All Things Gymnastics

Ten Steps to More Profit Through Better Relationships

2007-04-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

By Ken Wood: DGS 9.9's Consulting Partner

It is a given that our companies are only as good as our employees. It is problematic for us to do the multitudes of jobs required in a gymnastics business or multi-sport facility ourselves. So we must rely on others, our employees, to get the work done and get it done right. The single biggest problem in most gyms is hiring good employees who are beneficial to the bottom line. For many years, hiring the right person was hit or miss for us. Clearly, something had to change and that change had to come from me. After several attempts my company, Paragon Training Centers in Fredericksburg, Virginia has been able to put together a strong group of managers who are able to understand the importance of increasing the bottom line as one of our company’s goals. However, what may interest you the most is how we have achieved this end.

We have for some time followed the commonly accepted practice of hiring high-quality people with good attitudes who fit the attributes we are looking for and then training them for the position. Unfortunately many less successful companies often hire new employees for skills already possessed and do not recognize the importance of how an applicant’s attitude and work ethic would support the business’s ultimate goal of the bottom-line and profit. Here are ten steps you can take to improve your relationship with your partners (employees) and, if you choose to make these changes, you will see improved relationships, increased profits and a happier staff.

1. Admit your mistakes - Nothing will improve your relationships faster than admitting your mistakes before they are presented to you, or become a larger issue. Show evidence of both correction and learning from it. You can disarm any conflict by admitting your mistake first.

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff - The ability to overlook the daily issues and rise above pettiness goes a long way to giving employees the sense of freedom necessary to do their jobs well.

3. Accept what (and who) you can’t change - The ability to accept an individual as they are is the single most important aspect of showing respect to another individual. It is also sometimes the most difficult.

4. Put people where they belong - Everyone is different and have differing abilities or gifts. The biggest mistake managers make is to look at others through their own gifts and expectations they have of themselves. Doing this marginalizes the individual, making it impossible to utilize the employee effectively, creating an inefficient situation. When this happens the manager has made his own strengths into weaknesses not just for himself, but for the company as well.

5. Appreciate what you have - An employee is motivated more by management showing appreciation for a job well done than any other factor. Study after study shows this. Make sure you show your employees individually what they mean to you as well as the company in tangible, heartfelt ways. Sometimes this only needs to be a word of encouragement.

6. Offer to help - Show a willingness to do any job, any time. Pitch in at parties when understaffed; cover a shift or two when necessary (on top of your own work). Be generally helpful to your staff (no ivory towers!).

7. A positive attitude is a choice - This is infectious, just like a bad attitude. Make sure you set a good example.

8. Change is good - A methodical use of your prerogative to change your mind shows your ability to adjust to new stimuli. If used correctly and at the right time, you will show your staff that you are open to new ideas and ways of doing business. Eventually, your staff will feel comfortable about bringing their own ideas forward, which gives your company more options for improving profitability.

9. OK, what’s next? - Show your staff that working hard to anticipate problems or opportunities can minimize failures or possibly lead to larger profits. For example, changing a policy or tweaking the operating schedule to maximize efficiency during times of peak square footage utilization have the potential to do both, create new problems or make your business more efficient. Encourage your staff to anticipate what these may be and use them in your planning.

10. Require excellence, not perfection - Perfection is impossible. Plan on errors, knowing that everyone is going to make mistakes. By requiring excellence you are telling your staff that mistakes are acceptable but only if they learn from those mistakes and continue to improve both as an employee and a person.

As business owners and managers we are certainly not perfect by any means. Yet, in order to create a healthy work environment where all employees have a vested interest in the viability of the company’s long-term success, we have begun the long path to partnership outlined above. Eventually, if you practice these steps with your department leaders (managers), you will in turn see evidence of your upper level staff enlisting these practices with the employees they are responsible for supervising. The ultimate achievement is a cohesive unit working toward one goal: a team.

Ken Wood is the owner of a multi-sport facility in Fredericksburg, VA and CEO of Paragon Business Consulting Services, an affiliate of DGS 9.9’s. More information on Ken’s services can be found at http://www.gymsupply.com

Creating a Buzz About your Business

2007-04-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

HOW TO GAIN MORE CLIENTS THROUGH ADVERTISING, BRANDING AND MARKETING
By Ken Wood: DGS 9.9's Business Consulting Partner

We all know the days are gone when we could open the doors to our gyms and the kids just walk right in. In today’s market, it is important to reach out to our customers in ever increasing ways. But how? Each market is different and therefore each gym must design a plan for its unique environment and mission. One thing that is common to all gyms is that everyone should be using principles of advertising, marketing and branding to maximize return on effort. The purpose of this article is to teach you how to read the map, not what route you should take.

Let’s start with definitions. Most of us don’t know the difference between marketing and advertising and even the most savvy club owner will hesitate when asked to define branding. But all three are crucial to creating the right atmosphere for growth.

First, advertising. Advertising is the most commonly used term for what gyms commonly do. Essentially, advertising is any effort you make to communicate with customers or potential customers where you have no direct, personal contact and therefore little control of the outcome. Many media are used to deliver these messages: television, radio, movies, magazines, newspapers, the internet, and billboards.

Marketing is anything you do to attract customers or to maintain current clients that is not considered advertising. For example, putting an ad in your local newspaper about a schedule change is considered advertising. But if your front desk speaks to your clients concerning the virtues of the new schedule, then that is marketing. The distinction from advertising is relationship development and the potential to close the sale. Additionally, there is a managerial aspect to marketing. If the schedule change is in response to research conducted into the schedules of educational preschools in your area, then this is an example of the managerial aspect of marketing. 95% of what gyms do is actually marketing, and the rest is branding.

Unlike advertising or marketing, branding is very possibly a foreign concept to many. Branding is an application of marketing techniques to increase the perceived value of a product. By developing your brand as the quality alternative in the marketplace, you increase the possibility of both new sales and repeat business. For instance, Jello brand flavored gelatin was branded so well that we commonly identify the product category as jello. If you are successful in creating a strong brand for your product, you are then capable of charging more for your product than your competitors based on the increase in perceived value. Notice the word perceived. Actual value is important for retention but perceived value is what counts for attracting new customers.

* How do these three interrelated concepts pertain to the gymnastics business? How can the gym owner know when and how to use each? Unfortunately the answer to these questions is unique to the demographics and mission statement of each individual club and depends upon the types of programs offered. Hopefully, the mission statement for each club and the programs offered stem from research done concerning the demographic characteristics of the area. However, there are a few specific concepts that hold true in every market. One very important principle is to understand that there are three types of customers. The customer you do not yet have, the customer currently in your program and the customer who has left your program. In order to maintain your client base and grow, you must market to all three. To make an impact on any of these types of customers you must make an ‘impression’ an average of five times on each unique subject. A few other ‘basics’ for you to keep in mind:

Branding

* A brand name must be easy to pronounce, easy to remember and easy to recognize.

Marketing

* Corporate Level Marketing is done before the business opens and focuses on the type of business to be pursued.

* Business Level Marketing creates business models to develop long term market growth and strategies for competing in the marketplace.

* Functional Level Marketing is the act of attracting and retaining customers.

* ‘Marketing 101’ is all about the four P’s:

* Product - pertains to how you design your programs to satisfy the desires of the customer.

* Pricing - what you decide to charge for your programs and how you arrive at those prices.

* Promotion - decisions concerning advertising, public relations, sales promotion and how you will promote your club or brand, or even a particular program.

* Placement - since our industry is not retail in nature, this refers mainly to the location you choose for your facility.

* Now that you have all of this information, how do you use it? Relating to all three types of customers, you first must decide what kind of business you are going to be and define your mission statement (corporate level marketing). Second, you must decide how you can compete in the marketplace by creating unique, quality programs designed specifically for the type of client you want to attract (business level marketing). Finally, design advertising and marketing campaigns to strengthen your brand, attract new clients and retain the clients you already have (functional level marketing). Use the Four P’s to help you design your business level and functional level marketing programs and remember, your customers need to hear the message five times or more on any given topic to maximize your chances that it will sink in.

* Using this roadmap you can create a buzz about your business and therefore attract new customers, retain current clients and entice former customers to return.

Ken Wood is the president of Paragon Training Center in Fredericksburg, VA and Paragon Business Consulting Services. Paragon Business Consulting Services is affiliated with DGS/9.9’s and provides consulting and commercial lending services to DGS clients. He can be reached by visiting the DGS website at www.gymsupply.com.

Top male gymnasts to compete at 2007 Winter Cup Challenge

2007-04-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Winter Cup’s final round available via free Web cast at usa-gymnastics.org

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Feb. 6, 2007 – 2006 pommel horse world bronze-medalist Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo./Team Chevron, and 2005-06 Winter Cup Challenge all-around champion David Durante of Garwood, N.J./Team Chevron, are among the 13 members of the current U.S. Men’s Senior National Team who will compete at the 2007 Winter Cup Challenge, Feb. 8 and 10, at the Las Vegas Sports Center in Las Vegas. Fans across the country can enjoy the action from the final day of the Winter Cup Challenge via a free, live Web cast at usa-gymnastics.org on Feb. 10 from 7-10 p.m. Pacific Time.

Seventeen athletes from the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team also will participate in the event. Based on performances at the Winter Cup Challenge, seven gymnasts will be added to the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team.

“This field includes the United States’ top male gymnasts who will provide exciting and close competition,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “The Winter Cup Challenge promises to be a great preview for 2007 as the senior athletes have their sights set on making the U.S. team for the 2007 World Championships.”

U.S. Olympians Steve McCain (2000) and Mihai Bagiu (1996) will serve as commentators for the free Web cast, which will be available live through a link on USA Gymnastics Web site, usa-gymnastics.org. Saturday’s competition features an all-around format, with medalists determined in both the all-around and individual events.

In addition to his world bronze medal, Artemev won the all-around, pommel horse and parallel bars titles at the 2006 Visa Championships, which is USA Gymnastics’ national championships. In 2006, Durante placed sixth in the all-around at the Visa Championships, finished third at the Tyson American Cup and tied for third on the parallel bars at the Pacific Alliance Championships.

Four of the 13 U.S. Men’s Senior National Team members competing in the Winter Cup Challenge are 2006 U.S. champions. Other members of the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team slated to compete in Las Vegas are listed below.

