Gymcastic: The Gymnastics Podcast

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Dvora and Jessica chat about: Russia has not been banned as a country, but the FIG must decide on individuals. (3:00) Valentina has declared Ksenia Afanasyeva retired, might not be true but Afan is out. Kuksenkov was cleared of all Meldonium doping charges earlier this year and is in Rio. Marta Karolyi Press Conference (9:25) We've decided Rhonda Faehn and Simone Biles/Aimee Boorman have started working Marta's mouth like a puppet because she held an open practice and even said the gymnasts must all be trained as individuals! Praise the gym gods! Germany, Steingruber Win in Chemnitz (14:00) Sophie Scheder scored a 15.25 on bars  (better at German Nationals with 15.5 which ranked her 8th in the World) Catalina Ponor scored a 14.700 on VT in Chemnitz. She outscored Larisa Iordache (FX, double Y turn immediate illusion turn!) on every event (except bars, which Ponor didn't do)   Ponor has a full twisting DLO Ponor took on her haters on Instagram--straight up Gabby Dou

 IN THE NEWS This week, Uncle Tim, Spencer and Jessica chat about: Gabby's secret knee injury (3:30): "Broken knee" and absentee father storylines continue to muddle Gabby Inc. waters  - NY Times and Mercury News McKayla Maroney wasn't randomly Periscoping, she was on her way to surprise some little gym nerds at a Trials watch party!  Skinner Gate 2.0 (17:47): Miss Skinner (and now her coach) continue to get in trouble on Twitter.  British Olympic teams strategy (28:00) The decades of black gymnasts who paved the way for Simone Biles Could we have had an African-American Olympic champion in 1984? Tutya Yilmaz (TUR) and Jossimar Calvo were the highlights of the ill attended/post-terrorist attack World Cup in Turkey. Russian Cup: the provisional Olympic team and the potential impact of the McLaren report (48:00) Mustafina had a weird thing on bars, here's the video Romanian Nationals: was it smart to choose Catalina Ponor as the sole Olympic competitor over Larisa Ilordache?  Anda Butuc’s onodi m

     Olympic gold medalist and three time World Champion, McKayla Maroney has much to share about where she has been, what happened along the way and where she is going next. She settles long debated gymternet questions and we find out what caused the physical and emotional breakdown she referred to in this video last year. We discuss: If she feared blowback from speaking frankly about her experiences.  The skill she tried that Marta told her to never to do again.   The circumstances surrounding her injuries and multiple surgeries. The post-Olympic tour conditions and their effects on her health.  She answers fans suspicions that her injuries are due to poor nutrition.   Some fans claim that AOGC break gymnasts, her thoughts.  Did the advice she received from her coaches contribute to her injuries?   How she dealt with self identity as she struggled to stay healthy.  Discusses the role of humility and insecurity through the Olympic selection process.  Does she think the men's team should be more like the wom

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Cordelia Price  (aunt of 2014 World Cup Series Champion and 2012 Olympian alternate Elizabeth "Ebee" Price), Casey Magniesum and Jessica chat about: Why each and every gymnasts was chosen as an alternate or team member.  Why Marta didn't go with the highest scoring team available.  Which gymnasts hit 8 for 8 this weekend. Everything that happened behind the scenes:  Zac Lawson finally added to the permanently banned list at USAG website GymSplaining Parade of Olympians Concert Best signs and t-shirts seen in the audience  U.S.Slay t-shirts from Evan and his crew Aly’s coaching is judging her at Olympic Trials Parents: teach your kids to be good fans. Being a good fan is supporting the athlete, not making the athlete notice you. Maroney live Periscoping during Trials  Event host, John Macready, learned a new game and we were horrified.  Why FloGymnastics isn't here covering Trials; the USOC pulled their parent company's credentials.  Every competitors'

IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, Lindsey Green, Jennifer Lacopelli and Jessica chat about: Kittia-Gate: Christian Gallardo has been coaching Gabby instead of  Kittia.  Statement from Natalie Hawkins, Gabrielle Douglas’ mother:"Gabrielle hasn't made a coaching change. Christian Gallardo has been Gabrielle's coach since she arrived at Buckeye. Since there is only to be one coach alongside Gabrielle throughout the Olympic process, Christian is that coach based on their longtime coach/athlete bond, chemistry and strength together." If Laurie Hernandez is selected, will she *really* be the first Latina gymnast to make the U.S. Olympic team in 30 years? We review the night 1 of the Olympic Trials – gymnast by gymnast. Finally, we discuss Simone's hilarious Tide commercial, which is Jessica's favorite thing ever SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 187: McKayla Maroney Getting to the Games: A Checklist 201: Men’s Olympic Trials an

 THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW One of our original hosts, Dvora Meyers has just published The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics' Top Score - from Nadia to Now. The book is the latest must-have in the gym nerd library. It examines the evolution of elite women’s gymnastics over the last few decades and answers questions that gymnastics fans have been asking since the last perfect score was handed out over 20 years ago. She reveals why successful female gymnasts are older and more athletic than they have ever been before, how the United States became a gymnastics powerhouse, and what the future of gymnastics will hold. Lauren and Jessica chat with Dvora about (4:45):  MythBusters in the book: Who were Nadia’s actual first gymnastics coaches, when the open-ended scoring system came about, East Germany set precedent for the current American training system. Gymternet vs television coverage - past and current Insulting coverage that creates gymnastics like a sideshow How the Ranch has changed ov

 IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on Douglas Family Gold (S1 E5), Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: The episode extra where Coach Christian is seen and heard!  Recap (5:00) Gymnastics fact checking machine went into overdrive during the competition scenes We ignore that it's mathematically impossible for Gabby to beat Simone.  The definition of what constitutes success for Gabby changes 7 million times.  Did Natalie fulfill her vision to show ,"What it takes to ….what goes on behind the scenes to support an elite athlete, and, for me as a mom, to support my other children at the same time.” (31:47) We examine which of our deepest fears and greatest hopes from the preview podcast came true. (36:00) What do the Dougies need to do to make this a hit show next season? (46:00) RELATED LINKS Watch episodes of Douglas Family Gold here. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Get one of our awesome gymnastics goodies here. Buy Dvora Myers new book The End of the Perfect 10 from o

    IN THE NEWS This week, Uncle Tim, Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Men's Olympic Trials The Olympic Team: Sam Mikulak,  Chris Brooks, Jake Dalton, Alex Naddour (aka Mr. Hollie Vise), John Orozco. Alternates: Danell Leyva, Donnell Whittenburg, Akash Modi   Strategy (8:47) Nancy Armour vs. John Orozco drama (14:50) Highlights on and off the floor Brooks hugging OTC athlete liaison, Sherry. The skill Uncle Tim's gymnastics nieces have to learn before they can be in his wedding (23:54) NBC massive errors and generally being jerks (26:18) Putting down Gabby even though she's exactly on track to be at her best Race, poverty and sexualizing athletes  Women's P&G Championships Our debate for the Gymnastics Is Hard Award (38:00) Injury list Junior analysis, favor and future super stars (50:00) Senior analysis (59:00) Who qualified to Olympic Trials for the women: Alyssa Baumann; Simone Biles; Christina Desiderio; Gabby Douglas; Brenna Dowell; Rachel Gowey; Laurie Hernandez; Amelia Hundley; Mad

IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on Douglas Family Gold (S1 E5), Jessica, Spencer and Stefane recap the episode and discuss: The family listened to the podcast! (3:00) Gabby's bar upgrades revealed! (5:00) Coach Christian's voice made the show, but not with his face at the same time. What Gabby's Family has to do to overtake the Kar*$&#*ians as the top reality family in the world. (15:29) Natalie's on-screen script boo boo. (28:42) There was no cause for excitement about the Ranch footage because it was all recycled USAG footage. (35:50) Jene Park, AKA Edna from The Incredibles is back: (30:55) champagne and coffee for everyone Gabby says,  “what more chocolate do I need” and non-stop BBC jokes ensue. Natalie has a boob tattoo and we can't stop analyzing it. (43:37) Jessica's story about Natalie being a badass in Tokyo. (60:00) Feedback (53:25) Some feedback about Gabby's alleged single status from the African-American community. Gabby wearing her hair natural this weekend for nationals in St. Lo

  NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Spencer, and Jessica chat about: Our favorite moments from last week's interview with Alicia Sacramone  Controversy (of course) at Australian Olympic Trials (4:01) Congrats to 2016 Olympian Larissa Miller and her beautiful floor! Funding expose from StickIt  Rhythmic and Trampoline Olympic Trials (11:09) Rhythmic roup qualifies for first time, ever. Sadness, injuries, elation and awesome adult gymnastics from tramp (14:04) "The legs that I had, the butt that I had were why I jumped so high" - Olympic Champion Rosie MacLennan (CAN) video P&G Championships Preview (1:03:30) How to watch live, online and on tv here. Sam Peszek and Evan Heiter are doing juniors analysis! Karolyi Ranch film to premiere on Friday at 8pm ET on NBC, watch trailer here. Who we are looking forward to watching who won't go to Rio (Morgan Hurd, Emily Gaskins) Who is in a do or die situation to qualify to Rio or even Trials Recap of Beyond the Routine with Bailie Key who has scratched from P&

