Gymternet Weekly: Fighting for justice, losing a legend, and more (June 1-7, 2020)
It’s never a dull week around the gymternet! Here’s our weekly roundup of news, videos, and more from your favorite gymnasts!
Click here to read last week’s edition.
P.S. Have a news item or video you think should be considered for “Gymternet Weekly”? Email a link to [email protected]!
Happy Pride Month!
The gymternet kicked off Pride Month advocating for change, safety, and inclusion of more than one minority group, and although this year’s Pride celebrations may not consist of the typical festivities, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s still plenty of ways to get involved.
UNC’s head coach announced his retirement after 39 years of leading the program
Derek Galvin, a native of Ireland and former UNC men’s gymnast, is retiring at the end of June after 39 years of leading the women’s gymnastics team. Since becoming head coach in 1981, his Tar Heel teams have posted 441 victories, won five East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) titles, and advanced to NCAA regional competition 12 times in the last 19 seasons.
Associate head coach Marie Case Denick will serve as the program’s interim head coach until the director of athletics names a permanent replacement.
Read the full retirement announcement here.
The gymternet fights for justice
The second week after George Floyd’s killing saw many student-athletes, including gymnasts from across the country and world, participating in protests. In addition, the majority of the gymternet (and internet) observed #BlackOutTuesday to take time to educate themselves and amplify those in the Black community.
Click here to sign petitions, donate, and find other ways you can help.
The sport loses a legend
U.S. Olympian and World champion Kurt Thomas died on Friday after suffering a stroke in late May. Thomas was the U.S.’s first World champion back in 1978 and had multiple skills named after him. He is survived by his wife and three kids. He was 64.
Remember the legend here.
Nile Wilson debuted “The Silent Battle” – a documentary on mental health and addiction in pro sports
British gymnast, Olympic medalist, World medalist, and YouTube sensation Nile Wilson dropped an hour long documentary diving deep into his struggles with mental health and addiction while trying to stay at the top of the sport. If you watch anything this week, it should be this! It’s relatable and inspirational. If you weren’t already, you’ll be a big fan of Wilson by the end!
Watch the full documentary below.
2020 European Championships rescheduled
You read that right! The 2020 European Championships, originally scheduled for this spring, will now take place in November (rhythmic) and December (artistic). The artistic championships for both the men and women will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, instead of the original host city of Paris.
Get the full details here.
Larisa Iordache returns to training
After three surgeries and a long recovery since her devastating injury at 2017 Worlds in Montreal, Romania’s Larisa Iordache is eyeing 2020 Euros in Baku for her international return. If all goes to plan, Iordache could secure an individual Olympic berth at the meet in December.
Asuka Teramoto looking strong after Achilles injury
Asuka Teramoto (JPN) is looking strong just four months after Achilles surgery! She’s hoping to make her competition return at the All-Japan Senior Championships in the fall, alongside fellow countryman and Olympic champion Kohei Uchimura!
Mercedez Sanchez transfers to San Jose State
Former UCLA gymnast Mercedez Sanchez has elected to transfer to San Jose State and continue her college gymnastics career as a member of the Spartan team while she pursues her Master’s degree.
Yul Moldauer featured on Insider
Team USA’s Yul Moldauer was recently featured on Insider’s popular YouTube page, where the outlet highlighted his at-home workout routine.
Watch the full feature below.
On the mend: [Shoulder] surgery roundup
With many lockdown and stay-at-home restrictions lifted, a few gymnasts took the chance to do some housekeeping on their bodies in order to come back better than ever. This week, it was all about the shoulder surgery.
- Nebraska senior Jake Bonnay underwent his second shoulder surgery and is excited to get back in the gym, as he was granted a medical redshirt and will be helping lead the Cornhuskers once more next season.
- UCLA junior (and viral sensation!) Nia Dennis is on the #Road2Recovery after “finally” fixing her shoulder. Eyeing an all-around return in her recovery? We’ll see!
- Great Britain’s Kelly Simm had a longtime rotator cuff injury repaired. After initially holding off on surgery due to the Olympics, Simm decided to move forward, so she can rehab the injury and get back on the road to Tokyo soon!
Training clips: Getting back into the flip of things, throwbacks, and more
As more and more gymnasts return to training across the world, we’re seeing an uptick in training videos, and we couldn’t be more excited! With the Olympics postponed and no meets for at least a couple more months, the gymternet will take any peeks into the gym that athlete’s are willing to share.
This week, our training clips section is highlighted by Georgia Godwin (AUS), Whitney Bjerken (USA), Joe Fraser (GBR), Chellsie Memmel (USA), Sunisa Lee (USA), Jade Carey (USA), Riley McCusker (USA), Nikita Nagornyy (RUS), and MyKayla Skinner (USA).
Right now, most athletes are “getting back into the flip of things” as Lee likes to say, so nothing wild on the upgrades front. But still some notable work from a few athletes, including Memmel testing out the strap bar as she ponders a comeback and Skinner playing around with a piked Ray!