* Guillermo Alvarez of Denver/Team Chevron finished third in the all-around at the 2006 Visa Championships and 2006 Winter Cup Challenge. He was a member of the U.S. Men’s Team at the 2006 World Championships.
* Raj Bhavsar of Houston/HGA/Team Chevron placed third in the parallel bars at the 2006 Visa Championships and was an alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. He was a member of the U.S. Men’s Team that won the silver medal at the 2001 and 2003 World Championships.
* Sean Golden of Camden, N.J./HGA/GymMasters, placed second on the still rings at the 2006 Visa Championships and 2006 Winter Cup Challenge. He also was on the 2005 World Championships Team.
* Joseph Hagerty of Albuquerque, N.M./Team Chevron, finished second on the parallel bars and fourth in the all-around at the 2005 Visa Championships.
* Jonathan Horton of Houston/University of Oklahoma won the 2006 Tyson American Cup, as well as the 2006 U.S. floor exercise title. He also won the 2006 NCAA all-around, still rings and floor exercise crowns and was a member of the 2006 U.S. World Championships Team.
* Tim McNeill of Falls Church, Va./UC Berkeley, placed second on the pommel horse at the 2006 Visa Championships and third in the same event at the 2006 Winter Cup Challenge.
* David Sender of Arlington Heights, Ill./Stanford University, was the 2006 U.S. and NCAA vault champion and a member of the 2006 U.S. World Championships Team. He tied for second in the floor exercise at the 2006 Visa Championships and placed third in the vault at the 2006 Pacific Alliance Championships.
* Clay Strother of Jasper, Texas/Team Chevron, tied for second on the floor exercise and placed second in the vault at the 2006 Visa Championships. He also was a member of the 2006 U.S. World Championships Team.
* Kevin Tan of Fremont, Calif./Team Chevron, was the 2006 U.S. still rings champion and was captain of the U.S. Men’s Team at the 2006 World Championships. He was third in the still rings at last year’s World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany, and fourth in the same event at last year’s World Cup in Lyon, France.
* Yewki Tomita of Tucson, Ariz./Team Chevron, was the high bar champion at the 2006 Winter Cup Challenge and pommel horse champion at the 2005 Visa Championships. In 2006, he won the horizontal bar at the World Cup in Lyon, France. This will be his first competition since shoulder surgery last year.

* Sean Townsend of Dickinson, Texas/HGA/GymMasters, finished second in the parallel bars competition at the 2006 Visa Championships and fourth on the vault at the 2005 Visa Championships. He also placed third on the parallel bars at the 2006 Glasgow Grand Prix. Townsend, who was a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, was the parallel bars world champion in 2001.

All five members of the U.S. Team that won the team gold medal at the 2006 Junior Pan Am Championships are competing: Tim Gentry of Plano, Texas/WOGA; Ryan Lieberman of Lake Forest, Ill./Buffalo Grove Gymnastics; Philip Onorato of Plano, Texas/WOGA; Miguel Pineda of Galloway, Ohio/Hocking Valley Gymnastics; and Mel Anton Santander of Southborough, Mass./University of Michigan.

In addition to U.S. junior all-around champions Danell Leyva of Miami/Universal Gymnastics and Timothy Pittman of Houston/Cypress Academy, the other members of the U.S. Men’s Junior National Team are competing in this year’s Winter Cup Challenge. Members of the 14-15 year-old team are: Alexy Bilozertchev of Hilliard, Ohio/OSU Boys Team; Kyle Bunthuwong of El Cerrito, Calif./Golden Bear Gymnastics; Josh Dixon of San Jose, Calif./Champions Academy; Edward Mesa of Cooper City, Fla./Universal Gymnastics; and Neal Thompson of Woodside,Calif./San Mateo Gymnastics. Members of the 16-18 year-old team are: Chris Cameron of Winter Haven, Fla./Florida Flips; Thomas Kelley of Libertyville, Ill./Buffalo Grove Gymnastics; Paul Ruggeri III of Manlius, N.Y./CNY Gymnastics Center; Cole Storer of Plano, Texas/Minnesota Gymnastics; and Andrew Stover of Fullerton, Calif./University of Illinois-Chicago.

The Winter Cup Challenge has two days of competition. Scores from both days of competition count toward the final rankings for the all-around and individual events. The qualification round on Feb. 8 consists of two sessions, each with approximately 42 athletes, beginning at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The top 36 gymnasts, based on the points ranking system approved by the Men’s Program Committee, will advance to the finals, which begin at 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 10.

Tickets go on sale on the afternoon of Feb. 7 at the Las Vegas Sports Center. One-day admission for the qualification sessions is $20 per adult and $12 per child, while the final round is $20 per person. An all-event pass with admission to all sessions may be purchased for $40 per adult and $30 per child. There is no reserved seating.

Seven gymnasts will be added to the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team following the Winter Cup Challenge. Three athletes will be added to the team based on the national team points system rank order, while the final four gymnasts will be selected from the Winter Cup Challenge participants and petitioned athletes by the Men’s Program Committee. These seven, along with the seven members of the 2006 World Championships Team who already qualified for the team, will comprise the Senior Men’s National Team until the 2007 Visa Championships in August.

About USA Gymnastics
Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

#

2007 Winter Cup Challenge participants

By state, information shows name, hometown/club

Arizona
Yewki Tomita, Tucson, Ariz./Team Chevron

California
Tyler Block, Kensington, Calif./UC Berkeley
Kyle Bunthuwong, El Cerrito, Calif./Golden Bear Gymnastics
Matt Cohen, Agoura Hills, Calif./Penn State University
Josh Dixon, San Jose, Calif./Champions Academy
Glen Ishino, Santa Ana, Calif./SCATS Gymnastics
Willie Ito, Huntington Beach, Calif./Ohio State University
Brian Lee, Fremont, Calif./Army Gymnastics
Andrew Stover, Fullerton, Calif./University of Illinois-Chicago
Kevin Tan, Fremont, Calif./Team Chevron/Penn State University
Neal Thompson, Woodside, Calif./San Mateo Gymnastics

Colorado
Guillermo Alvarez, Denver/Team Chevron
Alexander Artemev, Morrison, Colo./Team Chevron
Geoffrey Corrigan, Colorado Springs, Colo./Team Chevron
Grant Osborne, Ft. Collins, Colo./Ohio State University

Florida
Jon Buese, Gainesville, Fla./University of Iowa
Chris Cameron, Winter Haven, Fla./Florida Flips
Derek Helsby, Orlando, Fla./Penn State University
Vladi Klurman, N. Miami Beach, Fla./Penn State University
Seung tai Lee, Sorrento, Fla./Ohio State University
Danell Leyva, Miami/Universal Gymnastics
Edward Mesa, Cooper City, Fla./Universal Gymnastics
Michael Reavis, Tallahassee, Fla./HGA/GymMasters

Georgia
Justin Laury, Marietta, Ga./University of Michigan

Illinois
Wesley Haagensen, Belleville, Ill./University of Illinois
Thomas Kelley, Libertyville, Ill./Buffalo Grove Gymnastics
Ryan Lieberman, Lake Forest, Ill./Buffalo Grove Gymnastics
Geoffrey Reins, Buffalo Grove, Ill./University of Iowa
David Sender, Arlington Heights, Ill./Stanford University

Kansas
Bryant Hadden, Wichita, Kan./Stanford University

Louisiana
Matt Hicks, Baton Rouge, La./HGA/GymMasters

Maryland
John Vogtman, Baltimore, Md./Temple University

Massachusetts
Dylan Carney, Dartmouth, Mass./Stanford University
R.J. Heflin, Storeham, Mass./Gymnastics & More
Chris Lung, Lexington, Mass./University of Illinois
Mel Anton Santander, Southborough, Mass./University of Michigan

Mississippi
Jimmy Wickham, Gulfport, Miss./Ohio State University

Nebraska
Timothy Schmidt, Blair, Neb./University of Nebraska
Stephen T�trault, Lincoln, Neb./University of Nebraska
Jason Wassung, Lincoln, Neb./University of Nebraska

North Carolina
Colin Christ, Charlotte, N.C./UC Berkeley
Nyika White, Williamston, N.C./Temple University

New Jersey
Joe Catrambone, Deptford, N.J./University of Michigan
David Durante, Garwood, N.J./Team Chevron
Andrew Elkind, Cherry Hill, N.J./University of Michigan
Sean Golden, Camden, N.J./HGA/GymMasters
Curtis Kleffman, Washington, N.J./University of Iowa
Sterling Kramer, Garwood, N.J./Temple University
Ralph Rosso, Morganville, N.J./University of Michigan

New Mexico
Jacques Bouchard, Rio Rancho, N.M./University of Iowa
Joseph Hagerty, Rio Rancho, N.M./Team Chevron
Edward Umphrey, Albuquerque, N.M./University of Michigan

New York
Alex Gorski, Cicero, N.Y./Temple University
Paul Ruggeri III, Manlius, N.Y./CNY Gymnastics Center

Ohio
Alexy Bilozertchev, Hilliard, Ohio/OSU Boys Team
DJ Bucher, Mason, Ohio/Ohio State University
Ben Ketelsen, Lancaster, Ohio/Hocking Valley Gymnastics
Kristopher Kline, Westerville, Ohio/Ohio State University
Miguel Pineda, Galloway, Ohio/Hocking Valley Gymnastics
Nicholaus Searcy, Dublin, Ohio/Ohio State University
Blaine Wilson, Worthington, Ohio/Ohio State University

Pennsylvania
Taqiy Abdullah, Philadelphia/University of Oklahoma
Cody Carnahan, East Brady, Pa./Penn State University
Eddie Hay, Butler, Pa./Ohio State University
Randy Monahan, Elizabethtown, Pa./Ohio State University
Adam Pummer, Allentown, Pa./University of Illinois
Nick Virbitsky, Harrisburg, Pa./Penn State University

Tennessee
Jake Bateman, Kingsport, Tenn./Ohio State University

Texas
Andre Berry, Hempstead, Texas/Minnesota Gymnastics
Raj Bhavsar, Houston/HGA/Team Chevron
Tim Gentry, Plano, Texas/WOGA
Jamie Henderson, Crosby, Texas/University of Oklahoma
Jonathan Horton, Houston/University of Oklahoma
Steven Legendre, Flower Mound, Texas/WOGA
Philip Onorato, Plano, Texas/WOGA
Tim Pittman, Houston/Cypress Academy
Cole Storer, Plano, Texas/Minnesota Gymnastics
Clay Strother, Jasper, Texas/Team Chevron
Todd Thornton, Houston/Team Chevron/USOTC
Sean Townsend, Dickinson, Texas/HGA/GymMasters
Tyler Yamauchi, Sugarland, Texas/University of Illinois

Utah
Jake Lee, Saratoga Springs, Utah/Minnesota Gymnastics

Virginia
Tim McNeill, Falls Church, Va./UC Berkeley
Viorel Popescu, Glen Allen, Va./RRMG

Washington
Kevin Perkins, Lake Forest Park, Wash./University of Washington

DGS 9.9's - Northeast Invite - Hartford CT

2007-04-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Liukin is featured in Newsweek’s “Who’s next?”

2007-04-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

NOTE: To see the Newsweek article, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16240605/site/newsweek/.

Liukin is featured in Newsweek’s “Who’s next?”

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Dec. 17, 2006 – 2006 U.S. all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, is one of 20 identified as ones to watch in 2007 in Newsweek’s “Who’s Next?” feature in the Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 2007, issue that is available at newsstands Monday, Dec. 18. Liukin, who was the 2005 uneven bars and balance beam world champion, is the first gymnast to be included in the annual feature.

