168: Shannon Miller, BelarusGate, NED vs GB - a podcast by gymcastic@gmail.com

from 2015-10-07T05:02:49

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viatlana Lifenka and Valeryia Tsekhmistrenka ousted by Belarusan president behind the Bolshoi theater in minsk

Dream Killers?! Nellie Kim and Belarus President, Alexander Lukashenko are at the center of a controversy that left Belarusian gymnasts Sviatlana Lifenka (R) and Valeryia Tsekhmistrenka (L) out of Worlds.

The most decorated gymnast in American history, three-time Olympian, and Olympic gold medalist and world champion, Shannon Miller graced us with her presence for a second time! We squealed with glee! Shannon told us about:

Her new line of leotards and leisure wear

Handling commentators and public discussion of her body and puberty

Who she's excited to watch at Glasgow Worlds

Chusovitina and the longevity of adult gymnasts

What she thought of the winning impression video from our It's Not About Perfect book giveaway contest.

Tips on learning her famous back extension rolls on beam

Settles the debate for us: Is high altitude ever an excuse for poor conditioning?

In the news, Uncle Tim, Lauren Hopkins, and Jessica chat about:

Belarusgate
- Two Americans were granted expedited dual-Belarusian citizenship and state that they will compete for Belarus instead of the native Belarusian team.
- The American teens' interview with International Gymnast was off-putting to say the least (read it here).
- We separate fact from fiction and explain why the Americans aren't technically switching countries at all or breaking International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) rules.
- Lauren helps us get to know the current Belarusian team members
- Uncle Tim puts this kind of "make your own team" activity into historical context for gymnastics and other Olympic sports.
- Our opinions on what the unintended consequences of this precedent could be and where we should go from here.

Netherlands vs. British-friendly meet
- Eythora Thorsdottir debuted a new floor routine that's causing controversy and our artistic hearts to bleed with joy!
- Could Ellie Downie be the dark horse for an all-around medal in Glasgow?
- Why the Netherlands are leading the way: in innovation, the Spirit of The Code, and unique beam construction.

Natasha Coates is our gym-hero of the week!
- Find out why here.

WHAT: Elevate of The Stage: Xcel, J.O., with Auburn vs. Alabama dual meet finale

WHEN: January 16-17, 2016

WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama

SPECIALNESS: It's on podium and the college coaches will watch the top levels on Saturday night.

TWO PRIZES:

$250 off of a gym's registration (20 or more gymnasts) to compete in the JO meet and no team fees.

Four VIP passes to watch the college meet on the floor, access to hospitality and four free t-shirts. ***

***With this, the winner will have to be someone 18 or older because recruitable gymnasts can't be on the floor during college meet competition (blame the NCAA rules).

HOW TO ENTER: