GymCastic: The Gymnastics Podcast

Simone Biles used her Twitter sword of good once again, USAG explained their trans policy disappearance and schools can now directly pay athletes.  HEADLINES * Simone went OFF on social media over Riley Gaines' anti-trans statements * GymCastic exclusive -- We reached out about the removal of the trans inclusion policy from the USAG website. USAG's statement below: * "USA Gymnastics seeks to uphold inclusive sport practices while adhering to various local, state, and federal laws, as well as international regulations established by the IOC and FIG. In May, USAG removed its policy to assess compliance with the current legal landscape." * Jordyn Wieber and Chris Brooks had their baby [https://www.instagram.com/p/DKlGzXItBOI/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D]! * The NCAA House Settlement is final, and schools will now be able to directly pay athletes * Which gymnasts are on the NIL backpay list? * Could this be the end of Olympic and non-revenue sports? * What are the Title IX implications? GYMTERNET NEWS * Li Li Leung announced she will be stepping down as CEO of USA Gymnastics at the end of 2025 * What was her legacy, and what does this mean for the organization? * EurovisionSport's gymnastics coverage [https://eurovisionsport.com/explore/sport?id=EBU-Home-Gymnastics] is available for free in the US! * What happened to Mary Lou Retton? The latest news following her DUI incident * Fisk University will discontinue gymnastics after the 2026 season, but work is being done behind the scenes to save the program * Hi USA Gymnastics, it's me, artistry: Daymon Jones is the newest member of USAG's National Team staff developmental program * College gymnastics transfer news: * Quincy Walters switches commitment from Cal to Michigan * Adele Ossi switches commitment from Clemson to Arizona State * The Masters World Cup happened at TurnFest during Euros. Here's a glimpse of what adult gymnastics competitions look like [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKpNSKvO3FK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link] at the highest level (AKA still super fun). Thanks for the video Nate. DUMPSTER FIRE NEWS * Qi Han, the founder of Everest Gymnastics and former coach of Ashton Locklear, has been banned for life [https://apnews.com/article/safesport-gymnastics-coach-banned-bbbb9da76bcade04afbbfcf04896bdee] by SafeSport MINI COMMISSION: Pro Gymnastics Past, Present and Future * World Champion-level Club Gym Nerd member Sarah wants us to discuss options for professional gymnasts in the past, present, and future to continue their careers from competition formats like the Bundesliga, exhibition meets like the Reese's Cup, and the GIGA league * Check out this article [https://gymcastic.com/what-is-the-german-bundesliga-system/] from Kensley explaining how the Bundesliga works! * Remember that time we had the Pro Gymnastics Challenge on ESPN? Good times * Why Nastia's infamous "IT WAS A DELTCHEV" lives rent-free in our minds * Updates on the GIGA pro-gymnastics league FEEDBACK * What we would score Nadia and Olga if we were judges at the 1976 Olympics * We need a full minute to gush over Giulia Perotti * If USAG went full Japan and decided to select the Worlds team today, who would be on it? UP NEXT * Behind The Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/]: Our weekly live Q&A at noon Pacific on Friday 3:00pm Eastern/7:00pm GMT OUT NOW IN US & EUROPE * The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU] by Aimee Boorman with Fact Checker is topping the sport charts - SUCK IT SPORTS BALLS! Get your copy now [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU]. And if you loved reading (or listening) to the book, please leave a review. BONUS CONTENT  * Join Club Gym Nerd [http://gymcastic.com/club] (or give it as a gift!) for access to weekly Behind the Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/club-content/] episodes. * Club Gym Nerd members [http://gymcastic.com/club] can watch the podcast being recorded and get access to all of our exclusive extended interviews, Behind The Scenes and College & Cocktails. MERCH * GymCastic Store [https://gymcastic.com/store/]: clothing and gifts to let your gym nerd flag fly and even “tapestries” (banners [https://www.teepublic.com/tapestry/48925286-simone-freakin-biles-tapestry?ref_id=1646], the perfect to display in an arena) to support your favorite gymnast! * Baseball hats available now in the GymCastic store [https://gymcastic.com/store/] RELATED  * NIL Gymnastics Deals & Regionals Debate Club [https://gymcastic.com/nil-gymnastics-deals-regionals-debate-club/] * British Ute Amelie Morgan [https://gymcastic.com/amelie-morgan/] * Unionize and Profit Share: The Money Game LSU Docuseries [https://gymcastic.com/unionize-and-profit-share-the-money-game-lsu-docuseries/] * Simone Biles Rising Director Katie Walsh [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-with-simone-biles-rising-special-guest/] * Judging The Judges: How Judges Are Chosen For the Olympic Games [https://gymcastic.com/judging-the-judges-how-judges-are-chosen-for-the-olympic-games/] * Three World Champion Coaches Get Candid [https://gymcastic.com/three-world-champion-coaches-get-candid/] * Find all our recent episodes here [https://gymcastic.com/archives/] NEWSLETTERS * Sign up for all three GymCastic newsletters  [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] RECENT  * Behind The Scenes: Calzones Confessions [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-calzones-confessions/] * Demand More [https://gymcastic.com/demand-more/] * Behind The Scenes: Pottery Wheel Massacre [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-pottery-wheel-massacre/] RESOURCES * Spencer's essential website The Balance Beam Situation  [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com] and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim RESISTANCE  Submitted by our listeners. * ACTION * Indivisible [https://indivisible.org/] * Practical ideas about what you can actually do in this moment, check it out: indivisi.org/muskorus [https://indivisi.org/muskorus] * 5Calls App [https://5calls.org/] will call your Congresspeople by issue with a script to guide you * * Make 2 to your Congressional rep (local and DC office). 