@jukodebu ok if you feel that way kindly post a video of yourself doing what these girls do every day. This is not the place to release your frustrations over you inability to get a girl. Okay hun. =]
I think this is a sad story....my daughter is on a gymnastics team,and it doesn't have to be like this....of course she is not an elite.... Old lady Strauss need to retire (or perhaps she has already - mercifully) If I EVERY heard my daughter being spoken to like that at a meet, the coach would have to have my foot surgically removed from their back side... These parents need their heads examined...and I agree with the comments about Sharkey's parents...they look like they suck up plenty tho.
That short-haired coach is an old cunt. She's got that 'mean girl' look and she's dead between the eyes. What a horrid, unhappy life she must have lived.
I can't imagine how those beached whale parents of "Sharky" dared to tell that kid to just suck it up.
It seems to me coaches need to be trained in psychology, not just the perfection of a physical sport. When it gets to the point that a child is broken emotionally, suffering eating disorders, being blamed for puberty, etc. then that coach needs some training in proper psychological motivation and priorities. Laughter is good for the soul. I think it's perfectly possible to go over the perfecting of a routine without making a person feel like a heel, especially some 7 year old.
I loved hearing Kristie Phillips´comments in this clip! She seems so honest, unselfish and wise. Back in the mid 80s most of us (fans of hers) had no clue what she tells us today about her family and the difficulties she had to endure. It´s wonderful how much she´s matured as a human and spiritual being. Very uplifting!
That's the reason I don't do organized sports. I use to do piano because my mom made me, and I was like, "why are you making me do this? You don't have to do this, I do."
Some times I wonder is the push to gymnastics by parents is lazy parenting, the gym coaches do all the hard work and disapiline and why aren't they worried about their daughters getting an education too. a few hours homeschooling is not an education, especially when the coaches are making them into drones without personality. Think of the strong Russian gymnasts, none of them would tolerate this treatment now, they get educated, learn English and are passionate.
@emmyjo720 They are educated, get educated yourself. You can't get scholoarships on sour grades! If you listened to them in the begining they all plan on their grades because they know something could happen and they have to fall back on their grades and just them. Truth is they pay top dollar for great tutors who follow them when they tour. Like I said educated yourself before you make claims take the time go to a gym who coaches elite's and ask them about the education.
I trained at this gym for my entire elite career and yeah the coaches can be jerks but they are only like that so you take it seriously and don't get Hurt. And I still got hurt. I broke 27 bones in 7 years
Can you imagine Khorkina, Zamo or Shawn being talked to like that and accepting it? Luikin managed not to break too many bones but wasn't abused by her coach that we know of...we know because she did not burn out, she peaked at the right time.
im an assistant coach and cheographer and i always believe in postive rienforcement. u some times need to be though but right after that u put a smile on ur face and congrajulate them for their hard work. in the end, always be happy with the girls performane because later the wouldn't have the pressure and will be able to control their tricks and enjoy their rutines better! =D
Kristie Phillips is the ONLY adult in this entire documentary that has an ounce of common sense in her body. The other parents - especially those of Ashley Barry - should be ashamed of themselves.
@ bamagym You would be surprised how easily bones can break if you hit them JUST right. I broke my foot tripping over the balance beam and I knew a girl who broke her arm when she tripped over a squishy mat.
@heyyyitshurls they are all college age now! i believe sharky graduated from college already. and im friends with kristal uzelac on facebook and shes like 23 now. i
the little girl that broke her 2 ankels, how the heck do you break 2 ankles at such a low level, what the heck are they doing over there? This is not an elite kid
It is actually rather easy to break your ankle. Especially when doing all the different stunts that young girl was doing. I was a dancer and messed up ankle too. And because I kept dancing on the hurt ankle it caused my other one to get injured too. I imagine that is what happened to Ashley.
@bamagym sometimes it's the parents genetics play a part or what their doing at home, because some have weak bones to begin with for many reasons thats not the gyms fault by any means. I know a family who found out the had weak bones geneticly because both kids who did gymnastics at different gyms because of the age gap got similar injuries and once looked into turned out they had weak bones.
thats true, but in the end, sometimes its the journey that counts the most. gymnastics has given these girls opportunities that people would kill for. I know nicole, kristal and I think annie were on the national team at one point, and all of them got scholarships to great colleges. even annie got a diving scholarship to the university of mass.
And btw, I would of guessed that they could do that in their day, but you can't just say that they're not good coaches because of their age. Also, when you are at that level, you need to have the metal ability to visualise the move yourself and have that control over your own body to do that move. You shouldn't have to have someone spell out for you exactly what you have to do, let alone show you.
@caitlinfern Are you referring to the Strausses? They most certainly are mean, in fact they are abusive. Parkette's is known for breaking its gymnasts, physically and mentally, until they can no longer do gymnastics. And guessing their age and the progression of gymnastics, there's no way that the Strausses were ever doing double backs, double layouts, triple twists, etc.
wtf!!! The coaches r trying to make the gymnasts do their best. And if ur a coach, u don't have 2 demonstrate. I mean, my coaches have one of us demonstrate anyway.
