Last week was a rough week in gymnastics.
Christine Peng Peng Lee
The worst thing for me, as a gym fan, was news from Peng Peng Lee. She sustained a knee injury a little while ago that was believed to be a knee dislocation. Recently, PPL revealed that she actually has an ACL tear and is withdrawing from her run to represent Canada at the Olympics. You can find her official statement here. This is a true loss for the sport since she has become one of our shining, smiling stars.
Peng Peng Lee came on to the scene as a junior in the last quad at Pacific Rims but disappeared due to a back injury, spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis in the L5 vertebrae. She recently re-emerged and has taken Canada and the world by storm. Easily Canada's best all-around gymnast, Lee has a certain amount of spark and personality when she performs. She's one of the few who actually performs while doing floor exercise and she had a fun and interesting beam mount, flares, in an era when most people just jump onto the beam. Lately, Lee had been showing quite a few upgrades making herself more and more of a contender for a top 8 finish in the all around at the Olympics. Sadly, this has ended.
Thankfully, Peng Peng Lee has already been accepted to UCLA. She is expected to enter next year's matriculating class but we'll see. I'm secretly hoping she sticks around in elite and goes for a World All Around title but perhaps I'm being selfish. Either way, Peng Peng Lee's smile, flower in her hair, and expression in artistic gymnastics will be greatly missed at the Olympics.
A few of her videos for your education pleasure: vault, bars (she does a move called a Bhardwaj down to the low bar. As far as I know, there is only one other competitive gymnast, Ruby Harrold of GBR, that is competing this move), beam, floor
Watch on youtube here
More on Memmel, Johnson and Liukin after the jump.
Qualification results for the Maribor Cup that took place in Maribor, Slovenia can be found here: Gymmin' Miel. Live feed can be found here (Sat) and here on Sunday.
In proper order, UB, BB, FX.
Uneven Bars
Celine van Gerner (NED) - in bar
stalder, in bar stalder 1/2, straddled jaeger, in-bar stalder full, bail
to low bar, shoot to high, stalder full, full twisting double back.
Good routine! 6.2/8.250 = 14.450 (1st)
Adrian Nunes Gomes (BRA) -
jump to high, clear hip a little past handstand but pulls it over, bail,
toe-on shoot to high, backward giant full, tkatchev, giant 1/2, giant,
double front. a little cowboyed but she survived. 5.0/8.150=13.150 (5)
Valeria
Pereyra (ARG) (image left)- giant full, giant 1/2, straddled jaeger, hop change,
piked jaeger, toe on giant, bail, shoot to high, full twisting double
back. made it through the routine well and big hug from coach. Some bent
arms but overall pretty good. 5.3/8.3=13.6 (3rd)
Lisa
Top (NED) (image right)- CVG is there to help move the springboard. jump to high,
toe-on, toe-on full, piked gienger, kip cast to handstand to change
grips but she bends her legs in her straddle, straddled jaeger, bail,
shoot to high, giants, double pike - stuck or tiniest shuffle. She's
super adorable sitting in the kiss and cry. 5.2/7.8=13.0 (6)
Dorina
Boczogo (HUN) - kip cast to handstand on low bar, toe on, straddle
shoot to high, gienger, tries to change grip and misses handstand, falls
off. ad popped up but I saw that she fell again. double pike dismount. I
don't have the exact wording of what she did because of the ad but she
did a jaeger, to kch pak, immediate stalder 1/2, very mustafina-esque.
5.0/5.9=10.9 (8)
Marta Pihan-Kuleza (POL) - kch, clear hip to
high, bail to low, straddled shoot to high, clear hip, clear hip 1/2,
straddled jaeger, kch 1/2, giants, giant 1.5 (turns 1/2 than full turn
the other way), double front - cowboyed with a step. 5.7/8.3=14.0 (2nd).
Just realized that might be the Yamilet Pena leo in pink and white
instead of blue and yellow.
Elisa Haemmerle (AUT) - usual leo but
in red and white. kinda like it. giant 1/2, forward giant (had to muscle
up in straddled position) to jaeger, bail, shoot to high, giant full,
giants, double layout a little wild - her legs were open. 4.8/8.075 =
12.875 (7)
Ana Filipa Martins (POR) - in the Ana Porgras leo I
believe with a different cut. low bar - clear hip, clear hip shaposh,
bail, stalder shoot loses swing a little, giant 1/2, pike jaeger a
little close to bar, giant 1/2, giant full, giants, double pike. she's
happy. 5.1/8.175=13.275 (4)
Well, maybe the rest will be on tomorrow. Have a good weekend!