2 each to your US Senators (local and state offices) * State your name and zip code or district * Be concise with your question or demand (i.e. What specific steps is Senator X taking to stop XYZ) * Wait for answer * Ask for action items -  tell them what you want them to do (i.e. draft articles of impeachment immediately, I want to see you holding a press conference in front of...etc.) * ResistBot [https://resist.bot] * Turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes * ACLU Mobile Justice App [https://www.aclusocal.org/en/mobilejustice] * Allows you to record encounters with public officials while streaming to your closest contacts and your local ACLU; REPORT any abuse by authorities to the ACLU and its networks. * LAWSUITS * Donate to organizations suing the administration for illegal actions * ACLU [https://www.aclu.org/], Southern Poverty Law Center [https://www.splcenter.org/], Northwest Immigration Law Project [https://www.nwirp.org/] * STAY INFORMED * Suggested podcasts:  Amicus [https://slate.com/podcasts/amicus], Daily Beans [https://www.dailybeanspod.com/], Pod Save America [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/], Strict Scrutiny [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/] * Immigrant Rights * Know Your Rights Red Cards [https://www.redcardorders.com/], We Have Rights Video [https://www.wehaverights.us/], Your Rights on trains and buses video [https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/your-rights-immigration-agents-trains-and-buse]

The first EVER mixed-team event happened at the European Championships, Manila Esposito is once again the queen of Europe, and all the gymternet news Support independent journalists by joining here [https://gymcastic.com/club/]. Photo Credits: Filippo Tomasi for © GymCastic; Mahti Olfati's vault @Milad_Milka HEADLINES * Mahdi Olfati showed a Yurchenko full-in at Asian Championships podium training and our jaw is still on the floor * Mary Lou Retton was arrested for a DUI in West Virginia * The biggest stories at the European Championships * Manila Esposito is the European All-Around Champion AGAIN! * This is Ana Barbosu's world, and we're all just living in it * We need to talk about the Mixed Pairs competition because strategy * The domination of grown-ass women * International world peace news starring Missouri Gymnastics EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS * A rundown of who the Champions of Europe are in our heart and on paper * What were the coolest skills we saw at these Championships? * Our favorite opportunities for comedy * Why Ruby Evans and Jake Jarman are our new favorite comedy duo * When Jennifer Williams hits her beam routine, it's so over for everyone else * In "everything is terrible" news, Helen Kevric injured her knee on vault * Alice D'Amato and Sabrina Voinea had some uh-ohs during qualification * The mixed-team event * An opportunity for comedy brought to you by Turkish Gymnastics * Thoughts on Germany's win over Great Britain and Italy * I'm sorry, Italy had the highest cumulative score but only came in third??!? * How would we run a mixed-team event if we were in charge? GYMTERNET NEWS * Civil Rights Attack and the NCAA Mini-Commission follow-up * Can we get the NCAA to boycott politically problematic states? * We mentioned the sports boycott of South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s, but notably the USAF let gymnasts compete in South Africa * College Transfer News * Brooke Pierson changes her commitment from Clemson to Georgia * Ashlee Sullivan [https://uclabruins.com/news/2025/5/23/gymnastics-ucla-signs-us-national-team-gymnast-ashlee-sullivan-for-2026] changed her commitment from Michigan to UCLA * eMjae Frasier graduated from Cal early and will attend Florida for her final year of eligibility * Sadie Smith is transferring from Arkansas to Arizona * Naya Howard is transferring from Georgia to Michigan State * Madison Ulrich is transferring from Denver to LSU * Natalie Martin is transferring from Maryland to Ohio State * BJ Das [https://uclabruins.com/news/2025/5/29/bj-das-promoted-to-ucla-gymnastics-associate-head-coach] got promoted to UCLA's associate head coach * Megan Haught [https://denverpioneers.com/news/2025/5/27/denver-gymnastics-welcomes-megan-haught-as-assistant-coach.aspx] is Denver's new assistant coach (previously a coach at WOGA) * Josh Nilson [https://fightingillini.com/news/2025/5/20/womens-gymnastics-nilson-named-head-coach-of-illinois-womens-gymnastics.aspx] is the new Illinois head coach * Iowa State hires Jazmyn Estrella and Mary Wise [https://cyclones.com/news/2025/6/2/gymnastics-miles-greig-announces-hiring-of-estrella-and-wise] as assistant coaches * Eli Seitz announced her retirement at Euros * Jade Barbosa [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXZs2atuZZ/?igsh=MTE1bDJ5MzRzZXRoOA==] announced she is pregnant * Brody Malone [https://www.instagram.com/p/DKXpN7_JxXc/?img_index=1] got married and wore his 2024 U.S. Championships belt buckle to his wedding * Justice for Arkansas: the SEC announced [https://www.secsports.com/news/2025/05/2025-sec-spring-meetings-day-3-notebook] all nine teams