Why Everyone Loves Whitney Bjerken
Whitney Bjerken was more than just a YouTube personality, she had a positive impact on the sport. Continue reading Why Everyone Loves Whitney Bjerken
The Little-Known Gymnast Who Refuses to Quit
Yulia Biryulya isn’t well known amongst gymnastics fans, but she has quietly been a participant of almost every Russian Championships for the past 12 years. Continue reading The Little-Known Gymnast Who Refuses to Quit
The Mother and Daughter Who Both Competed Against Oksana Chusovitina
The search to find a documented example of Oksana Chusovitina competing against both a mother and daughter was solved at a meet in Texas. Continue reading The Mother and Daughter Who Both Competed Against Oksana Chusovitina
The Historical Significance of Oksana Chusovitina Winning a World Cup Medal at 47 Years Old
Oksana Chusovitina is winning medals, while competing against gymnasts she now triples in age. Continue reading The Historical Significance of Oksana Chusovitina Winning a World Cup Medal at 47 Years Old
Gymnasts Who Overcame a Bad Showing at the Junior World Championships
Four gymnasts who placed towards the middle of the standings at the 2019 Junior World Championships went on to become the most successful gymnasts of their generation. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Overcame a Bad Showing at the Junior World Championships
The Olympic Google Curse
Google’s knowledge panel gives gymnastics fans an innocent laugh or cry depending on their mood. Continue reading The Olympic Google Curse
The Curse of the European Championships (Part III)
Winning the European All-Around is a prestigious honor, but in recent years its winners have struggled at the World Championships. This is Part I covering the years 2002-2008. Continue reading The Curse of the European Championships (Part III)
The Curse of the European Championships (Part II)
Winning the European All-Around is a prestigious honor, but in recent years its winners have struggled at the World Championships. This is Part II covering the years 2019-2017. Continue reading The Curse of the European Championships (Part II)
The Curse of the European Championships (Part I)
Winning the European All-Around is a prestigious honor, but in recent years its winners have struggled at the World Championships. This is Part I covering the years 2018-2022. Continue reading The Curse of the European Championships (Part I)
Rebeca Andrade Achieved a Historic Margin of Victory at the 2022 World Championships
Rebeca Andrade won the 2022 All-Around in such dominating fashion, it is a watershed moment for the sport. Continue reading Rebeca Andrade Achieved a Historic Margin of Victory at the 2022 World Championships
Ondine Achampong: Speak Softly and Stick the Landing
Ondine Achampong has a well earned reputation for success, but she does so in the shadow of more established teammates. Continue reading Ondine Achampong: Speak Softly and Stick the Landing
Number of Countries That Won a Gold Medal in All-Around and Event Finals
An analysis of the changes in parity to women’s gymnastics from 1950s-present. This article includes the raw data. Continue reading Number of Countries That Won a Gold Medal in All-Around and Event Finals
Parity Is on the Rise in Women’s Gymnastics
An analysis of the changes in parity to women’s gymnastics from 1950s-present. Continue reading Parity Is on the Rise in Women’s Gymnastics
The Japanese Program is Absolute Madness
2022 was supposed to be a rebuilding year as the Japanese program sought to replace the loss of a decade worth of star power and its most successful gymnast of the last fifty years.
But after a successful 2022 World Championships, the “new look” Japanese team turned that narrative on its head. Continue reading The Japanese Program is Absolute Madness
Who Was the Best American Junior of 2022?
The American junior program displayed strong results in 2022, but no single gymnast captured all of the attention for herself. Continue reading Who Was the Best American Junior of 2022?