Balance Beam
Teja Belak (SLO) - switch split- switch leap (sissone?), front aerial-bhs, side aerial - leg up on landing, side somi, L turn (controlled and then a small wobble at the end of it), running punch front, switch split 1/2, ro-double tuck. she seemed very steady and easy in her routine. 5.5/8.1=13.6 3rd
Yevheniya Cherniy (UKR) - roll on mount, ro-back layout, comes off. switch split-unsteady landing. wolf jump-split jump, front aerial wobbles and comes off quickly. side aerial, full turn? did 1 1/4but straight into choreo, not sure if that was intentional, side somi, ro double pike dismount. In the replay, you see she was almost off the beam on the front aerial. 5.2/6.125=11.325 8th
Ana Filipa Martins (POR) - front aerial, leg comes up and breaks connection, bhs, loso; full turn-Y turn, switch split full?, side-aerial to direct side somi, leans back and comes off, switch split - wobbles, wolf - split leap, ro-double twist. When she does all her aerial skills it looks like she's about to put her hands down. 5.1/6.750=11.850. Don't know why it was so low.. 7th
Adrian Geovana Nunes Gomes (BRA) - front aerial - wobbles and breaks connection - bhs, loso, split leap-wolf, Y turn - little wobble, switch split, pauses, side somi and chest is low bends forward but doesnt come off, sheep jump - ugly, switch straddle 1/2?, ro-double pike, deep landing and small step back. 5.3/7.9=13.2 5th
Katarzyna Jurkowska (POL) - sissone-wolf, side aerial - her legs look really long, switch ring, small check, front-aerial-side somi not sure if they'll count it as connected, L turn - slightly flexed feet at first, front pike with leg held-back layout step out, sheep jump-step back, some wiggly leg choreo, gainer back full dismount. 5.4/8.325=13.725 2nd
The last two leos have made me think it's possible for mesh to look ok as long as the bra strap situation is dealth with...
Celine Van Gerner (NED) - Shawn/Mitchell-esque mount, split leap - switch split - back tuck, almost came off and saved it; ro-back layout, small check, switch split full - not really 180, front aerial-bhs-loso - small balance check, full turn leg at knee, small check, side aerial, switch split 1/2, stuck double tuck dismount! She's very aggressive in a Romanian kind of way. 5.9/7.960=13.850 1st
Dorina Boczogo (HUN) - sky blue velour leo hmmmm.... press handstand - to one hand balance in straddle position, to down on beam, impressive! front aerial-front tuck-back tuck puts hands down, side aerial, side somi, switch split-split, full wolf - not sure it was all the way around and it wasn't very pretty either, L-turn, switch ring - very nice, double tuck dismount, small step back. 5.7/7.475=13.175 6th
Nastassia Marachkouskaya (BLR) - front aerial-bhs step out, side aerial, very tall gymnast, side somi, balance check, L turn, tries to stay on toes and goes a little past 360, front pike off one foot down on two, switch side, almost comes off, split-switch split?, double pike. She gets around quickly and she has to, she's so tall! 5.3/7.9=13.2 4th
Elisa Haemmerle (AUT) - guess she withdrew and Katarzyna performed in her place
Very tough beam judging. Highest e-score was 8.325 to Katarzyna. Dorina Boczogo could have won had she not put her hands down!
Floor Exercise
Merlina Galera (ARG) - I should know this
song. switch split full, whip, double pike, double? twist 2nd pass.
L-turn hops at last minute. switch split, split full? 3rd pass - double
tuck, switch straddle full? Clearly I have some leap learning to do...
