Secret US Classic 2012 - 5th grade continuation

Today's the day for the US Secret Classic.  Polina Shchennikova of TIGAR competed today as a Junior.  She placed 2nd on bars with a 14.4,  and finished 9th overall.  Not bad, Polina!  Here's her Uneven Bars Routine (courtesy of USA Gymnastics):



Simone Biles scored a 16.05 on the vault (Wow) and won the All Around with a score of 58.15. Here's that FABULOUS vault (courtesy of USA Gymnastics):



Polina's little sister Alyona  placed 1st on bars during the HOPES Compulsory Session at the Secret Classic. 

This evening the Senior Elite girls competed for a shot to the VISA Classic.  It was also Nastia Liukin's debut back to the sport and it was a great comeback  (courtesy of Universal Sports)



Meanwhile, Emily graduated from Elementary School on Thursday and here's the video (courtesy Aunt Jean McCawley):



Emily spent the night at her best friend Megan's house so that she could kick back and relax.  It's been alot of work in the gym lately and she really needs this break.  We're off of the gym schedule for the entire week.  I don't think I'll know what to do with myself.  I just might get my car cleaned out and my house clean for once!

While at Gymnastika yesterday, more future x-TIGARS are coming to see what Gay has to offer.  I don't know exactly what's happening over there, but obviously it was a bad business move on TIGAR's part.

Saluting all Gym Moms...

Proctor and Gamble decided to make this series of videos, to acknowledge what we as moms go through daily to support our childrens' dreams and aspirations...

I just love this line from the below video "Olympians -  they weren't born that way, they're raised that way..."




For all of those naysayers that would like to believe that what we are doing, as the mother of a dedicated child in any disclipline is living vicariously through their child...

lets not forget ...the late night hand washing of the exhibition uniforms, the waking of the athlete, preparation of the morning meal, the early morning hair braiding, stocking the snack bag with healthy food to get her through another grueling practice... the checking of the school homework... the endless daily driving... to the gym, to the school, to the gym, back to home... and before transporting to each destination, making sure to prepare a healthy "in-transit" meal, carrying their exhausted body out of the car to bed at the end of a grueling day and asking your little champion after every practice "Did you have fun today?"




So to clarify - we as mothers dedicate ourselves to our children, fear for their safety, we are there to shore them up when they feel defeated, pray to God that we have the strength to continue in their quest whatever it may be, and cry with relief and pride that we are privileged to witness their shining moments ... no matter what path we end up being dragged down by our future medalist.  As mothers we will continue to do so as long as we live and breathe. We love them and are in awe of their accomplishments, drive and dedication.

Here's a great article  The Role of the Gymnastic Parent

Here's another great article http://voices.yahoo.com/what-takes-gymnastics-parent-537025.html

Harvest Time!

It's October in Colorado and we're still seeing 80 degree days.  Global warming at it's worst.  Yesterday Emily and I went to the pumpkin patch north of Broomfield, CO.  It was a fun time.

Emily picking pumpkins

When we were done with the pumpkin picking, just before you get ready to leave there, they have a petting zoo, face painting, and a hay bale maze.  So of course, Emily just had to go there...

practicing her scale....

 After being sick on Friday, she had too much time off from practice and just HAD to do a few gymnastics moves... I don't understand this need to perform but then again I just looked at Nastia Liukin's photos from England
http://www.visitbritain.com/en/US/Britain-Bound-Nastia-Liukin-Day-One.htm
and I got emotional which really surprised me... it was like watching Emily... they're all someone's little girl and the drive which all the really determined gymnasts seem to have is evident when they can't hold back and have to bust a move anywhere...!

...always a gymnast!