Whacky Stats From the 2022 World Championships
Funky and compelling statistics from the results of the 2022 World Championships. Continue reading Whacky Stats From the 2022 World Championships
The Dominance of Simone Biles Destroyed a Historical Trend That Has Existed Since 1938
Simone Biles triggered a never before seen data anomaly. Continue reading The Dominance of Simone Biles Destroyed a Historical Trend That Has Existed Since 1938
Gymnasts Who Have Joined the 10-Point Club
Listing the 50+ gymnasts who have reached ten points in the “points” ranking. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Have Joined the 10-Point Club
Doing the Jordan Chiles: American Gymnasts Who Went to the Olympics Before the World Championships
Jordan Chiles is heading to her first World Championships but she has already been to the Olympics. How common is this in American gymnastics? Continue reading Doing the Jordan Chiles: American Gymnasts Who Went to the Olympics Before the World Championships
Do Not Underestimate Gabby Douglas
Returning to elite gymnastics after a six year absence is unusual, but with Gabby Douglas anything is possible. Continue reading Do Not Underestimate Gabby Douglas
Ranking the Most Talented Vault Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the most talented lineups that have ever competed in a single apparatus finals. Continue reading Ranking the Most Talented Vault Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the Most Talented Uneven Bars Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the most talented lineups that have ever competed in a single apparatus finals. Continue reading Ranking the Most Talented Uneven Bars Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the Most Talented Beam Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the most talented lineups that have ever competed in a single apparatus finals. Continue reading Ranking the Most Talented Beam Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the Most Talented Floor Lineups in Gymnastics History
Ranking the most talented lineups that have ever competed in a single apparatus finals. Continue reading Ranking the Most Talented Floor Lineups in Gymnastics History
Project Introduction: The Greatest Lineups in Gymnastics History
The “home page” in a multiple-part series ranking all the lineups in gymnastics history based on career success. Continue reading Project Introduction: The Greatest Lineups in Gymnastics History
Crazy Records Involving Oksana Chusovitina
More baffling statistics highlighting the career of Oksana Chusovitina. Continue reading Crazy Records Involving Oksana Chusovitina
Research Reveals Larissa Latynina Has a Previously Unknown Medal Which Puts Her Ahead of Simone Biles in the All-Time Medal Rankings
The long-running question of the “missing” 7th event from the 1954 World Championships has finally been solved. Continue reading Research Reveals Larissa Latynina Has a Previously Unknown Medal Which Puts Her Ahead of Simone Biles in the All-Time Medal Rankings
You Must Win Vault Twice
Very rarely does a gymnast win a vault title just once. Most of the time she will win again. Continue reading You Must Win Vault Twice
Kim Bui: The Perfect Ending to a Legendary Career
Competing on home soil in a competition that evokes memories of the greatest accomplishment of her career, Kim Bui could not have selected a more perfect setting to finish her 17 year career. Continue reading Kim Bui: The Perfect Ending to a Legendary Career
The Transformation of Western Europe From Total Defeat to the Strongest Region in Women’s Gymnastics
Over the course of four decades a region that was once unable to qualify a single team to the Olympics now produces a majority of the Olympic teams in women’s gymnastics. Continue reading The Transformation of Western Europe From Total Defeat to the Strongest Region in Women’s Gymnastics
Two of the Unluckiest Gymnasts Won Gold in the Same Competition
Two gymnasts who have long been denied a gold medal in international competition finally broke their gold medal droughts at the 2022 Commonwealth Games . Continue reading Two of the Unluckiest Gymnasts Won Gold in the Same Competition
The Rising Numbers of WOGA, World Champions Centre and Twin City Twisters
Three gymnastics clubs are leading the way in attracting gymnasts from other top clubs who are in need of a new home. Continue reading The Rising Numbers of WOGA, World Champions Centre and Twin City Twisters
London 2012: Remembering the Fierce Five 10 Years Later
Reflecting on the legacy for five of the most popular gymnasts to have ever competed for Team USA. Continue reading London 2012: Remembering the Fierce Five 10 Years Later
2019 Floor: The Podium of All-Around Champions
In 2019 a trend repeated itself for the first time since 1976. We wouldn’t realize it until 2021. Continue reading 2019 Floor: The Podium of All-Around Champions
Team USA: Taking Pride in Winning Silver
Why American gymnasts don’t need a gold medal to make their country proud. Continue reading Team USA: Taking Pride in Winning Silver
