with a major in business administration/marketing in 2004.

The South Asian Excellence Awards include science, entertainment, technology, social service, performing and visual arts, business, literature and sports. A special award was given to a Young Achiever demonstrating excellence in their field, one for South Asian Personality of the Year, a Lifetime Achiever award, and a new award this year, Good Earth, to a person whose life is aimed at protecting the environment. A panel of four judges – Vijay Amritraj, Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya, Ketan Gandhi and Karim Rammal – decided the winners, who were announced at the dinner.

This gala featured some of the world’s top international South Asian entertainers from India, the United Kingdom and the United States. The evening’s activities were broadcast in more than 150 countries on Sony Entertainment Television. Nominations were made through the SET web site.

GIBSON Athletic is a proud supporter of both Men's and Women's NCAA Gymnastics. For all your men's and women's gymnastics needs and equipment please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call 1-800-275-5999.

source: usa-gymnastics.org

US Women Defeat France

ROUEN, France, May 8, 2009 – The U.S. Women’s Team won their second international friendly exchange as they defeated France on May 8. The U.S. women racked up 229.250 points to France's 219.100. 2008 Olympic team silver-medalist Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., won the all-around competition, with the USA taking the first three spots.

In the all-around, the USA took five of the top six slots. In addition to Sloan, the USA’s finishes were: Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics Club, 56.750, second; Olivia Courtney, Orlando, Fla./Orlando Metro, 56.250, third; Corrie Lothrop, Danvers, Mass./Hill’s Gymnastics, 54.600, fifth; Bridgette Caquatto, Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics Club, 54.600, sixth;

France's Marine Petit was its top finisher at 55.800 in fourth. The USA’s Kytra Hunter of Frederick, Md./Hill’s Gymnastics, Mattie Larson of Los Angeles/All Olympic Gymnastics, and Sabrina Vega of Carmel, N.Y./Dynamic Gymnastics, did not compete in the all-around.

The U.S. women also defeated Germany in a friendly exchange on May 2

Source: usa-gymnastics.org

Shoes for Gymnasts

Attempting to protect the ankles and the feet can conflict with the gymnastics principle of keeping this area aesthetically pleasing in order to appear lithe and graceful. So if your child wraps a thick padded bandage to cushion her joints against the shock of landing or dismounting, the more ungainly she will look. Another matter to consider will be the loss of traction.

Gymnasts need a lot of traction in the execution of some moves. Other times, like when performing a controlled slide, they don’t use much of it at all.You also need to be aware that there are different kinds of shoes for different kinds of events. If you are of a mind to purchase all of them, you are one lucky gymnast! However, if you have to make a compromise, here are the kinds of shoes you might consider getting:

- Basic Apparatus shoes are used in events where feet come into contact with surfaces only during dismounts. They are very light and are crafted to look very attractive on the feet. Soles of these shoes are usually made from thin leather or suede, which provides the gymnast with exceptional traction. The Bleyer Basic Gymnastics Shoe Traction is a great avenue for this need. This shoe is needed during dismounts to prevent sliding, and if sliding does occur, the traction will help the gymnast recover sufficient balance.

- Balance beam shoes can vary according to a gymnast’s preference. Popular choices are the Bleyer Pro and Elite shoe. These constructed of a soft cream colored, suede-like material and fits snugly to the foot with an elastic throat or strap. The sole has two flexible rubber pads for positive traction, when vaulting and tumbling; making this Gymnastics Shoe an industry leader.

Always seek the coach’s opinion about safety gear, and take note of the ones he recommends. Don’t make your own decisions about safety without proper guidance from a coach. The coach knows what kind of protection you need based on your skills, participated events and level of physical conditioning. Gymnastics, as with any other sports, sees its share of blisters, skin rips, calluses, sprains, and a variety of other scratches, cuts, injuries and abrasions. The gymnast needs to incorporate safety as part of his/ her day to day life. Make it as essential to training as much as the routines, equipment, physical conditioning and coaching is important in gymnastics.

Finally, at all times, remember – in case of doubt, ask the coach!

Gibson Athletic is committed to providing athletes with great products and gymnastics equipment. Our line of gymnastics shoes consists of the Bleyer Basic, Elite, and Pro, and Rythmic Gymnastics shoe. Please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call 1-800-275-5999 for assistance with sizing and options.


Source: www.gymnasticsrescue.com

EVENT: 2009 U.S. Classic

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 5, 2009 — Tickets for the 2009 U.S. Classic, the final qualifying event for women’s gymnastics for the 2009 Visa Championships, on July 25 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa, are on sale now. The competition, which will feature some of the USA’s top female gymnasts, begins with the junior division at 1 p.m., followed by the senior division at 7 p.m. The U.S. Challenge, an event that features some of the country’s top young gymnasts, is July 24 and 26 in conjunction with the U.S. Classic.

“The U.S. Classic is a great opportunity for sports fans to see some of the country’s top women gymnasts as they prepare for the Visa Championships,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Many of the best-known names have won this event, which can be a precursor of success. It’s fun to be in Shawn Johnson’s hometown for this event. We hope everyone will come out and support these gymnasts.”

U.S. Classic tickets are now on sale: junior session, $20; senior session, $25; and a daily ticket that includes junior and senior sessions, $35. Also available is an all-session ticket that includes both the U.S. Classic and U.S. Challenge sessions for just $50. U.S. Challenge sessions will be sold onsite.

The U.S. Classic is hosted by USA Gymnastics with local support from Chow’s Gymnastics, the home club of 2008 Olympic balance beam gold-medalist Shawn Johnson.

“Success starts in Greater Des Moines, as evident by West Des Moines native Shawn Johnson and her Olympic gold medal,” said Greg Edwards, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau president and CEO. “We’re proud to host an event with such strong Iowa ties in our community.”

Johnson won the U.S. Classic as a junior in 2006 and went on to win the U.S. all-around title in 2006 as a junior and in 2007-08 as a senior at the Visa Championships. She has a total of nine U.S. titles including both junior and senior levels. Johnson won the 2008 Olympic balance beam gold medal, along with three silver (team, all-around, floor exercise) medals. She also recently won the AAU James Sullivan Award as the country’s top amateur athlete. Johnson is currently one of the celebrity dancers on “Dancing with the Stars.”

The 2009 Visa Championships, USA Gymnastics’ national championships, are Aug. 12-15 in Dallas, Texas. The U.S. champions for men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling are determined at the Visa Championships. Artistic gymnastics will be held at American Airlines Center, and rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling are set for the Dallas Convention Center. The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show, held in conjunction with the Visa Championships, will also be at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

GIBSON ATHLETIC wishes all US Classic participants good luck and many successes on their upcoming season.

GREAT ARTICLE- UCLA Gymnastics Coach from Ballet to Gymnastics

UCLA Head Coach Valorie Kondos Field was never a gymnast. She was a professional ballerina. However, she's managed to work her way to the top of the coaching ranks. She talks about her background, and how she ended up as the head coach of one of the most prestigious NCAA gymnastics programs in the country.




Gibson Athletic is one of the largest manufacturers in the world for custom ballet bars. For all your gymnastics and ballet needs please visit www.gibsonathletic.com or call us at 1-800-275-5999.


Source:www.gymnastike.org