“I am really excited to be included as one of the top people to watch,” said Liukin, 17, who is coached by her father, Valeri, a two-time Olympic champion. “It is a great honor to be chosen and recognized as the only female athlete.”

“Nastia is one of the best gymnasts in the world and the recognition is well deserved,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “In competition, Nastia is known for her style and grace, as well as her competitive fire and team spirit. Out of the gym, Nastia is an outstanding high school student and typical teenager. She is an excellent ambassador for our sport, and we are thrilled that more people will get to know Nastia through Newsweek’s feature.”

The photo in the piece shows Liukin on the balance beam in front of a barbecue restaurant and was taken on a day when the temperature was in the 40s.

“I had so much fun at the photo shoot”, said Liukin “It was cold, but I consider this an honor that deserved my best. I hope my fans like the picture and story.”

"Nastia's talent and grace in competition are only surpassed by her poise and presence as an ambassador for Visa and USA Gymnastics," said Michael Lynch, senior vice president, Visa USA. "We are so proud to have her in the Visa family, and we look forward to watching her represent America in Beijing."

In 2006, Liukin won her second straight U.S. senior all-around title at the Visa Championships, where she also was first in both the uneven bars and balance beam. Despite an injured ankle, Liukin helped her team win the team silver medal at the 2006 World Championships, where she also claimed the uneven bars silver medal. Earlier in the year, she won the all-around title at the Tyson American Cup, one of the most prestigious invitationals in the world. At the Pacific Alliance Championships, she was a member of the gold-medal-winning team, as well as won the uneven bars title and tied for first in the all-around. At the 2005 World Championships, she won the gold medal for both the uneven bars and balance beam and the silver medal for the all-around and floor exercise. In the all-around, she finished just .001 behind teammate Chellsie Memmel, posting the closest margin of victory in the event’s history except for a tie.

She is a senior at Spring Creek Academy and trains at WOGA, where both of her parents are coaches. Her father won four medals at the 1988 Olympic Games, including two gold, and her mother, Anna, was a 1987 rhythmic gymnastics world champion.

“Who’s next?” has been a feature in Newsweek for six years and focuses on individuals and groups who are expected to be newsmakers in the coming year. Liukin is one of two athletes featured in the issue. The other is Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Boston Red Sox.

Based in Indianapolis,

USA

Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the

United States

. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

14 countries set to compete in USA Gymnastics' Tyson American Cup in Jacksonville, Fla.

2007-04-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Jan. 16, 2007 - Fourteen countries will send gymnasts to compete at the 2007 Tyson American Cup, one of the world's most prestigious gymnastics competitions, on March 3 at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The participating countries accounted for 31 medals at the recent World Championships.

In addition to China and the United States, the Tyson American Cup field includes world-class gymnasts from Australia, Belarus, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Switzerland and Ukraine.

The USA has already named two athletes to its team: Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., who won three silver medals (all-around, floor exercise and team competition) at the 2006 World Championships, the most by a U.S. athlete; and Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo., the reigning U.S. all-around champion and the world pommel horse bronze medalist, the USA's first medal in that event since 1979. The international athletes competing in the event and the balance of the U.S. Team will be named at a later date.

On sale now, tickets are $50, $35 and $19.50 and are subject to applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster and its outlets; by phone at (904) 353-3309; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office; or through participating gymnastics clubs in the Jacksonville area.

Some of the sport's biggest names are former American Cup all-around gold medalists, including: men -- Jason Gatson, Blaine Wilson, John Roethlisberger, Vitaly Scherbo (Belarus), Tim Daggett, Peter Vidmar, Mitsuo Tsukahara (Japan), Kurt Thomas and Bart Conner; and women -- Carly Patterson, Elena Zamolodchikova (Russia), Kerri Strug, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Kim Zmeskal, Kristie Phillips, Mary Lou Retton, Julianne McNamara, Stella Zakarova (USSR) and Nadia Comaneci (Romania). At last year's event, Americans Jonathan Horton of Houston and Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, each earned the title of 2006 American Cup champion.

The city of Jacksonville is no stranger to the sport of gymnastics. The old Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena hosted the 1985 U.S. Championships and the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials.

The American Cup was first held in 1976. Past sites include: New York City (1976-80, 1982-84, 2004); Ft. Worth Texas (1981, 1996-98); Indianapolis, Ind. (1985); Fairfax, Va. (1986-90, 2003); Orlando, Fla. (1991-94, 2000-02); Seattle, Wash. (1995); St. Petersburg, Fla. (1999); Uniondale, N.Y. (2005); and Philadelphia (2006).

In addition to its sponsorship of the Tyson American Cup, Tyson is powering gymnasts by providing high-quality chicken, beef and pork to the USA Gymnastics National Training Center in Huntsville, Texas. Tyson's protein-filled products help these talented athletes to develop and maintain the strength and endurance they need to perform at elite events, such as the Tyson American Cup and the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing.

About JEDC Sports & Entertainment

The JEDC Sports & Entertainment office enhances the region's economy by attracting special events and sports organizations to the First Coast. The sports office helps develop and coordinate sporting and entertainment events and actively promotes the facilities owned by the City of Jacksonville and serves as an in-house event production, marketing and advertising agency for regional sporting events, bringing millions of dollars to the region each year. For more information, please visit www.jaxdevelopment.org.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Ark., is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(tm)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries.

The company has approximately 110,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

About USA Gymnastics

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

USA wins four medals at British Open Tournament

2007-04-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Dec. 13, 2006 – The U.S. acrobatic gymnastics delegation to the 2006 British Open Tournament in Stoke-on-Trent, Great Britain, won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal in the international competition that featured teams from clubs and federations from the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Wales, London, Scotland, West Midlands, United States and Yorkshire.

The men’s pair of Julian Amaro of Pleasanton, Calif., and Tyler Spray of Livermore, Calif., won the gold medal with their score of 28.140 for their combined routine, which was the routine that determined the final results in the junior and senior competition. They train at West Coast Acrobatics.

\n\n

The USA’s silver medals went to\nthe senior mixed pair of Brian Kincher of Ft.\n Collins, Colo.,\nand Kristin Allen of Livermore,\nwho also train at West Coast Acrobatics; and the junior women’s pair of Mallory\nHenthorn and Savannah Shields, both of Kearney, Mo./Acro\nExplosion. Kincher and Allen’s score of 25.140, put them behind Horsham’s\nmixed pair of Matt Bennett and Isis Clegg-Vinell, who won the gold medal with\n26.170. Henthorn\nand Shields competed against a strong field, finishing second with 26.900\nbehind Debra Owen and Kelly Mannion of Harefield, who won the gold medal with\n27.650.

\n\n

The 11-16 women’s group of Hannah Busha, Steffi Scheid and Mariah Spray, all of whom\nare from Livermore\nand train at West Coast Acrobatics, won a bronze medal in the\n11-16 division for their dynamic routine with a score of 28.150.

\n\n

The balance of the U.S.\ndelegation included\nthese 11-16 age-group pairs/groups: \nMegan Clemons and Maranda\nKing, both of ",1] ); //-->They train at West Coast Acrobatics.

The USA’s silver medals went to the senior mixed pair of Brian Kincher of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Kristin Allen of Livermore, who also train at West Coast Acrobatics; and the junior women’s pair of Mallory Henthorn and Savannah Shields, both of Kearney, Mo./Acro Explosion. Kincher and Allen’s score of 25.140, put them behind Horsham’s mixed pair of Matt Bennett and Isis Clegg-Vinell, who won the gold medal with 26.170. Henthorn and Shields competed against a strong field, finishing second with 26.900 behind Debra Owen and Kelly Mannion of Harefield, who won the gold medal with 27.650.

The 11-16 women’s group of Hannah Busha, Steffi Scheid and Mariah Spray, all of whom are from Livermore and train at West Coast Acrobatics, won a bronze medal in the 11-16 division for their dynamic routine with a score of 28.150.

The balance of the U.S. delegation included these 11-16 age-group pairs/groups: Megan Clemons and Maranda King, both of Blue Springs, Mo./Mid-America Acro Tumbling & Trampoline, women’s pair; Hannah Vires of Brookesville, Md., and Maren Rey of Rockville, Md./ Xtreme Acro, women’s pair; Madison Lamey, Brooke Sassin and Audrey Palmer, all of San Antonio, Texas/Brown’s, women’s group; Courntey Harms, Emily Lingo and Mackenzie Porter, all of Kearney, Mo./Rising Star Acrobatics Club, women’s group; and Chelcea Reigel, Ashley Hargis and Kristin Weidmaier, all of Kearney/Rising Star Acrobatics Club, women’s group.

Eight of the nine U.S. pair/groups qualified to finals.

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more complete information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

2006 British Open Tournament Results

Senior men's pair

1. Julian Amaro, Tyler Spray, USA, 28.140

Senior mixed pair

1. Matt Bennett, Isis Clegg-Vinell, Horsham, 26.170

2. Brian Kincher, Kristin Allen, USA, 25.140

Senior women’s group

1. Hayley Buckman, Hannah Pompa, Charlotte Frankline, Southampton, 25.310

2. Elke Knaepkens, Kim Delose, Caro Annaert, APG-Art Gym, 24.300

3. Kirsty Warren, Abigail Marsh, Molly Bailey, Southhampton, 23.750

Junior women's pair

1. Deborah Owen, Kelly Mannion, Harefield, 27.750

2. Mallory Henthorn, Savannah Shields, USA, 26.900

3. Anita Jones, Cet Williams, Moelwyn, 25.900

Junior women’s group

1. Katherine Smith, Ciara McGrath, Jessica Dangerfield, Harefield, 28.700

2. Natasha Johnston, Emma Storey, Amber Webster, Wakefield, 28.450

3. Josie Rees, Amy Bowditch, Sophie Whitehurst, Bromley Valley, 27.450

Women's group (11-16)

1. Joanne White, Amber Ballantyne-Styles Rosie Burr, Oxford, 28.900

2. Catherine Aitchison, Rosie Green, Ellie Newitt, Oxford, 28.450

3. Hannah Busha, Steffani Scheid, Mariah Spray, USA, 28.150

U.S. finish

4. Mackenzie Porter, Emily Lingo, Courtney Harms, USA, 28.000

6. Audrey Palmer, Brooke Sassin, Madison Lamey, USA, 27.550

Mixed pair (11-16)

1. Christopher Rogers, Abby McArdle, Monarchs, 27.050

2. Jamie Pugh, Nicole Sander, West Street, 26.950

3. Christopher Collins, Lauren Jarrett, Monarchs, 26.100

Men's pair (11-16)

1. Matthew Short, Sean McKenna, Monarchs, 26.250

2. Tim Shaw, Harry Ruddlesden, Rotherham, 25.950

Women's pair (11-16)

