Remember how Zhang Chenglong tied to win floor at the 2010 Asian Games?: Neither do I. But it appears that he shouldn't have -- the FIG has disciplined a Chinese judge, Shao Bin, for raising Zhang's execution score without telling anyone. As a result, Zhang tied on floor with South Korea's Kim Soo Myun, when he really should have been second.
"Mr. Bin committed this act upon his own initiative and with complete disregard for the rules in force," the FIG stated in its release. The case has been referred to the FIG's Disciplinary Commission. (FIG)
North Korean gymnasts are still not going to the Olympic Games: Despite a thorough house-cleaning and clemency plea to the FIG by the North Korean Gymnastics Federation. Too little, too late. It doesn't sound like North Korea has learned its lesson, either -- according to the article, "North Korea has also banned Hong [Su Jong] for life and ordered her to return all medals and titles as the result of grave negligence and damage caused to the Association’s reputation." As though Hong was the one responsible for falsifying her age! What bull****. (Associated Press)
On Joey Hagerty's retirement: The 28-year-old Olympic bronze medalist wrapped up his career at the Houston National Invitational and plans to relocate back to New Mexico. USA Gymnastics has more, with quotes from Hagerty. (USA Gymnastics)
Kyna Fletcher announced as Canadian women's National Team Director: Actually, the job title is "Women's Artistic Gymnastics National Team Director" but the job -- coordinating the Canadian women's national team -- sounds much the same as Martha Karolyi's in the U.S. or Peggy Liddick's in Australia. Fletcher is a provisional coach and administrator. She replaces Vladimir Lashin, who stepped down from the position last spring. (Gymn.ca)
Injuries plauging Utah: Just in time for the NCAA post-season. A bone chip in Corrie Lothrop's ankle and back spasms from Victoria Shanley render both questionable for NCAA Regionals and Championships, according to head coach Greg Marsden. (Salt Lake Tribune)
The other big NCAA injury-fest this week: That goes to LSU, which unsurprisingly lost to Alabama after bad things happened to freshman star Sarie Morrison (ankle), Ericka Garcia (torn ACL) and Maliah Mathis (cornea abrasion). That's a lot of injuries in a single run. (LSU Sports)
Cashing in at Cottbus: China's Yao Jinnan was the big story of the Cottbus Cup, winning bars, beam and floor, while Oksana Chusovitina won vault and new senior Nadine Jarosch made a strong impression. Former or current World champions Eleftherios Kosmidis and Zhang Hongtao won floor and pommel horse, their specialties. Other winners: Alexander Yakubovs'kiy (vault), Yann Cucherat (parallel bars) and Alexander Tsarevich (high bar). (Examiner.com)
Gymnix!: The annual meet in Montreal gets more impressive every year. This year, the impressive Julie Croket of Belgium won the senior women's title, the impressive Victoria Moors of Canada the junior. Look out for Sabrina Gill, second in the junior all-around, and Natalie Vaculik, third, as well. Gill (junior vault and bars), Britain's Gabrielle Jupp (junior beam), Moors (junior floor), Crocket (senior vault and floor) and Madeline Gardiner (senior bars and beam) all scooped up titles in event finals. (International Gymnix)
Daniel Keatings at the London Men's Open: British men's all-around star Daniel Keatings, on the road back from a torn ACL, was fourth all-around at the London Men's Open last week after errors on three events. Although he calls his chances of making the British men's European Championships team "tough," Keatings promises to give it his best. (Daniel Keatings Blog)
Violence at an NCAA men's gymnastics meet: OK, that's a sensationalized headline. But University of Minnesota mascot Goldy the Gopher did get clocked in the head by a University of St. Thomas math professor during a Minnesota men's meet. (Chicago Breaking Sports)
Jordyn Wieber profile: The local Michigan paper catches up with the new American Cup champion. (Lansing State Journal)
Ten questions with Tess Moonen: The new Dutch sensation talks about her proudest (and most embarassing moments), what makes her laugh and what she would change about the sport. (The Couch Gymnast)
Maria Scaffidi profile: The Nebraska senior on the twilight of her gymnastics career and what she's planning to do next. (Husker Extra)
Yuna Nefedona -- one to watch: Rewriting Russian Gymnastics recommends this youngster from Russia as a possible future champion. Nice bars. (Rewriting Russian Gymnastics)
The show must go on: Even in the face of an earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear meltdown that has exposed thousands to higher-than-safe levels of radiation, the 2011 World Gymnastics Championships are on for October. (Examiner.com)
Paige Oswalt profile: The Ball State senior is not one of the most recognizable names in NCAA gymnastics. But her story, which includes six knee surguries, is notable as a lesson in perseverance. (Ball State University Daily News)
Ling Jie ties the knot: The lovely Ling Jie got married over the weekend in China's Hunan Province. Ling is currently a coach, and responsible for China's Zeng Siqi and Zhou Jiabei. Gorgeous wedding photos, too! (Chinese Gymnastics Blog)
Gymblog Brazil: The newly revamped Gymblog Brazil, edited by Cedric Willian, has some terrific content. Check out exclusive interviews with Daniele Hypolito. There's also news about Daiane dos Santos and Diego Hypolito's return to training. In Portugese, with an easy translate button. (Gymblog Brazil)
Kim Jacob (and Alabama freshman) profile: The freshmen, along with senior Kayla Hoffman, continue to be the driving force behind the Crimson Tide's successful season. (Al.com)
Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs on UCLA and a possible comeback: The 2006 World bronze medalist on beam has not ruled out a run at the 2012 Olympics. (International Gymnast Magazine)
Choosing your dream: Oklahoma freshman Raymond White chose gymnastics over theatre, though he does hope to return to the stage after completing his NCAA eligibility. Interestingly, this article shows him doing pommel horse wearing a pair of sunglasses. (Oklahoma Daily)
The return of Ben Ketelsen: The Iowa senior and team leader is relieved and happy to be back in the lineup after a knee-injury sustained performing on floor at a meet in February. (Daily Iowan)
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