..and silver and bronze. In an effort to push athletes harder, Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has put money on the table. Athletes who win gold, silver or bronze medals in the 2012 London Summer Olympics will receive a cash incentive.  So what’s up for grabs?

Gold medal winners = 4 million rubles / 130,000 USD approx / €101,691.00 approx

Silver medal winners = 2.5 milllion rubles / 82,500 USD approx / €63,558.00 approx

Bronze medal winners =  1.7 milion rubles / 56,000 USD approx / €43,216.00 approx

It is not only the athletes who will benefit, it has also been said that the coaches will also be rewarded according to the achievements of their sport, although this is to be decided on and confirmed later this year. The sums of money have remain unchanged since that on offer for the 2008 Beijing Games, where Russia failed to win any medals in Artistic Gymnastics.

If Viktoria Komova, Aliya Mustafina and Ksenia Afanaseyva continue on track as they have from their previous World Championships, they’ll be on course to pocket a nice amount.

Via AIPS

The Winter Cup helps decide who will make up the USA Men’s National Team. Those who were part of the previous years World Championships team automatically earned their place on the National Team for 2012. Here is the new look USA Men’s National Team:

• Brandon Wynn (Columbus, Ohio/The Ohio State University)
• David Sender (Savoy, Illinois/University of Illinois)
• Paul Ruggeri III (Manlius, New York/University of Illinois)
• Samuel Mikulak (Ann Arbor, Michigan/University of Michigan)
• Jesse Silverstein (Spring Valley, New York/US Gymnastics Development Center II)
• Glen Ishino (Santa Ana, California/University of California-Berkeley)
• Adrian De Los Angeles (Long Beach, California/University of Michigan)
• Christopher “CJ” Maestas (Corrales, New Mexico/University of Illinois)

John Orozco continued his soar to the top last weekend when he claimed the top spot in the All Around competition of the Winter Cup 2012.

The Event Finals showed up some different faces on the podium:

Floor

1.  Steven Legendre, Port Jefferson, N.Y., 31.000
2.  Danell Leyva, Miami, Fla., 29.600
3.  Paul Ruggeri III, Manlius, N.Y., 29.250
4.  John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y., 28.900
5.  Alexander Buscaglia, Oak Brook, Ill., 28.750
6.  Stacey Ervin, Taylor, Mich., 28.500
6.  Sho Nakamori, Albany, Calif., 28.500
8.  Ryan Lieberman, Lake Forest, Ill., 28.400
9.  Donnell Whittenburg, Baltimore, Md., 28.350
10.  Akash Modi, Morganville, N.J., 28.300