(to GymBurnz) i don't think all that time would be wasted...if it was something you loved and enjoyed it wouldn't be wasted. Like i was in gymnastics for a long time and finally had to quit due to injuries...i don't think all those years were wasted, i think it was an awesome experience and i got a lot out of it. but i do agree when u say it shouldn't become your life. girls like these need some time to be a kid!
this just tells us that you shouldnt let any of your sports be ur live cause when u miss something and mess up all the time u spent working to get to that goal is waisted dont let that happen take every minute in
According to a blog news story, Nicole abruptly quit the U of A gymnastics team in 2008 and it is speculated she's finished with gymnastics. It's a wordpress blog, so search for Nicole Harris and you'll find it, probably on the first page.
god that dad sounded so pissed about his daughter getting hurt... that's so mean, i mean, it's not like she did it on purpose. makes you wonder who the 'olympic dream' in that family really belongs to...
If they do decide to accept you, you should try it. In your first workouts, see how the coaches treat you. Are they concerned with your well being, or do they just want perfect performances? Do you feel happy working out there? You should consider these questions. And if you have pain or get injured, ALWAYS get a second opinion from a doctor who is not a team doctor.
I agree, I think you should go on a trial basis. WOGA is a great gym, but before you make the move make sure your hearts really in it. A trial basis will allow you to see how you feel, and how much you've improved, and they can also help you see what your goals are.
Well, I'd say you should try to find out what happens on a trial basis. OTOH, if your gym already has an elite program and you like it, why move away from there?
It's sad about all these gymnasts reaching for the stars and burning out like a bad rocket. I do want to become elite but I don't think I will. I still wish for it though and I hope I don't have to go through pain like this, at least not as bad as this. Any elite athlete must be incredibly strong to be able to go through this and not just with physical too.
trust me, after all you have put yourself through, you want to be an elite. i am a level 8 gymnast, with my level 9 passing exam in 3 weeks, and i have put my life on the line for gymnastics, so i would do anything to be an elite
"I didn't win the Olympics". That is sad because in reality Kristie was never even close to winning the Olympics. 1987-1988 was the age of Daniela Silivas, Yelena Shushunova, Aurelia Dobre, Svetlana Boginskaya. She simply was not talented enough to compete with the Soviets, Romanians and East Germans. She placed 45th at Worlds in 1987. Many believe however-so do I-that she was robbed of a place on the 1988 US Olympic Team. She might have medalled on beam if she hit.
Actually, the 1988 US women's tean had technically got in 3rd place, but because of a .5 penalty for a technicality (that didn't actually affect anybody's competition), they eventually finished out of the medals.
No she did not-that is not correct. Kristie Phillips never trained at Parkettes, nor anywhere in Pennsylvania. Kristie trained first in her home state of Louisiana, at Atlanta School of Gymnastics, then she then moved to Texas to train at Karolyis. She briefly left to train at Scats with Don Peters, then returned to Karolyis to train for the 1988 Trials and then retired from elites. Parkettes gymnasts are not known for good form. Kristie was trained better than that.
Nadia is there too-her image that is as is Mary Lou. She was not a Parkette. She's just telling her story as she has done many times before-it does not mean she was a part of their program. She makes the point is that a kid can be trained without making them feel like dirt. They never stated she was a part of the program. She was trained by Karolyi for most of her career, and briefly with Scats.
Kristie Phillips is such a good coach! Way to go to her for using positive reinforcement instead of being the biches they are at parkettes. Those people should not be allowd to be around children.
I completely agree. Positive reinforcement is so much more effective and is much healthier for a athlete's mental health. Just look at Shawn Johnson, her coaches have a similar philosophy of encouragement.
Kristie has an awesome coaching style. I have a wonderful ballet teacher who was like that. She knew her stuff, made corrections, but never raised her voice nor belittled any of us. Like Kristie she was very sweet and patient with her students.
Um...no. Puberty brings more than just your period. It brings breasts and hips, which slow down your tumbling, among other things. This sport is geared towards little girls, the younger the better, so that they can have small, boyish bodies and therefore complete each trick with much more ease.
Yeah Nicole's floor music at the classic was appaling, and I don't know why Aniie kept on doing that free walkover punch front combo that she nearly sat down on every time!
This makes me sick. First of all Allentwon is a small White trash town, and those god awful mothers that live there no NOTHING about the history or artistry of gymnastics. Its like some towns have those tacky dance schools but Allentown has the parkettes and thats what girls do for recreation. I just think its disgusting, whoever helped make bill and donna straus "successful" should be ashamed of themseleves. These people are devils.
first of all allentown is not a white trash town, so get your facts straight. they wouldnt be where they are today if the knew nothing about history and artistry of gymnastics.
So they're showing all the girls who placed in the classic. Who is the girl that placed first? She is obviously a Parkette as well? Does anyone know her name?
I think it was Tia Orlando who is also at NCAA and went to the Olympic Trials but did not make the Olympic team Lou is the only one of them who is still on the National team and has a chance at the 2008 Olympics and she is still training at Parkettes
Not a very good record compared to other top gyms. I'm reminded of high school track & wrestling--two sports I was rather talented it. It was a mill. Huge high school, lots of strong bodies that weren't up to par for hoops or football but were still strong. So we were processed like meat. Very Darwin. I liked the jumps coach. Sharp guy. The rest, well, I walked away. It wasn't hard. If I had been great instead of good it might have been different...
