GYMN-L Digest - 10 Oct 1995 - Special issue

There are 18 messages totalling 539 lines in this issue.

Topics in this special issue:

1. Worlds :British scores
2. USAG fax number (2)
3. "Stars of the Parallel Bars?"
4. gymnastics and weight problems (2)
5. THE BOOK...and coaches
6. Worlds.
7. Kerri Strug
8. <No subject given> (3)
9. TV Coverage
10. Anyone tape 60 minutes?
11. Australian team
12. New Chinese System
13. Competition videos?
14. WORLDS: Day two of event finals

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 12:23:46 BST
From: ***@LINCOLN.GPSEMI.COM
Subject: Worlds :British scores

Hello Gymners,

I too would like to echo the recent request made by Bex Warren for any
information on the scores of the British teams.( Mens and womens ). My
gymnasts know I'm on GYMN so I am being bombarded with questions ' How did
Annika do ? ', ' Where's Sonia ? etc.

So please my club would be very grateful for any info. from anyone.

(Sherwin, thanks for your input on this one )

Many thanks,

John

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 08:14:44 -0400
From: ***@EAGLE.LHUP.EDU
Subject: Re: USAG fax number

Not to my knowledge. The fax to the main office is 317-237-5072. The
Merchandise office is 317-237-5060 by regular phone.

Julie

> Does the USAG have a fax number for their merchandise department?
>
>
> Patrice
>

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 08:35:04 -0400
From: ***@EAGLE.LHUP.EDU
Subject: "Stars of the Parallel Bars?"

Hello fellow disgusted gymnastics fans. Once again the media saw an
opportunity to bash our great sport and instead of doing their homework
they took the easy road and bashed it without enough facts and the big
picture.

Here are my thoughts:

1. If 60 minutes had really done their homework they wouldn't have put
Moceanu's picture on their opening art work doing a handstand on the
parallel bars and called it stars of the parallel bars! (I think she was
originally doing it on the beam).

2. Yes, the sport of gymnastics has an eating disorder problem. There
are currently educational and coaches education programs being put out by
USAG. But what I want to know is how come no one is interested in sports
like wrestling, boxing and figure skating? All of these have the same
problems. What about beauty pagent contestants and models? There are
tons of teenage models starving out there yet gymnastics is more fun to
bash.

3. As far as physical and emotional abuse-this is America. While I
don't support coaches who behave as irresponsible adults/teachers/mentors
in this country a parent and a child has a right when they don't like how
things are being conducted in a gym to say stop. This is now how I want
my child treated and to find a new program. There are plenty of
reputable coaches out there who would love to have a talented hopeful in
their gym. One of my all time favorites was the late Stormy Eaton. His
athletes, no matter how genetics had placed them on this planet, were all
given a chance to succeed. They were supported through all aspects of
the sport and the sport lost a great coach when we lost him. In America
we have taken the idea that if something goes wrong we should blame it on
someone else. I think the parent has the ultimate control and
responsibility and should be held accountable for what happens to THEIR
CHILD!

4. As far as Ms. Ryans book, she again didn't do her homework. She
surveyed a very small amount of elite athletes and let a few negative
stories color her perception of the entire sport. There are countless
athletes out there both in the elite program and the JO program that can
tell you wonderful things about the sport. As for me, although I was
never an Olympic caliber athlete this sport taught me great things like
disicipline, hard work, goal setting and time management. It helped
shape my entire career today. I believe there are thousands upon
thousands of athletes who will attest to all that the sport has given and
still continues to give to us. I don't see any of their stories in Ms.
Ryan's book or in 60 minutes piece.

5. As far as Kristie Phillips...I am sorry that she endured so much to
miss out on her Olympic goals but the hard facts of it is that someone
has to fininsh 8th and just miss going. This is reality in any
competitive sport. And in life, competition is part of every day
existence. I feel it is time for Kristie to stop bashing the sport that
has given so much as move on with her life. She will be surprised how
much is out there in the real world. Good luck Kristie.

I guess that's about my feelings on the subject.

Julie

PS Kathy Scanlan (for those who didn't know) is the President of USA
Gymnastics.