1. Beth Ledger, Beth Sykes, Wakefield, 28.150

2. Louise Lee, Hannah Johnstone, South Tyneside, 27.800

3. Alison Hayes, Louise Kelly, Ballincollig, 27.650

U.S. finishes

4. Megan Clemons, Maranda King, USA, 27.600

5. Maren (Focke) Rey, Hannah Vires, USA, 27.250

Grade 4 Women’s Pair

1. Poppy Spalding, Rachael Prest, Harefield, 48.490

Grade 4 Men’s Pair

1. Lee Baker, Keiran Baker, Horsham, 49.300

Grade 4 Mixed Pair

1. Chris Carnfield, Ellie Stewart-Croker, Horsham, 49.600

2. Carl Denham, Fiona Cowley, Falcon, 39.500

Grade 4 Women’s Group

1. Tsveti Genov, Tashi Goldring, Josie Russell, Richmond, 51.800

2. Jessica Vurlton, Carly Robinson, Emma Strachen, South Staffs, 51.150

3. Ellya Thomas, Erin Jameson, Laura Noone, Harefield, 50.950

Grade 4 Men’s Group

\nNo virus found in this outgoing message.",1] ); //-->1. Matthew Gregory, Matthew Porter, James Auger, Elijah King, Southampton, 43.000

Out of Age Women’s Group

1. Hannah Feeney, Grace Blacklock, Claire Thompson, Harefield, 52.240

2. Sue Baylet, Christie Vincent, Ashleight Lavender, Saltney, 49.687

3. Naomi Baskwill, Rachael Brown, Georgia Green, Monarchs, 49.683

Out of Age Mixed Pair:

1. Leon Fagbemi, India Bigg, Bromley Valley, 47.883

2. Nathan Lewerthy, Mia Surplice, Southhampton, 41.733

Out of Age Women's Pair

1. Zoe Hitchen, Ellie Pearce, Checkers, 40.817

2006 world medalists Bieger, Artemev compete in '07 Tyson American Cup

2007-04-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 6, 2006 - 2006 all-around world silver-medalist Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., and 2006 pommel horse bronze-medalist Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo., have accepted invitations to represent the United States in the 2007 Tyson American Cup, one of the world's most prestigious gymnastics events, on March 3 at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

"Jana and Alex are the USA's top medal winners from the recent 2006 World Championships and two important members of the current group of athletes preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "These two will lead the USA's team of talented men and women against the world's top gymnasts at the 2007 Tyson American Cup."

Bieger had a very successful October. At the 2006 World Championships, she won more medals than any other U.S. gymnast. In addition to her all-around medal, Bieger also took the silver in the floor exercise and team. One week later, she won the gold medal in both the uneven bars and floor exercise at the 2006 DTB-Pokal World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany. She is coached by her mother, Andrea, who was a three-time Olympian for West Germany. Her gym is Bieger International Gymnastics. Bieger, who is home-schooled, is a senior in high school.

Artemev, who is a member of Team Chevron, won the USA's first pommel horse world medal since Kurt Thomas in 1979. His bronze-medal performance was the best finish for the U.S. men at the 2006 World Championships. At the 2006 Visa Championships, Artemev won the all-around title, as well as the pommel horse and parallel bars titles. At the 2005 American Cup, he won the pommel horse title and was second in the floor exercise. Artemev, who trains at 5280 Gymnastics, is coached by his father, Vladimir, who is a former member of the Soviet national gymnastics team.

The 2007 Tyson American Cup, which features an all-around competition, begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are on sale now for $50, $35 and $19.50 and subject to applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster and its outlets; by phone at (904) 353-3309; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office; or through participating gymnastics clubs in the Jacksonville area. The competition on March 3 will be televised live on NBC Sports at 1 p.m. ET.

The old Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena was the site for the 1985 U.S. Championships and the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials.

The international gymnasts, representing the top gymnastics countries in the world, will be announced in January. The rest of the U.S. squad will also be determined closer to the event.

The list of former American Cup all-around gold medalists includes many of the best-known and loved names in gymnastics: men -- Jason Gatson, Blaine Wilson, John Roethlisberger, Vitaly Scherbo (Belarus), Tim Daggett, Peter Vidmar, Mitsuo Tsukahara (Japan), Kurt Thomas and Bart Conner; and women -- Carly Patterson, Elena Zamolodchikova (Russia), Kerri Strug, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Kim Zmeskal, Kristie Phillips, Mary Lou Retton, Julianne McNamara, Stella Zakarova (USSR) and Nadia Comaneci (Romania). In 2005, the American Cup was a World Cup event and its format named individual event champions; the USA's Alicia Sacramone, Chellsie Memmel, Nastia Liukin and Artemev won gold medals.

The American Cup was first held in 1976. Past sites include: New York City (1976-80, 1982-84, 2004); Ft. Worth Texas (1981, 1996-98); Indianapolis, Ind. (1985); Fairfax, Va. (1986-90, 2003); Orlando, Fla. (1991-94, 2000-02); Seattle, Wash. (1995); St. Petersburg, Fla. (1999); Uniondale, N.Y. (2005); and Philadelphia (2006).

In addition to its sponsorship of the Tyson American Cup, Tyson is powering gymnasts by providing high-quality chicken, beef and pork to the USA Gymnastics National Training Center in Huntsville, Texas. Tyson's protein-filled products help these talented athletes to develop and maintain the strength and endurance they need to perform at elite events, such as the Tyson American Cup and the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing.

About JEDC Sports & Entertainment

The JEDC Sports & Entertainment office enhances the region's economy by attracting special events and sports organizations to the First Coast. The sports office helps develop and coordinate sporting and entertainment events and actively promotes the facilities owned by the City of Jacksonville, and serves as an in-house event production, marketing and advertising agency for regional sporting events, bringing millions of dollars to the region each year. For more information, please visit www.jaxdevelopment.org.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(tm)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries.

The company has approximately 110,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

About USA Gymnastics

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

USA wins gold, bronze medals at 2006 DTB-Pokal World Cup

2007-04-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

STUTTGART, Germany, Oct. 28, 2006 – 2006 all-around world silver-medalist Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., won the uneven bars and 2006 U.S. World Championships Team member Kevin Tan of Fremont, Calif., finished third in the still rings at the 2006 DTB-Pokal, a World Cup event held in Stuttgart, Germany. Bieger will compete in two more event finals on Oct. 29.

Bieger, who competes for Bieger International Gymnastics, scored a 15.425 to win the uneven bars title. Russia’s Polina Miller was second at 15.375, and Germany’s Oksana Chusovitina was third with a 15.325. Bieger, who also was a silver medalist on floor at the 2006 World Championships, will compete in the finals for balance beam and floor exercise.

Tan, who is a member of Team Chevron, posted a 16.075 to earn the bronze medal in the still rings. He finished behind Yuri Van Geldern of the Netherlands, who was first at 16.525, and Regulo Carmona of Venezuela, who was second at 16.175. David Durante of Garfield, N.J., who also is a member of Team Chevron, finished seventh in the pommel horse, which was won by Hungary’s Krisztian Berki.

Germany’s Fabian Hambuechen won the other men’s final, the floor exercise. Russia’s Anna Pavlova won the women’s vault.

The final day of competition features the finals for balance beam and women’s floor exercise, along with men’s vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar.

World Championships Sports Network (WCSN) is carrying the final two days of the 2006 DTB-Pokal on WCSN.com. In addition to seeing it when it airs, fans can also watch the competition at a time most convenient for them through WCSN’s on-demand archive. The webcast is 2-5 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 29. For more information, go to wcsn.com.

2006 DTB-Pokal results

Women’s event finals

Vault

1. Anna Pavlova, Russia, 15.100

2. Oksana Chusovitina, Germany, 14.937

3. Elena Zamolodchikova, Russia, 14.900

4. Jana Komrskova, Czechoslovakia, 14.500

5. Theresa Sporer, Germany, 14.475

6. Olga Shcherbatykh, Ukraine, 14.375

7. Maryna Kostiuchenko, Ukraine, 13.962

8. Aagje Vanwalleghem, Belgium, 13.675

Uneven Bars

1. Jana Bieger, USA, 15.425

2. Polina Miller, Russia, 15.375

3. Oksana Chusovitina, Germany, 15.325

4. Jana Sikulova, Czechoslovakia, 15.175

5. Daria Joura, Australia, 15.125

6. Hollie Dykes, Australia, 14.950

7. Kim Bui, Germany, 14.750

8. Dariya Zgoba, Ukraine, 13.900

Men’s event finals

Floor Exercise

1. Fabian Hambuechen, Germany, 15.600

2. Brandon O´Neill, Canada, 15.450

3. Wajdi Bouallegue, Tunesia, 15.250

4. David Vyoral, Spain, 15.225

5. Evgeni Bogonosyuk, Ukraine, 14.925

6. Filip Ude, Croatia, 14.850

7. Eiichi Sekiguchi, Japan, 14.225

8. Zhe Feng, China, 13.900

Pommel Horse

1. Krisztian Berki, Hungary, 15.750

2. Nikolai Kryukov, Russia, 15.600

3. Louis Smith, Great Britain, 15.450

4. Hiroyuki Tomita, Japan, 15.325

5. Vid Hidvegi, Hungary, 15.150

6. Luis Rivera, Puerto Rico, 15.025

7. David Durante, USA, 14.950

8. Takehito Mori, Japan, 14.225

Still Rings

1. Yuri Van Geldern, Netherlands, 16.525

2. Regulo Carmona, Venezuela, 16.175

3. Kevin Tan, USA, 16.075

4. Thomas Andergassen, Germany, 15.900

5. Hiroyuki Tomita, Japan, 15.825

6. Irodotos Georgallas, Cyprus, 15.550

7. Alexandr Balandin, Russia, 14.725

8. Robert Gal,

Hungary

, 14.700

Townsend claims bronze medal at Glasgow Grand Prix and World Cup

2007-04-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

GLASGOW,

Scotland

, Nov. 11, 2006 – Houston’s Sean Townsend won the bronze medal in the parallel bars at the 10^th Glasgow Grand Prix and World Cup at Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena. Joseph Hagerty of Albuquerque, N.M., also competed in the event finals.

Townsend, who is a member of Team Chevron, earned a 14.700 for his parallel bars routine to finish in third place. France’s Yann Cucherat won the event title with a 15.350, followed by Poland’s Roman Kulesza with 14.925.

Hagerty, also a member of Team Chevron, competed in the finals for both the floor exercise and horizontal bar. In the floor exercise, Hagerty posted a 14.775 to place sixth. Germany’s Matthias Fahrig was first at 15.325. France’s Cucherat also won the gold medal on the high bar, scoring a 15.500. Hagerty’s 14.650 put him in sixth place.

Other men’s champions at the event include: Louis Smith, Great Britain, pommel horse; Alexander Safoshkin, Russia, still rings; and Matthias Fahrig, Germany, vault. For the women, the champions are: Anna Pavlova, Russia, vault; Beth Tweddle, Great Britain, uneven bars; Steliana Nistor, Romania, balance beam; and Sandra Izbasa, Romania, floor exercise.

