Gymcastic: The Gymnastics Podcast

IN THE NEWS The Gabby Tweet Heard 'Round the World (1:00) What was wrong with Gabby's response to Aly's post about victim shaming and why so many people are angry about it How her teammates responded Gabby's apology Our thoughts on the whole mess And then just as we were about to post, late breaking news: Gabby Douglas came forward as Larry Nassar victim. FIERCE (13:13) Aly Raisman’s book, Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything, was released last week. We talk through all of our feelings about it as a gymternet family. Why this is the best gymnastics book ever written for this age group USA Gymnastics does not come off well. At all. It's awesome. The post-Olympic tour is a hellscape Aly's experience with Larry Nassar is quite telling about exactly how this went on for so long and the very understandable reasons that victims don't speak about their experiences We need to talk about this mysterious Fran character Why the section about nutrition is a MUST-READ for all elite and NCAA coaches

IN THE NEWS Aly Raisman appeared on 60 Minutes this week, relating her own story of abuse by Larry Nassar and making known her dissatisfaction with USA Gymnastics' handling of abuse at the time, as well as now.  We discuss: How awesome Aly Raisman is How awesome Aly Raisman is And how awesome Aly Raisman is The need for education and communication among children, adults, coaches, and administrators about what is acceptable behavior and what is not Why many of the victims didn't know they were abused until years later What a stupid question "Isn't the timing just a book sales ploy?" is Plus, USAG has a new president, and we have concerns SAFESPORT has a new board, and we have concerns The USOC has experienced no consequences, and we have concerns And finally, Jessica O'Beirne presents the O'BEIRNE MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE. Six areas in which USA Gymnastics must improve immediately, otherwise nothing will ever get better and they will never gain back the trust of the members. Transparency: Daniels Report co

This week's episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Beth, who commissioned a sequel to our first show all about the biggest myths, legends, and unexpected moments in gymnastics history because there were just too many to pack into a single episode the first time around. Thank you for letting us do this, Beth! But first, Jessica's greatest dream has FINALLY come true in this week's Club Gym Nerd episode dedication!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE x100000000. MYTHS AND LEGENDS Myth Un-Busted??? The latest, secret information about Soviet pregnancy doping Is there really a real-life skill called the Miller? Or did NBC lie to us? (BOTH!) Did Verona van de Leur really leave gymnastics to become a porn star? Bonus: More gymnastics nudity "scandals" than you ever wanted to know about! Did Title IX really kill men's college gymnastics? Is there really such a thing as the international look? Or did NBC lie to us? Did Armine Barutyan really do a double layout beam dismount? Is the American Cup really the SCA

  GYMTERNET NEWS Check out the behind the scenes video from the unicorn of gymnastics, concurrent elite and college gymnast, New Zealand/Boise State's Courtney McGregor.  It's comeback season! November 1st was National Simone Biles Is Back In The Gym Day. How did you celebrate? The Alexei Nemov show Mustafina did almost-real beam and Komova did even more almost-real bars Spencer the Khorkina Whisperer breaks down the true meaning of her exhibition performance Khorkina also sticks her foot in her mouth again. All the surprise. Tatiana Nabieva continued being retired by winning the St. Petersburg Championship NCAA news Bailie Key is back and beaming for Alabama Madison Kocian had successful labrum surgery Sabrina Schwab has medically retired Maggie Nichols and Kyla Ross are still pulling out new tricks because of badassdom Mixed gender gymnastics Is mixed-gender team competition the future of gymnastics? We discuss the merits of the mixed team format at the Swiss Cup. Kenzo is the greatest uneven