Well, at least somebody in this space studies Greek mythology. I commend your scholarship. And by all means feel free to disagree with me in the future. I simply prefer that you address me directly & explain why I am wrong. It's been known to happen--me being wrong. I'm listening if you're talking. Thanks. -G
she went to the olympics but she didnt win a team medal and i dont think she won any individual medals either. i'm not sure if she ever won any worlds medals.
Kristie Phillips is right on as a children's coach. It's very impressive that she could take the many negatives in her gymnastics career and turn them around into something very positive for other children in the sport. If I had a daughter in gymnastics, I would demand a positive coach like Kristie and wouldn't dream of letting her in the hands of a self-esteem saboteur like Donna Strauss.
yep, that's good as long as it's recreational gymnastics for little kids, but if your daughter wants to compete at the highest levels of difficulty, a tough serious professional approach to coaching is necessary.
annie did it all for her parents im glad she doesnt do it anymore you could ovbiviously tell she was miserable and had no motivation whatesoever...i mean how did her parents manage 2 force her in2 the parkettes with her being so good and not liking it at all. if i hated something i would never be as good as annie was. but now shes out and im glad she is enjoying diving. and they push them way 2 hard its like inhuman what they are doing. ridiculous.
it's ridiculous for the coaches to constantly yell and discipline the girls the way the do. no twelve year old should have to put up with that. and if the coaches actually do want the gymnasts to succeed they should try a little positive feedback every once in a while.
When you take the role of an elite gymnast you know what to expect (6 days of hard work, pressure from coaches, HARD WORK!, etc) It becomes your "life" not part of it. So it comes with the whole package of the desire to win and go to the olympics!
This is true these girls arent going after some level 5 state championship which happens once a year there going after the Olympics which only 6 girls from each country can go to and only happen ever 4 yrs. so there gonna work hard a train 6 days a week and as much as they can or they can say good bye to the Olympic title
you have to get some perspective. This isn't recreational gymnastics or cheerleading tumbling classes.
a gymnast competing at this level needs to be very serious and well poised to compete safely and reliably. This only comes with extreme discipline and self-control. The coaching shown in this documentary is typical of most sports at the highest level and it weeds out the athletes who cannot perform under pressure.
I understand that to reach the elite level it takes hard work and discipline, but these gymnasts should be in this sport because they love gymnastics, not because their parents or coaches are constantly pushing them and forcing them to stay with it. No matter how talented a young gymnast may be, there is a physical limit, and a seven year old girl training on a broken ankle is going to be pushed over that limit long before she's old enough to even be considered for the olympic team.
I agree. People erroneously think elite gymnastics is like cheerleading or recreational tumbling. The only way to get to the top level is through thousands of hours spent in the gym for years with extreme discipline.
1st of all thanks to you for posting the entire documentary! I've never seen anything like this and am both; shocked and appalled at what I have seen! I completely agree with every comment that has been posted so far. Well said and I fully back you up emily72. The thing that really annoyed me is that these parents seem to force their child or "property" into doing this without any consent what so ever ...
My personal opinion is that they have stricken of their childhood, which I think is really sad as it's the most important time of your life. They're being forced to grow up (if that's what you can really call it) into a profession, yes. Strictly speaking though why pressure them by ordering them on how to be like they are ...
Your daughter has broken both her ankles, move in and shut that crap down. She may hate ya, bot the OTFW. At least she wont be cripled later on down the road.
Can't you just have a great gymnast with great natural skill or does it have to be nurtured like an apple before being edible? Yes, I'm from across the UK, and I'm not sure if it is the same over here. Dear God, I hope it's not!
love that marta was at the competition and handing out the medals. HUH?
ashleybug706 1 week ago
wat year was this documentary made
anonymousgissele 1 month ago
i like the way Kristie coaches
redrock54100 1 month ago
@jukodebu ok if you feel that way kindly post a video of yourself doing what these girls do every day. This is not the place to release your frustrations over you inability to get a girl. Okay hun. =]
94gymnast 3 months ago
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wait why couldn't kristi phillpis go to the olympics??????
dogloverllama 4 months ago
wait why couldn't she go to the olympics??????
dogloverllama 4 months ago
wats the name of the gym in NC?
TayTayandZoee 5 months ago
@TayTayandZoee KPAC (Kristie Phillips Athletic Center) in Statesville, NC
CobbChallengerGirls 5 months ago
@CobbChallengerGirls Thank you!
TayTayandZoee 5 months ago
I think this is a sad story....my daughter is on a gymnastics team,and it doesn't have to be like this....of course she is not an elite.... Old lady Strauss need to retire (or perhaps she has already - mercifully) If I EVERY heard my daughter being spoken to like that at a meet, the coach would have to have my foot surgically removed from their back side... These parents need their heads examined...and I agree with the comments about Sharkey's parents...they look like they suck up plenty tho.