4.8/8.075=12.875
Lisa Top (NED) - in the national leo they have
become known for, choreo into her position, double arabian almost
sticks, tiniest step back. full in tucked, kisses the line but didn't
see a flag. 2.5 punch front (tucket), split leap-split full, switch
split full, double tuck to finish. Nice tumbling, Top is very
aggressive, but something to be desired in choreo. If she were competing
in the Olympics this year, I'd have faith that she could stick every
pass. Hopefully, we see more of her! 5.4/8.0=13.4 3rd
Tina Erceg
(CRO)- the tiger ice skater leo - nice triple twist! high and airy. 1.5
punch front full. switch split full, turn with leg at knee, another
turn, jazzy beat starts. double pike for her 3rd pass, step back. switch
ring-switch 1/2, stag leap just because. techno beat. 2.5 twist almost
stuck, small step back! Darn good routine I think. Coach is clapping and
blows her a kiss as Tina heads over to the kiss and cry.
5.4/8.225=13.625 1st
Marta Pihan-Kulesza (POL) - red, white, and
blue in her hair today. For some reason, I don't mind the mesh. Full
twist to 2.5. 2nd pass - double arabian, deep landing but stands. Triple
turn with leg at knee but falls out of it a little early. switch split
full, switch split 1/2. Another switch split full? fhs-double full.
There might be a few errors in this one. 5.5/8=13.5 2nd
Sasa Golob
(SLO) - purple leo - Remember the name - switch split 360, double pike,
hop back. switch ring - switch split full. front tuck - triple twist,
not sure if she wanted to leap out of it or what. switch split 1/2.
L-turn. Her music goes silent for a second and people thought she was
done. 2.5 twist another unsure leap attempt. I can't tell if she's
trying to leap out or if she's just not finishing properly.
4.9/8.050=12.950 6th
Adela Sajn (SLO) - lacey leo, very mature
looking, might go in the ice skater category. Double pike - tiniest hop.
Triple turn - Canadian style. switch ring, switch split full. 1.5
punch front layout. Classical piece. Another triple turn, maybe a quad?
Falls out a little early. 2.5 twist. switch split 1/2. Cute ending, the
music slows down, as does she, and then she does her final pose.
5.0/8.075=13.075 5th
Daiane dos Santos (BRA) - sleeveless leo with
jewels - smile is on :) - music starts with clapping beat and she claps
along - Dos Santos I (piked double arabian) - step back. double layout
- step back. hop full turn. switch straddle full. 1.5 to double tuck,
maybe OOB. switch split-split full, L-turn,-turn leg at knee, double
pike. Yayyy!!!!! Her landings are better but she still hops out of all
of them. 5.8/7.450/-.1=13.350. I don't get it!!! Guess that many .3
landing deductions leads to a full point, and since they start at 9 and randomly
deduct, 7.45 seems accurate. 4th
Angelina Kysla (UKR) - the white
leo with green swirl, 1.5 through to double tuck, falls forward, hands
down. Full-in pike, legs a little separated, step. switch ring-switch
split full. aerial. 2.5 twist, falls. Y turn. switch split 1/2. In the
corner for a minute - double pike - 2 steps forward. She looked like she
just didn't care for that last pass. I think her coaches are over at
the judges desk. 5.4/5.575=10.975 8th
Probably one of my favorite tumblr's is Gymnastics Gifs. This site is amazing! They post gifs (essentially animated pictures) of gymnasts from all over, including some NCAA stuff. There's something about a gif that just helps you realize how amazing a skill is or how on point an athlete was for a specific performance. It's updated fairly frequently!
The picture above is of Sarah Finnegan, USA, doing the Mitchell turn, or the can opener as some like to call it. Either way, that is one very pretty can opener! The picture below is of Victoria Moors, Canada, sticking her double twisting double tuck. It's amazing.
The other tumblr I'd like to bring your attention to is Gym Memes run by Bekah of Get A Grip. Go check it out and submit your own to Bekah on twitter @GetAGripGymblog or contact her in the Contact Me section of her website. One of my favorites from that website is below:
Oh, NBC Trio. What will we ever do with you?
I had the opportunity to chat with American Junior, Lexie Priessman. Lexie (Alexis) was born on January 23, 1997 and is, therefore, ineligible for the 2012 London Olympics by 23 days. However, she has been in the spotlight recently for her amazing and difficult gymnastics even though she is only a junior. Lexie is probably best known for her floor work where she can have a 6.2 d-score on floor, when everything is awarded, which is competitive with the United States' best seniors.
