When Did Marta Karolyi Become “Martha?”
Explaining the difference between “Martha” and “Marta” Karolyi. Continue reading When Did Marta Karolyi Become “Martha?”
Category: Modern Gymnastics
The Shame of Martha Karolyi
Some thoughts on a recent interview featuring Martha Karolyi Continue reading The Shame of Martha Karolyi
The Russian City That Does Nothing but Produce Olympic Gymnasts
In 2021 Anastasia Ilyankova became the latest Olympian from a Russian city with a storied gymnastics history. Continue reading The Russian City That Does Nothing but Produce Olympic Gymnasts
What Simone Biles did for Elena Mukhina
Simone Biles may not realize it, but she just gifted Elena Mukhina something that is long overdue. Continue reading What Simone Biles did for Elena Mukhina
Whacky Stats and Records From the 2021 Olympics
42 bullet points representing the most funky and compelling statistics from the 2021 Olympics Continue reading Whacky Stats and Records From the 2021 Olympics
The Growing Strength of Angelina Melnikova
Angelina Melnikova is the unusual case of a gymnast who only seems to get better with time. Continue reading The Growing Strength of Angelina Melnikova
Did Everyone Go to the Olympics Without Me? (Part II)
In this 2-part series I cover the rare phenomenon of the “near-Olympic team.” Part II covers teams from the 2000s-present Continue reading Did Everyone Go to the Olympics Without Me? (Part II)
Gymnasts Who Were Role Models For a Future Olympian
These gymnasts didn’t make an Olympic team, but their young training partner did. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Were Role Models For a Future Olympian
Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums
Ranking the strongest All-Around podiums in gymnastics history based on success throughout the rest of the competition. Continue reading Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums
Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums (By Year)
Ranking the strongest All-Around podiums in gymnastics history based on success throughout the rest of the competition. Continue reading Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums (By Year)
Three Reasons Why Simone Biles Should Compete in 2024
Simone Biles in Paris 2024? Here is why it makes so much sense. Continue reading Three Reasons Why Simone Biles Should Compete in 2024
France 2021: The Olympic Team From Three Different Continents
2021 France will be represented by gymnasts born in the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. More importantly, all of them were born French and have always lived in France. Continue reading France 2021: The Olympic Team From Three Different Continents
Quick Reaction: Great Britain Names 2021 Olympic Team
My take on the 2021 British Team Continue reading Quick Reaction: Great Britain Names 2021 Olympic Team
The Becky Downie Situation
Analyzing the decision to not name Becky Downie to the 2021 Olympic team. Continue reading The Becky Downie Situation
Simone Biles Always Wins
Simone isn’t just beating her competitors, but anyone who dares to oppose her. Continue reading Simone Biles Always Wins
How Will Simone Biles’ Career Be Remembered?
It is not what you win, it is not how you win, it is the story that gets told along the way. Continue reading How Will Simone Biles’ Career Be Remembered?
The 2021 U.S. Classics Features an Incredibly Young Field
The 2021 U.S. Classics is shockingly young, over half the competitors are 1st or 2nd year seniors. Continue reading The 2021 U.S. Classics Features an Incredibly Young Field
Can We Talk About How Impressive this 2021 U.S. Classics Start List Is?
The 2021 U.S. Classic will feature 42 gymnasts, it may be one of the most talented fields ever assembled in a domestic American meet Continue reading Can We Talk About How Impressive this 2021 U.S. Classics Start List Is?