123gymmom 6 months ago 2
That short-haired coach is an old cunt. She's got that 'mean girl' look and she's dead between the eyes. What a horrid, unhappy life she must have lived.
I can't imagine how those beached whale parents of "Sharky" dared to tell that kid to just suck it up.
tenspoonsofspin 6 months ago 4
@RandomPeep4evet ha you just gave me an idea when I start to hate piano lessons again;D lol:p except I like it!!!.... For now;)
twilightgluver123456 7 months ago
Girls, SUCK
jukodebu 8 months ago
@jukodebu your saying that cause you can't get any girls
LCLizbeth1108 8 months ago 2
@LCLizbeth1108 GAY honey
jukodebu 8 months ago
Is that Martha Karoly at 0:10-0:15?
MrsShazziePepper1996 8 months ago
It seems to me coaches need to be trained in psychology, not just the perfection of a physical sport. When it gets to the point that a child is broken emotionally, suffering eating disorders, being blamed for puberty, etc. then that coach needs some training in proper psychological motivation and priorities. Laughter is good for the soul. I think it's perfectly possible to go over the perfecting of a routine without making a person feel like a heel, especially some 7 year old.
robertslistening 9 months ago
I loved hearing Kristie Phillips´comments in this clip! She seems so honest, unselfish and wise. Back in the mid 80s most of us (fans of hers) had no clue what she tells us today about her family and the difficulties she had to endure. It´s wonderful how much she´s matured as a human and spiritual being. Very uplifting!
martinl19 1 year ago 2
it is so true, you can train your whole life, and one bad fall, its all over.
PatoPandaPanda 1 year ago
Kristin Maloney is such a two faced liar. How quickly she changed her opinion rolling eyes,
GymGoneWrong 1 year ago
kristi philips is too cute, :P
izerbellaaaax97 1 year ago
That's the reason I don't do organized sports. I use to do piano because my mom made me, and I was like, "why are you making me do this? You don't have to do this, I do."
Believe it or not, it worked!
RandomPeep4evet 1 year ago
Some times I wonder is the push to gymnastics by parents is lazy parenting, the gym coaches do all the hard work and disapiline and why aren't they worried about their daughters getting an education too. a few hours homeschooling is not an education, especially when the coaches are making them into drones without personality. Think of the strong Russian gymnasts, none of them would tolerate this treatment now, they get educated, learn English and are passionate.
emmyjo720 1 year ago
@emmyjo720 They are educated, get educated yourself. You can't get scholoarships on sour grades! If you listened to them in the begining they all plan on their grades because they know something could happen and they have to fall back on their grades and just them. Truth is they pay top dollar for great tutors who follow them when they tour. Like I said educated yourself before you make claims take the time go to a gym who coaches elite's and ask them about the education.
tabruhs 9 months ago
i'm tellin ya all these gymnasts who cant handle it should just switch to all star cheerleading. much more fun and u still get to tumble.
fashiongrl2010 1 year ago
yay kristie phillips for being a good coach unlike donna keep it up kristie!
webkinzluver67 1 year ago 2
that gym looks sick! haha :)
never0ends 1 year ago
Poor Ashley. Her. Parents. R. Crap.
starrgirl991 1 year ago
I trained at this gym for my entire elite career and yeah the coaches can be jerks but they are only like that so you take it seriously and don't get Hurt. And I still got hurt. I broke 27 bones in 7 years
Moosies66 1 year ago
Can you imagine Khorkina, Zamo or Shawn being talked to like that and accepting it? Luikin managed not to break too many bones but wasn't abused by her coach that we know of...we know because she did not burn out, she peaked at the right time.
emmyjo720 1 year ago
im an assistant coach and cheographer and i always believe in postive rienforcement. u some times need to be though but right after that u put a smile on ur face and congrajulate them for their hard work. in the end, always be happy with the girls performane because later the wouldn't have the pressure and will be able to control their tricks and enjoy their rutines better! =D
MGAgymnast 1 year ago
I felt bad for Sharky.
Musicgirl9696 1 year ago
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poor Ashley Barry
her parents suck!
valebeu 1 year ago
Kristie Phillips is an amazing coach. The parents of that poor little Ashley Barry are nothing but a disgrace.
TheJcanno8 1 year ago 4
its the chase and drive of perfection which makes a champion......
swimr4life5 1 year ago
is there a part 6 to this? :/
XxXHorseLoverXxX1 1 year ago
Kristie Phillips is the ONLY adult in this entire documentary that has an ounce of common sense in her body. The other parents - especially those of Ashley Barry - should be ashamed of themselves.
adventuregirl76 1 year ago 6
@ bamagym You would be surprised how easily bones can break if you hit them JUST right. I broke my foot tripping over the balance beam and I knew a girl who broke her arm when she tripped over a squishy mat.
theaterqueen95 1 year ago
who is on the team now? nad liek how old are they?
