Great article on Simone Biles/elite gymnastics in the May 30th issue of The New Yorker
I can’t get the picture of McKayla Skinner splitting the beam out of my mind. As the mom of a retired gymnast, my prediction is that McKayla will recover but that her mother will have it burned in her brain forever.
Simone Biles has such a compelling personal story. Had her grandfather and step-grandmother not stepped up, she might have grown up in foster care. One can’t help but wonder what other terrific talents are in the foster care system. Who knows what untapped potential is out there. Yes, of course it’s more important that she had a loving family than that she got gymnastics lessons, but it really brings to the forefront that even in this “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” American culture, being given opportunities is so important.
Also, Nastia needs to step up her commenting game. Tim was still doing most of the talking at the women’s gymnastics event. Tell us why it’s hard, Nastia.
@swimcatsmom No wonder why Men’s don’t have balance beam…
Track and field Olympic trials start next week here in Eugene. So much fun to see amazing athletes in a town that loves T&F. Nike sets up a cool village where you can meet athletes, shop (huge temporary Nike popup store), eat good food-- there’s a great festival atmosphere. And last year we got to see, along with the best college athletes, a couple of high schoolers who made the cut to try out. How wonderful for them to get to meet and compete with their idols.
As a former gymnast mom, so freaking glad I am not the Mom to any of those girls. Some of our team moms had a little xanax to get through meets, just saying.
I was a gymnast in high school. Yes, it hurts like a fill in the blank.
I can’t watch balance beam routines. Gives me nightmares.
I’m waiting for the track and field trials before I get too excited. Track and field is the original and still the best Olympic sport.
I went to the track trials in person in 2000 and 2004 when they were held in Sacramento. It was great. Some of the athletes came out and mingled with the fans. Sitting nearby in the stands with us was Olympic swimming gold medalist Summer Sanders who was taking in a little track I guess.
Summer Sanders indeed took in some track - to the point that she qualified for and ran Boston not too long ago.
(There must be a typo in there - 3:25 is faster than 8:25 pace, lol).
Does anyone know where we can watch the trials online? I tried the links on the NBC website last night but they weren’t working. (There is a good chance this is from my wifi though so if it works for other people, let me know!)
https://swimswam.com/stream-the-olympic-swimming-trials-on-nbc-sports-live/
There is an app too.
So excited! My swimmer friend qualified for the men’s Olympic team . Gonna be a great summer watching all the swim events!
My mom says she was watching men’s diving, maybe Friday?, and she swears they were naked. When I told her that was impossible, she said they were wearing “G-strings with bags.” Please tell me she was wrong.
@LasMa Perhaps it’s time for mom’s annual eye check-up. 
@BunsenBurner - thanks for that great link on phelps - his rehab and his new vision. We’ve been attending the swim trials this week, and its helpful to read the stories behind these athletes. Didn’t realize phelps is going to try to make it to his 5th olympics! The media, the fans, the girls and the kids swarm him up and down the pool sidelines (including my daughter).
and simone biles - AMAZING. i sent my first tweet ever to her! Once again: i still dont understand what we were watching Sunday night: did that have anything to do with olympic team qualifiers?
I am extremely excited about the Paralympic trials beginning tomorrow here in Charlotte. 3 sports are being contested here - swimming, track and field, and cycling. These trials will determine the US Paralympic team that goes to Rio for the Paralympic Games, the week following the Olympics.
" she said they were wearing “G-strings with bags.”
The divers I saw were wearing the usual Speedos. Maybe she had turned on the Pride parade by mistake. 
^^^ Post of the Day! LOL, Hanna.
The gymnastics were the US nationals. Olympic trials are in a few weeks, but unlike some sports, gymnastic coaches can pick who they like. I think only Simone has an automatic spot, but usually the next 4 are the ones who rank in the trials. It is the last spot or two that are really coaches choice.
@bgbg4us The event on Friday was USA Gymnastics Women’s Nationals. Olympic trials for women’s gymnastics is July 8-10 in San Jose, CA. Nationals is the competition that determines the US national team. Trials will decide who makes the Olympic team for women’s gymnastics.