will be at next year's conference championships * Can Zoe catch a break? Zoe Miller had a second surgery on her other shoulder * Abbey Scanlon announced [https://www.instagram.com/p/DKK4NtUTCD6/?igsh=MWdhNnZjeG5qYmQwag==] she will be returning to Cal for a fifth season * Dulcy Caylor, Jayla Hang, Gabrielle Hardie, Hezly Rivera, and Tiana Sumanasekera will represent the US at the Pan American Championships * Japan has named its Worlds team [https://www.olympics.com/en/news/gymnastics-japan-nhk-trophy-2025-women] 4,000 years ahead of everyone else: Sugihara Aiko, Kishi Rina, Okamura Mana, and Nakamura Haruka * Dumpster fire news * The man accused of killing UW-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh appeared in court [https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/05/23/man-accused-killing-uw-whitewater-gymnast-appears-court/] * Former English gymnastics coach, Michael Haynes, has been found guilty [https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/25201758.trafford-gymnastics-teacher-jailed-historic-sexual-abuse/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky] for raping and sexually assaulting two young girls in the 1980s * What's happening on the social medias? * Luka van de Keybus had his baby celebrate his win on the podium at Belgian Championships UP NEXT * Behind The Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/]: at noon Pacific on Friday 3:00pm Eastern/7:00pm GMT OUT NOW IN US & EUROPE * The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU] by Aimee Boorman with Fact Checker is topping the sport charts - SUCK IT SPORTS BALLS! Get your copy now [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU]. And if you loved reading (or listening) to the book, please leave a review. PARIS FX FINAL : Live podcast with the ROMANIAN HEAD COACHES Jessica and Spencer were joined by former professional musical theater boys turned super choreo-coaching duo, Daymon Jones and Patrick Kiens to discuss Celine van Gerner’s iconic Cats makeup, the Paris Olympic FX final from their perspective as Romanian team head coaches, choreographing in over 15 countries combined and being the new coaches at WCC.  Replay tickets [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2025-ncaa-championships/] available for a limited time. BONUS CONTENT  * Join Club Gym Nerd [http://gymcastic.com/club] (or give it as a gift!) for access to weekly Behind the Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/club-content/] episodes. * Club Gym Nerd members [http://gymcastic.com/club] can watch the podcast being recorded and get access to all of our exclusive extended interviews, Behind The Scenes and College & Cocktails. MERCH * GymCastic Store [https://gymcastic.com/store/]: clothing and gifts to let your gym nerd flag fly and even “tapestries” (banners [https://www.teepublic.com/tapestry/48925286-simone-freakin-biles-tapestry?ref_id=1646], the perfect to display in an arena) to support your favorite gymnast! * Baseball hats available now in the GymCastic store [https://gymcastic.com/store/] NEWSLETTERS * Sign up for all three GymCastic newsletters  [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] RECENT  * Behind The Scenes: Manila4Evah [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/] * 80's Fight: The Great Romanian Soviet Rivalry  [https://gymcastic.com/80s-fight-the-great-romanian-soviet-gymnastics-rivalry/] * Behind The Scenes: Calzones Confessions [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-calzones-confessions/] * Demand More [https://gymcastic.com/demand-more/] * Behind The Scenes: Pottery Wheel Massacre [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-pottery-wheel-massacre/] RESOURCES * Spencer's essential website The Balance Beam Situation  [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com] and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim RESISTANCE  Submitted by our listeners. * ACTION * Indivisible [https://indivisible.org/] * Practical ideas about what you can actually do in this moment, check it out: indivisi.org/muskorus [https://indivisi.org/muskorus] * 5Calls App [https://5calls.org/] will call your Congresspeople by issue with a script to guide you * * Make 2 to your Congressional rep (local and DC office). 2 each to your US Senators (local and state offices) * State your name and zip code or district * Be concise with your question or demand (i.e. What specific steps is Senator X taking to stop XYZ) * Wait for answer * Ask for action items -  tell them what you want them to do (i.e. draft articles of impeachment immediately, I want to see you holding a press conference in front of...etc.) * ResistBot [https://resist.bot] * Turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes * ACLU Mobile Justice App [https://www.aclusocal.org/en/mobilejustice] * Allows you to record encounters with public officials while streaming to your closest contacts and your local ACLU; REPORT any abuse by authorities to the ACLU and its networks. * LAWSUITS * Donate to organizations suing the administration for illegal actions * ACLU [https://www.aclu.org/], Southern Poverty Law Center [https://www.splcenter.org/], Northwest Immigration Law Project [https://www.nwirp.org/] * STAY INFORMED * Suggested podcasts:  Amicus [https://slate.com/podcasts/amicus], Daily Beans [https://www.dailybeanspod.com/], Pod Save America [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/], Strict Scrutiny [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/] * Immigrant Rights * Know Your Rights Red Cards [https://www.redcardorders.com/], We Have Rights Video [https://www.wehaverights.us/], Your Rights on trains and buses video [https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/your-rights-immigration-agents-trains-and-buse]