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week in Douglas Family Gold (S1 E4), Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: Real Moment of the Week Awards (2:00) Recap with actual gymnastics! (4:00) John wants to "prank" the family by tasering them in the outdoors. (9:15) Jessica responds to criticism from the asexual community after last week's discussion of whether or not Gabby has, or is ready for a relationship and the ancient trope of the romantically immature gymnast.  (24:30) Resource links below.  RELATED LINKS Watch episodes of Douglas Family Gold here. Ages and stages of healthy human sexual development from Darkness To Light and ACT of Youth SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome gymnastics goodies here. CONTEST Name the Gabby-inspired Drag Queen here! Tweet @GymCastic #GabbyFamilyDrag with your name for our fabulous listener and legit adult gymnast.  RELATED EPISODES 161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW We are honored and humbled to welcome back the legend herself, Alicia Sacramone, to celebrate our 200th episode. She joined us for episode 43, the  first ever panel on LGBT Issues in Gymnastics in 2013. Since then she's married her longtime boyfriend, started a few businesses, and began coaching and doing choreography. Alicia is expecting her first child this summer. The Olympic silver medalist, 10x World medalist and 4x World Champion discussed:  The crazy vault she never got to compete Her goal as a television analyst for the SEC Network Competing in college at Brown and elite simultaneously How Marta Karolyi reacted and why she decided to go pro with Under Armour  Transitioning to the open-ended scoring system:  The 2006 floor leap series incident when her routine wasn't credited and she didn't make finals Placing behind Cheng Fei in 2008 Olympic vault final even though Fei had a fall Which gymnast rocked the Code of Points best Clarifying the facts from Shawn Johnson's recen

The new Gabbymoji app features the gorgeous art above. THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week's show is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Orlando terror attack and the LGBT community everywhere. Find out how to help here or call on legislators to make gun reform here. On this week's recap of Douglas Family Gold (S2E3), Jessica, Spencer and Spanny  discuss: The lack of gymnastics and Coach Christian Natalie is shocked that her adult children don’t want to spend every waking moment with her Arie and Joy are totally starting a fashion business right now Shocker, John doesn't want to hang out with his mom during his college visit The sisters think Gabby need a companion, but isn't ready to date... sooooo escort?  Jessica is outraged at the old, sexless, no-time for boyfriends, abnormal development because she's a gymnast trope Gabby gets a kitten instead of an adult cat and the gymternet lost their damn minds.  CONTEST Name the Gabby Drag Queen here! Tweet @GymCastic #GabbyFamilyDrag with your name for our

This week’s episode is proudly presented by new Club Gym Nerd member, Saul, who joined at the Episode Dedication level. Saul dedicated this episode to Natalia Frolova's 1986 floor routine. This Soviet great does one of his  favorite old school routines; he watches it from time-to-time and not enough people know about her amazingness!  We couldn't agree more. Thank you for supporting the show and spending the Frolova, Saul! IN THE NEWS In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: US Classic (2:36) videos Who competed AA, who chose to show up just for podium training and why (read our article on rules changes) Gabby's new floor routine, her opinions of the Zika threat, and new bar skill and technique Bailie Key Watch Laurie Hernandez vs. Ragan Smith vs. Alyssa Bauman vs. Swaggie Maggie Bars duel, Ashton Locklear vs. Madison Kocian Our top three moments from the junior meet (32:40) The insanity of Aly Raisman scoring higher than Jordan Chiles on vault.  Best moments from the NBC broadcast. Yes, we

  THIS WEEK'S EPISODE In this week's recap of Douglas Family Gold, Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: We have now met Hipster Gabby, Realness Gabby and finally Hangry Gabby; and she is all of us.  The stampede that wasn't caught on camera at Graduation.  Christian Gallardo, he's just here to look adorable, no need to speak. Why Arie is the Lady Edith, AKA Cinderella, of the family. All the reasons why Gabby's high-heel dog poop obstacle course lesson was very necessary--this photo says it all.  Gabby's family and friends are hired extras and it's hilarious. RELATED LINKS Watch the first episode of Douglas Family Gold here. Streaming link to full episodes SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here for only $2/month. So. Cheap. So worth it.  Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES   161: Women’s Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women’s Prelims Recap 143: The Return of Gabby Douglas Episode 129: Why Gabby Left Chow (or Cho