Pommel

1.  Glen Ishino, Santa Ana, Calif., 31.450

2.  John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y., 30.650

3.  Ty Echard, Carroll, Ohio, 30.250

4.  Randall Heflin, Houston, Texas, 29.050

5.  Ellis Mannon, Indianapolis, Ind., 28.850

6.  Alexander Naddour, Gilbert, Ariz., 28.300

7.  Donothan Bailey, Mission Viejo, Calif., 28.250

8.  Adrian De Los Angeles, Long Beach, Calif., 27.950

9.  Edward Mesa, Cooper City, Fla., 27.800

10.  Jacob Dastrup, Lindon, Utah, 27.750

Vault

1.  Steven Legendre, Port Jefferson, N.Y., 32.450

2.  Chandler Eggleston, Jamestown, N.C., 32.400

2.  David Sender, Savoy, Ill., 32.400

4.  Paul Ruggeri III, Manlius, N.Y., 32.300

5.  Adrian De Los Angeles, Long Beach, Calif., 31.850

6.  Christopher Brooks, Houston, Texas, 31.750

6.  Jesse Silverstein, Spring Valley, N.Y., 31.750

8.  Brandon Wynn, Voorhees, N.J., 31.450

9.  Tyler Evans, San Jose, Calif., 31.350

10.  Christopher Maestas, Corrales, N.M., 31.300

10.  Hunter Justus, Cypress, Texas, 31.300

Rings

1.  Brandon Wynn, Voorhees, N.J., 30.950

2.  Christopher Maestas, Corrales, N.M., 30.000

3.  David Sender, Savoy, Ill., 29.950

4.  Christopher Brooks, Houston, Texas, 29.650

5.  Jacob Dalton, Reno, Nev., 29.350

6.  Jesse Silverstein, Spring Valley, N.Y., 29.250

7.  Samuel Mikulak, Newport Coast, Calif., 29.200

7.  John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y., 29.200

9.  Danell Leyva, Miami, Fla., 28.650

10.  Tyler Mizoguchi, Houston, Texas, 28.550

Parallel Bars

1.  John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y., 30.650

2.  Samuel Mikulak, Newport Coast, Calif., 30.350

3.  Brandon Wynn, Voorhees, N.J., 29.700

4.  Danell Leyva, Miami, Fla., 29.250

5.  Christopher Brooks, Houston, Texas, 29.000

6.  Sho Nakamori, Albany, Calif., 28.850

7.  Ryan Lieberman, Lake Forest, Ill., 28.800

8.  Maximilian Mayr, Miami, Fla., 28.750

8.  David Sender, Savoy, Ill., 28.750

10.  Akash Modi, Morganville, N.J., 28.650

High Bar

1.  Danell Leyva, Miami, Fla., 30.300

1.  John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y., 30.300

3.  Christopher Brooks, Houston, Texas, 29.850

4.  Paul Ruggeri III, Manlius, N.Y., 29.550

5.  Steven Legendre, Port Jefferson, N.Y., 28.950

6.  David Sender, Savoy, Ill., 28.800

7.  Samuel Mikulak, Newport Coast, Calif., 28.750

8.  Brandon Wynn, Voorhees, N.J., 28.700

9.  Sho Nakamori, Albany, Calif., 28.500

10.  Kyle Bunthuwong, El Cerrito, Calif., 28.400

Full report available from USAG.

The Human Body Exhibition has it’s World Premiere in Dublin this week. This is a brand new exhibition featuring more than 200 real human body specimens. The remarkable and often controversial exhibition,  is meant to both captivate and educate it’s audience. Ireland.com describes the exhibition:

The Human Body Exhibition highlights the essential components of the human anatomy. Nine galleries display carefully dissected and preserved partial- and full-body specimens. These amazing specimens provide insight into how the human body functions and how it is affected by lifestyle choices, such as smoking and overeating. Designed to educate, encourage and enlighten, the exhibition displays the physical damage caused by neglecting your body.

All of the exhibition’s specimens were donated in accordance with Chinese law to the Dalian Hoffen Bio-technique Laboratory, which conducts research into the innovative Plastination technique. The laboratory uses this technique to preserve and display the specimens.

Using treated and hardened liquid silicone rubber, specimens are preserved at the cellular level. The rubberised final result showcases the complexity of the body’s bones, muscle, nerves, blood vessels and organs. This is a slow and delicate process that requires great care and respect. It takes over a year to prepare the full-body specimens.

Back in 2009 when The Bodies Exhibition came to Dublin I paid a visit. You can read about my thoughts and experiences here – Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. The official website gives more information and an overview of the exhibition:

• An internationally acclaimed family experience.
• Multiple galleries take visitors through the essential components of human anatomy.
• Dynamic full body specimens demonstrate the systems that make the body function from the intricacy of the circulatory system to the astounding process of reproduction.
• Individual organ specimens allow visitors to delve deeper into the body’s structures that operate within those systems.
• Stunning photographs of the body, combined with informative videos, enhance the visitor experience.
• Levels of information throughout the Exhibition are thoughtfully geared to visitors of all ages and educational levels—from primary school to medical school.
• Medical docents answer questions as visitors explore the galleries and give guided tours to small groups.
• “Did you know” health tips and insights are provided throughout.
• Educational material for teachers and programs for student groups make the Exhibition an invaluable school outing.
• Artist events allow professional artists and aspiring art students the opportunity to sketch the specimens and expand their knowledge of anatomy.
• Lectures on health, medicine, and well-being are conducted for professionals and the lay public.
• An Exhibition catalogue enhances the visitor experience.

What’s on view?

