Gymnastics set for Olympic boost with Johnson spotlight
Enrollment in gymnastics programs is expected to spike next month as Shawn Johnson's success brings attention to the sport. Local gymnasts and coaches say Johnson's achievements raise interest, with many noting her impact on media coverage and youth participation in Iowa and surrounding areas.
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Meredith Hines-Dochterman
Gazette
Robin Joens
University of Iowa
Somersaults
Cedar Rapids
Shawn Johnson
Joens
Johnson
Robin
Amy Joens
Rebecca Moore
Iowa Gym- Nest
China
Moore
Lone Tree
Iowa
Carly Wendt
Joni Robertson
West Branch
Elizabeth Kenney
Carly Patterson
Athens
Patterson
U.S
Nastia Liukin
Liukin
Chelisie Memmel
Samantha Peszekare
Alicia Sacramone
Bridget Sloan
America
Jim Schlott
Coralville
Iowa City
USA Gymnastics
Schlott
Meredith.hines-Dochterman
Gazcomm.com
Olympic Facts and Fables reviewed by Gazette columnist
The review praises Tom Ecker’s Olympic history book updated since 1996, noting its engaging back stories and myth-busting insights. It highlights the marathon distance change anecdote from 1908 and mentions Gazette excerpts running toward the opening ceremonies.
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Tom Ecker
David Morrell
Ecker
The
Gazette
Gazetteonline
Bob Mathias
Charles Osgood
Library of Congress
Hollywood
Jesse Owens
Paris
St. Louis
Queen Alexandra
Royal Box
the Gazette
Jr.ogden
Gazcomm.com
Cedar Rapids
Johnson dominates as young gymnast rises to Olympic bets
Shawn Johnson, a Valley High School junior, rose from junior to senior to world all around champion. She won the 2006 junior title and 2007 Pan American Games all around, with four golds in 2007 and a 2007 national crown, sparking comparisons to Retton and Patterson. Johnson’s drive drew praise from peers and officials, while Governor Culver and others honored her with a dedicated day and tributes.
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Johnson
U.S
Mary Lou Retton
Carly Patterson
Amy Joens
Cedar Rapids
Somersaults Gymnastics Center
Philadelphia
Shawn
Jim Schlott
Iowa Gym-Nest
Coralville
Iowa City
USA Gymnastics
University of Iowa
Beijing
First U S Olympic Team Formed for 1896 Athens Games
The 1896 Athens Olympics featured about 245 athletes from 14 nations in nine sports. William Sloane inspired U S participation, financing helped by Princeton captain Robert Garrett and teammates, plus five track athletes from Boston Athletic Association. Harvard’s James Connolly pursued leave but declined to resign, joining the Athens trip and winning the hop, step, and jump. The U S assembled 13 athletes: four Princeton track and field stars, six from Boston, a swimmer, and two pistol shooters.
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Athens
Greece
United States
Princeton University
William Sloane
Sloane
Baron Pierre de Coubertin
America
Robert Garrett
Princeton
Baltimore
Garrett
Boston Athletic Association
Harvard
James Connolly
Connolly
Jonathan Shaw
Harvard Magazine
Boston
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Somersaults Gymnastics
Dim Schlott
Gym-Nest
West Des Moines
Liang Chow
Des Moines
Chet Culver
Iowa Hall of Pride
Sarah Pratt
Annie Leibovitz
Abigail
Meredith, Hines-Dochterrhan
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