2006 Glasgow Grand Prix and World Cup results

Men’s events

Floor exercise

1. Matthias Fahrig, Germany, 15.325

2. Wajdi Bouallegue, Tunisia, 15.125

3. Gael Da Silva, France, 15.050

U.S. finish

6. Joseph Hagerty, Albuquerque, N.M./Team Chevron, 14.775

Pommel horse

1. Louis Smith, Great Britain, 15.375

2. Vid Hidvegi, Hungary, 15.15

3. Robert Seligman, Croatia, 15.05

Still rings

1. Alexander Safoshkin, Russia, 15.775

2. Oleksandr Vorobyou, Ukraine, 15.650

3. Olli Torkkel, Finland, 14.875

Vault

1. Matthias Fahrig, Germany, 15.800

2. Eleftherios Kosmidis, Greece, 15.562

3. Anton Golotsutskov, Russia, 15.112

Parallel bars

1. Yann Cucherat, France, 15.350

2. Roman Kulesza, Poland, 14.925

3. Sean Townsend, Houston/Team Chevron, 14.700

Horizontal Bar

1. Yann Cucherat, France, 15.500

2. Epke Zonderland, Netherlands, 15.275

3. David Eaton, Great Britain, 14.875

U.S. finish

6. Joseph Hagerty, Albuquerque, N.M./Team Chevron, 14.650

Philadelphia chosen to host 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics

2007-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 10, 2006 – USA Gymnastics has awarded the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics to Philadelphia, which will hold the event at the Wachovia Center, June 19-22. The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show will be staged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics.

“The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics is going to be a tremendous showcase for the Olympic movement prior to the Beijing Olympic Games,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We are proud to partner with Philadelphia and the Wachovia Center to bring this prestigious event to the City of Brotherly Love. We know the enthusiasm of the people, the renewed vibrancy of the city, and the deep spirit of patriotism will be a perfect backdrop for the selection of our U.S. team. Philadelphia has proven to be a strong supporter of gymnastics events in the past, and we are confident this will be a successful event.”

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials for all sports is a collaborative, three-way partnership between the U.S. Olympic Committee, the National Governing Bodies and the Local Organizing Committees.

“The USOC is committed to working in partnership with USA Gymnastics and the city of Philadelphia to provide a world-class Olympic Trials event that will be the next step towards our common goal of competitive excellence in Beijing," said Steve Roush, the USOC's Chief of Sport Performance.

Premier gymnastics is not new to Philadelphia. Most recently, the city has hosted the 2001 U.S. Gymnastics Championships and the 2006 Tyson American Cup, as well as stops on the 2003-04 T.J. Maxx Tour of Gymnastics Champions.

The Wachovia Center, one of the nation's most premier facilities, has already hosted the l996 World Cup of Hockey, the l997 Stanley Cup Finals, the 1998 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, l999 American Hockey League All-Star Game, the 2000 NCAA Women's Final Four, the 2000 Republican National Convention, the 2001 NBA Finals, the 2001 NCAA Men's East Regionals, the 2002 X Games, the 2002 NBA All-Star Game and the 2006 NCAA Men's First and Second Round Games, as well as will host the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Past venues for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics are: 2004, Anaheim, Calif.; 1996 and 2000, Boston; and 1992, Baltimore, Md.

Based in Indianapolis,

USA

Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the

United States

Hall finishes fourth in World Cup Final

2007-04-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

BIRMINGHAM,

Great Britain

– Yuliya Hall of Idaho Falls, Idaho, just missed tumbling’s medal podium at the 2006 World Cup Final for trampoline and tumbling in Birmingham,

Great Britain

. Hall finished fourth with a total score of 63.20.

Great Britain’s Samantha Palmer won the women’s tumbling competition with a 68.80, followed by Russia’s Anna Korobeynikova at 66.80 and Belarus’ Anna Terrenia at 63.80. Tumbling’s final included two tumbling runs. Hall scored a 31.90 on her first pass, followed by a 31.30.

The World Cup Final also had competition in men’s and women’s trampoline and synchronized trampoline, as well as men’s tumbling. The remaining champions are: men’s trampoline, Yasuhiro Ueyama of Japan; men’s tumbling, Jiexu Wang of China; men’s synchro, Germany; women’s trampoline, Karen Cockburn of Canada,; and women’s synchro, Canada.

2006 World Cup Final – trampoline and tumbling

Men’s events

Trampoline

1. Yasuhiro Ueyama, Japan, 40.80

2. Alexander Rusakov, Russia, 40.60

3. Tetsuya Sotomura, Japan, 40.50

Tumbling

1. Jiexu Wang, China, 77.50

2. Tagir Murtazaev, Russia, 73.60

3. Jozef Wadecki, Poland, 70.30

Synchronized trampoline

1. Germany (Serth, Michael; Stehlik, Henrik), 49.80

2. Japan (Sotomura, Tetsuya; Ueyama, Yasuhir), 49.30

3. Switzerland (Boillet, Michel; Martin, Ludovic), 49.10

Women’s events

Trampoline

1. Karen Cockburn, Canada, 37.40

2. Anna Dogonadze, Germany, 37

3. Claire Wright, Great Britain, 37

Tumbling

1. Samantha Palmer, Great Britain, 68.80

2. Anna Korobeynikova, Russia, 66.80

3. Anna Terrenia, Belarus, 63.80

U.S. finish

4. Yuliya Hall, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 63.20

Synchronized trampoline

1. Canada (Cockburn, Karen; Maclennan, R.), 47.80

2. Germany (Dogonadze, Anna; Simon, Jesica), 47.30

Ukraine

(Domchevska, Yulia; Movchan, Olena), 45.20

Gymnastics community’s total contributions to Children’s Miracle Network top $640,000

2007-04-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 7, 2006 – Through the efforts of clubs and gymnasts across the country, the USA Gymnastics family has raised more than $645,500 in donations to Children’s Miracle Network in just six years as part of National Gymnastics Day, which promotes physical fitness and gymnastics in communities throughout the country. In 2006, National Gymnastics Day was “a celebration of fitness,” and the Tyson Fitness Challenge, a combined effort by USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods to get kids active, was the main vehicle for clubs and gymnasts to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. August 4 is the date for National Gymnastics Day in 2007.

“For 2006, we expanded the activities of National Gymnastics Day to include the Tyson Fitness Challenge,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, “and focused on how gymnastics provides a great way for today’s youngsters of all ages and sizes to become more physically active and fit. This is our most successful fundraising effort to date.

“This year, our clubs raised more than $134,000, the most ever, and donations are still coming in. We could not be more proud of our membership, and again, we have demonstrated what the gymnastics community can achieve by working together. To raise more than $645,500 in just six years is outstanding, especially when you know the funds are helping children in the communities of those clubs.”

This year, the three clubs with the highest number of participants in the Tyson Fitness Challenge will be featured in USA Gymnastics publications and on usa-gymnastics.org, as well as receive gift packages from Tyson Foods, the world’s largest provider of chicken, beef and pork. Through the Tyson Fitness Challenge, participants raised money through pledges for the number of fitness-related skills, cartwheels, back flips or handstands they could perform. The top three individual fundraisers for the Children’s Miracle Network won a trip to the 2007 Tyson American Cup in Jacksonville, Fla.

Massachusetts Gymnastics Center in Boston raised $18,305 for Children’s Miracle Network, the most by any club, and will be featured on the National Gymnastics Day poster. The American Institute of Gymnastics in Aurora, Ill, was second. with Gymnastics World of Broadview Heights, Ohio, third.

Andrew Wise, 11, from Sonshine Gymnastics Academy in Conway, Ark., raised $2,578, the most money by an individual. His photo will be included on the 2007 National Gymnastics Day poster. Michelle Moock, 11, from Gymnastics World raised $1,126 and Gaby McCarty, 5, from The Flip Zone in Plainfield, Ind., raised $834 to finish second and third, respectively. For their efforts, Wise, Moock and McCarty each earned a trip for two to the 2007 Tyson American Cup in Jacksonville, Fla.

Since National Gymnastics Day debuted in 1999, clubs have hosted a variety of different activities and celebrations to mark the annual day of recognition, ranging from gymnastics celebrations to open houses to the Tyson Fitness Challenge. National Gymnastics Day is recognized in all 50 states through a governor proclamation.

Some of the special activities included the following.

Ø To celebrate National Gymnastics Day and promote the 2006 Visa Championships, 932 people set the world record for the most cartwheels performed at one time at the State Capitol grounds in St. Paul, Minn.

Ø Central Coast Gymnastics Sports Center Inc., in San Luis Obispo, Calif., hosted a barbecue and a kids’ overnight, in addition to fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network.

Ø Gold Medal Gymnastics, Inc., in Smyrna, Del., hosted a fitness-a-thon, where the participants did as many different skills as possible within a specified time limit.

Ø World of Gymnastics in Woodstock, Ga., held an open house that featured performances by Ashley Phillips from Nickelodeon's Romeo Show and Bad Boy recording artists B5, along with the Tyson Fitness Challenge and gymnastics performances.

Ø Arising Stars Gymnastics in St. Joseph, Mo., held a 5K and 10K run in conjunction with its open house that included a Children's Miracle Network Cartwheel-a-thon, class exhibitions, a cookout and radio remote.

Ø Go For It USA in North Las Vegas hosted its 18^th annual mini-triathlon. (1/4-mile swim, 12-mile bike, 3-mile run) at Nellis Air Force Base. Ranging in age from 6-17, 62 gymnasts participated and completed the triathlon, raising $1,152.

Ø Mpact Martial Arts & Gymnastics in Brentwood, Tenn., held a Cartwheels & Kicks for Kids, with visits from Titans football players and a grand prize giveaway.

Ø Paramount Gymnastics in Hillsborough, N.J., celebrated National Gymnastics Day with an open house and raised more than $1,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand for Pediatric Cancer Research. Their theme was “Kids Helping Kids,” and more than 500 individuals were involved throughout the day.

Ø Gymnastics Beat of Fresno, Calif., sponsored an open house celebration and invited George the giraffe of the local Children’s Hospital. The Tyson Fitness Challenge included five categories: cartwheels, push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and handstand holds. The club raised $1,000.

National Gymnastics Day was the culmination of the Tyson Fitness Challenge, an eight-session program created by USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods that incorporates exercises and activities in four fundamentals of fitness: cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility and nutrition. During the summer, USA Gymnastics clubs across the country participated in the Tyson Fitness Challenge by tailoring the program to fit into their clubs’ programs and schedules. Created with guidance from fitness and nutrition experts, the Tyson Fitness Challenge is a combined effort by USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods to help get today’s youngsters off the couch and in the gym.