INTRODUCTORY

An overview of the body and the fascinating journey ahead

SKELETAL/MUSCULAR

The body’s supporting skeletal framework and the muscles that work in tandem with it

RESPIRATORY

The system that brings air to every cell in the body and also facilitates speech

DIGESTIVE

The process that moves food through 10 meters of digestive tract, extracting the nutrients needed for survival

NERVOUS

The brain as the center of consciousness and the spinal cord that sends impulses to it at the speed of light

CIRCULATORY

A unique and awe-inspiring look at the heart and the 145,000 km of blood vessels that carry blood throughout the body

REPRODUCTIVE/URINARY

The system with two functions: elimination and reproduction

FETAL LIFE

Life in development on a most basic level

YOUR FUTURE

Take a more active role in your health and well-being

Showing at the Ambassador Theater on Dublin’s O’Connell Street, tickets cost  Adults €20 / Concessions €16 / Children €12 / Family €56. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster. In my opinion, this is a must see exhibition, an absolute must. If you have the opportunity to visit, then don’t miss out.

Photo by Laura Hutton of Photocall Ireland

The February issue of British Gymnastics online magazine “The Gymnast” is out now to read. View it here.

Day one of the Winter Cup kicked off in Las Vegas yesterday.  The top 42 placing gymnasts from the preliminaries proceed through to Saturday’s finals. The big surprise of the day was Paul Hamms performance. The former Olympic Champion was knocked out of the the top 42, ranking in 56th place. Hamm did not compete on Still Rings or High Bar. He told the Associated Press:

“This has been one of my weaker performances of my career,”

“It’s disappointing for sure. I’m not happy. I just have to be constructive here. It’s all I can really do.”

However, this isn’t the end of the road for Hamm, there is still a possibility that he will be named to the National Team by the end of the weekend by means of a Wild Card system, although only three are up for grabs. Again, if he fails to secure a wild card, it still isn’t the end. Hamm will still have a shot at making the team for the Olympics but like the other gymnasts who have made come backs, such as Liukin and Johnson, it’s a tough road ahead.

World and Olympic medalist Jonathan Horton who is recovering from injury competed on just Pommel Horse. he had been hoping to compete on both Pommel and Rings, without any dismounts. He showed some upgrades and says his swinging has improved.

John Orozco is really shining through as the star of the National Team, he raced to the top to take the lead ahead of Cypress Academy’s Chris Brooks. The top 10 qualifiers were as follows:

Full results can be seen here.

Gymnastics Examiner reveals some stats from the event.

Videos on the USA Gymnastics Video Channel.

Report and videos via Stick It Media.

Gymnastike hosts videos and a report.

So it’s not quite an actual video. A promotional tape of the official London 2012 Olympic Games video game being created by Sega shows all the stadiums and events which will feature this summer. Some of the athletes shown are clearly visible but curiously, we only see the back of the the gymnast, it is not clear who she is, perhaps in time we will find out. It’s a quick shot 46 seconds in of a gymnast in a British leotard performing a handspring front vault. Watch it here on YouTube or below and check out the screen caps:

Visit the site here for more information about the game.

The Tokyo World Cup scheduled for April 14th – 15th has been cancelled. The FIG announced the decision today which came as a result of scheduling conflicts. This follows the cancellation of the Paris World Cup.

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The wonderful London 2012 Test Event appears to have set standards and expectations bigger than was first thought. FIG President, Professor Bruno Grandi today issued a letter discussing the FIG’s use of live streaming during the Test Event. This was the first event in which FIG offered live streaming, something many fans worldwide have been crying out for, for a number of years, more so in the most recent years as technology has developed.

His letter today very much indicates that the FIG are likely to live stream other events in the near future:

 

N°58- Lausanne (SUI),  February 2012  BGR/phs/az

Friends,
 
The recent Olympic Qualifying and Test Events in London revealed to what point gymnastic fans are loyal to their sport; thanks to them our sport is reaching levels of performance and popularity heretofore inaccessible. In January 2012, an event took place in London that altered our sport for good; and only time will tell what the long-term effects will be.
 
It was the FIG’s first time single-handedly producing and broadcasting the Finals on television, a groundbreaking step that will affect the way gymnastics communicates with its fans from here on out. A threshold has been crossed and there’s no going back.
 