heyyyitshurls 1 year ago
@heyyyitshurls they are all college age now! i believe sharky graduated from college already. and im friends with kristal uzelac on facebook and shes like 23 now. i
Moosies66 1 year ago
wow as long as they love it they will be the best gymnast ever
ilovecatsforever1 1 year ago
bamagym i dissagree with u you can berak your ankle doing anything im a lv 6 and i did alot of bad damage to my ankle on a simple roundoff
jdawg1397 2 years ago
i would never let my daughter go to a gym like that it would be the kristie phillips gym
omgbaby123 2 years ago 3
yeah or cincinnati with mary lee tracy
FLACSC74 2 years ago
@omgbaby123 ..i go to her gym :)
MsBunmaster 1 year ago
'i can't stop nature dudes!" hahaha
gymnast725 2 years ago 3
the little girl that broke her 2 ankels, how the heck do you break 2 ankles at such a low level, what the heck are they doing over there? This is not an elite kid
bamagym 2 years ago 7
It is actually rather easy to break your ankle. Especially when doing all the different stunts that young girl was doing. I was a dancer and messed up ankle too. And because I kept dancing on the hurt ankle it caused my other one to get injured too. I imagine that is what happened to Ashley.
Justkate13 2 years ago
@bamagym sometimes it's the parents genetics play a part or what their doing at home, because some have weak bones to begin with for many reasons thats not the gyms fault by any means. I know a family who found out the had weak bones geneticly because both kids who did gymnastics at different gyms because of the age gap got similar injuries and once looked into turned out they had weak bones.
tabruhs 9 months ago
anyone know if the little one named Ashley ever kept up with gymnastics?
marieked 2 years ago
that sucks. Thay work so hard yet none of them got to go to the Olympics.
gymlovr828 2 years ago 7
thats true, but in the end, sometimes its the journey that counts the most. gymnastics has given these girls opportunities that people would kill for. I know nicole, kristal and I think annie were on the national team at one point, and all of them got scholarships to great colleges. even annie got a diving scholarship to the university of mass.
BrittanyxKilla 2 years ago 24
@BrittanyxKilla id kill to be that good :/
tatulover2120 3 months ago
Aw, She has to live with the fact that her fam has crap to eat!! that would suckk
DxLoveAprilxD 2 years ago
there's kamerin moore at 3:47!! lol hehe
4egymnast 2 years ago 4
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jimnastix123 2 years ago
The coaches aren't mean.
And btw, I would of guessed that they could do that in their day, but you can't just say that they're not good coaches because of their age. Also, when you are at that level, you need to have the metal ability to visualise the move yourself and have that control over your own body to do that move. You shouldn't have to have someone spell out for you exactly what you have to do, let alone show you.
caitlinfern 2 years ago 7
@caitlinfern Are you referring to the Strausses? They most certainly are mean, in fact they are abusive. Parkette's is known for breaking its gymnasts, physically and mentally, until they can no longer do gymnastics. And guessing their age and the progression of gymnastics, there's no way that the Strausses were ever doing double backs, double layouts, triple twists, etc.
QueenieQue 1 year ago 2
wtf!!! The coaches r trying to make the gymnasts do their best. And if ur a coach, u don't have 2 demonstrate. I mean, my coaches have one of us demonstrate anyway.
purpleblob34 2 years ago 2
(to GymBurnz) i don't think all that time would be wasted...if it was something you loved and enjoyed it wouldn't be wasted. Like i was in gymnastics for a long time and finally had to quit due to injuries...i don't think all those years were wasted, i think it was an awesome experience and i got a lot out of it. but i do agree when u say it shouldn't become your life. girls like these need some time to be a kid!
SenaStretch 2 years ago
this just tells us that you shouldnt let any of your sports be ur live cause when u miss something and mess up all the time u spent working to get to that goal is waisted dont let that happen take every minute in
GymBumz 2 years ago
omg the exact same thing happened to one of my gym coaches! she had to widthdraw from the olympic trials because of a broken ankle :{
flipingymnastkristy 2 years ago
omgg. i can't believe these stories..
it makes me think about what's gonna happen to my lil sister, who's been in gymnastics for like five years and is in diving too now..
it's soo sad... ];
lilanimebear 2 years ago
I cant stop nature dudes. LOL
gymnastixbabee32 2 years ago 101
what gym is that called in north carolina?
xohaileyluvsu 2 years ago
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jimnastix123 2 years ago
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xohaileyluvsu 2 years ago
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jimnastix123 2 years ago
Kristie owns the Kristie Phillips Athletic Center (KPAC) in Troutman, NC
SunnyNC 2 years ago
They are all quite muscular.
I wouldn't want to be that muscular.
But no offence to the sport or to the people.
I do not mean it in a offence way..
pointeskatecybunny 2 years ago
of course theyre muscular xD how else do you think they could perform those skills?? haha
OanyThePony 2 years ago
man!! ashley after all this time looks like shes going 2 break down
Nankoutchak 2 years ago 2
OMG OLD LEVEL 4 MUSIC! Haha I remember that!
lilbitpvsr10 2 years ago
YES?! duhhh!! are u elite?
mochasgirl 2 years ago
According to a blog news story, Nicole abruptly quit the U of A gymnastics team in 2008 and it is speculated she's finished with gymnastics. It's a wordpress blog, so search for Nicole Harris and you'll find it, probably on the first page.
mka800 3 years ago
She has returned to ASU now. I saw her competing two days ago online.
nlm2183 2 years ago 2
where can i find it?
marquantoure 2 years ago
god that dad sounded so pissed about his daughter getting hurt... that's so mean, i mean, it's not like she did it on purpose. makes you wonder who the 'olympic dream' in that family really belongs to...
dbc13 3 years ago 5
yeah, he should start training himself.
julietteadrienne 2 years ago
haha i'd pay money to see that! he'd shut up really quickly if that happened.
dbc13 2 years ago
To "dbc13"...you make an excellent point,
regarding that father's reaction to his
daughter's injury....he really was mean:(
LuvLilKitty 2 years ago
Where on Long Island is Nicole from?