About Children’s Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network—the alliance of premier hospitals for children—is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. For more information on Children’s Miracle Network visit www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the “Powered by Tyson™” strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 114,000 team members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and team members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

About USA Gymnastics

Based in Indianapolis,

USA

Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the

United States

Bieger wins second gold medal at DTB-Pokal World Cup

2007-04-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

STUTTGART, Germany, Oct. 29, 2006 – 2006 all-around world silver-medalist Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., won her second gold medal at the 2006 DTB-Pokal, a World Cup event held in Stuttgart, Germany.

In addition to her uneven bars gold medal, Bieger, who competes for Bieger International Gymnastics, scored a 15.150 to win the floor exercise title. Australia’s Daria Joura was second at 14.875, followed by Russia’s Anna Pavlova at 14.675. Australia’s Hollie Dykes won the balance beam title, where Bieger placed sixth.

The champions in the men’s finals were: vault, Andrei Isayev, Ukraine; parallel bars, Xiaoping Li, China; and horizontal bar, Aljaz Pegan, Slovakia. This was the second of two days of individual event finals. Yesterday, the USA’s Kevin Tan claimed the bronze medal in the still rings.

Based in Indianapolis,

USA

Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the

United States

U.S. women train on podium at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 12, 2006 - The U.S. Women's Team had its first crack at the competition equipment during podium training as part of their preparations for the 2006 World Championships, Oct. 14-21, in Aarhus, Denmark. The women compete in the preliminary round on Monday, Oct. 16.

The women were pleased with their training and routines in today's practice.

"We had an outstanding day on podium today," said Kathy Kelly, vice president of USA Gymnastics. "The team is bonding well and has adjusted to our training in Denmark. Each of the girls did a great job today."

The U.S. Women's Team is led by three defending world champions, Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, and Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., and also includes 2005 World Team member Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla.; Jacquelyn Johnson of West Chester, Ohio; Natasha Kelley of Katy, Texas; and Ashley Priess of Hamilton, Ohio. Liukin, who is the 2006 U.S. all-around champion, is recovering from an ankle injury but expects to compete in the team competition.

"We are pleased with Nastia's progress," said Kelly. "She is being very smart and very careful, but she very much wants to help the team. After podium today, we are very confident that will happen in true Nastia form."

Liukin, who is the 2005 balance beam and uneven bars world champion, said, "(My ankle's) getting better, and today went really well. The whole team did a great job and it is great to see our team's spirit."

"Podium went really well," said Memmel, the 2005 all-around world champion. "It is always a little different to be on the podium (than in the training hall) because you have more adrenaline going. I liked the equipment, and I hit what I wanted to do."

"We all had a really good workout, and it is a good confidence booster for Monday," said Sacramone, the 2005 floor exercise world champion. "I am pretty pleased with my routines, but you always see something you want to clean up. Today was definitely a good stepping stone for the team."

"Everyone hit their routines today," said Bieger, who was a member of the 2005 World Championships Team. "We had a great day today and had a lot of fun cheering each other on."

Johnson said, "It went really well. It was very helpful to come and work out on the podium, and my routines came naturally.

"The podium helped with our confidence," said Kelley. "We all were confident and aggressive (on the equipment), and we went out and did our thing. I think we are ready for the team competition."

"We did an incredible job and showed everyone that we are prepared to go," said Priess. "It was easier and more exciting being on the competition floor. Everything feels really good, and we're ready for the competition."

The 2006 World Championships features men's and women's competition in the team, all-around and individual apparatus (men-floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar; women - vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise). The format for the team competitions is: preliminaries, five gymnasts on each apparatus and top four scores count; and finals, three gymnasts compete and all three scores count. The top eight countries after the prelims advance to the team finals. For the all-around, the top 24 gymnasts (maximum of two per country) in the prelims advance to the finals. For individual event finals, the top eight from the preliminary rounds (maximum of two per country) advance to the finals.

The women are competing in Subdivision 5 in the preliminary rounds on Oct. 16. The women's team finals are Oct. 18, with the women's all-around finals on Oct. 19. The U.S. Men's Team competes in the preliminaries on Oct. 14, with the men's team finals on Oct. 17 and the all-around on Oct. 19. The individual event finals for both men and women are Oct. 20-21.

WCSN is carrying the finals of the 2006 World Championships live on WCSN.com. For just $4.95, fans get a front row seat at gymnastics' premier international championships for the finals for the team, all-around and individual event competitions. In addition to seeing it live, fans can also watch the competition at a time most convenient for them through WCSN's on-demand archive. The live webcast schedule is (all times are Eastern): Oct. 17, 1-4:05 p.m., men's team finals; Oct. 18, 1-3:15 p.m., women's team finals; Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m.-3:35 p.m., men's and women's all-around finals; Oct. 20, 1-4:15 p.m., individual event finals (men-floor exercise, pommel horse and still rings; women--vault and uneven bars); and Oct. 21, 8:30-11:45 a.m., individual event finals (men-vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar; women-balance beam and floor exercise). For more information, go to wcsn.com.

U.S. Women move into first in prelims after Subdivision 5 at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 16, 2006 – The U.S. Women’s Team moved into first place in the team competition preliminaries with its total score of 243.325 at the 2006 World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. 2005 all-around world champion Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., has taken the lead in the all-around with a total of 61.350, with Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., in third with 60.625. The U.S. Team competed in the fifth of 10 subdivisions, and the women’s preliminary rounds conclude on Oct. 17, when the final rankings of athletes and countries for advancement to the finals will be determined.

The USA’s 243.325 is considerably higher than second-place Australia with 231.700 and third-place Brazil with 230.475. Italy’s Vanessa Ferrari is second in the all-around with 61.100. The top eight countries after the prelims advance to the team finals. For the all-around, the top 24 gymnasts (maximum of two per country) in the prelims advance to the finals. For individual event finals, the top eight from the preliminary rounds (maximum of two per country) advance to the finals. The women’s prelims wrap up on Oct. 17, with the women’s team finals on Oct. 18 and the women’s all-around finals on Oct. 19.

“The U.S. Team had a strong performance throughout, and our expectations for the finals are very optimistic,” said Martha Karolyi, the women’s national team coordinator.

Each of the team members contributed to the team’s total score. The format for the team competitions is: preliminaries, five gymnasts on each apparatus and top four scores count; and finals, three gymnasts compete and all three scores count.

Memmel posted a 15.825 on the uneven bars, a 15.225 on the balance beam and a 15.350 on the floor exercise, which were among the highest scores posted thus far for each event, and a 14.950 on vault. Bieger was solid on all four events, scoring a 14.750 on vault, 15.500 on bars, 15.125 on beam and 15.250 on floor.

Two of Ashley Priess' scores, her 14.675 on vault and 15.450 on bars, counted for the team total, and she also scored well in the other two, with a 14.250 on beam and a 14.700 on floor. Natasha Kelley’s 14.450 on beam and 14.975 on floor counted toward the team’s total; she also scored a 14.600 on vault and a 14.950 on bars.

2005 vault bronze-medalist Sacramone’s 15.550 in the vault is the highest so far in the event. For consideration for individual event finals, she did two vaults for an average 15.300. Sacramone, the 2005 floor exercise world champion, also did well on beam, posting a 15.175, and earned a 14.875 on floor. Nastia Liukin, the defending uneven bars world champion, earned the highest bars score thus far with a 16.200. She is only competing in one event because she is recovering from an ankle injury.

Due to the two-athlete-per country rule, neither Priess nor Kelley will be eligible to advance to the all-around finals, despite currently being ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, at this point of the competition.

The 2006 World Championships features men’s and women’s competition in the team, all-around and individual apparatus (men—floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar; women – vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise). The men’s team finals are Oct. 17 and the all-around is on Oct. 19. The individual event finals for both men and women are Oct. 20-21.

For the USA, Guillermo Alvarez of Denver and Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo., both qualified for the men’s all-around finals on Oct. 19 , and Artemev also qualified for the individual event finals for pommel horse, scheduled for Oct. 20.

U.S. Women’s Team scores in the preliminary round of the 2006 World Championships

NOTE: The top four of five scores counted toward the team total.

	Vault	Uneven Bars	Balance Beam	Floor exercise	Total
Chellsie Memmel	14.950	15.825	15.225	15.350	61.350
Jana Bieger	14.750	15.500	15.125	15.250	60.625
Ashley Priess	14.675	15.450	14.250	14.700	59.050
Natasha Kelley	14.600	14.950	14.450	14.975	58.975
Alicia Sacramone	15.500		15.175	14.875	45.600
Nastia Liukin		16.200			16.200

Team score
Rotation	1	2	3	4	Total
	59.925	62.975	59.975	60.450	243.325

U.S. women earn team silver medal at 2006 World Gymnastics Championships

2007-04-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 18, 2006 – The U.S. women earned the team silver medal at the 2006 World Championships in Denmark, Aarhus, finishing just .850 behind China.

“It’s always a great accomplishment to win any medal,” said Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas. “We are a little disappointed but very proud of one another.”

The USA hit two of three routines on vault, its first event. The team’s total of 44.600 put them just behind Romania, which had 45.225. China was third with 44.250. The U.S. squad then moved to the uneven bars, where a missed release on one of its routines dropped the three-gymnast score to 45.275, which still was enough to pull the United States into the lead with 89.875, followed closely by China with 89.550. The U.S. women were solid on the beam, but their 45.575 was not enough to hold off a charging China, who totaled 136.325 to the USA’s 135.45. The U.S. women had their best performances on the floor exercise and despite having the best team score for the event, it was not enough to catch China.

“Certainly we are proud to win a silver medal,” said Martha Karolyi, the women’s national team coordinator. “Unfortunately we had two unexpected mistakes, which are unexplainable. We beat ourselves today.”

The team competition format has three gymnasts compete on each apparatus and all three scores count. The gymnasts who competed in the final round were Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., and Liukin. Also on the team are Natasha Kelley of Katy, Texas; Ashley Priess of Hamilton, Ohio; and Jacquelyn Johnson of West Chester, Ohio, alternate.

“China did their job,” said Memmel, who will attempt to defend her all-around world crown in the finals tomorrow. “We had some mistakes and you can’t make mistakes.”

Sacramone said, “We did a good job. We had a few mistakes. We’re happy with the results. We had a great finish and we worked hard.”

2006 World Championships women’s team finals results

1. China, 182.200

2. USA, 181.350

3. Russia, 177.325

U.S. team scores

	Vault	Uneven bars	Balance beam	Floor exercise	Total
Jana Bieger	13.950	15.100	15.175	15.150	59.375
Nastia Liukin	--	15.700	--	--	15.700
Chellsie Memmel	15.075	14.475	15.050	15.500	60.100
Alicia Sacramone	15.575	--	15.350	15.250	46.175
Total	44.600 (2)	45.275 (2)	45.575 (3)	45.900 (1)	181.350

U.S. Men's Team trains on podium at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 10, 2006 - The U.S. Men's Team trained on the podium in the competition hall today as part of its preparations for the 2006 World Championships, Oct. 14-21, in Aarhus, Denmark. The U.S. Men are competing in Subdivision 1, which will compete in the first session on Saturday, Oct. 14, which begins at 9 a.m. Denmark time.

