Katherine Muhlenkamp Blogs

               Anyone who was a gymnastics fan in the early ’90s knows the name Tatiana Lysenko. Crisp and confident, Lysenko combined artistry with cutting-edge acrobatics, exemplifying the Soviet gymnastics tradition. Born in Kherson, Ukraine, Lysenko trained under renowned coach Oleg Ostapenko and represented the USSR in international competition, winning the 1990 World Cup and team gold at the 1991 World Championships. After the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991, she continued compet...

Last Tuesday, I exited the Tokyo Metro and headed across a bridge leading to the women’s team final of the 2011 world championships. Getting in back of a long line snaked around the building, I waited for the doors to open and then did the same two days later for the women’s all-around final. From the paper fans waved by spectators to the video-game-inspired music played between rotations, the atmosphere inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was colorful and spirited. And of course the gymnastics was amazing. Here’s what I&r...

During touch warm-ups before the first rotation of the women’s team final in Tokyo, McKayla Maroney sprinted down the runway and nailed an effortless Amanar. The stunning vault elicited a spontaneous round of applause, and set the stage for Team U.S.A.’s decisive victory over Russia, 179.411 to 175.329. The United States powered through routine after routine in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, hitting 12-for-12 to take the title in spectacular fashion. Alexandra Raisman started the team off on vault with an excellent double-twistin...

Although eight countries will advance to the women’s team final, the battle for gold, silver, and bronze will likely involve four teams: Russia, the United States, China, and Romania. These perennial powerhouses are distinguished by their difficulty, execution, and depth. At last year’s World Championships in Rotterdam, Russia grabbed the gold, with the United States, China, and Romania second, third, and fourth, respectively. Below is a preview of each team’s strengths and weaknesses heading into Tokyo. Teams appear in the or...

After an error-ridden first day of competition at the women’s Visa Championships, many gymnasts pulled it together for day two. Watching the afternoon and evening sessions, I was heartened to see some beautiful performances, but saddened by the fate of Rebecca Bross, who suffered a dislocated kneecap after landing short on a Yurchenko double-full. Below is a look at Saturday’s ups and downs. Junior Day Two Highlights Katelyn Ohashi seized the all-around title with four stunning routines. Ohashi has it all: excellent execution, polis...