The Perfect Ending to the Baumann Sibling Rivalry
The Battle of the Baumanns has taken an unexpected twist and it may be the best development yet in this sibling rivalry. Continue reading The Perfect Ending to the Baumann Sibling Rivalry
The Trailblazers of Brazilian Gymnastics
Brazil is known as a 21st century gymnastics power, but its gymnasts of the 20th Century were legendary. Continue reading The Trailblazers of Brazilian Gymnastics
The Glory of Brazilian Gymnastics
Brazilian gymnasts have a special connection with each other that binds gymnasts of the past and present. Continue reading The Glory of Brazilian Gymnastics
Is Simone Biles the Youngest Person to Win the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
664 people have won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Is Simone Biles the youngest of them all? Continue reading Is Simone Biles the Youngest Person to Win the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
Quick Reaction: Simone Biles Wins the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Four thoughts on the latest honor Simone Biles has received. Continue reading Quick Reaction: Simone Biles Wins the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Countries That Won Multiple All-Around Titles in the Same Year
An overview of all the times a country won multiple All-Around titles at the Olympics, European Championships, and World Championships in the same year. Continue reading Countries That Won Multiple All-Around Titles in the Same Year
The Evolution of Gymnastics Bib Numbers
Tracking the changes to the way bib numbers were assigned from the Cold War era to present. Continue reading The Evolution of Gymnastics Bib Numbers
The Most Famous Bib Numbers in Gymnastics History
An overview of iconic bib numbers in gymnastics history. Continue reading The Most Famous Bib Numbers in Gymnastics History
Age Distribution of Olympic Medalists
How did 1st & 2nd year seniors fare against the 2x Olympians? Breaking down the age brackets of each Olympics to find out! Continue reading Age Distribution of Olympic Medalists
Gymnastics Marriage Announcements (June 2022 Edition)
Profiling all the gymnasts who have gotten married or engaged in the last six months. Continue reading Gymnastics Marriage Announcements (June 2022 Edition)
Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part IV)
In Part IV of this series, I discuss the lasting influence of the 1996 Olympics in ending the “little girl” era of gymnastics. Continue reading Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part IV)
Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part III)
In Part III of this series I examine the role Olesia Dudnik played in pushing the sport in the direction towards older gymnasts. Continue reading Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part III)
Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part II)
In Part II of this series I examine the how the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the 1992 All-Around ushered in a new era of older gymnasts. Continue reading Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part II)
Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part I)
In Part I of this series I examine the how the abolition compulsories and the introduction of specialists influenced a new generation of older gymnasts. Continue reading Why Did Gymnastics Pivot Towards Older Athletes? (Part I)
Countries That Should Host the Next World Championships
Thinking about which countries should host the next World Championships. Continue reading Countries That Should Host the Next World Championships
Quick Facts: Rotterdam Will Host the 2026 World Championships
Quirky facts regarding Rotterdam being awarded the 2026 World Championships. Continue reading Quick Facts: Rotterdam Will Host the 2026 World Championships
Chellsie Memmel Supported a Gym With SafeSport Allegations
Now that Memmel is a USAG program lead, it is time to ask questions regarding her continued support for Anna Li despite SafeSport allegations Continue reading Chellsie Memmel Supported a Gym With SafeSport Allegations
Gymnasts and Faces in the Crowd
Showcasing the magazine segment that has documented the last 66 years of gymnastics history Continue reading Gymnasts and Faces in the Crowd
How Did Clemson Get Six Transfers?
Clemson’s sextuplet transfer class showcases the power of an upstart gymnastics program when it is backed by a $100 million dollar athletic department. Continue reading How Did Clemson Get Six Transfers?
What if Oksana Chusovitina Competed in a Different Era?
To put the longevity of Oksana Chusovitina into proper context, let’s compare her career to other eras. Continue reading What if Oksana Chusovitina Competed in a Different Era?
The River Dividing College Gymnastics
An overview of a defunct conference that was once the bastion of college gymnastics. Continue reading The River Dividing College Gymnastics
Clemson: Amy Smith Holds All the Aces
Clemson has all the advantages of being an upstart program, and none of the disadvantages. Continue reading Clemson: Amy Smith Holds All the Aces