Support our independent journalism by joining here [https://gymcastic.com/club/]. The greatest rivalries of the 1980s! This week, we have a commissioned episode from Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] member Kimo, who asked for an episode all about the 1980s rivalries between the Romanians and the Soviets, both team and individually. We are oh so happy to oblige! Setting the scene * A history of Soviet dominance * Romania’s 1976 emergence * The 1977 Europeans Romanian WALKOUT! * The first great Romanian/Soviet rivalry—Nadia vs. Nellie and how it may or may not have influenced the future of gymnastics * Romania wins in 1979, where Nadia saves the day with one hand. The Rivalry * The 1980 Olympics of crazy judging * Nadia vs. Davydova and the case of the 30-minute delay * Nadia vs. Nellie and the case of the “computer malfunction” * Mukhina’s paralysis and the race for innovative difficulty * 1981 Worlds * The silliest scores of 1981 (oh, it’s 9.800 for this [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KszhW9W9-nQ#t=15m56s]) * The case of the Szabo/Agache impersonation [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW9Pd4oagrI] of 1981 * Romania ends up 4th. That’s right 4th. * 1983 Worlds * Innovation from an all-star Soviet team—YURCHENKO vaults, the SHISHOVA * Just fangirling about Mostepanova for a while * More fun with bonkers scoring * 1984 boycott gives us an opportunity to talk about China * 1985 Worlds * Soviet Union casually adds Omelianchik and Shushunova to its already stellar 1983 team * The Soviets were so deep that Shushunova placed FIFTH on her own team in qualification * The evolution of Romanian floor to be less “chicken dance” and whether it contributed to what happened next * 1987 and THE TIDE TURNS * Silivas wins the European AA title in Moscow, and the Soviets (gasp) fall * Romania gets its first world team title in 8 years * How the addition of Aurelia Dobre [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe5NHGDQOAg] changed the game for Romania * Pro-Soviet bias in skill naming * Dobre vs. Shushunova vs. Silivas vs. Baitova vs. Omelianchik. This was no two-way rivalry * The 1988 Olympics and how timing is everything Thanks to our sponsor, Huel. Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF + a FREE Gift with code GymCastic at https://huel.com/GymCastic [https://huel.com/GymCastic] (Minimum $75 purchase). UP NEXT * Behind The Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/]: at noon Pacific on Friday 3:00pm Eastern/7:00pm GMT OUT NOW IN US & EUROPE * The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU] by Aimee Boorman with Fact Checker is topping the sport charts - SUCK IT SPORTS BALLS! Get your copy now [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU]. And if you loved reading (or listening) to the book, please leave a review. PARIS FX FINAL : LIVE SHOW with the ROMANIAN HEAD COACHES Jessica and Spencer were joined by former professional musical theater boys turned super choreo-coaching duo, Daymon Jones and Patrick Kiens to discuss Celine van Gerner’s iconic Cats makeup, the Paris Olympic FX final from their perspective as Romanian team head coaches, choreographing in over 15 countries combined and being the new coaches at WCC.  Replay tickets [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2025-ncaa-championships/] available for a limited time. BONUS CONTENT  * Join Club Gym Nerd [http://gymcastic.com/club] (or give it as a gift!) for access to weekly Behind the Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/club-content/] episodes. * Club Gym Nerd members [http://gymcastic.com/club] can watch the podcast being recorded and get access to all of our exclusive extended interviews, Behind The Scenes and College & Cocktails. MERCH * GymCastic Store [https://gymcastic.com/store/]: clothing and gifts to let your gym nerd flag fly and even “tapestries” (banners [https://www.teepublic.com/tapestry/48925286-simone-freakin-biles-tapestry?ref_id=1646], the perfect to display in an arena) to support your favorite gymnast! * Baseball hats available now in the GymCastic store [https://gymcastic.com/store/] RELATED  * The Karolyi Secret Police Files [https://gymcastic.com/category/gym-nerd-library/project-k/] * Olympic Gymnast Claims Karolyi Beat Her KRCA 2008 [https://www.kcra.com/article/olympic-gymnast-claims-karolyi-beat-her/6376912] * Dateline: Silent No More [https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/silent-no-more-part-3-1216754755844]. Bela Karolyi "probably over 50 years ago in Romania" when asked if he ever hit a gymnast. * Heavy Medals [https://30for30podcasts.com/heavy-medals/] A seven-part story about the Karolyis and the steep price of gold. * Firsts, Named Skills, and Innovators in Women's Artistic Gymnastics [https://sites.google.com/site/wagfirsts/] * Nadia and the Secret Police: Interview part one [https://gymcastic.com/project-k-episode-2-interview-with-nadia-the-secret-police-author-dr-stejarel-olaru-part-two/] and two [https://gymcastic.com/project-k-interview-with-nadia-the-secret-police-author-dr-stejarel-olaru/] * Nadia Comaneci and the Secret Police [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nadia-comaneci-and-the-secret-police-stejarel-olaru/1141067971] book by Stejarel Olaru * Olympic coach John Geddert criminal charges and death [https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2021/02/25/geddert-nassar-usa-gymnastics-sex-assault-msu-twistars/6812888002/] * Doug Boger: * OC Register: Doug Boger banned [https://www.ocregister.com/2011/10/03/banned-after-accusations-of-abuse-some-gymnastics-coaches-continue-to-teach/] * Story on Colorado resident, Doug Boger: “Gymnasts Accuse Colorado Coach Of Sex Abuse, Torture” [https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/gymnasts-accuse-colorado-coach-of-sex-abuse-torture/] * GymCastic episode Preventing Abuse in Gymnastics [https://gymcastic.com/episode-56-preventing-abuse-in-gymnastics/] * Episode where we predict the future: Biggest Olympic Judging Scandals  [https://gymcastic.com/biggest-olympic-judging-scandals-and-paris-rules-update/] * 344: Shushunova vs. Silivas 1988 (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/344-shushunova-vs-silivas-1988-commissioned/] * 342: A Quitter’s Try – The CNN Parkettes Documentary (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/342-a-quitters-try-the-cnn-parkettes-documentary-commissioned/] * 341: The Call Is Coming from Inside the House [https://gymcastic.com/341-the-call-is-coming-from-inside-the-house/] * 340: USAG and The Case of the Missing Documents [https://gymcastic.com/340-usag-and-the-case-of-the-missing-documents/] * 327: 1993 NCAA Nationals (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/327-1993-ncaa-nationals-commissioned/] * 325: Olympics of Difference Makers (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/325-olympics-of-difference-makers-commissioned/] * 313: Best Floor Routines EVAH! (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/313-best-floor-routines-evah-commissioned/] * 312: 4th Is the New 1st (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/312-4th-is-the-new-1st-commissioned/] * 309: Perfect Form – The O’Beirne Code (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/309-perfect-form-the-obeirne-code/] * 308: 2004 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/308-2004-olympic-all-around-final-commissioned/] * 306: Gymnastics Fails (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/306-gymnastics-fails-commissioned/] * 304: The GymCastic Olympics (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/304-the-gymcastic-olympics-commissioned/] * 281: Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments PART 2 (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/281-myths-legends-and-unexpected-moments-part-2-commissioned/] * 279: A Diva Is Magical: The Svetlana Khorkina Episode (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/279-a-diva-is-magical-the-svetlana-khorkina-episode-commissioned/] * 278: 2000 Sydney All-Around Final (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/278-2000-sydney-all-around-final-commissioned/] * 262: 1996 Olympic Event Finals (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/262-1996-olympic-event-finals-commissioned/] * 258: The Fluff Cast (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/258-the-fluff-cast-commissioned/] * 256: 1996 Olympic All-Around Final (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/256-1996-olympic-all-around-final-commissioned/] * 255: 1996 Olympic Team Final (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/255-1996-olympic-team-final-commissioned/] * 252: Myths, Legends and Unexpected Moments in Gymnastics History (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/252-myths-legends-and-unexpected-moments-in-gymnastics-history-commissioned/] * 228: Leotards (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/228-leotards-commissioned/] * 225: 1992 Olympics Recap with Wendy Bruce (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/225-1992-olympics-recap-with-wendy-bruce-commissioned/] * 185: 2008 Olympic All-Around Finals (Commissioned) [https://gymcastic.com/185-2008-olympic-all-around-finals-commissioned/] * Find all our recent episodes here [https://gymcastic.com/archives/] NEWSLETTERS * Sign up for all three GymCastic newsletters  [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] RECENT  * Behind The Scenes: Calzones Confessions [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-calzones-confessions/] * Demand More [https://gymcastic.com/demand-more/] * Behind The Scenes: Pottery Wheel Massacre [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-pottery-wheel-massacre/] RESOURCES * Spencer's essential website The Balance Beam Situation  [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com] and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim RESISTANCE  Submitted by our listeners. * ACTION * Indivisible [https://indivisible.org/] * Practical ideas about what you can actually do in this moment, check it out: indivisi.org/muskorus [https://indivisi.org/muskorus] * 5Calls App [https://5calls.org/] will call your Congresspeople by issue with a script to guide you * * Make 2 to your Congressional rep (local and DC office). 2 each to your US Senators (local and state offices) * State your name and zip code or district * Be concise with your question or demand (i.e. What specific steps is Senator X taking to stop XYZ) * Wait for answer * Ask for action items -  tell them what you want them to do (i.e. draft articles of impeachment immediately, I want to see you holding a press conference in front of...etc.) * ResistBot [https://resist.bot] * Turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes * ACLU Mobile Justice App [https://www.aclusocal.org/en/mobilejustice] * Allows you to record encounters with public officials while streaming to your closest contacts and your local ACLU; REPORT any abuse by authorities to the ACLU and its networks. * LAWSUITS * Donate to organizations suing the administration for illegal actions * ACLU [https://www.aclu.org/], Southern Poverty Law Center [https://www.splcenter.org/], Northwest Immigration Law Project [https://www.nwirp.org/] * STAY INFORMED * Suggested podcasts:  Amicus [https://slate.com/podcasts/amicus], Daily Beans [https://www.dailybeanspod.com/], Pod Save America [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/], Strict Scrutiny [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/] * Immigrant Rights * Know Your Rights Red Cards [https://www.redcardorders.com/], We Have Rights Video [https://www.wehaverights.us/], Your Rights on trains and buses video [https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/your-rights-immigration-agents-trains-and-buse]

