Monday, March 25, 2013

Second Chance

Unfortunately, Luke Wiwtowski and Elliott Cook were unsuccessful in their campaigns at the Cottbus Challenge in Germany over the weekend. Neither gymnast made it through to an apparatus final.

But the fantastic news is, they get a second chance THIS week at the Doha Challenge in Qatar!

They'll be joined by none other than pommel pro Prashanth Sellathurai, who has previously medalled at the event!

Good luck, fellas!

UPDATE 10:30pm Wednesday -  I am being told a livestream of the Doha event will be starting in the next hour at this channel?

UPDATE Thursday:

Good results for the guys so far!

Luke qualified 8th to the floor final and 6th to the p-bars final, Prashanth 8th to pommel! Onwards and upwards!

UPDATE Friday: Finals results!
Floor: Wiwatowski, 13.750 (8th)
Parallel: Pending
Pommel: Sellathurai, 14.650 (7th)

Update Sunday: Videos! (Happy Easter!)

Prashanth's Pommel
Luke's Parallel Bars



Saturday, March 23, 2013

Cirquin' Staunch Mel Evidence

Ok, so that pun was incredibly tenuous!

After a firecracker four years of killer bars routines, what other Aussie could take Olivia Vivian's title as "Coolest Aussie in NCAA Gymnastics"? Why, Melbourne's Melanie Jones of course!

I'd like to take a moment to shout out this dynamic young lady.

Mel is now a senior, undertaking her last year at Oregon State, meaning her time with the school's gymnastics team is coming to a close. This weekend, they take on the best in their conference at the Pac-12 Championships, thankfully held in OSU's home arena. It is one major stepping stone to qualifying for the end of season National Championships. Last year, Mel managed a commendable fourth in the national floor final, and her progress in this graduating year shows she's well on track to reach the final once more before it's time to say goodbye.

A few weeks ago, Mel finally had the chance to compete in front of her mother and aunts at OSU's tribute night for their senior gymnasts. Her routine is below and, of course, she rocked it.



You might be interested to know Mel's said she's considering a Cirque career when all is said and done. Can't wait to see what tricks she'd bust out at that audition!

MJ for AGB'S MVP 2013!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Congratulations To...

Allana Slater and fiancé Scott Penny who are getting married in Perth today!

We wish them the very best for their new life together.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Wow Factor

Put some "Holy moley!" in your day today, and check out this video of the men's national team training camp in Canberra.

There are some massive skills in development there - check the insane high bar release combos!