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 15:01:40 BST
From: ***@CS.BHAM.AC.UK
Subject: gymnastics and weight problems

I didn't see the 60 Minutes show, but I would like to say that it appears to
me that critics are pointing the finger on gymnastics unfairly. Where are all
the complaints about anorexic dancers (ballet, jazz, or whatever)? Same
problems, similar age groups, different sport.

Just my '2 pennys worth'

Christian

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 10:15:58 -0400
From: "***@PHOENIX.PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: Re: gymnastics and weight problems

> I didn't see the 60 Minutes show, but I would like to say that it appears to
> me that critics are pointing the finger on gymnastics unfairly. Where are all
> the complaints about anorexic dancers (ballet, jazz, or whatever)? Same
> problems, similar age groups, different sport.
>
> Just my '2 pennys worth'
>
As a former serious ballet student myself, I agree that there is a lot of
anorexia in the dance world as well. The difference, I think, is that by
the time dancers are visible to the world they are adults, or at least
18. Noone really sees the young teen agers who are starving themselves
to try to achieve the balletic ideal, whereas gymnasts are visible when
they are still children. Also, because ballet is rarely televised
upclose as gymnastics is, viewers don't see the emaciated figures of the
dancers. All that is visible is the tutu, the pointe shoes, and the
ethereal nature that comes from being 5'9" and 110 pounds. Eating
disorders are definitely a big problem in all performaning arts and
sports involving women. I think that right now gymnastics is bearing the
brunt of the dissatisfaction because it is so popular, and the young
athletes touch people's hearts the most. Luckily, USA gymnastics is
starting a national program to deal with eating disorders, which is more
than any ballet company in the US has ever done.

-Emily

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 11:11:12 -0400
From: ***@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: THE BOOK...and coaches

On October 10, 1995, Jeff wrote:

>I think that it would be really interesting to hear from Strug now. She was
>coached by Bela and left him and now is doing great. I am sure that she
would
>be able to say something real about his method of teaching and motivation. I
>don't think that it would be harsh, but interesting. I thought about this
when
>Bela was telling the team that they should be happy about their medal.
>I looked at the screen and I wanted to say "Look what got away Bela!"
>Must be weird seeing your "child star" peaking not under your influence and
>then having to coach her. Perhaps.

I, too, think it would be very interesting to hear what Kerri has to say.
When I was watching the T.V. coverage, I had the same thoughts about how it
was weird to see Bela and Kerri together again. But, I don't think Bela
would necessarily be thinking "about what got away" because of the
circumstances surrounding Kerri's departure from his gym. I really think
that she would still be there if Bela had not retired in '92. Given that
decision, I don't think she had much choice, but to leave. My impressions
have always been that she was fairly happy at Bela's.

However, if Steve ever becomes the head coach again, when Kerri's on the
team, that may cause a problem. She was much more open about expressing her
displeasure about his coaching methods when she left to return home to
Arizona. I'm thinking about that IG interview with her right after she left
Dynamo (I don't remember the issue, but I know Kerri was on the cover). If I
remember correctly, Steve wasn't too complimentary about her either saying
things about Kerri lacking self-confidence etc....it didn't exactly sound
like a pleasant situation!

Hmmm...I wonder if this had anything to do with Steve not being one of the
coaches on the floor during the team competition. Of course, Kerri's current
coaches weren't on the floor either, but I wonder if Kerri's relationship
with Steve was taken into consideration when the coaching choices were made.
Just a thought!

Amy

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 12:33:51 -0400
From: ***@UMICH.EDU
Subject: Worlds.

Okay, know everybody knows who is going to the Olympics. I am not asking
who is going to win the all around or event finals. I am not going to ask
who is going to come in first, second or third. I am just hoping that now
people can start giving commentary on the moves and teams. I know event
finals an all around have not been show on television but I would really
like to read
commentaries about each team and what people think about them. I know
people were not able to see all of the teams but it would be nice if for
the next month or so people can start giving opinions about what worked
and what did not. This is not a commetry for the Americans vs the
Romainians vs the Chinese. I would also would like to read stuff about
rythmic gymnastics codes, men, new moves and what gymnastics
federations should change.I especially like what Jeff said about the
dedections and gimmie points.6

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 14:20:20 -0400
From: ***@AOL.COM
Subject: Kerri Strug

Hi,
I am new to this but I think I may have a lot to offer with some ideas as to
training practices and reasons for kids leaving a gym or in Kerri's case 3 or
4 gyms.
As a coach of an elite gymnast who competed at USA Championships and was in
the same squad as Dominique M. I watched the way Bella interacted with the
other coaches and athletes when the cameras were not around. After Kerri's
compulsory vault score was flashed, Bela was upset because he felt she
deserved a higher score.

