Book Review: “Chalked Up” by Jennifer Sey


This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WARNING: This article discusses sensitive topics, which may not be appropriate for all readers. Like many in the gymnastics community, I recently watched the “Athlete A” Netflix documentary, which featured Maggie Nichols and other USA National Team members. “Athlete A” […]

Xcel Beam: How To Score Big


This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points. Xcel beam routines – what are the judges looking for? Well, it’s a bit different at each division, but there are definitely some common themes. The best beam routines display confidence, good form, and good body posture. This is […]

Xcel Bars: Platinum and Diamond


This post has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points. What’s the best way to get my Xcel Platinum bars score up? How about Xcel Diamond? There are many more considerations in these divisions, compared with Bronze, Silver, and Gold. And of course, there are intricacies specific to each […]

Xcel Bars: Bronze, Silver, and Gold


This article has been updated to reflect the changes in the 2022-26 Xcel Code of Points, and updated again July 20. 2023. Xcel gymnastics. These levels used to strike fear into the hearts of judges, when they were first being developed. The rules were so different from J.O. that some judges said they wouldn’t even […]

Athlete A: The Dark Side of Elite Gymnastics


This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WARNING: This article discusses sensitive topics, which may not be appropriate for all readers. Recently, I watched the Netflix documentary “Athlete A”, about Maggie Nichols’ story. She was initially identified in the Larry Nassar investigation as “Athlete A”, before she […]