Viktoria Listunova Achieved a Record Only Held by Nadia Comaneci
For 1st-year seniors it is usually impossible to win the All-Around at the European Championships. Only Nadia Comaneci had done it, now Viktoria Listunova can say the same. Continue reading Viktoria Listunova Achieved a Record Only Held by Nadia Comaneci
Quick Reactions: Daniela Trica Retires
Three thoughts on what the reitement of Daniela Trica means for the future of Romanian gymnastics. Continue reading Quick Reactions: Daniela Trica Retires
What the 2021 European Championships Tell Us About Age Trends in Gymnastics
The 2021 European Championships proved gymnastics is still dominated by young athletes, but exceptions are becoming more common. Continue reading What the 2021 European Championships Tell Us About Age Trends in Gymnastics
The Arrival of Jessica Gadirova
After two years of being overshadowed by her sister, Jessica Gadirova has crashed onto the scene in her international senior debut. Continue reading The Arrival of Jessica Gadirova
The Unusual Rise of Viktoria Listunova
In any other era Viktoria Listunova would be your typical child prodigy, but between COVID-19 and Simone Biles, this era has been anything but typical. Continue reading The Unusual Rise of Viktoria Listunova
Quick Reactions to the 2021 National Championships
Michigan winning a National Championship is both a homage to the past and a homage to the future of the sport. Continue reading Quick Reactions to the 2021 National Championships
Gymnastics and #StopAsianHate
At a time when acts of hate are being committed against Asian-Americans, it is important to reflect on what that means for the Asian-Americans who represent Team USA. Continue reading Gymnastics and #StopAsianHate
2021 Russia: A Team Hungry for Success
As Russia gears up for the 2021 National Championships, the program enters a new era unlike the previous decade. Continue reading 2021 Russia: A Team Hungry for Success
Oksana Chusovitina Is No Longer the Oldest Olympic Gymnast
Due to newly surfaced research, it has been discovered that there is an Olympic gymnast who is even older than Oksana Chusovitina. So, Oksana Chusovitina will just have to break that record again. Continue reading Oksana Chusovitina Is No Longer the Oldest Olympic Gymnast
The Absurdity of Li Li Leung’s Statement
In a poorly thought out attempt at damage control, Li Li Leung provoked the ire of the Gymternet. Continue reading The Absurdity of Li Li Leung’s Statement
List of 2021 AAI Award Nominees
The following 29 gymnasts were nominated for the 2021 AAI Award. Continue reading List of 2021 AAI Award Nominees
USAG Athlete Representatives Should be a Level-10 or NCAA Gymnast
USAG has a problem with bad athlete advocates, perhaps it should recruit from the NCAA ranks to find better candidates. Continue reading USAG Athlete Representatives Should be a Level-10 or NCAA Gymnast
McKayla Maroney is Awesome (Part II)
For someone who has been knocked down so many times in life, all McKayla Maroney wants to do is give back to the world with continued messages of positivity. Continue reading McKayla Maroney is Awesome (Part II)
The Magic of Coach Jordyn Wieber
Jordyn Wieber is one of the youngest coaches in NCAA history, but what does this mean for college gymnasts who grew up watching her compete? Continue reading The Magic of Coach Jordyn Wieber
Why Does Li Li Leung Keep Treating Gymnastics Fans Like Trash?
Li Li Leung treats gymnastics fans like trash because her views don’t align with a fanbase that wants accountability and reform. Continue reading Why Does Li Li Leung Keep Treating Gymnastics Fans Like Trash?
The Best Way to Honor a Legend is Knowing When to Say Goodbye
The best way to honor Simone Biles is to celebrate what she has already accomplished, not endless speculation on a 2024 comeback. Continue reading The Best Way to Honor a Legend is Knowing When to Say Goodbye
Reunion: The Little French Island That Produces So Many Olympic Gymnasts
This small island off the coast of Madagascar has produced seven Olympic gymnasts. Continue reading Reunion: The Little French Island That Produces So Many Olympic Gymnasts
The Swiss Gymnastics Paradox
The unique arrangement of the Swiss program handicaps the careers of its gymnasts. Creating a paradox for its athletes in the process. Continue reading The Swiss Gymnastics Paradox
Swiss Gymnastics: A Long History of Overcoming Adversity
Two Olympic boycotts and a program that spent decades being neglected due to sexism, Switzerland had to overcome so much adversity before it could win an Olympic medal. Continue reading Swiss Gymnastics: A Long History of Overcoming Adversity
The Arrival of Anastasia Motak
Anastasia Motak entered the 2020 European Championships as a relatively unknown gymnast. She left with three medals and is the breakout star of 2020. Anastasia Motak has officially arrived. Continue reading The Arrival of Anastasia Motak
Larisa Iordache Has Unfinished Business
How has Larisa Iordache managed to stage such an improbable comeback? With so many goals yet to be achieved, Iordache still has unfinished business. Larisa is not leaving the sport until she has achieved what she has set out to do. Continue reading Larisa Iordache Has Unfinished Business
Beth Tweddle: The Most Under-Rated Gymnast of the Last 50 Years.
This article makes the case for Beth Tweddle being the most under-rated gymnasts of the last 50 years. I measure her consistency, longevity, medal count, and status as a trailblazer in the sport to make the case. Continue reading Beth Tweddle: The Most Under-Rated Gymnast of the Last 50 Years.
Why Sandra Izbasa is a Romanian Icon
An analysis of Sandra Izbasa’s career and why her unique experiences made her a Romanian icon. Continue reading Why Sandra Izbasa is a Romanian Icon
The Most Successful Gymnasts Who Never Won a Gold Medal
These gymnasts never won a gold medal. But that didn’t stop them from becoming icons of the sport. Continue reading The Most Successful Gymnasts Who Never Won a Gold Medal
The Continued Stupidity of USA Gymnastics
How USAG has dealt with the Azarian Gymnastics abuse allegations is a new low for the organization. Continue reading The Continued Stupidity of USA Gymnastics
Is There Anyone Left to Win the European Championships?
