We all agree that fabulous Michael Phelps is the Olympics' Golden Boy; and here in Plano, Nastia Liukin is the Golden Girl. She hails from Parker, which is just outside Plano (you may recall we lived in Parker from '86-'94) and trains at a gym about a mile from our present home. As of today, Nastia has a gold in all-around, silver in team event, and bronze in floor exercise. She is very strong in the upcoming events of uneven bars and balance beam so I wouldn't be surprised if she medals in these two events also. One more medal and she'll tie her dad's record of 4 medals at the '88 Olympics and surpass him (which I'm sure he doesn't mind) if she wins a 5th.
World Olympic Gymnastic Academy in Plano is where Nastia trains. Four years ago, Carlie Patterson won Gold all-around at the Olympics. She trained here and Nastia was her training partner.
Keep an eye out for this 15 year old. Rebecca Bross also trains at WOGA and is Nastia's current training partner. Are we looking at a future medalist in 2012??
Speaking of training--here we have Mel in training. Since this is the last year for baseball and softball in the Olympics, Mel is going to petition the IOC to add floating as an event. I know he will medal in this as he practices everyday!
.jpg)
2 comments:
Hooray for Mel! Go for the Gold in 2012!!
Jane, who is gearing up for school next week. Horrors.
Wow, celebrity abounds in Plano! That training gym certainly has produced some winners.
I do think the summer games should include backyard pool floating. Mel would absolutely be a contender for the gold.
Notice the perfect form he displays on the raft - arms and legs a classic study in relaxation (he makes it look so easy). You can see the total concentration in his face. The steady gaze forward reveals the confidence and determination he gains from his sport. And the overall body language says "no one else can beat me at this game - I own the sport!"
London 2012 - here we come.
Post a Comment