The Artistic and Trampoline Finals were live streamed on the “Gymnastics” You Tube channel. Our decision was both strategic and political in that the FIG had an obligation to its public to supply a host-broadcaster for an event that had none. Human and technical resources were pooled to provide a premiere service and the outcome was remarkable.
 
London went to prove that quality work stands out, the images produced actually propelled the sport forward. Gymnastics spoke the language of its fans – on their turf and through their media.
 
Our first experience in London was limited to two days of Finals. It was a trial run, designed by communication experts to focus coverage on these two disciplines, though other FIG specialties will also be given You Tube channel time.
 
In London, FIG provided even more images to bolster the package generally offered by our broadcasting partners when they are at the head of production.
 
The Gym Channel is also an opportunity to extend our disciplines’ visibility. It is a chance for us to bring every sector of gymnastics together on a single platform and to provide a package that is not only sustainable from a media standpoint, it is able to captivate an entire public, keep their attention, and entice commentators and sponsors alike.
A new era opened before us in London. A new chapter in our long history has begun.
 
With my compliments.
 
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE GYMNASTIQUE
Prof Bruno Grandi, President

I heard of no let downs or negative feedback regarding the live streaming, let’s hope this positive trend continues. I hope in time that the FIG don’t choose to ask for payment, maybe for event qualifications etc.

Tony Retrosi over at Gym Momentum has an excellent post on Sportsmanship. With the competition season beginning for many gymnasts and coaches, this is a great post to read. Sportsmanship is vital in any sport, especially gymnastics. I like to see the winner of a competition shake the other competitors hands before taking to the podium to receive their medal.

To get good at winning, you have to get good at losing.

The bottom line is that you or your team is NOT going to win every competition you go to. All winning streaks come to an end. 

To the Gymnasts: If you have a good meet and someone has a better meet, congratulate them. Appreciate their hard work and determination. It is OK to want to beat the competition, but beat them on their BEST day. If you have a bad meet (and you will), get over it, get back to the gym and get to work. I have seen so many gymnasts not be able to recover from a bad event or a bad meet. Move on. 

To the Coaches: Practice the 6 P’s. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. If you plan and Prepare your gymnasts in practice then your job in the meet should be easier. You can not control the competition and you can not control the score. If you go to a meet and get your butt kicked, congratulate that team. As difficult as it is, try to catch some great performances from other teams.

To the Parents: Keep in mind, you never know whose parents or grandparents you may be sitting next to. Say NOTHING negative. Appreciate a good routine regardless of what color leotard that child has on. During awards, clap for every place whether 1st place or 101st place. In the team competition, be respectful. Cheer for every place. If your team wins- Be happy but try not to be over the top with your cheering.

Read the full post – ON SPORTSMANSHIP FOR GYMNASTS, COACHES AND PARENTS

Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac

The MTC today issued a newsletter which features the new moves submitted and approved at the World Gymnastics Championships in Tokyo last October. The communication is excellent, it features links to YouTube videos of the elements where possible.  They are as follows:

Floor

• The “Penev” – F Value – submitted by Eddie Penev (BUL) – Jump backward with 1/2 turn to Double Salto Forward stretched with 1/2 turn

Vault

• The “Yang Hak Seon” – E Value – submitted by Yang Hak Seon (KOR)- HANDSPRING FORWARD AND SALTO FORWARD STRETCHED WITH 3/1 TURNS

Parallel Bars

• The “Sasaki” – E Value – submitted by Sergio Sasaki (BRA) -  5/4 SALTO FORWARD STRADDLED TO HANG
• The “Dimic” – D Value – submitted by Alen Dimic (SLO) -  SWING FORWARD WITH ¾ TURN AND HOP TO HANDSTAND ON ONE RAIL
• F Value – submitted by Epke Zonderland (NED) -  SWING FORWARD WITH 5/4 TURN ON 1 ARM THROUGH HEALY TO SUPPORT
• The “Dalton” – D Value – Submitted by Jake Dalton (USA) -  FROM UPPER ARM HANG, BWD. SALTO WITH ½ TURN TO UPPER ARM HANG
• C Value – Submitted by Mahmood Al Sadi (QAT) -  MOY PIKED WITH STRADDLE CUT BACKWARD TO BENT ARM SUPPORT
• B Value – Submitted by Ahmed Al Dayani (QAT) - MOY PIKED WITH STRADDLE CUT BACKWARD AND ½ TURN TO UPPER ARM HANG (ALSO WITH LEGS TOGETHER)
• The “Belyavskiy” – F value – Submitted by David Belyavskiy (RUS) – DOUBLE SALTO FORWARD PIKED

Yet another fantastic artistic drawing.