"The guys have been great, especially dealing with the early times," said Ron Brant, the men's national team coordinator. "Each day, they become more comfortable with their surroundings, and getting on the podium gave them an even better feel for the event.

The U.S. Men's Team has been training in Aarhus for the past five days to get acclimated to the city and local time zone. The members of the men's 2006 World Championships Team are: Guillermo Alvarez of Denver; Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo.; Jonathan Horton of Houston; David Sender of Arlington Heights, Ill.; Clay Strother of Jasper, Texas; Kevin Tan of Fremont, Calif.; and David Durante of Garfield, N.J., alternate.

"The guys have trained well," said Brant. "They are now getting more consistent with the equipment, and they are excited about getting out and showing what they can do."

The men's competition, which begins on Oct. 14, has nine subdivisions. The preliminary rounds conclude on the evening of Oct. 15 and the men's team finals are Oct. 17. The men's all-around finals are Oct. 19, with the individual event finals on Oct. 20-21.

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

USA wins two silver, one bronze in individual event finals at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 20, 2006 -Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., and Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, won the silver medal for the vault and uneven bars, respectively, at the 2006 World Championships, with Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo., claiming the bronze medal in the pommel horse.

On her first vault, a front handspring Rudi, Sacramone exploded off the board and posted a 15.475. Her second vault, a Yurchenko double twist, received a 15.175, giving her a 15.325 average. Going last in the event, China's Cheng Fei performed a Yurchenko double and a Yurchenko half-on and one-and-a-half-off to score a 15.712 average for the gold medal. Germany's Oksana Chusovitina was third at 15.100.

I felt it is one of my better vaults, and I am really pleased. Cheng Fei was unreal (on her vaults), really," said Sacramone, who was a bronze medalist on vault at the 2005 World Championships.

Sacramone became just the second U.S. woman to win a world silver medal in vault. Brandy Johnson finished second at the 1989 World Championships. Sacramone's bronze in 2005 was the USA's first vault medal since Johnson.

"That is really cool (about matching Brandy Johnson)," said Sacramone. "I think this shows how our country is improving in vault, and it certainly will not be our last."

Artemev is the first U.S. gymnast to earn a world pommel horse medal since Kurt Thomas was second at the 1979 World Championships. Artemev executed a nearly flawless routine, complete with impressive flair sequence, and earned at 15.550. China's Xiao Qin won the gold medal with a 16.025, followed by Australia's Prashanth Sellathurai at 15.700.

"It feels awesome (to get the USA's first pommel horse medal in 27 years)," said Artemev. "It felt great and is certainly a big confidence booster. I can always do better, but I didn't hold back. I gave it everything I had, and I am very happy."

First to compete in the uneven bars, Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., earned a 14.550 for her routine. Liukin was next, and her routine, which featured her usual clean body lines and immaculate form, received a 16.050. Beth Tweddle of Great Britain's routine, which included five release moves, earned a 16.200, which moved her into first. Italy's Vanessa Ferrari was third, and Bieger placed fifth.

"I feel really good because I did the best performance I could do because I couldn't do my dismount for two weeks due to my injury," said Liukin, who was limited to competing in the team competition and uneven bars finals due to an ankle injury prior to arriving in Denmark. "It felt great to go out and compete in finals and help the team win the silver medal. I am happy with my performances. I think all of our girls did a really good job."

This brings the USA's total medal count to four silver and one bronze. Bieger and Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., will be the final U.S. gymnasts competing in the World Championships when they participate in the floor exercise finals on Oct. 21.

2006 World Championships

Individual event finals

Women's events

Vault

1. Cheng Fei, China, 15.712

2. Alicia Sacramone, Winchester, Mass., 15.325

3. Oksana Chusovitina, Germany, 15.100

(Alicia's two vaults: 15.475, 15.175 for 15.325 average)

Uneven bars

1. Elizabeth Tweddle, Great Britain, 16.200

2. Nastia Liukin, Parker, Texas, 16.050

3. Vanessa Ferrari, Italy, 15.775

U.S. finish

5. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 14.550

Men's events

Floor exercise

1. Marian Dragulescu, Romania, 16.250

2. Diego Hypolito, Brazil, 16.150

3. Kyle Shewfelt, Canada, 15.700

Pommel horse

1. Xiao Qin, China, 16.025

2. Prashanth Sellathurai, Australia, 15.750

3. Alexander Artemev, Morrison, Colo., 15.550

Still rings

1. Chen Yibing, China, 16.525

2. Jordan Jovtchev, Bulgaria, 16.325

3. Yuri Van Gelder, Netherlands, 16.300

USA's Bieger finishes second in all-around at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 19, 2006 - Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., nailed her floor exercise routine to clinch the all-around silver medal at the 2006 World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. Ashley Priess of Hamilton, Ohio, who stepped up to compete in the all-around finals when defending all-around champion Chellsie Memmel withdrew due to an injured shoulder, finished in 10th place.

"It feels great (to win the silver medal)," said Bieger, who was third after the preliminaries. "It was wonderful just being out there and representing the United States. I was having so much fun, especially on my floor routine."

"I felt horrible for Chellsie, but I am excited to be in the meet," said Priess. "I am happy with how I did. It is an honor to be one of the best gymnasts in the world."

Bieger's total of 60.750 landed her behind Italy's Vanessa Ferrari's 61.025 and ahead of Romania's Sandra Izbasa's 60.250. Priess posted a total of 58.800 for the all-around.

"We are so proud of Jana and Ashley for their performances today and how well they stepped up," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "We also respect Chellsie for making a difficult decision and providing this great opportunity for Ashley."

"I am happy," said Martha Karolyi, the women's national team coordinator. "Jana did everything we could have asked of her. There was added pressure when Chellsie scratched the meet."

Bieger and Priess started on vault, where they scored a 14.725 and 14.450, respectively, putting Bieger in eighth place and Priess in 13th after the first rotation. On the uneven bars, both U.S. gymnasts had solid performances. Bieger, whose routine has a lot of difficulty, scored a 15.350. Priess' energetic routine was also well done, earning a 15.425. Italy's Ferrari was first at the end of the second rotation, followed by Panpan Pang of China.

Bieger made her move to third after the third rotation. Bieger earned a 15.300 for her beam routine, which includes her back layout step-out where she finishes on one knee. Priess' exceptional beam routine included an impressive sheep jump, posting 15.325. Ferrari's fall on beam allowed Pang to move into first with 45.650. Ferrari was second, with Bieger and Australia's Daria Joura tied for third. Romania's Izbasa was sixth and Priess was seventh.

At the start of the fourth rotation, Pang fell on her vault landing, opening the door for the top slots. Izbasa was the last to vault, earning a 15.025. The drama was in the floor exercise, where the last three to go were Bieger, Ferrari and Priess. Bieger nailed her floor routine, receiving a 15.375. Ferrari answered with a 15.500, clinching her all-around title. Priess was the last to go, and but for a missed landing on her second tumbling pass, would have placed higher in the standings. She received a 13.600.

"Before floor, I just thought to myself, 'This is it. Do it the best you can. Go out and hit your floor routine, and what happens, happens,'" said Bieger.

Andrea Bieger, Jana's mom and coach, said, "She did absolutely great. She hit everything. I never expected this because you never know what is going to come in a competition.

"She did a great job," said A. Bieger, who was a three-time gymnastics Olympian for West Germany. "It is great to have someone that close to you, that you coach, and know that you can count on them to give you 100 percent."

The USA's Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, and Memmel will compete in the finals for the uneven bars on Oct. 20, along with Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., who is in the vault finals. Bieger and Memmel will compete in the floor exercise finals on Oct. 21.

Men's all-around
China's Wei Yang was first in the all-around, followed by Japan's Hiroyuki Tomita and Germany's Fabian Hambuechen. Guillermo Alvarez of Denver finished in 18th place, with Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo., in 22nd place.

Alvarez was solid on all six apparatus, despite a small hitch on the pommel horse.

"Guillermo did great," said Ron Brant, men's national team coordinator. "He had a good meet. His routines need a little more difficulty, but he was very poised. He handled himself well for competing in his first World Championships."

"I was fairly pleased," said Alvarez. "I didn't let my nerves get to me too much. My (pommel) horse routine was rocky, but I stayed on. I was very happy to be out there and take in the whole the experience (of the Worlds).

"Gaining experience is one more step to 2008," said Alvarez. "I am willing to put in the work to up my routines and start values."

Artemev was strong on the first two events, vault and parallel bars, and was first going into the third rotation, the horizontal bar. Unfortunately, his high bar routine did not go as planned, with three falls. Artemev bounced back for two of the three remaining events.

"Alex had a nice vault and a good parallel bars," said Brant. "He was on the podium, ready to go on the high bar, when they announced he was leading. It looked like he got nervous. I think he got a little hesitant, and then he just couldn't pull it together, even for a skill he never misses. As a young competitor, he hasn't yet learned that you have to keep your focus and get tougher at a competition like this."

Artemev said, "This meet has shown me that I need to do some work and improve. It was very disappointing to fall on the high bar when I was leading. I learned that everyone makes mistakes, and I've got to improve and stay on the equipment."

Artemev will compete in the pommel horse finals on Oct. 20.

"It is kind of hard to think about the pommel horse right now," said Artemev. "I need to regroup and focus for tomorrow. I've got to motivate myself."

2006 World Championships all-around finals Women 1. Vanessa Ferrari, Italy, 61.025 2. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 60.750 3. Sandra Raluca Izbasa, Romania, 60.250 U.S. finish 10. Ashley Priess, Hamilton, Ohio, 58.800

U.S. women's scores

Vault
Uneven bars
Balance Beam
Floor exercise
Total
2
Jana Bieger
14.725
15.350
15.300
15.375
60.750
10
Ashley Priess
14.450
15.425
15.325
13.600
58.800

Men
1. Wei Yang, China, 94.400
2. Hiroyuki Tomita, Japan, 93.175
3. Fabian Hambuechen, Germany, 92.975
U.S. finishes
18. Guillermo Alvarez, Denver, 88.175
23. Alexander Artemev, Morrison, Colo., 87.225

U.S. men's scores
Rank
Name
Floor exercise
Pommel horse
Still rings
Vault
Parallel bars
Horizontal bar
Total
18
Guillermo Alvarez
15.375
13.775
14.550
15.725
14.525
14.225
88.175
22
Alexander Artemev
15.075
14.475
14.250
15.750
15.525
12.150
87.225

USA has four gymnasts in all-around finals at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 18, 2006 – 2005 all-around world champion Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., Guillermo Alvarez of Denver and Alexander Artemev of Morrison, Colo., will compete in the all-around finals at the 2006 World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, on Oct. 19.

Memmel and Bieger finished first and third, respectively, in the all-around preliminaries. At the 2005 World Championships, Memmel became the first U.S. all-around world champion since Shannon Miller in 1994. Memmel, who had the highest all-around score in the prelims, has the opportunity to become just the second U.S. gymnast to win back-to-back all-around world titles. Miller was the first in 1993-94.