Let's not forget that Steve used to work for Bela and I think their coaching
styles are quite similar. A friend of mine who works with Steve always said
that Kerri was the most talented and the hardest worker he ever had seen.
When she left and went back to Arizona it seemed to be under a little
pressure from her parents, (why couldn't Kerri hit her routines in a meet, it
must be the coaches fault.)
I applaud her move to the Foresters, I can only say the nicest things about
Tom and Laurie and the way they interact with the athletes. I love being in
the same squad with them as the athletes have a good time.
As for the ever present accusations about coaches using weight control, I can
say that last year there were rumers flying around about my program that I
way the girls in weekly and have every one on a diet. My wife was a
nutrition major and we encourage the girls to make educated choices. We
don't even have a scale in the gym.
Tony Retrosi
Atlantic Gymnastics Training Center

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 15:02:47 -0400
From: ***@AOL.COM
Subject: <No subject given>

USA's this year is Shannon Bowles. It was her first
time there and her first year as an Elite. Last year she placed 4th at
Classics as a Sr National. This year at the US Classic she placed 8th at Sr.
International and medaled on Beam. At USA's she had a fall on compulsory beam
and with the weighted scoring that really hurt her. We were still happy to be
there and do as well as she did. In Optionals she just missed Beam finals
(finals at USA was optional score only).
Tony

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 15:10:05 -0400
From: ***@AOL.COM
Subject: <No subject given>

coverage was on ESPN2 last nite and the mens will be on tonite at
9

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 15:46:18 -0400
From: ***@DELPHI.COM
Subject: TV Coverage

Dear Gymners,

I think this has already been spoken about, but here goes anyway! The
TV stations(NBC,ABC,etc...) tape alot of the competitions, but only show
some of it. Does anyone know of a way to get the footage that they've
taken, but wasn't shown on TV? If so, please send in the addresses/phone
numbers of the TV networks. Thanks!

Gymnastically yours,
Dave :)

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 16:59:44 EDT
From: ***@PRODIGY.COM
Subject: <No subject given>

Some one asked a couple of months ago about software and gymnastics.
I have returned from my training conference where I got to see two
new products.
1. "The Olympics" from the Discovery Channel. This product is not
a game, but you can look up any thing to do with modern Olympics.
You can see video of performances, look up scores and info a\on any
athlete that has won an Olympic medal.

2. "Izzy's Adventure" from US Gold software. Your mission is to
help Izzy save the 96 Olympics. You must earn medals in different
events to help save the games. There is also a feature that allows
you to look up info on the games, but not athletes. This box is cool
because they picture a Romanian gymnast on the back. I think it is
Milo, but the picture is too small for me to tell.

I will let you all know if I see anything else out there.

Deb

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 18:15:04 EDT
From: ***@PRODIGY.COM
Subject: Anyone tape 60 minutes?

I was wondering if anyone out there has a copy of the 60
minutes gymnastics segment (Sunday). I called for
transcripts, but the line has been busy. If I could borrow
it from someone it would be greatly appreciated. Anne

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Date: Wed, 11 Oct 1995 08:37:37 +1000
From: ***@STUDENT.GU.EDU.AU
Subject: Re: Australian team

> Here in Australia we have recieved NO worlds coverage, not even a 20
> second slot on the news

Seems your not watching the right news channels, forget the commercial
networks and watch SBS. They showed some mens AA highlights, and have
mentioned the results etc.

> Is there any
> Australians out there who know if the Worlds will be televised in the
> near future, please tell me, i am extremely anxious to know.

On Saturday the 21st of October on SBS at 2pm, they will be showing a few
hours coverage of the World Artistic Champs, commercial free.