ConcreteAngelx3 3 years ago
lido beach
lindseyyxox 2 years ago
If they do decide to accept you, you should try it. In your first workouts, see how the coaches treat you. Are they concerned with your well being, or do they just want perfect performances? Do you feel happy working out there? You should consider these questions. And if you have pain or get injured, ALWAYS get a second opinion from a doctor who is not a team doctor.
jeyzi 3 years ago
I agree, I think you should go on a trial basis. WOGA is a great gym, but before you make the move make sure your hearts really in it. A trial basis will allow you to see how you feel, and how much you've improved, and they can also help you see what your goals are.
corgilover7 3 years ago
yes!go 4 the gold sweetie!
tatulover2120 3 years ago
Well, I'd say you should try to find out what happens on a trial basis. OTOH, if your gym already has an elite program and you like it, why move away from there?
espinaca79 3 years ago
Does Kristie say "I can't stop Nature, Dudes"?
Also, does anyone know if her Mother is still alive?
MTVMANN 3 years ago
She does. Isn't she awesome? Shannon Miller or Betty Okino would never have had that kind of spunk.
Lyssenk0 3 years ago
Yes, her mother, Terri is still alive and well. :)
SunnyNC 2 years ago
Kristie is one of my personal heroes. She's so well-spoken and so spunky. And she says "Roman" noodles.
Lyssenk0 3 years ago 5
Does she mean Ramen?
AtlanteanxPrincess 3 years ago
Lol, yes she does. She is from the deep South.
Lyssenk0 3 years ago
lol she said roman
tatulover2120 3 years ago
i like kristie phillips!She's friendly,she knows how to train kids well and CORRECTLY,she's spunky!!
tatulover2120 3 years ago 4
Kristie seems like a great coach, that is the way you have to do it to get a good response out of kids
ExAxLxPx12 3 years ago 5
It's sad about all these gymnasts reaching for the stars and burning out like a bad rocket. I do want to become elite but I don't think I will. I still wish for it though and I hope I don't have to go through pain like this, at least not as bad as this. Any elite athlete must be incredibly strong to be able to go through this and not just with physical too.
FelineFurCece 3 years ago 3
trust me, after all you have put yourself through, you want to be an elite. i am a level 8 gymnast, with my level 9 passing exam in 3 weeks, and i have put my life on the line for gymnastics, so i would do anything to be an elite
HazelLeeHenley 3 years ago
"I didn't win the Olympics". That is sad because in reality Kristie was never even close to winning the Olympics. 1987-1988 was the age of Daniela Silivas, Yelena Shushunova, Aurelia Dobre, Svetlana Boginskaya. She simply was not talented enough to compete with the Soviets, Romanians and East Germans. She placed 45th at Worlds in 1987. Many believe however-so do I-that she was robbed of a place on the 1988 US Olympic Team. She might have medalled on beam if she hit.
audie83 3 years ago
Actually, the 1988 US women's tean had technically got in 3rd place, but because of a .5 penalty for a technicality (that didn't actually affect anybody's competition), they eventually finished out of the medals.
jeyzi 3 years ago 2
what year was this? 03?
bearybearlove 3 years ago
Did Kristie Phillp go to Parkettes?
tatulover2120 3 years ago
yes, she did
stripygiraffe 3 years ago
No she did not-that is not correct. Kristie Phillips never trained at Parkettes, nor anywhere in Pennsylvania. Kristie trained first in her home state of Louisiana, at Atlanta School of Gymnastics, then she then moved to Texas to train at Karolyis. She briefly left to train at Scats with Don Peters, then returned to Karolyis to train for the 1988 Trials and then retired from elites. Parkettes gymnasts are not known for good form. Kristie was trained better than that.
audie83 3 years ago 3
She was trained by Bela Karolyi to her National Championships and until her retirement.
audie83 3 years ago
then y is she on the parkettes documentary?
tatulover2120 3 years ago
Nadia is there too-her image that is as is Mary Lou. She was not a Parkette. She's just telling her story as she has done many times before-it does not mean she was a part of their program. She makes the point is that a kid can be trained without making them feel like dirt. They never stated she was a part of the program. She was trained by Karolyi for most of her career, and briefly with Scats.
audie83 3 years ago
o okay
tatulover2120 3 years ago
acrofreak they are not talking about period they are talking about growth and breast devolompent.
littlegymgirl 3 years ago
Kristie Phillips is such a good coach! Way to go to her for using positive reinforcement instead of being the biches they are at parkettes. Those people should not be allowd to be around children.
ahluvdrums 3 years ago 42
I completely agree. Positive reinforcement is so much more effective and is much healthier for a athlete's mental health. Just look at Shawn Johnson, her coaches have a similar philosophy of encouragement.
truebeatlegirl 3 years ago 7
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tatulover2120 3 years ago
Why what?
truebeatlegirl 3 years ago
Kristie has an awesome coaching style. I have a wonderful ballet teacher who was like that. She knew her stuff, made corrections, but never raised her voice nor belittled any of us. Like Kristie she was very sweet and patient with her students.
audie83 3 years ago 2
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tatulover2120 3 years ago
@ahluvdrums If only they produced olympic stars.