  This week's episode was commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Bella, who asked for an episode about all things Svetlana Khorkina: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Part 1: Getting philosophical with the question, who is Svetlana Khorkina? The height. The hair. The diva. The queen. The drama. The "villain." Part 2: The good The champion – 7-time Olympic medalist; 20-time world medalist; 47 medals across Euros, worlds, and Olympics The innovator – 7 eponymous skills, at least one on each event. We pick favorites. The artist – all-time favorite Khorkina floor routines. Carmen from the 1996 Olympics The 2004 choreographed kiss THIS very special, very bonkers ghost/snowman exhibition routine. A diva is magical All-time best Khorkina moments The scream heard 'round the world during the 2000 all-around final The 1996 Olympic gala dismount Giving the vault final spot to Zamolodchikova That time Zamo did the worst bars routine of all time and Khorkina died of hilarity Part 3: Chatting with Luba Luba fro

This week's episode is commissioned by Club Gym Nerd member Courtney, who commissioned an episode all about the Sydney women's all-around final saying simply, "Because I know the gymternet has feelings." We sure do. Thanks for letting us do this, Courtney! Pre-meet Russia drama! (Because of course.) Produnova is pulled from the final in favor of Zamolodchikova. Jessica doesn't have feelings about it at all.  Watch along with us here competition video NBC's fluff and obsession with father figures and male influence. (See: The Fluff Cast.) The vault is probably fine. This trash competition Why the meet was cursed right from the start. Several minutes discussing Kristen Maloney's shiny silver leotard, because of deep and important thoughts. Elise Ray's SCARIEST vault warmup of all time. Why did some people struggle with the low vault and others not? We have theories. KHORKINA and the difference between artistry, elegance, carriage, and actual execution. Maria Olaru, how she's basically treated like garbage, a

We have two episodes for you this week. This is a quick update on the latest sexual abuse allegations by McKayla Maroney and Tatiana Gutsu. A separate episode, our commissioned recap of the 2000 Sydney women's all-around final, is also out right now. McKayla Maroney's statement Response from USAG Response from teammates Our interview with McKayla Maroney, where she discusses the toxic environment at USA Gymnastics, under Martha Karolyi and alleges neglect and emotional abuse by her personal coaches. That interview was recorded in October of 2015. Our thoughts, and Aly's thoughts, on the Terin Humphrey response  What you can actually do USAGym is looking for individuals to serve on Standing Committees of the Board of Directors Call your senators to tell them to support SB 534 or thank them for already doing so Tweet at the gymnasts to show your support Tatiana Gutsu's statement The horrifying backlash from Russia Why efforts to defend "your friend" undermine support of the victim and discourage

IN THE NEWS Spencer and Jessica detox from worlds by working through their feelings about SIMONE IS COMING BACK! AND SHE'LL BE COACHED BY THE LANDIS! Aly Raisman's book comes out November 14th and is available for preorder. We have many hopes and dreams for it.  The NCAA has fulfilled Greg Marsden's vision and approved a no-bye postseason and four-team championship Our latest crusade: Why worlds must be moved out of Qatar The Huang Family case Qatar Sports Minister says he probably won't imprison gay soccer fans Polish social media marketer arrested at airport for being identified as gay Our proposals to fix the format of world championships in order to improve the level of competition and condense the length   GYMTERNET NEWS Our weekly roundup of the latest news stories from around the gymternet includes: Russian drama! Seda is in trouble, but Spencer's not having it Paseka knows about her vault form, YOU GUYS Aliya is skipping her checkup in Germany to go to the national team camp Dalaloyan c

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 7 Spencer, Lauren, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Men's Vault The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Beam The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's PBars The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Floor The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's HBar The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES What to do if you tinkle while you tumble? Advice from a pelvic floor expert for gymnasts here. 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Ol

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 6 Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Men's Floor The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Vault The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's Horse The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Women's Bars The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights Men's Rings The medalists Highlights Lowlights Mediumlights What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Te

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 5 Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Results The medals Who won the D and E score races Surprises and upsets Full recap of all the greatness in the final: details, scores, and moments we loved What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)    

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 4 Spencer, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Results The medals Who won the D and E score races Surprises and upsets Full recap of all the greatness in the final: details, scores, and moments we loved What went on inside the arena State of our pre-final storylines SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Recap 263: P&G Championships Preview with Jon Horton 261: 2017 U.S. Classic! 260: U.S. Classic Preview 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) 254: Vanessa Atler 252: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned)  