With so many nations pulling out of the 2020 European Championships, here is a breakdown of who remains. Continue reading Is There Anyone Left to Win the European Championships?
Why 2-Per Country Limits in the AA is a Terrible Rule (Part II)
Seven reason why limiting the All-Around to two gymnasts per country and harms the sport. Continue reading Why 2-Per Country Limits in the AA is a Terrible Rule (Part II)
Why 2-Per Country Limits in the AA is a Terrible Rule (Part I)
Seven reason why limiting the All-Around to two gymnasts per country and harms the sport. Continue reading Why 2-Per Country Limits in the AA is a Terrible Rule (Part I)
What the 2019 European Championships Would Have Looked Like in 2020
How will COVID-19 impact the final standings at the 2020 European Champions. Continue reading What the 2019 European Championships Would Have Looked Like in 2020
Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part II)
There are many instances in which a famous gymnast had a daughter who was also a gymnast. In Part II of this series I cover all the examples of mothers whose daughters competed in the NCAA gymnastics as well as other miscellaneous examples. Continue reading Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part II)
Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part I)
There are many instances in which a famous gymnast had a daughter who also went to the Olympics. In Part I of this series I cover all the examples of mothers and daughters who were both Olympians. Continue reading Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part I)
The Greatest Bar Workers in Gymnastics History
The gymnasts who have left the greatest mark in uneven bars history. Continue reading The Greatest Bar Workers in Gymnastics History
The Maggie Haney Horror Show (Featuring Victoria Levine)
Recapping the allegations that have been made against Maggie Haney. Continue reading The Maggie Haney Horror Show (Featuring Victoria Levine)
Gymnasts Who Swept a Competition
The gymnasts who won a medal on every event at a single competition. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Swept a Competition
Gymnasts Who (Almost) Swept a Competition
Gymnasts who would have medaled on every event, if not for a 4th place finish. Continue reading Gymnasts Who (Almost) Swept a Competition
The Dominance of Simone Biles is Insane (Part III)
When Simone Biles’ medal tally is added up, it looks like a mountain compared to every one else. Continue reading The Dominance of Simone Biles is Insane (Part III)
The Story Behind the Basketball Coach Miss Val Likes to Promote
Miss Val has always held John Wooden in high regard, but who was John Wooden? Continue reading The Story Behind the Basketball Coach Miss Val Likes to Promote
Texas Dreams: The Questions That Were Never Asked
With Texas Dreams embroiled in controversy, it is time to examine the questions that were not getting asked. Continue reading Texas Dreams: The Questions That Were Never Asked
The Legend of D-D Breaux
D-D Breaux was more than a legend, she was the last of her kind. Continue reading The Legend of D-D Breaux
Athlete A: One of the Most Successful Gymnastics Documentaries of All Time
Gymnastics fans know all about Athlete A, but most are unaware as to just how much success the film is having. Continue reading Athlete A: One of the Most Successful Gymnastics Documentaries of All Time
How Mary Lou Retton Tries to Rewrite Gymnastics History
Why does Mary Lou Retton contend that Ecaterina Szabo was the 1983 World Champion? Continue reading How Mary Lou Retton Tries to Rewrite Gymnastics History
Quick Reaction: British Gymnastics Abuse Allegations
Some quick thoughts on recent allegations that have surfaced within the British gymnastics program. Continue reading Quick Reaction: British Gymnastics Abuse Allegations
Was Maggie Nichols Unfairly Left Off the Olympic Team?
Why Maggie Nichols was left off the 2016 Olympic team is fiercely debated, these are the points that get lost in the discussion. Continue reading Was Maggie Nichols Unfairly Left Off the Olympic Team?
Maggie Haney: The Real Question is What Comes Next
With the Haney ruling announced, now comes the question of what it means for future abuse cases. Continue reading Maggie Haney: The Real Question is What Comes Next
American Gymnasts Are Better Than You Think
American gymnastics has seen tremendous growth, but its growth has been considerably larger than people realize. Continue reading American Gymnasts Are Better Than You Think
The Hidden Difficulty of the Vault
The difficulty of performing well on vault in an Event Finals in more difficult than people realize. Continue reading The Hidden Difficulty of the Vault
Vault Queens Who Did Not Win an Olympic Gold Medal
Three vault legends seemed to be unbeatable on the apparatus, only to make a mistake at the worst possible moment. Continue reading Vault Queens Who Did Not Win an Olympic Gold Medal
Gymnasts and the Handstand Challenge
Gymnasts have joined in on a viral trend to pass the time while they are stuck in quarantine. Continue reading Gymnasts and the Handstand Challenge
The Media Needs to Stop Comparing Konnor McClain to Simone Biles
Konnor McClain is a great gymnast, but pegging her against Simone Biles is unwarranted and unfair. Continue reading The Media Needs to Stop Comparing Konnor McClain to Simone Biles
Myth vs Reality: Is Simone Biles Breaking an Age Barrier?
As Simone is forced to wait another year for the Olympics, she enters deeper into uncharted territory regarding her age. Continue reading Myth vs Reality: Is Simone Biles Breaking an Age Barrier?
McKayla Maroney: A Case Study of How Television Should Not Treat an Athlete
It is normal to cover gymnasts reacting to a tough loss. But did putting Maroney in 93.8% of their coverage cross a line? Continue reading McKayla Maroney: A Case Study of How Television Should Not Treat an Athlete
Tokyo 2021: What Comes Next
As the Olympic Games are moved to 2021, Gymnastics has four major logistical problems that need to be resolved. Continue reading Tokyo 2021: What Comes Next
Lorette Charpy: A Case Study In Mental Strength
After experiencing an equipment malfunction, it was how she reacted that makes Lorette Charpy an example of the mental strength gymnasts have. Continue reading Lorette Charpy: A Case Study In Mental Strength
Gymnasts of the 2010s Visualized
Gymnasts of the 2010s are visualized to show how dominant they were and on which events they had the most success. Continue reading Gymnasts of the 2010s Visualized
The Perfect Ten is Misunderstood
The perfect 10 made Nadia and Ohashi famous, but it didn’t make gymnastics famous. This fundamental difference is why the perfect 10 is misunderstood. Continue reading The Perfect Ten is Misunderstood
Is it Harder to Win Medals in Men’s or Women’s Gymnastics?
Is it easier to win medals in men’s gymnastics or women’s gymnastics? The question sounds simple but the answer is anything but. Continue reading Is it Harder to Win Medals in Men’s or Women’s Gymnastics?
There is no Defense for the Actions of Mary Lou Retton
Mary Lou Retton notoriously meet with Congress over the Sex Abuse Bill. Here’s what actually happened. Continue reading There is no Defense for the Actions of Mary Lou Retton
Ragan Smith is Already an NCAA Success Story
Ragan Smith’s arrival at Oklahoma has given her new life and has transformed her for the better. Continue reading Ragan Smith is Already an NCAA Success Story
Add Another Jewel to Simone’s Crown
As Simone wins another award, her legacy continues to grow. Continue reading Add Another Jewel to Simone’s Crown
Italy: An Overlooked Gymnastics Program
For Italian WAG, its success goes far beyond a single class of 2003 gymnasts. Continue reading Italy: An Overlooked Gymnastics Program
The Russian Gymnasts Who Broke Our Hearts
The Russian gymnasts who should have won more medals. Continue reading The Russian Gymnasts Who Broke Our Hearts
USAG: The Consequences of a Cover-Up
USAG’s conduct during the Nassar scandal caused more pain than was necessary. Continue reading USAG: The Consequences of a Cover-Up
The 2019 World Championships Curse
In early 2019 there were nine active gymnasts with AA medals. Only one of them made it all the way to the end of the 2019 World Championships. Continue reading The 2019 World Championships Curse
Dispelling the Myth: Jade Carey and Her NCAA Eligibility
Disproving the myth that Jade Carey will lose 1-year of NCAA if she takes the year off to train for the Olympics Continue reading Dispelling the Myth: Jade Carey and Her NCAA Eligibility
Why Canadians Pick UCLA
No college program has been so successful in recruiting Canadians. But why is this the case? Continue reading Why Canadians Pick UCLA
Gymnasts Throwing a First Pitch (Gif Guide)
When baseball meets gymnastics, the result is usually entertaining. Continue reading Gymnasts Throwing a First Pitch (Gif Guide)
Why So Many Gymnasts Come From Voronezh
Viktoria Komova, Angelina Melnikova, and Elena Davydova. Why is a relatively small Russian city a gymnastics powerhouse? Continue reading Why So Many Gymnasts Come From Voronezh
Simone Biles is Already a Legend, But She is Capable of Much More
Biles has already established an incredible legacy for herself. I came up with four things Biles can accomplish that will enhance her legacy even further. Continue reading Simone Biles is Already a Legend, But She is Capable of Much More