Kaylia Nemour is leaving Avoine-Beaumont, Chinese Championships, the Koper World Cup, and a Mini-Commision on Civil Rights and the NCAA Not a member? Support independent journalists by joining here [https://gymcastic.com/club/]. HEADLINES * Kaylia Nemour announced that she has left her club [https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/indre-et-loire/commune/avoine/gymnastique-la-championne-olympique-kaylia-nemour-tourne-la-page-veronaise-1747251256], Avoine-Beaumont, and is currently training in Dijon under Nadia Massé * The Brazilian gym gods have answered our prayers because Daiane dos Santos is getting her own movie [https://variety.com/2025/film/global/viola-davis-ashe-ventures-maria-farinha-daiane-dos-santos-1236395650/], The Girl Who Could Fly * Becky Downie took to Instagram to raise share her struggle with fibroids * Sugihara Aiko wore a half-turtleneck, half denim jean shorts singlet [https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/indre-et-loire/commune/avoine/gymnastique-la-championne-olympique-kaylia-nemour-tourne-la-page-veronaise-1747251256] and obviously we  need to talk about it for three hours * Follow-up on the Crandall-Howell's move to Clemson: Greg Marsen's response to Jessica's comments Chinese Championships * Chinese Championships are underway. If you don't have a 6.8 D-score on beam, you should just go home * Ou Yushan had a hilarious post-meet interview moment that most gymnasts can relate to about the social media gremlins * Zhou Yaqin [https://www.instagram.com/share/_djAOMXkO] deigned to bless us with her beam excellence, scoring a 15.0 with a 6.8 D! * Huang Ziyi's chest roll mount [https://www.instagram.com/share/_eL2z6Ob4] to shoulder roll charm offensive and a casual 6.8 D * What skills, combos, and code hacks did we learn from this meet? Koper World Cup * Why this was the "involvement of all the body parts" Championships * Individual event titles * Teja Belak took the vault title with a 13.516 * Lucija Hribar won bars with a 12.400 * Georgia-Mae Fenton [https://www.instagram.com/share/_wfGN92Mp] won beam with a 13.166 * Julia Coutinho won floor with a 13.100 Gymternet News * Who is transferring and changing commitments? * Double the Price in Arkansas: As reported three weeks ago, Morgan Price announced her departure from Fisk to Arkansas * Morgan Reihl and Sydney Snyder change their commitments from Cal to Clemson * Alexis Czarrunchick is transferring from Georgia to Maryland * Molly Brinkman changed her commitment from Clemson to LSU * Mizzou's Kaia Tanskanen will represent Finland at the 2025 European Gymnastics Championships * Jordan Bowers was named the Honda Sport Award Winner [https://soonersports.com/news/2025/5/13/womens-gymnastics-bowers-earns-prestigious-honda-sport-award] for gymnastics * Hire all the gymnasts: Suni Lee, Livvy Dunne, and Jordan Chiles are Sports Illustrated swimsuit models [https://swimsuit.si.com/model-years/2025] * Start your engines: Paul Juda is the Grand Marshall for the Detroit Grand Prix [https://www.dbusiness.com/people/university-of-michigan-olympic-gymnast-paul-juda-named-grand-marshal-for-2025-detroit-grand-prix/] * Beth Tweddle, Andreas Wecker, Catalina Ponor, and Paul Ziert were inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame [https://www.ighof.com/] * Pauline Schaefer-Betz announced on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/p/DJqvKnyIPeZ/?hl=en&img_index=1] that she's working toward LA 2028 What's on the Socials? * Frederick Richard [https://www.instagram.com/share/_2spHdLRD] is training in Beijing with the Chinese National Team and also creating hilarious high five-content while he's at it * SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: Shawn Johnson [https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP86np7Jn/] addressed the sexualization of leotards on a podcast * Suni said hell no to snowboarding [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJf6SXTRaoQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] in this interview with Chloe Kim at the Gold Gala Mini Commission: Civil Rights Attacks and the NCAA * From World Champion level Club Gym Nerd member “Gymnastics Fan” * "We're experiencing the spread of laws in the US that promote sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc., in addition to a lack of accountability for those who promote racism, violence, etc. What is the likelihood that the championship might move if an NCAA team refused to travel somewhere? Could the athletes unionize as a team, or does it have to be an entire school's athletes? I know not all athletes have the same core beliefs, so that would create more challenges, but could the progressive athletes create change?" * Examples of successful campaigns * In 2016 the NCAA moved 7 championships out of North Carolina [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/13/sports/ncaa-moves-championship-events-from-north-carolina.html] * Colin Kaepernick's kneel during the national anthem helped propel the Black Lives Matter movement into the sports world * The Sporting Boycott of South Africa during its apartheid policy * The Iranian Women's Stadium Entry Protests of 2019 * What is the likelihood of any of this happening in gymnastics? Can athletes unionize? Could a team boycott championships? Mid-meet walk out? IRONIC