 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 3 Spencer, Lauren, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Women's Results Larissa's injury, Cata's retirement Official qualifiers to finals Who won the D and E score races Surprises and upsets Favorite moments Subdivision 3 - Iordache, Ponor, Eythora, Wevers, Steingruber Subdivision 4 - Alt, Seitz, Boyer, Devillard, Ferrari, Kovacs, McGregor Subdivision 5 - US team, JPN team, CHN team, Andrade, Fidelis, Ferrera, Varinska What went on inside the arena State of our pre-competition storylines Any reason to doubt Smith v. Iordache now? The Tabea Alt new-skill parade? Is it Japan's time? Andrade as AA threat? Yesenia Ferrera China Olympic low-balling - now in final session? SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian Cup, University Games, and Feedback 264: 2017 P&G Championships Mega Reca

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 2 Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: Men's Results Official qualifiers to finals Who won the D and E score races Top moments of final subdivision? Epke, Calvo, Zanetti, Nory, McClenaghan, Arican, Pornstache, Yang Hakseon, Women's results Two subdivisions down today, three to go tomorrow including the US, China, Japan, Romania, Netherlands, Germany, and France, so we know nothing Surprises and upsets Favorite moments Subdivision 1 - Fragapane, Tinkler, Fenton, Mizzen, Rodriguez, Toni-Ann Subdivision 2 - RUS team, CAN team, Derwael What went on inside the arena State of our pre-competition storylines Fenton/Derwael race for the stalder tkatchev 1/2 Cintia Rodriguez toe shoot 1/1 Paseka's vaulting Moors on floor being all Moors   SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one of our awesome shirts here. RELATED EPISODES 268: Aimee Boorman and Maggie Haney: The Olympic Experience 267: Growing up in Cuba with Charlie Tamayo 266: Screams of Joy 265: Russian C

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 1 Spencer, Lauren, Kensley and Jessica chat about: Watch all of our video coverage from Worlds here. Results Reminder: There's still one more subdivision for the men tomorrow featuring Brazil, South Korea, and the Netherlands among others, so things will change. Who's definitely making finals Who definitely isn't making finals Surprises and upsets Favorite moments Subdivision 1 - Oleg, Igor, Manrique, Bretschenider, Nguyen, Davtyan, Merdinyan, Petrounias, Beckford Subdivision 2 - US team, British team, Hegi, Braegger, Yusof, Ude, Seligman Subdivision 3 - JPN team, CHN team, RUS team, Dragulescu, Zapata, Ait Said, Tommasone, Bertoncelj What went on inside the arena State of our pre-competition storylines Oleg v. Kohei – is it a rematch? Is Kenzo an all-around gymnast now? Miyachi and Bretschneider – race for the "Bretschneider II" Possible US upgrades - Penev TTY, Mikulak triple back 1/1 Max Whitlock pommel horse upgrades SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Club Gym Nerd here. Buy one o

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Spencer, Lauren, and Jessica chat about: All the exciting GymCastic goodies you can expect from us at worlds!!! Lots of video clips and video analysis from us starting with PODIUM TRAINING this Friday! A podcast every single day of competition starting with men’s prelims on Monday through finals on Sunday . We might try something else we’ve never done before for Club Members, so if you haven’t made sure you can login and get to the extended version of the Maggie Haney, Aimee Boorman interview, please do so now. How to watch Full competition schedule and USAG live streaming schedule available at www.usagymworlds.com. US team selection (7:30) WE GOT VIDEOS FROM SELECTION CAMP!!!! #ScottandRhonda4ever Why a Smith, Hurd, Carey, Locklear team is weird, unexpected, and controversial Why a Smith, Hurd, Carey, Locklear team makes total sense That time Italy looked at the US's "controversial" selection and said, "Hold my beer..." (18:44) Women's All-Around (23:53) True or false: It's Rag

  THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Aimee Boorman, lifelong coach of 2016 Olympic Champion and bazillion time World Champion, Simone Biles; and Maggie Haney, coach of Olympic team gold and beam silver medalist, Laurie Hernandez, joined us to discuss their Olympic experience:  Advice for other coaches on how to survive an Olympic year Why having a thigh gap is no good for gymnasts Culture changes at the national team camps that made the system work  How camps are different under Valeri Liukin than they were under Martha Karolyi Standing up to Martha All the skills Simone could have had named after her if Aimee and Simone hadn't decided on the bubble wrap policy. How Riley McCusker got her Chinese bar dismount. RELATED EPISODES Episode 41: Laurie Hernandez & Coach Maggie Haney 161: Women's Finals Recap with Aimee Boorman and Christian Gallardo Episode 33: Simone Biles & Her Coaches 254: Vanessa Atler 223: Tasha Schwikert 222: New King 219: Rio Olympic Event Finals Day 3, Gala, Houry Behind the Scenes Deets! G

THIS WEEK'S INTERVIEW Creator of the laid-out double arabian, Charlie Tamayo, is here. The first male gymnast to win a World medal for Cuba tell us what it was like to grow up in the Cuban gymnastics system. We discuss: Being selected for a special sports school Daily life at the National School of Gymnastics, including ballet classes Conditions in Cuba, from power to food to the politics of getting a phone What gymnasts were told when they weren't allowed to compete internationally The vault that he thought would change his life What happened to his competition and gala earnings  Learning a full twisting double back vault before it was named for Ri Se-gwang Competing with a broken ankle Defecting Learning to coach in the United States Some videos of Charlie Tamayo training the Tamayo and inside his gym in Cuba WE ARE GIVING AWAY TICKETS TO WORLDS! Prize : One ticket to all four all finals, including the sold out Women’s All-Around Final Deadline: September 18th at midnight Pacific Who Can Enter: Club

IN THE NEWS  Spencer and Jessica chat about: Chinese National Games Jiang Tong's scream of joy after hitting floor  Retirements, including Bai Yawen and Shang Chunsong Chen Yile killer beam, TingTing is the top senior in AA qualification - beam Fan Yilin rocking a new Huang Huidan/Riley McCusker dismount Wang Yan’s brush-your-shoulders-off  floor routine China announced Worlds Team: AA -Liu Tingting, Luo Huan; VT, BB, FX - Wang Yan; UB - Fan Yilin Romanian Championships The craziest scoring of any national championship in the World. Larissa Iordache had a very head-shakey E score on beam, but upgraded to a Fabrichnova on bars We enjoy Catalina Ponor's death-stare-down at the beam after an unusual two falls in a row. Then we interpret Ponor’s new floor routine Varna World Cup, Italian and Swiss Nationals  Andrade Amanar We seethe about Brazil's decision to only send two athletes to Worlds this year. SEETHE! Deisree Carofiglio of Italy has a Dowell and so.much.drama. in her floor routine!  The off

All of our good thoughts and leotard sparkles are going out to the people of Texas, as we give 10 Khorkina glares to Hurricane Harvey. Here are the NY Times recommendations for how you can help. MEET NEWS Spencer and Jessica tell you everything you need to know about The Russian Cup of Valentina Crazy Scores How Melnikova won the all-around and hit beam (!), and it was all because of that sad Instagram post from Euros Elena Eremina's 57.900 from qualification is the highest AA score in the world this year Jessica explains why having a baby makes you better at floor, like Eleonora Afanasyeva Maria Kharenkova is back with confidence! (And the highest scores of the meet on beam and floor)  Is she challenging Anastasia Ilyankova's spot on the worlds team? Uliana Perebinosova wears white socks on bars and is the next coming of Beth Tweddle The Larisa Iordache University Games Starring Larisa Iordache Iordache's massively risky beam that could be a 6.7 D score, and that she can fall on and still win the all