Why Everyone Loves Norah Flatley
Norah Flatley has risen to become one of the most popular NCAA gymnasts. But the reason for her popularity was nine years in the making. Continue reading Why Everyone Loves Norah Flatley
Elena Eremina Was a Rare One-Hit Wonder
The retirement of Elena Eremina concludes one of the most unique careers in gymnastics history. Continue reading Elena Eremina Was a Rare One-Hit Wonder
Ponor, Memmel, and Gutsu Headline an Awesome 2022 Hall of Fame Class
Recapping the historic careers of Chellsie Memmel, Catalina Ponor, and Tatiana Gutsu. Continue reading Ponor, Memmel, and Gutsu Headline an Awesome 2022 Hall of Fame Class
NCAA Gymnasts Are Their Own Brand
NCAA teams usually empower the athletes representing their program. In women’s gymnastics, it is the other way around Continue reading NCAA Gymnasts Are Their Own Brand
Ranking the Most Dominant Men’s Gymnasts of All Time
Who are the most dominant athletes in men’s gymnastics? Points are awarded based on gold, silver, and bronze to find out. Continue reading Ranking the Most Dominant Men’s Gymnasts of All Time
Ranking the Most Successful Juniors in Gymnastics History
In order to determine who was the most successful junior in gymnastics history, I looked at the results from five international junior competitions to establish a ranking. Continue reading Ranking the Most Successful Juniors in Gymnastics History
The Resiliency of Daniela Batrona
As her country experienced a horrific invasion, Daniela Batrona won World Cup medals on two different continents while being thrust into a role far greater than she ever could have imagined. Continue reading The Resiliency of Daniela Batrona
Eileen Gu is Even Better Than Her Medals Suggest
Eileen Gu dominated the 2022 Olympics. But her dominance was even more staggering when you take a closer look at the results. Continue reading Eileen Gu is Even Better Than Her Medals Suggest
The Recent Rise of Child Athletes in the Olympic Games
The Olympic Games has experienced an influx of ultra young athletes in recent years. So why did the IOC turn a blind eye to it until now? Continue reading The Recent Rise of Child Athletes in the Olympic Games
Kamila Valieva: Whenever State-Sponsored Doping Exists, Child-Doping Always Follows
In any sports institution where doping is openly tolerated, the doping of child athletes is bound to occur as well. Continue reading Kamila Valieva: Whenever State-Sponsored Doping Exists, Child-Doping Always Follows
The Ethical Dilemma of Allowing Kamila Valieva to Compete
How the unusual circumstances of a doping case involving Kamila Valieva creates a dilemma for sports officials looking to achieve a solution that is fair to all parties involved. Continue reading The Ethical Dilemma of Allowing Kamila Valieva to Compete
You Know Eteri Tutberidze is Going to Get Away With It
Revelations involving Kamila Valieva remind us that coaches are usually the last to face the consequences when wrongdoing comes to light. Continue reading You Know Eteri Tutberidze is Going to Get Away With It
Melanie de Jesus dos Santos Needs a Private Jet
How a trip from the island Martinique to Tucson, Arizona highlights the difficulty gymnasts face when they hail from geographically isolated hometowns. Continue reading Melanie de Jesus dos Santos Needs a Private Jet
The Estonian Freestyle Skier Everyone Should Root For
Kelly Sildaru was destined to be the breakout star of the 2018 Olympics until an ill-timed ACL injury put her Olympic aspirations on hold. The 2022 Olympics will be her redemption arc. Continue reading The Estonian Freestyle Skier Everyone Should Root For
The Last Major Competition Without Country Limits
The 1975 World Cup represented the end of an era for Soviet gymnastics. Continue reading The Last Major Competition Without Country Limits
Quick Reaction: Artur Dalaloyan (Almost) Retires
Giving a breakdown on the incorrect retirement speculation regarding Artur Dalaloyan. Continue reading Quick Reaction: Artur Dalaloyan (Almost) Retires
Gymnastics is Experiencing an Influx of 3x Olympians
Gymnastics is experiencing a new trend where becoming a 3x Olympian is far more common than it once was. Continue reading Gymnastics is Experiencing an Influx of 3x Olympians
The List of Gymnasts With the Most Olympic Appearances
In this link is a data table highlighting every gymnast who has appeared in an Olympic Games on three of more occasions. Continue reading The List of Gymnasts With the Most Olympic Appearances
Chris Waller: How NOT to Confront a Scandal
As UCLA continues to mismanage its public response to the Alexis Jeffrey transfer fallout, it raises more questions that the program mismanaged its internal response as well. Continue reading Chris Waller: How NOT to Confront a Scandal
Is Oksana Chusovitina the Last Soviet Athlete?
The breakup of the USSR gave Oksana Chusovitina the opportunity to extend her career in a way that wasn’t possible before. But how many other Soviet athletes found themselves in the same predicament? Continue reading Is Oksana Chusovitina the Last Soviet Athlete?
The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part II)
Nadia Comaneci brought widespread fame to Romanian gymnastics. But the program had been producing legendary gymnasts long before her arrival. In Part I of this series I cover the legendary Romanian gymnasts of 1964-1974. Continue reading The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part II)
The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part I)
Nadia Comaneci brought widespread fame to Romanian gymnastics. But the program had been producing legendary gymnasts long before her arrival. In Part I of this series I cover the legendary Romanian gymnasts of 1952-1962. Continue reading The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part I)
The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part II)
Recapping the careers of Natalia Yurchenko, Olga Mostepanova, Albina Shishova, Olga Bicherova, Tatiana Frolova, and Natalia Ilienko. Continue reading The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part II)
The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part I)
In 1983 the Soviets took the gold medal. Despite being one of the most well-rounded lineups in gymnastics history, not one member of this team became an Olympian. Continue reading The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part I)
The Longevity of Oksana Chusovitina Visualized
The career of Oksana Chusovitina career has been so impressive that it is difficult to put her longevity into words. So instead I created a graphic to demonstrate how impressive it has been. Continue reading The Longevity of Oksana Chusovitina Visualized
Countries With the Most Medals in the Team Competition
Which country has the strongest program in gymnastics history? I calculate the medal leaders in the team competition to find out! Continue reading Countries With the Most Medals in the Team Competition
Ranking the Most Dominant Programs in the Team Competition
Which country has the strongest program in gymnastics history? I give 3 points for gold, 2 for silver, and 1 for bronze to find out. Continue reading Ranking the Most Dominant Programs in the Team Competition
American Gymnasts With the Most Appearances at the Olympics and World Championships
The list of every American gymnast who has ever represented the United States in women’s gymnastics at the Olympics and World Championships Continue reading American Gymnasts With the Most Appearances at the Olympics and World Championships
Simone Biles Wins Yet Another Prestigious Award
Simone Biles wins an award from the BBC which is one of the most remarkable awards of her career Continue reading Simone Biles Wins Yet Another Prestigious Award
Olympic Rhythmic Gymnasts Who Married a Fellow Olympian
Who are the Olympic “power couples” of Rhythmic Gymnastics? Continue reading Olympic Rhythmic Gymnasts Who Married a Fellow Olympian
The Greatest Gymnasts Who Never Went to the Olympics
These athletes were legends in their sport, but never competed on the biggest stage and most prestigious competition in women’s gymnastics. Continue reading The Greatest Gymnasts Who Never Went to the Olympics
The Unprecedented Longevity of Vanessa Ferrari
Oksana Chusovitina is the most admired gymnast when it comes to celebrating longevity. Vanessa Ferrari should be considered in a similar light. Continue reading The Unprecedented Longevity of Vanessa Ferrari
The Three Things Tom Forster Should Be Remembered For
As USA Gymnastics moves into the post-Tom Forster era, there were three moments that best illustrate how he should be remembered. Continue reading The Three Things Tom Forster Should Be Remembered For
The List of Every Olympic Gymnast Who Married a Fellow Olympian
Who are the Olympic “power couples” in gymnastics? In this article I’ll give you all the names of an Olympic gymnast who married a fellow Olympian. Continue reading The List of Every Olympic Gymnast Who Married a Fellow Olympian
Writeup: Olympic Gymnasts Who Married a Fellow Olympian
Who are the Olympic “power couples” in gymnastics? In this article I provide further insights on that topic. Continue reading Writeup: Olympic Gymnasts Who Married a Fellow Olympian
Diana Varinska Gets Engaged and Joins Nadia Comaneci in a Rare Marriage Milestone
In a multi-national union between two Olympic gymnasts that hasn’t occurred in decades, Diana Varinska announced she is engaged. Continue reading Diana Varinska Gets Engaged and Joins Nadia Comaneci in a Rare Marriage Milestone
The Start List of the 1976 USSR Cup Was Insane
The amount of talent the Soviets had in 1976 was ludicrous. Four All-Around Champions, eight Hall of Famers, 14 Olympic appearances, a dozen child prodigies, the list goes on… Continue reading The Start List of the 1976 USSR Cup Was Insane
Gymnastics Bio #10: Henrietta Onodi
She was the underdog gymnast from an underdog program who rose to become an icon of women’s gymnastics. Continue reading Gymnastics Bio #10: Henrietta Onodi
Are Junior Champions Likely to Become Senior Champions?
In gymnastics history there have been a wide variety of prestigious junior competitions. But what happens when the Champions of these competitions turn senior? Continue reading Are Junior Champions Likely to Become Senior Champions?
Gymnasts Who Won Olympic AA Qualifications But Not AA Finals (Part II)
These gymnasts once lead the Olympic All-Around standings, but they didn’t have the same luck in AA Finals. Part II covers the gymnasts of 2008-2021. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Won Olympic AA Qualifications But Not AA Finals (Part II)
Gymnasts Who Won Olympic AA Qualifications But Not AA Finals (Part I)
These gymnasts once lead the Olympic All-Around standings, but they didn’t have the same luck in AA Finals. Part I covers the gymnasts of 1972-2000. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Won Olympic AA Qualifications But Not AA Finals (Part I)
Bizarre Encounters in Gymnastics History
Without revealing the context, if I were to have told you that these gymnasts competed against each other, your first reaction would be “that’s impossible.” Continue reading Bizarre Encounters in Gymnastics History
Bring Back the Longines Prize for Elegance
The Longines Prize for Elegance has become a staple of the World Championships. Why did it disappear? Continue reading Bring Back the Longines Prize for Elegance
An Old School Gymnastics Blog 