Michelle

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Date: Wed, 11 Oct 1995 09:03:57 +1000
From: ***@STUDENT.GU.EDU.AU
Subject: New Chinese System

Wondering why the Chinese teams have made such amazing improvement?
Well, I managed to find out why. In the last two years the Chinese
government has implemented many changes to it's sports programme, to move
it away from the completly state run system into a semi-proffessional
private enterprise system. Soccor was the first sport to turn
proffessional, and since then 41 sports have followed, including
gymnastics. Whereas before there were six or seven groups opposing each
other within the state system, now they have combined effort, in order to
survive and succeed both in and out of the gym. This is all a part of their
5 year plan towards Atlanta, and eventually Sydney, where they hope to
dominate many sports. The state run sports schools still exist as a
bonus to the private sector. Of course not all sports have benifited in
the way gymnastics has, as due to the proffesionalism of swimming in
China, many coaches and athletes have resorted to drug use, not only to
survive, but to make the best of a potentially profitable situation.

Michelle

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 19:24:37 -0400
From: ***@AOL.COM
Subject: Competition videos?

I've been looking for videotapes of several of the gymnastics competitions of
the
last 5 years or so. I am mainly interested in the women's team competitions
and the women's all-around, but whatever is available is more than I
currently have. The events I would particularly like to get are the 1992
Olympics and the 1995 Olympic Festival, but I am interested in most of the
competitions from 1990 to now. The gymnasts I prefer include Kerri Strug,
Dominique Dawes, and Shannon Miller. If anyone has any tapes or knows where
I could get them, please e-mail me and we can discuss details such as
copying, shipping, and cost. Sorry to interrupt the discussion about worlds
(and I should say I have really appreciated the commentary and
interpretation), but I have checked the web pages and some other online
places with little success. Thanks for reading this far, and I appreciate
any information you have.








Jennifer

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 22:18:13 -0400
From: ***@GWIS2.CIRC.GWU.EDU
Subject: Re: USAG fax number

Does the USAG have a phone number we could call for ordering merchandise
or more info?

> Does the USAG have a fax number for their merchandise department?
>
>
> Patrice
>

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Date: Tue, 10 Oct 1995 20:26:04 -0600
From: ***@RMII.COM
Subject: WORLDS: Day two of event finals

Sorry for the delay, I took my time since Sherwin posted pretty much
all of the scores...

1995 World Gymnastics Championships
Sun Dome, Sabae, Japan
10 October 1995

Day Two of Event Finals

Men

Vault
1= Alexei Nemov RUS 9.756
1= Grigory Misutin UKR 9.756
3 Vitaly Scherbo BLR 9.662
4 Alexei Voropaev RUS 9.637
5 Cristian Leric ROM 9.606
6 Yeo Hong-chul KOR 9.550
7 Li Xiaoshuang CHN 9.412
8 Adrian Ianculescu ROM 9.312

Parallel bars
1 Vitaly Scherbo BLR 9.812
2 Huang Liping CHN 9.750
3 Hikaru Tanaka JPN 9.725
4 Rustam Charipov UKR 9.700
5 Ivan Ivankov BLR 9.687
6 Li Xiaoshuang CHN 9.675
7 Yoshiaki Hatakeda JPN 9.600
8 Jung Jin-soo KOR 7.850

High bar
1 Andreas Wecker GER 9.812
2 Yoshiaki Hatakeda JPN 9.775
3= Krasimir Dounev BUL 9.750
3= Zhang Jinjing CHN 9.750
5 Vitaly Scherbo BLR 9.725
6 Nistor Sandro ROM 9.700
7 Boris Preti ITA 9.650
8 Dmitri Karbonenko RUS 8.925

Women

Balance beam
1 Mo Huilan CHN 9.900
2= Lilia Podkopayeva UKR 9.837
2= Dominique Moceanu USA 9.837
4= Alexandra Marinescu ROM 9.762
4= Shannon Miller USA 9.762
6 Dina Kochetkova RUS 9.725
7 Qiao Ya CHN 9.625
8 Elena Grosheva RUS 9.562

Floor exercise
1 Gina Gogean ROM 9.825
2 Ji Liya CHN 9.675
3 Ludivine Furnon FRA 9.625
4 Mo Huilan CHN 9.600
5 Joana Juarez ESP 9.462
6 Simona Amanar ROM 9.437
7= Dominique Moceanu USA 9.087
7= Lilia Podkopayeva UKR 9.087

# # #

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End of GYMN-L Digest - 10 Oct 1995 - Special issue
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