STICK CROWNS? Feedback * Follow-up on routines that should be retired [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJmuSqptgA2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] like a Jersey * Is having "bow legs" an advantage in gymnastics? * How can international fans follow along with NCAA gymnastics? UP NEXT * Behind The Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/]: at noon Pacific on Friday 3:00pm Eastern/7:00pm GMT CHECK OUT FACT CHECKER'S NEW BOOK WITH AIMEE BOORMAN * The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU] by Aimee Boorman with Fact Checker is topping the sport charts - SUCK IT SPORTS BALLS! Get your copy now [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU]. And if you loved reading (or listening) to the book, please leave a review. PARIS FX FINAL DEETS with ROMANIAN HEAD COACHES  Jessica and Spencer were joined by former professional musical theater boys turned super choreo-coaching duo, Daymon Jones and Patrick Kiens to discuss Celine van Gerner’s iconic Cats makeup, the Paris Olympic FX final from their perspective as Romanian team head coaches, choreographing in over 15 countries combined and being the new coaches at WCC.  Replay tickets [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2025-ncaa-championships/] available for a limited time. BONUS CONTENT  * Join Club Gym Nerd [http://gymcastic.com/club] (or give it as a gift!) for access to weekly Behind the Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/club-content/] episodes. * Club Gym Nerd members [http://gymcastic.com/club] can watch the podcast being recorded and get access to all of our exclusive extended interviews, Behind The Scenes and College & Cocktails. MERCH * GymCastic Store [https://gymcastic.com/store/]: clothing and gifts to let your gym nerd flag fly and even “tapestries” (banners [https://www.teepublic.com/tapestry/48925286-simone-freakin-biles-tapestry?ref_id=1646], the perfect to display in an arena) to support your favorite gymnast! * Baseball hats available now in the GymCastic store [https://gymcastic.com/store/] NEWSLETTERS * Sign up for all three GymCastic newsletters  [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] RECENT  * Behind The Scenes: Calzones Confessions [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-calzones-confessions/] * Demand More [https://gymcastic.com/demand-more/] * Behind The Scenes: Pottery Wheel Massacre [https://gymcastic.com/behind-the-scenes-pottery-wheel-massacre/] RESOURCES * Spencer's essential website The Balance Beam Situation  [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com] and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim RESISTANCE  Submitted by our listeners. * ACTION * Indivisible [https://indivisible.org/] * Practical ideas about what you can actually do in this moment, check it out: indivisi.org/muskorus [https://indivisi.org/muskorus] * 5Calls App [https://5calls.org/] will call your Congresspeople by issue with a script to guide you * * Make 2 to your Congressional rep (local and DC office). 2 each to your US Senators (local and state offices) * State your name and zip code or district * Be concise with your question or demand (i.e. What specific steps is Senator X taking to stop XYZ) * Wait for answer * Ask for action items -  tell them what you want them to do (i.e. draft articles of impeachment immediately, I want to see you holding a press conference in front of...etc.) * ResistBot [https://resist.bot] * Turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes * ACLU Mobile Justice App [https://www.aclusocal.org/en/mobilejustice] * Allows you to record encounters with public officials while streaming to your closest contacts and your local ACLU; REPORT any abuse by authorities to the ACLU and its networks. * LAWSUITS * Donate to organizations suing the administration for illegal actions * ACLU [https://www.aclu.org/], Southern Poverty Law Center [https://www.splcenter.org/], Northwest Immigration Law Project [https://www.nwirp.org/] * STAY INFORMED * Suggested podcasts:  Amicus [https://slate.com/podcasts/amicus], Daily Beans [https://www.dailybeanspod.com/], Pod Save America [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/], Strict Scrutiny [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/] * Immigrant Rights * Know Your Rights Red Cards [https://www.redcardorders.com/], We Have Rights Video [https://www.wehaverights.us/], Your Rights on trains and buses video [https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/your-rights-immigration-agents-trains-and-buse]

The Crandall-Howells are leaving Cal for Clemson with a contract worthy of the sport, floor joy at Varna World Cup, Level 10 Nationals, and an Ellie Black Mini-Commission.  Support our independent journalism by joining here [https://gymcastic.com/club/]. HEADLINES * Liz Crandall-Howell and Justin Howell are heading to Clemson. How much Clemson spent [https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10133779-dabo-swinneys-clemson-contract-has-60m-buyout-clause-for-2024-signed-through-2031] to snatch them up and why the economics [https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/acc/clemson-university/article306179781.html#storylink=cpy] makes sense. * Varna Challenge Cup * Everything in the world is right because Nola Matthews won bars [https://youtu.be/Xv61pzjXgDc?feature=shared&t=1306] and floor [https://youtu.be/Y6XCNKazTs0?feature=shared] * Jennifer Williams reminded us what a double pike [https://youtu.be/vwBBaHtZvtI?feature=shared&t=395] is supposed to look like * Are you on your highest toe? Antea Sikic Kaukic [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx-N04ekxnk] is * Why Thelma Adalsteinsdottir [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx-N04ekxnk] wins the "involvement of your face" award * Why Marcus Cassamento needs to teach the other men how to artistry properly * Level 10 Nationals happened and we need to talk about this vault   [https://www.instagram.com/p/DJhmnigRaXi/?img_index=1&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] * What are the new updates on Mixed Team Format for the LA28 Olympics? GYMTERNET NEWS * We told you it was coming...Morgan Price announced her departure from Fisk * Arkansas gymnast Dakota Essenpries transfers to Missouri * Ashlee Sullivan is now heading to UCLA * Gabby Douglas to be inducted into the USOPC Hall of Fame * Club members can watch Vanessa Atler’s live show by logging in to her live show page [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-with-vanessa-atler/], it will appear below. MINI COMMISSION: All About Ellie Black *  From World Champion level Club Gym Nerd member Clarie K, "I would like my mini commission to be all about Ellie Black and how her gymnastics has evolved and what an incredible person and important figure in Canadian Gymnastics she is. Perhaps, you could also speak about her part in Canada's historic world bronze medal." Feedback * Please post your feedback on the GymCastic forum [https://gymcastic.com/community/] or email us at gymcastic@gmail.com * How to properly pronounce "Kovacs" * Feedback on last week's mini-commission regarding coaching changes UP NEXT * Behind The Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/]: at 2:00pmPacific / 3:00pm Eastern / 7:00pm GMT Fridays. CHECK OUT FACT CHECKER'S NEW BOOK WITH AIMEE BOORMAN * The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU] by Aimee Boorman with Fact Checker is topping the sport charts - SUCK IT SPORTS BALLS! Get your copy now [https://a.co/d/3rImmoU]. And if you loved reading (or listening) to the book, please leave a review. PARIS FX FINAL DEETS with ROMANIAN HEAD COACHES  Jessica and Spencer were joined by former professional musical theater boys turned super choreo-coaching duo, Daymon Jones and Patrick Kiens to discuss Celine van Gerner’s iconic Cats makeup, the Paris Olympic FX final from their perspective as Romanian team head coaches, choreographing in over 15 countries combined and being the new coaches at WCC.  Replay tickets [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2025-ncaa-championships/] available for a limited time. BONUS CONTENT  * Join Club Gym Nerd [http://gymcastic.com/club] (or give it as a gift!) for access to weekly Behind the Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/club-content/] episodes. * Club Gym Nerd members [http://gymcastic.com/club] can watch the podcast being recorded and get access to all of our exclusive extended interviews, Behind The Scenes and College & Cocktails. MERCH * GymCastic Store [https://gymcastic.com/store/]: clothing and gifts to let your gym nerd flag fly and even “tapestries” (banners [https://www.teepublic.com/tapestry/48925286-simone-freakin-biles-tapestry?ref_id=1646], the perfect to display in an arena) to support your favorite gymnast! * Baseball hats available now in the GymCastic store [https://gymcastic.com/store/] NEWSLETTERS * Sign up for all three GymCastic newsletters  [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] RESOURCES * Spencer's essential website The Balance Beam Situation  [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com] and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim * Kensley’s all things men’s gymnastics: Neutral Deductions [https://www.neutraldeductions.com/] RESISTANCE  Submitted by our listeners. * ACTION * Indivisible [https://indivisible.org/] * Practical ideas about what you can actually do in this moment, check it out: indivisi.org/muskorus [https://indivisi.org/muskorus] * 5Calls App [https://5calls.org/] will call your Congresspeople by issue with a script to guide you * * Make 2 to your Congressional rep (local and DC office). 2 each to your US Senators (local and state offices) * State your name and zip code or district * Be concise with your question or demand (i.e. What specific steps is Senator X taking to stop XYZ) * Wait for answer * Ask for action items -  tell them what you want them to do (i.e. draft articles of impeachment immediately, I want to see you holding a press conference in front of...etc.) * ResistBot [https://resist.bot] * Turns your texts into faxes, postal mail, or emails to your representatives in minutes * ACLU Mobile Justice App [https://www.aclusocal.org/en/mobilejustice] * Allows you to record encounters with public officials while streaming to your closest contacts and your local ACLU; REPORT any abuse by authorities to the ACLU and its networks. * LAWSUITS * Donate to organizations suing the administration for illegal actions * ACLU [https://www.aclu.org/], Southern Poverty Law Center [https://www.splcenter.org/], Northwest Immigration Law Project [https://www.nwirp.org/] * STAY INFORMED * Suggested podcasts:  Amicus [https://slate.com/podcasts/amicus], Daily Beans [https://www.dailybeanspod.com/], Pod Save America [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/], Strict Scrutiny [https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/] * Immigrant Rights * Know Your Rights Red Cards [https://www.redcardorders.com/], We Have Rights Video [https://www.wehaverights.us/], Your Rights on trains and buses video [https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/your-rights-immigration-agents-trains-and-buse] *Correction, Fredrick Richard did beat the previous back flip record in 24 hours. He did not beat the record of 9 hours [https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/95265-most-backflips-in-24-hours].