What We’re Talking About
Keep politics out of it! We hear you. We get it. We also can’t ignore it. We honestly wish all we needed to talk about is who scored what in the competition. Unfortunately sports and politics have forever been intertwined and we can’t shield our eyes from the outside world because it sometimes makes us uncomfortable. Going all the way back to 776 BCE in Olympia politics intermingled with sports, culminating in the Olympic truce (Ekecheiria). Gladiatorial combat going back to 264 BCE determined aristocratic rights. Fast forward many centuries and you see it again with Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Vera Caslavska and so many more. Just this past weekend Ospreys & F-35s buzzed the Super Bowl stadium as they now traditionally do because apparently a football championship game can’t be played without the marketing of military might.
It would be cowardly for us to celebrate the first all black podium in the Olympics and praise the creation of the first HBCU gymnastics programs, but ignore the fact that the current administration is attempting to whitewash America by attacking diversity efforts, which is having a direct impact on the sport we cover. This weekend is the historic Isla HBCU Classic, a meet featuring the small but growing pool of HBCU college gymnastics programs. In response to the administration’s executive orders the meet’s main sponsor, Colgate, cowered and pulled out—leaving a massive $30,000 funding hole. Ultimately, those who get upset that we mix politics and sports are also ignoring the courage currently on display from programs like Pitt and Maryland. We can’t, in good conscience, celebrate hard fought rights and victories while ignoring the forces which were overcome. Happy Black History Month.
Feelings
- The grittiest team in NCAA is Arkansas who have twice knocked off the No. 2 team this season
- It’s infuriating that the NCAA continues to undervalue women’s sports
- It’s good to see Avery Neff back in competition
- Jessica is dancing because Kaliya Lincoln made her college debut on floor
- We love how Jamison Sears gets emotional after her awesome floor routine
- We also want her in our corner when we compete floor
- Is your home crowd even doing it right if they don’t have shirtless men in body paint?
- Also, the opposing coaches aren’t doing their jobs if they don’t distract them
- Jordan Chiles looked amazing in the Super Bowl ad
- Everyone should take note of how Giulia Perotti transitions into a wolf turn
- Bart Connor’s reaction to Trinity Thomas’s accolade graphic wall was very charming
- Everyone should seek out Ursinus meets
Facts
- Retired: Arthur Zanetti
- Banned: Trans women (not men) from NCAA
- Mya Lauzon is one perfect 10 from a gym slam
- Morgan Price is just getting started
- 761,000: Number of viewers on the first ever FOX NCAA gymnastics broadcast
- Jordan Chiles is a multi-sport threat
- Viktoria Listunova is back on the floor
- Giulia Perotti beat Kaylia Nemour on bars
- Simone Biles is returning to the Met
- Maryland got the assignment
- Bonus: It’s not too late to play our fantasy game. Join here.
Award(s)
- Perfect: Mya Lauzon
- Historic: Morgan Price
What’s On the Socials?
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Quotes
“Morgan’s perfect score is a testament to her rigorous training, determination, and flawless execution.” ~ Corrinne Tarver, Trailblazer
The Fisk University head coach reflecting on Morgan Price’s historic perfect 10.
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“We compete at our best when we’re competing with joy and freedom.”
~ Mya Lauzon, Perfect Bear
Mya became the first Cal gymnast to record a perfect 10 in three different events.
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“Faith sticking three vaults in a row, three meets in a row is very unusual and very rare so that was an amazing moment.”
~ K.J. Kindler, Sooner Leader
The Oklahoma head coach recognizing when greatness has become common, the fact that Faith Torrez has been lights out on vault.
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What? You want even more? Join Club Gym Nerd and you get a bonus episode, College & Cocktails, every weekend after our meet of the week. Once the NCAA season is over you continue to get a weekly bonus episode every Friday afternoon. Plus you get access to all of our archives, exclusive content and more. Then we give the sober analysis on Monday (or Tuesday) after we’ve allowed the data to penetrate our feelings.
This column was composed and compiled by Steve Cooper, Editor, GymCastic; as performed by hosts Jessica O’Beirne and Spencer Barnes.
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