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

It's another good day.

Today I received a call from a mom at TIGAR, apparently our ad for Emily's parade and competition Leo's from that gym was still up on the Booster Club board in the parent lounge.  

Believe me this is one good deal! 

1 blinged out custom Level 10 TIGAR Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie, 
1 spaghetti strap Tiger Shiny Print Parade Leo with blk velvet shorts size 6/7 and matching scrunchy hair tie,
For Competition:
a bag of custom Hair Ties (5) and hair ribbons to match
Level 4/5 Dreamlite competition Leo size 6/7 and team jacket
Black velvet warm up pants with the TIGAR paw embroidered on the waist.

AND... a TIGAR Gymnastics Team BackPack!

ENTIRE LOT  $175.00 (original price new, well over $400.00)
Moving on to Gymnastika and their gymnastics school program, PRICELESS!

While we were at TIGAR so that the new Level 4/5 could try these leos on, Beth (the owner) asked Emily if Grigory was still at Gymnastika.  Emily told her "no, he left".  Beth's answer was "I knew that was going to happen."   Beth, you really shouldn't attempt to gloat when you have no idea the circumstances of Grigory's departure. That kind of behavior does nothing to boost your likeability or credibility in this sport. You have a really nice new gym and some of the best coaches, but your Level 5,6 teams from what I recently noticed are still struggling at two of the four events. TIGAR didn't have one Level 5 All-Around last year, even though a lot of the girls did win event titles.  To get to Nationals the girls have to be good in all four disciplines. If you thought like I did about running my business, I'd be watching closer what the girls below Level 8 will achieve in the next competition season to keep abreast of the competition. I wish you well.

Gay Lindsay at Gymnastika knows this sport well,  having been a competitive gymnast herself long before opening her own gym. Her hiring and firing decisions only make me respect her even more.  She's worked wonders with my needy child and I see a vast improvement in Emily's demeanor and behavior since switching gyms.  Not only is Emily growing in her gymnastics skill set, but she's also maturing and learning good sportsmanship where she currently trains, which to me is far more important to engrain in her personality than learning how to execute a new trick.

Emily also got the chance today to see Svetlana (Stabourova) her first competitive coach, and give her a big hug, which really made Emily's day.     We also said hi to Polina and Alyona while we were there and congratulated them both on their recent successes.  Polina Shchennikova  tied for 2nd at the 2012 Nastia Liukin Cup in March and her sister Alyona Shchennikova finished 4th AA at the Hopes Qualifier at Karolyi Ranch on May 4th.  These two are having a fabulous year and we wish them many more future successes.

Meagan Groel, Emily's buddy,  is on her way down to the Karolyi Ranch this weekend.  We wish her well, safe journey and have lots of fun while you're there.

Well, 4 more days to the Gymnastika banquet and Saturday's recreational meet!  Can't wait to see the group perform!