Amelia Hundley (L) and Lexie Preissman (R)
Lexie popped on to the scene when she won the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup in 2010 and placed 12th at the 2010 US Nationals. Lexie placed 4th at 2011 US Nationals and will no doubt be looking for a podium finish this year. After Nationals, she and teammate/best friend Amelia Hundley, were able to go to the Junior Japan International meet where Lexie placed 1st in the All-Around Competition. In 2012, she attended Pacific Rim and placed 2nd in the all around and also attended Jesolo where she placed 1st in the all-around. Lexie will be at the Secret Classic. Here's what she had to say.
How long have you been at CGA? Who are your coaches?
12 years, Mary Lee Tracy
Can you give us a sample of your daily schedule?
Mon, tues, thurs, fri, 8:30 to 12:30 & 2-4. Every other day is 8:30 to 1:30.
Are you in a training group with other gymnasts? What level are they?
Only the elites train together - Amelia [Hundley - Jr], Amanda [Jetter - Sr], Brianna [Brown - Sr], Alexis [Beucler - Jr]
What are your goals for the future, as well as 2012?
To make a World team or Olympic team one day
Any upgrades to be expected?
Nope just making my old skills better
Will you be competing all events at the Secret Classic?
Yes all 4
If there was one rule you could change, what would it be?
Not sure
Your floor routine is packed with difficulty that's very competitive, even with the seniors. How did you decide how to put it together?
I have always been powerful so floor came to me pretty easy so I tried a few different passes and these are the 4 that best fit me!
Lexie's floor routine includes a double double (G) and a tucked full in (E). You can watch her routine from 2011 US Nationals Championships below or here.
Who are your role models both in and out of the sport?
In gymnastics Aly Raisman and outside my older brother and parents.
What grade are you in school? Do you homeschool?
9th grade and yes, I am homeschooled.
Do you think you want to compete in college? Any ideas where?
Yes I want to compete in college!
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
"Reputation takes years to build, but a second to ruin!" And "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure."
Priessman siblings: Leah, Jenna, Nicholas, Lexie
Photo Copyright Lexie Priessman
Blitz round:
siblings - names, ages - [I have a] fraternal twin, her name is Leah. I have an older sister, Jenna, that is 18 and a brother, Nicholas, that is 21
nickname - just lex
favorite event - floor
least favorite event - beam
skill that took you the longest to learn - jaeger on bars!
favorite show - Pretty Little Liars
favorite song of the moment - God Gave Me You or Call Me Maybe [Carly Rae Jepsen]
favorite place you traveled to US and abroad - Japan
favorite movie/last movie you watched - The Blind Side, and the last movie I watched was the Vow
proudest gymnastics moment - Winning the Nastia Cup [in 2010] and going to Japan [in 2011] with my best friend Amelia
Watch her routines from the 2011 Japan International below or here
Thank you, Lexie! And best of luck in 2012 and the future!
Photo Credit gym-style.com/lexie
Olympian Dominique Dawes with Olympic Hopeful Aly Raisman
The US Olympic Committee had a Media Summit meeting for Team USA. Athletes from all different disciplines around the US were in attendance. The gymnasts were in interviews for over an hour and I imagine we'll start seeing a flurry of articles about the gymnasts that were in attendance. I believe the only male gymnasts in attendance were Jonathan Horton and John Orozco. On the female side, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Sabrina Vega, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, and Rebecca Bross were all in attendance. We'll also probably be seeing some new montages as the girls had a little video shoot with a green screen. You can find more pictures here and here from Aunt Joyce.
Articles are already starting to emerge from this media summit. I recommend that you follow @GymNewsTics on twitter if you have one as she/he tweets about gymnastics in the media often. Apparently, Nastia will compete at the Secret Classic but only on beam. Sadly, Rebecca Bross has given up the all around and will only be training bars and beam (source). This has made things a lot more interesting. Essentially, we have more bars specialist to choose from than I thought we would and fewer all around gymnasts.
Vogue
In other news, gymnasts are appearing in magazines all over the place! Aly Raisman is in June's Vogue. Here is another picture she tweeted about it here. I don't know what you think about Aly and her toe point or whatever, but I really like the picture above. I think Tyra would be proud.
McKayla Maroney tweeted that she, Shawn Johnson, and Sabrina Vega can all be found in Glamour magazine this month. It's the magazine on the middle shelf, next to Oprah in the picture above.
There is also a new blog, USA Gymnastics Fansite, that is basically postings tons of pictures of the US gymnasts. Check it out as well!
