I was searching for some floor routine music tonight on YouTube. I came across so many videos, watched so many routines, especially from 1996, it’s the first Olympics I can remember. Moceanu and Podkopayeva’s 1996 routines never get old! I’ll always love them. Anyway keeping in with the 1996 theme, I ended up watching the Magnificent 7 documentary “Anything to Win“. Check it out of you haven’t already seen it.

Part 1

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5,

Also… in the end I never picked out some floor routine music…. procrastination!

As previously mentioned, Shannon Miller is endorsing the new Gymnastics Social Network Gymnast Spotlight.  I’m interested to see how this takes off.

The about page on the website describes it as:

Welcome to GymnastSpotlight.com where YOU can Spotlight your Dreams!

As parents of an Optional Gymnast we have found that there are so many different aspects involved in gymnastics.  In fact, it can be overwhelming at times.  How nice it would have been to have an outlet to discuss things like nutrition, facilities, coaching, skills, college recruiting, and all areas that are important in the gymnastics world. GymnastSpotlight.com enables all gymnasts, regardless of age, ability or level to showcase themselves in their own way.  Gymnasts are able to link with friends from their own gym, other gyms or camps they have attended. Obtaining the correct information is crucial to gymnasts and their success!  Gymnasts are able to ask questions, get tips and be encouraged by their peers as they achieve their goals.

I tried to sign up but it seems to be more targeted to USA citizens, asking about what levels you coach, what state and club. I wasn’t bothered trying to make up that I worked in such a club in such a state just to see what it was like. In this sense, it makes me think that it is a little more secure than FlipBook, something that myself and Rick from Gymnastics Coaching discussed before. FlipBook is a great idea, but on stronger, more secure platform like Facebook it’d be brilliant.

The website header looks great but to me the rest could do with a bit of work. The ads make it look cheap. The header looks so classy but I think that the ads and random pictures ruin it.  I really don’t like the fact that you can click on the members header and see all of the members, they are just user names but I’m sure with pictures you can easily tell who is who. In this day and age with child protection and internet privacy being so huge, I don’t like it. There’s about 140 members so far and I really don’t know if it will take off. I thought that FlipBook would take off but sadly it hasn’t.

Have you used GymnastSpotlight? What are your thoughts and views on it?

Shannon Miller was recently interviewed by Gym Power about her thoughts on the World Championships in Rotterdam. I did see during the World Championships that Miller was busy endorsing new social network GymnastSpotlight.com. I had been meaning to take a look at it but the Worlds were just far too exciting, coincidentally the website is working for me at the moment.

On World Champion Aliya Mustafina:

What in an incredible talent. Mustafina reminds me a lot of myself (although i believe she is much more talented). She doesn’t take anything for granted and is very focused on her goals.

I think she is far better and has more personality, but I feel like Mustafina’s all-around capabilities are akin to my career. She excels under pressure and doesn’t seem fazed by anything going on around her. She wants to win and is willing to work hard to get there.

Click through here to read the full interview where Shannon reviews both the Men’s and Women’s gymnastics at the World Championships this year.

Shannon Miller was named AT&T American Cup Honorary Chairperson for 2011. Tickets for the event, taking place in the Florida’s Veterans Memorial Arena (Florida) on March 5th next year went on sale on Wednesday. Shannon and Bela Karolyi were present at the event.

The 2011 AT&T American Cup -  an all-around competition for both men and women, will begin at 11:30 a.m. on March 5, 2011. For only the second time in the competitions history, the AT&T American Cup will be part of the FIG World Cup series and is one of four all-around World Cup events in 2011. The other competitions will be held in Glasgow, Stuttgart and Tokyo.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

Irish girls Leigh Lehane & Roisin O’Shea from Ballincollig Gym Club have finished 5th in the Acro World Age Group in the 11 – 16 girls pairs finals in Wroclaw, Poland. Well done!!

Shannon Miller speaks out to help with funding for the University of Missouri Extension office.

Shawn Johnson and Mario kick off Wii Games Summer 2010

Now, for something completely different! This video has been doing the rounds in emails / Facebook today of an Irish band called The Brilliant Things who were the first band to do a live guitar solo on an iPhone at a music festival Oxegen, in Ireland last weekend. I love my iPhone and technology so the nerd in me LOVES this!!

This article from February was posted on Shannon Miller’s new Facebook fan page. It’s short and sweet, I enjoyed it.

Ankle Injuries: Recovery and Prevention Tips

I’ve just come across Chelsea Hobbs blog (Emily from MIOBI)

Singapore 2010 unveils Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame Torch design

Shannon Miller inducted into the National Association for Sport & Physical Education

Australian Gymnastics Blog has started a petition to encourage the National Sports Museum to feature more gymnasts

USA Today on Vulnerability to ankle sprains varies with age

GymNiceTic is celebrating it’s First Birthday – Congratulations!

Shannon Miller has started a lifestyle blog. You can join and discuss baby tales, fitness etc.

The Science of Sport Blog have two new posts Barefoot running and shoes – the Q & A Part 1 and Part 2

Since David Beckhams injury there have been numerous blog posts appearing about Achilles Tendon injuries. I like this one I received by email from Sports Injury Clinic.

Some tips on photographing gymnastics

Blog of Sport posts the Top 10 Gymnastics Sayings

Andy at American Gymnast has a great post on some of the competitors who will be featuring in the Nastia Liukin Cup on Friday

An interview with Shannon Miller from January which I have only just got around to reading – great stuff!

Tuam All Star Gymnastics Club are through to the semi final of the All Ireland Talent Show.  As the IG website says;

“This has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase Gymnastics to a wide audience and from the feedback they have received the performance was enjoyed by folks of all ages. They are immensely proud of the opportunity to again represent their club and region and also to publicise the sport of Gymnastics throughout Ireland. ”