Princesnpink1771 1 year ago
Nicole Harris just quit... she was competing for ASU but recently stepped down off the team and away from her scholarship.
sdadance 3 years ago
where's ASU?Nicole was SUCH a good gymnast..she shouldn't have done that
tatulover2120 3 years ago
Arizona State
sdadance 3 years ago
Very good to see that Kristie Phillips is well adjusted nowadays. I'm glad to see her coaching with the aim of building up self esteem, not medals.
bacardibreezer7 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
puberty...like her period? if so still go damn i still perform even when i got those problems
acrofreak 3 years ago
Um...no. Puberty brings more than just your period. It brings breasts and hips, which slow down your tumbling, among other things. This sport is geared towards little girls, the younger the better, so that they can have small, boyish bodies and therefore complete each trick with much more ease.
bacardibreezer7 3 years ago 5
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tatulover2120 3 years ago
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tatulover2120 3 years ago
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tatulover2120 3 years ago
None whasoever.
NonMatchingUnderwear 3 years ago
who is the girl on the 1st place spot on the podium at the beginning? it dosent say her name bt shes gt da same tracksuit as the parkettes girls?
borddatderesnonames 3 years ago
it was me =) nahh jk nahh idkkk theyy dont say anything.. i watshed it again n still nthong...
RATHRxBxTUMBLN 3 years ago
I'm pretty sure that it's krystal uzelac.
bookwormgirl494 3 years ago 3
Wow! I was Surprised to see Kristie in this. Kristie Phillips is my Coach and she is AWSOME! i love every minute with her!
Gymnasticsgirl819 3 years ago 3
well, tell her she is doing a great job at creating self esteem instead of "robot kids"...that's what's important!!
from a follower of hers in Colombia-south america.
rebeldedleber 3 years ago
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tatulover2120 3 years ago
how long ago was all of this footage taken?
gymnastics4life2 3 years ago
i think from 2002.. 6 yrs agoo.. i thinkk.
lehcar67 3 years ago
Thanks for the info at the end.
Joccy101 3 years ago
Thanks for the info at the end.
Joccy101 3 years ago
Yeah Nicole's floor music at the classic was appaling, and I don't know why Aniie kept on doing that free walkover punch front combo that she nearly sat down on every time!
NonMatchingUnderwear 3 years ago 2
sad
egymnast123 4 years ago
This makes me sick. First of all Allentwon is a small White trash town, and those god awful mothers that live there no NOTHING about the history or artistry of gymnastics. Its like some towns have those tacky dance schools but Allentown has the parkettes and thats what girls do for recreation. I just think its disgusting, whoever helped make bill and donna straus "successful" should be ashamed of themseleves. These people are devils.
njb782 4 years ago
first of all allentown is not a white trash town, so get your facts straight. they wouldnt be where they are today if the knew nothing about history and artistry of gymnastics.
westsidebb 3 years ago
that's to bad that nicole couldn't go to oylimpic trials i bet she would have done great there if not for the broken ankle
amsec81 4 years ago
So they're showing all the girls who placed in the classic. Who is the girl that placed first? She is obviously a Parkette as well? Does anyone know her name?
Mandabee79 4 years ago
I think it was Tia Orlando who is also at NCAA and went to the Olympic Trials but did not make the Olympic team Lou is the only one of them who is still on the National team and has a chance at the 2008 Olympics and she is still training at Parkettes
disneydance1169 4 years ago
Not a very good record compared to other top gyms. I'm reminded of high school track & wrestling--two sports I was rather talented it. It was a mill. Huge high school, lots of strong bodies that weren't up to par for hoops or football but were still strong. So we were processed like meat. Very Darwin. I liked the jumps coach. Sharp guy. The rest, well, I walked away. It wasn't hard. If I had been great instead of good it might have been different...
sinjinthule 4 years ago
very untrue, kristen malony did.
GymStar2007GSG 4 years ago
Icarus
sinjinthule 4 years ago
Well, at least somebody in this space studies Greek mythology. I commend your scholarship. And by all means feel free to disagree with me in the future. I simply prefer that you address me directly & explain why I am wrong. It's been known to happen--me being wrong. I'm listening if you're talking. Thanks. -G
sinjinthule 4 years ago
yes they have kristen malony!! it just said it in the montage
4567106 4 years ago
she went to the olympics but she didnt win a team medal and i dont think she won any individual medals either. i'm not sure if she ever won any worlds medals.
theramblingscot 4 years ago 3
kristie phillips is awesome!
collinthekid2 4 years ago
wow i feel soo bad for nicole harris! she is soo good and made to olympic trials but she broke her ankle! that is soo horrible
xohaileyluvsu 4 years ago 2
Kristie Phillips is right on as a children's coach. It's very impressive that she could take the many negatives in her gymnastics career and turn them around into something very positive for other children in the sport. If I had a daughter in gymnastics, I would demand a positive coach like Kristie and wouldn't dream of letting her in the hands of a self-esteem saboteur like Donna Strauss.