Although it didn’t look like this at the London 2012 Test Event!

Yesterday Ireland’s second ever Olympic Gymnast Kieran Behan was presented with a cheque for €20,000 to cover his grant from the Olympic Council of Ireland by Pat Hickey, President of the IOC to help him in his preparations for the London Games.  The event took place at Dublin’s prestigious Shelbourne Hotel where Behan was interviewed by the national newspapers, national television and radio broadcaster RTE whilst also posing for a series of photos on the furniture.

Kieran with IOC Secretary General, Dermot Sherlock  and IOC President, Pat Hickey.

Coach Demetrios Bradshaw, Gymnastics Ireland Technical & Performance Manager Sally Filmer, Kieran Behan, Pat Hickey IOC President and Kieran’s parents Bernie and Phil Behan. 

Kieran Behan receives his cheque from Pat Hickey, IOC President

Just 2 weeks ago, Kieran was unknown to those un-involved in the gymnastics community in Ireland, now, known to all, he is deemed “personification of Olympic Spirit”.  Today he graces the front covers of the national newspapers, can be heard speaking on radio interviews and seen on television. It’s a great change from stories of the failing economy, the IMF or the Troika jumping out at us everyday.

Kieran, the boy next door, is in fact the man of the moment right now. By now, everyone knows Kieran’s inspirational story. He is a credit to himself, his coaches, his parents and Gymnastics Ireland – definitely the personification of Olympic Spirit and a true inspiration to the younger generation of gymnasts in Ireland. Below are just a few media highlights from the event yesterday:

RTE Sport: Behan given Olympic boost

Irish Times.com: Behan personification of Olympic Spirit

Olympic Council of Ireland: Brave Gymnast Kieran Behan receives €20,000 boost from Olympic Council

Interview with Gareth Makim for the Metro Herald newspaper (click to enlarge):

Front page of the Irish Times newspaper today:

You can keep track of Kieran’s progress up to the London 2012 Games through his fan page on Facebook here. Kieran was also interviewed by RTE Radio which is available to listen below or on YouTube.

Australia’s Women’s National Coach Peggy Liddick was granted her Australian citizenship yesterday during the countries national day celebrations. Reports say that Liddick, originally from the United States was accompanied by the whole national team to celebrate her citizenship. Liddick said:

“When the position of national coach for women’s gymnastics became available in Australia in 1996, I saw it as a sign that I was destined to become an Australian.”

“I feel a sense of pride and patriotism when the Australian flag is raised and Advance Australia Fair plays over the speakers when one of the Australian gymnasts wins an international medal. I’m happy that today I officially become an Australian.”

PS Happy Australia Day to Full Twist readers!

Last week on the back of his visit to the London 2012 Test Event, Rick Mc Charles of Gymnastics Coaching paid visits to five gymnastics clubs in Ireland, one in the Western Region (Renmore) and 4 in the South Dublin Region (Excel, Trojan, Janz and Sugarloaf GC). As he pointed out, despite the economic crisis in the Eurozone, especially in Ireland the demand for places within gymnastics classes around the country is high. Of course, with the London Olympic Games coming up we can expect more girls and boys to show interest, thus increasing waiting lists. Luckily with an increased number of  full time facilities  popping up all over the country, many clubs are apply to provide for this demand.

Two full time facilities that Rick visited are currently looking for coaching. Renmore Gymnastics Club in Galway are seeking a former gymnast as a coach. Full details can be found here. Janz Gymnastics Club in Dublin, one of the newest full time gyms is seeking a part time gymnastics coach to begin coaching in April 2012. Full details can be found here.

To keep up to date with the latest gymnastics jobs from around the world check out Jobs In Gymnastics where you can search and add jobs for free. Subscribe to the latest jobs via RSS here.