  In the News This GymCastic Classic originally aired April 29th 2015. The 2016 Euros start this week! Current Australian national team member and World Cup medalist, Mary-Anne "Mez" Monckton joins Emma to give us all the details on the 2015 European Championships in Montpellier, France: Preliminary Problems: Before the meet even started Kristina Pravdina (AZB) and Anna Pavlova (AZB), along with Alla  Sosnitkaya (RUS) were all out with injuries. Epke fell on high bar and failed to make finals. What world is this?! Women's All-Around: Historic Firsts: Giulia Steingruber all-around gold was the first ever win for Switzerland, Ellie Downie's bronze was the first ever medal for Great Britain, Poland's fifth place all-around for Marta Pihan-Kulesza was the highest ever finish for Poland--from a 27 year-old! Can the Russian women challenge the US now that they have two Amanar's in the lineup? Men's All-Around Sam Oldham returned after his awful ankle injury at Commonwealth Games. The Oleg Verniaiev (UKR)

  THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on Douglas Family Gold (season one, episode one) Jessica, Spencer and Spanny recap the episode and discuss: Our first impressions and where they delivered on our hopes and some fears.  The Leotard shoot in which we fangirl hard over two leos and Spencer is like, "leos?" The real, unguarded Gabby Douglas or is it Brie or is it Gabrielle or is it Gabby and The Douglai?  Training footage: authentic without makeup and the great and foreboding Amanar.  P&G Championships: the realness of holding back tears,  not wanting to talk to parents, and Christian Gallardo sighting!    Gymnastics Fact Checking: She was already on the national team, this don'ts matter at all for Rio and other white lies.  RELATED LINKS These are the leos we are fingerling hard over in this episode. SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo 160: PG Championships Women's Prelims R

IN THE NEWS Spencer and Jessica chat about: Our new podcast about the Gabby's Douglas realty show Douglas Family Gold on Oxygen. Watch the first episode of Douglas Family Gold here. Ellie Downie won everything, literally at the Osijek World Cup (2:50) Women in their 30's dominated the Sao Paulo World Cup, including 31 year-old Daniele Hypolito who did this on beam! (9:23) Olympic prelims order released (13:50): Is it really true that scores go up as the day goes on or is that another gym myth that needs to be busted?! Our thoughts on the preliminary Chinese women's team Shang Chunking, Fan Jilin, Mao Yi, Wang Yan and first year senior Liu Tingting. (23:00) We discuss the best parts of TingTing's routines from Chinese nationals including her legit, handspring front on beam! AH-MAZING! GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet is brought to you by 20 Mile Athletic Center in Parker Colorado! We discuss (31:24):  NBC filmed at the ranch and so there were m

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE Yes! It's an all new podcast! We'll be doing a weekly recap of DFG here along with our regular weekly episodes of GymCastic. If you already subscribe to GymCastic on iTunes and Stitcher, you'll see DFG in your existing feed. In this week's recap of DFG, Jessica, Spencer and Spanny discuss our hopes and fears for this long-awaited series: Gym Nerdy: we want footage from the national team training camp and lots of behind-the-scenes at meets. The Brand vs. The Person: we hope to see the real Gabby.  Taboos: Money, the pitfalls of the family running Gabby's business and love life. Addressing the Scandals: will the decision to leave her Olympic coach, Chow, or the real story behind Excalibur come up during the show? Or will we have to wait for Natalie to write her tell-all book? The Sexy People: we hope to see lots of Christian Gallardo and Coach Fernando in the gym and out. And of course, a drinking game.   RELATED LINKS Watch the first episode of Douglas Family Gold here. SUPPORT THE SHO

  THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Betty Okino escaped an assassination attempt as a child, has two skills named after her in the Code of Points, won an Olympic medal just six years after her very first gymnastics class, was 5' 1" tall during the Barcelona Games, danced for Destiny's Child with Beyonce, acted in movies and televsion, is a polyglot, was the first black female gymnast to win an Olympic medal along with Dominque Dawes in 1992. Betty was one of the famed "Karolyi's Six-Pack" (nickname for his elite training squad in the 90's) era gymnasts who dominated US gymnastics after the Mary Lou Retton years. As an Afro-Romanian-refugee-dancer turned Olympian, and now as a gymnastics choreographer she has a uniquely-positioned perspective on the sport. We chatted on March 21st and discussed: Her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show where she defended the training methods of Bela Karyoli after the expose Little Girls in Pretty Boxes came out. Her thoughts on the issues around athlete welfare that McKayla Maroney brou