Sherri2008 4 years ago 3
yep, that's good as long as it's recreational gymnastics for little kids, but if your daughter wants to compete at the highest levels of difficulty, a tough serious professional approach to coaching is necessary.
mrparts 4 years ago
annie did it all for her parents im glad she doesnt do it anymore you could ovbiviously tell she was miserable and had no motivation whatesoever...i mean how did her parents manage 2 force her in2 the parkettes with her being so good and not liking it at all. if i hated something i would never be as good as annie was. but now shes out and im glad she is enjoying diving. and they push them way 2 hard its like inhuman what they are doing. ridiculous.
idance4ux32 4 years ago 6
I kinda knew annie would drop out, i didnt think that she did it all for herself i thought that she did it all for her parents!
micky1078 4 years ago
browneyedgirlie are you kidding?!
it's ridiculous for the coaches to constantly yell and discipline the girls the way the do. no twelve year old should have to put up with that. and if the coaches actually do want the gymnasts to succeed they should try a little positive feedback every once in a while.
i also love kristie phillips :)
lindseygrr 4 years ago 3
Repeat: No twelve-year-old should have to put up with that.
Additional comment: NO ONE period should have to put up with being treated like that, whether they are a child or an adult!
Sherri2008 4 years ago 3
When you take the role of an elite gymnast you know what to expect (6 days of hard work, pressure from coaches, HARD WORK!, etc) It becomes your "life" not part of it. So it comes with the whole package of the desire to win and go to the olympics!
GymStar2007GSG 4 years ago
This is true these girls arent going after some level 5 state championship which happens once a year there going after the Olympics which only 6 girls from each country can go to and only happen ever 4 yrs. so there gonna work hard a train 6 days a week and as much as they can or they can say good bye to the Olympic title
disneydance1169 4 years ago
you have to get some perspective. This isn't recreational gymnastics or cheerleading tumbling classes.
a gymnast competing at this level needs to be very serious and well poised to compete safely and reliably. This only comes with extreme discipline and self-control. The coaching shown in this documentary is typical of most sports at the highest level and it weeds out the athletes who cannot perform under pressure.
mrparts 4 years ago 2
I understand that to reach the elite level it takes hard work and discipline, but these gymnasts should be in this sport because they love gymnastics, not because their parents or coaches are constantly pushing them and forcing them to stay with it. No matter how talented a young gymnast may be, there is a physical limit, and a seven year old girl training on a broken ankle is going to be pushed over that limit long before she's old enough to even be considered for the olympic team.
lindseygrr 4 years ago 8
Christie is a great coach.
dominiquemoceanu90 4 years ago 2
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browneyedgirlie1989 4 years ago
I agree. People erroneously think elite gymnastics is like cheerleading or recreational tumbling. The only way to get to the top level is through thousands of hours spent in the gym for years with extreme discipline.
mrparts 4 years ago
I think it is quite sad that the nicole girl had to drop out of the olympics because of a broken ankle
bratz7704 4 years ago
I love Annie Fogertyyyy!!... she`s the best ^^
Also like Nicolle Harris & Sharky :D
DunaChanel 4 years ago 3
what year was this made?
eMthegymnast 4 years ago
2002 i think
Shiix3 4 years ago
Wow amazing girls!
Jessicaz2910 4 years ago 2
2002
MJLoverxxx 4 years ago
when was this filmed?
1ok2ok3ok4ok5ok6ok7o 4 years ago
1st of all thanks to you for posting the entire documentary! I've never seen anything like this and am both; shocked and appalled at what I have seen! I completely agree with every comment that has been posted so far. Well said and I fully back you up emily72. The thing that really annoyed me is that these parents seem to force their child or "property" into doing this without any consent what so ever ...
tallguypete 4 years ago 2
My personal opinion is that they have stricken of their childhood, which I think is really sad as it's the most important time of your life. They're being forced to grow up (if that's what you can really call it) into a profession, yes. Strictly speaking though why pressure them by ordering them on how to be like they are ...
tallguypete 4 years ago 3
Your daughter has broken both her ankles, move in and shut that crap down. She may hate ya, bot the OTFW. At least she wont be cripled later on down the road.
avenger007007 4 years ago 2
Can't you just have a great gymnast with great natural skill or does it have to be nurtured like an apple before being edible? Yes, I'm from across the UK, and I'm not sure if it is the same over here. Dear God, I hope it's not!
tallguypete 4 years ago
You've made several comments about how Parkettes' gymnasts lack technique. Can you give some examples? I'm intrigued.
Rudziewicz 4 years ago
Hardly any of the gymnasts' dreams came true.
Imagymnast114 4 years ago