The United States also has five gymnasts competing in the individual event finals, with the opportunity for six medals, on Oct. 20-21: vault—Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., who in 2005 won the USA’s first vault medal since 1989, Oct. 20; uneven bars—Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, and Memmel, who were one-two in this event at the 2005 World Championships, Oct. 20; pommel horse—Artemev, Oct. 20; and floor exercise—Memmel and Bieger, Oct. 21. Scores from the preliminary rounds do not carry over to the finals.

2006 World Championships schedule

Oct. 19 Men’s all-around finals (USA—Alvarez, Artemev)

Women’s all-around finals (USA—Memmel, Bieger)

Oct. 20 Individual event finals

Men—floor exercise, pommel horse (USA—Artemev) and still rings

Women--vault (USA—Sacramone) and uneven bars (USA-Liukin, Memmel)

Oct. 21 Individual event finals

Men—vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar

Women—balance beam and floor exercise (USA—Memmel, Bieger)

WCSN is carrying the finals of the 2006 World Championships live on WCSN.com. For just $4.95, fans get a front row seat at gymnastics’ premier international championships for the finals for the team, all-around and individual event competitions. In addition to seeing it live, fans can also watch the competition at a time most convenient for them through WCSN’s on-demand archive. The live webcast schedule is (all times are Eastern): Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m.-3:35 p.m., men’s and women’s all-around finals; Oct. 20, 1-4:15 p.m., individual event finals (men—floor exercise, pommel horse and still rings; women--vault and uneven bars); and Oct. 21, 8:30-11:45 a.m., individual event finals (men—vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar; women—balance beam and floor exercise). For more information, go to wcsn.com.

Based in Indianapolis,

USA

Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the

United States

USA Gymnastics names U.S. Women’s Team for 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Oct. 5, 2006 –2005 world champions Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, and Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass., and fellow 2005 teammate Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., are among the women named to the U.S. Women’s Team for the 2006 World Championships, Oct. 14-21, in Aarhus, Denmark.

The members of the U.S. Team are: Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla./Boca Twisters; Jacquelyn Johnson, West Chester, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics; Natasha Kelley, Katy, Texas/Stars Houston; Liukin, Parker, Texas/WOGA; Memmel, West Allis, Wis./M&M; Ashley Priess, Hamilton, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics; and Sacramone, Winchester, Mass./Brestyan’s.

Held at NRGi Arena, this year’s World Championships features team, all-around and individual event competition. Qualification rounds are Oct. 14-15 for the men and Oct. 16-17 for the women. In the preliminary rounds, the U.S. men compete on Oct. 14 and the women on Oct. 16. The men’s team final is Oct. 17, with the women’s team champions determined on Oct. 18. Both all-around finals are on Oct. 19, with the individual events divided over Oct. 20-21.

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the

United States

USA Gymnastics awards 2007 Tyson American Cup to Jacksonville

2007-04-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 6, 2006 -- The best in men's and women's international gymnastics return to Florida when Jacksonville plays host to the 2007 Tyson American Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious gymnastics events, on March 3 at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Tickets for the Tyson American Cup, which has a legacy of showcasing the top international gymnasts, go on sale on Saturday, Oct. 7.

"We are excited about returning to the city of Jacksonville," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "The 2007 Tyson American Cup will showcase the world’s top gymnasts as they travel the road to Beijing in earnest. This will be a great opportunity for sports fans to see our sport’s future stars in person."

The 2007 Tyson American Cup, which features an all-around competition, begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets, which go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, are $50, $35 and $19.50 and are subject to applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster and its outlets; by phone at (904) 353-3309; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office; or through participating gymnastics clubs in the Jacksonville area. The competition on March 3 will be televised live on NBC Sports at 1 p.m. ET.

“The powerful athleticism displayed at the Tyson American Cup in Jacksonville will be exciting for fans to watch,” said Sue Quillin, Tyson’s vice president of marketing services. “This prestigious event allows us to communicate the importance of protein and nutrition to the Jacksonville community and the millions of Americans who tune in.”

The old Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena was the site for the 1985 U.S. Championships and the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials.

“The city is thrilled to welcome USA Gymnastics and the Tyson American Cup to Jacksonville,” said Mayor John Peyton, City of Jacksonville. “It is truly an honor to host such an array of top international gymnasts and a competition of this stature. We are excited to once again have an opportunity to showcase our great city to a live national television audience.”

Reigning uneven bars and balance beam world champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, won the women’s title at the 2006 Tyson American Cup, with Jonathan Horton of Houston defeating Japan’s Hisashi Mizutori, ranked second in the world in the all-around, in the men’s competition. Shayla Worley of Orlando was second in the women’s event. Since the 2006 Tyson American Cup, Liukin has gone on to win her second straight U.S. all-around title and Horton won the men’s 2006 NCAA all-around title. The athletes competing in the 2007 Tyson American Cup will be announced closer to the event.

The list of former American Cup all-around gold medalists includes many of the best-known and loved names in gymnastics: men -- Jason Gatson, Blaine Wilson, John Roethlisberger, Vitaly Scherbo (Belarus), Tim Daggett, Peter Vidmar, Mitsuo Tsukahara (Japan), Kurt Thomas and Bart Conner; and women -- Carly Patterson, Elena Zamolodchikova (Russia), Kerri Strug, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Kim Zmeskal, Kristie Phillips, Mary Lou Retton, Julianne McNamara, Stella Zakarova (USSR) and Nadia Comaneci (Romania). In 2005, the American Cup was a World Cup event and its format named individual event champions; the USA's Alexander Artemev, Alicia Sacramone, Chellsie Memmel and Liukin won gold medals.

The American Cup was first held in 1976. Past sites include: New York City (1976-80, 1982-84, 2004); Ft. Worth Texas (1981, 1996-98); Indianapolis, Ind. (1985); Fairfax, Va. (1986-90, 2003); Orlando, Fla. (1991-94, 2000-02); Seattle, Wash. (1995); St. Petersburg, Fla. (1999); Uniondale, N.Y. (2005); and Philadelphia (2006).

In addition to its sponsorship of the Tyson American Cup, Tyson is powering gymnasts by providing high-quality chicken, beef and pork to the USA Gymnastics National Training Center in Huntsville, Texas. Tyson’s protein-filled products help these talented athletes to develop and maintain the strength and endurance they need to perform at elite events, such as the Tyson American Cup and the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing.

About JEDC Sports & Entertainment

The JEDC Sports & Entertainment office enhances the region's economy by attracting special events and sports organizations to the First Coast. The sports office helps develop and coordinate sporting and entertainment events and actively promotes the facilities owned by the City of Jacksonville, and serves as an in-house event production, marketing and advertising agency for regional sporting events, bringing millions of dollars to the region each year. For more information, please visit www.jaxdevelopment.org.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the “Powered by Tyson™” strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries.

The company has approximately 110,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

About USA Gymnastics

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.

Memmel withdraws from all-around finals at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 19, 2006 – Due to an injured right shoulder, 2005 all-around world champion Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., has withdrawn from the all-around finals at the 2006 World Championships scheduled for later today. The USA’s Ashley Priess of Hamilton, Ohio, will now compete in the all-around finals, along with Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla.

“This is a difficult decision for me to make, but it is the right one for me physically,” said Memmel. “My right shoulder is very sore and swollen. It happened yesterday on the uneven bars, and I don’t have a full range of motion at this time. As a result, I would not be able to go out and do what I want to do, and I believe the right thing is to give my teammate, Ashley, the opportunity to go out and show what she can do. I also hope by doing this that I might be able to participate in the individual event finals. It will totally depend on how my shoulder is doing at the time.”

Memmel injured her right shoulder at the 2006 Pacific Alliance Championships in April and this well may be an aggravation of that old injury.

“We are disappointed for Chellsie because she is such an outstanding athlete, but we fully support this precautionary step,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We believe this is the right course of action. The decision on the individual events will be made based on how she is feeling at the time.”

Priess placed ninth in the all-around qualification round but did not advance originally to the all-around finals due to the maximum two athletes per country rule.

Bieger wins floor exercise silver medal at 2006 World Championships

2007-04-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

AARHUS, Denmark, Oct. 21, 2006 – Jana Bieger of Coconut Creek, Fla., won her third silver medal at the 2006 World Championships when she finished second in the floor exercise final, just behind China’s Cheng Fei.

Natasha Kelley of Katy, Texas, who moved into the floor exercise final when the USA’s Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., withdrew due to a shoulder injury, finished seventh.

Bieger was explosive in her floor routine. She was solid on all of her tumbling-run landings and finished her routine with a sky high double pike. Her snappy music and impressively executed routine energized the crowd, which clapped along. She posted a 15.550, her highest floor routine score at the World Championships. Cheng's routine featured a double-twisting, double-back somersault, a difficult skill that is only done by a few women in the world.

“I felt really good today,” said Bieger, who also claimed silver medals in the all-around and team. “I did the best I could and I am happy with my performance.

“I wasn’t really expecting it so it is even greater,” said Bieger, who is coached by her mother, Andrea, who was an Olympic gymnast for West Germany. “I was pretty confident going into the floor finals and I had a lot of fun.”

Kelley also gave a solid performance in the floor exercise. Her tumbling was well done, with solid landings. The crowd showed its appreciation for her efforts, joining in with clapping and cheering. She earned a 15.300.

“I had a blast,” said Kelley. “I have been training the last two days so I would be prepared just in case. It was awesome (to be in the finals). I was excited to compete, and I went out did a great routine. Everyone was cheering and clapping the whole time. It was so much fun, one of the most fun routines I have ever done.”

In the other women’s event, Iryna Krasnianska of the Ukraine won the balance beam final with a score of 15.575 In the men’s events, the champions crowned today were: vault -- Marian Dragulescu, Romania, 16.487; parallel bars -- Yang Wei China, 16.075; and high bar -- Philippe Rizzo, Australia, 16.125.

Individual event final results for 2006 World Championships

Vault

1. Marian Dragulescu, Romania, 16.487

2. Dimitri Kaspiarovich, Belarus, 16.312

3. Fabian Hambuechen, Germany, 15.825

Parallel Bars

1. Yang Wei, China, 16.075

2. Hiroyuki Tomita, Japan, 15.950

2. Yoo Won Chul, Korea, 15.950

Horizontal Bar

1. Philippe Rizzo, Australia, 16.125

2. Aljaz Pegan, Slovenia, 15.900

3. Vlasios Maras, Greece, 15.800

Women’s Events

Balance beam

1. Iryna Krasnianska, Ukraine, 15.575

2. Sandra Raluca Izbasa, Romania, 15.500

3. Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs, Canada, 15.475

Floor exercise

1. Cheng Fei, China, 15.875

2. Jana Bieger, USA, 15.550

3. Vanessa Ferrari, Italy, 15.450

U.S. finish

7. Natasha Kelley,

USA

, 15.300