M a n c i n o Manufacturing Co., Inc. inside USA gymnastics “Begin Here, Go Anywhere.” Recent conversations a wife and mother of four daughters and with members, athletes and parents have underscored serves as a corporate spokesperson and for me how appropriate this slogan is for our sport. participates in philanthropic endeavors. There are many amazing examples of how this works, “USA • Olympic Gold Medalists Bart Conner and from gymnasts whose names are well-known to an Nadia Comaneci are married with a son, athlete who participated in recreational programs! Gymnastics own a variety of gymnastics related busi- The experience, lessons and skills that are learned in nesses and have become global ambassa- gymnastics provide a platform that leads to so many is fortunate dors for the Olympic movement. places! • Shannon Miller, who won a total of 16 that our Olympic and world medals, has a law While there are many stories to choose from, below degree, is a spokesperson for numerous are just a few examples of what I mean. The men and great causes (including childhood obesity) women who have represented the United States in the gymnasts are and just returned from visiting the troops Olympic Games demonstrate the heights that can be in Iraq. OUR COMPLETE SOURCE FOR reached by kids who began the sport as toddlers and not only great • Carly Patterson, the 2004 Olympic all- Y : advanced through the programs to the pinnacle of around champion, is pursuing a singing sports competition and beyond. athletes, career and has already launched her first Folding Mats album. Here’s a look at the 2008 men’s and women’s Olympic but also • Kerri Strug, a 1996 Olympic gold medal- Floor Systems Teams and what they are doing now. ist, works in Washington, D.C., in the • Once learning cartwheels, now Nastia Liukin has wonderful Department of Justice. Landing Mats appeared on runways since becoming the Olympic • Mary Sanders, 2004 rhythmic gymnastics champion and has a new clothing line. She is cur- role models Olympian, spent some time as a Cirque du Wall Padding rently attending SMU and has returned to training Soleil performer. in the gym. for future • Arthur Davis and Shenea Booth, two-time Progressive Skill Builders • As most are aware, it was recently announced world champions, transformed their pas- that Shawn Johnson will appear on this season’s generations.” sion for acrobatic gymnastics into a suc- Training Equipment Dancing with the Stars. cessful entertainment career as “Realis,” • Alicia Sacramone was on the red carpet at the performing on a number of shows, includ- Preschool Training Aids Golden Globes and filed Web reports on the recent ing America’s Got Talent, Cirque du Soleil, NBA All-Star Game and its ancillary activities. and Dancing with the Stars. • Chellsie Memmel has been making appearances and enjoying • Karl Heger, a two-time world trampoline gold med- the post-Olympic glow, and says she is not yet finished compet- alist, works for the FBI. ing. • Chainey Umphrey, a 1996 Olympian, is a sports • Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan are finishing up high medicine physician in Northern California. school and looking forward to continuing their elite careers and competing in collegiate gymnastics in a couple of years. I could go on and on. USA Gymnastics is fortunate that • For the men, all six Olympians are maintaining their position on our gymnasts are not only great athletes, but also won- the U.S. National Team. derful role models for future generations. Gymnastics • Jonathan Horton is finishing up his college degree at the builds character as well as strong and healthy minds University of Oklahoma. and bodies. The sport of gymnastics is a great place • Justin Spring, Kevin Tan and alternate David Durante are for children to begin, preparing them to go down many coaching men’s collegiate gymnastics at the University of different paths. Illinois, Penn State University and Stanford University, respec- tively. If you’d like to read more inspiring stories about indi- • Joey Hagerty recently won the Winter Cup Challenge and fin- viduals who have started with gymnastics and gone to ished third at the Tyson American Cup. so many places, check out the Web site: • Raj Bhavsar is doing public speaking and appearances. www.beginheregoanywhere.com • Alexander Artemev is getting back to the gym after all of his or if you have a great story to share, please send it to: post-Olympic activities. [email protected] Many great gymnasts have gone on to make their mark in the See you in the gym. world. Some fantastic examples include: Ensuring Athletes’ Safety • Peter Vidmar, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, is now USA Gymnastics chairman of the board, a motivational speaker and Through Outstanding Product Quality serves on other boards as well. Steve Penny • Mary Lou Retton, 1984 Olympic all-around gold medalist, is President 6 MNUSA GY ASTICS MARCH • APRIL 2009 1-800-338-6287 www.mancinomats.com.