This week I discuss the top 5 things I'm most excited about at The American Classic. The American Classic is one of two elite meets that athletes can compete in to qualify for US National Championships. There are a lot of new Hopes gymnasts that will be competing. Some of the kids that competed in Hopes last year have now qualified as Jr. Elites so we will be watching how they do. We are also excited to see some Sr. Elites compete that we haven't seen compete in a while. You can check out The Balance Beam Situation for a great preview (https://balancebeamsituation.com/2018/07/05/american-classic-preview/) and more detail on some of the key athletes to watch for. Here's my top 5. 
1. So many new elites - mostly talking about Hopes kids here
2. Tom Forster 
3. The podium 
4. All the athletes - w/bias towards MG Elite, Paramount Elite and GO
5. The Leotards (of course) 
Good luck ladies! Have fun, stay focused and don't forget to point your toes :)

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Episode 25: The American Classics at University of Utah

This is 20-30 minute Podcast about all things gymnastics! We want to celebrate athletes, coaches, judges, gym owners, parents and anyone that loves gymnastics! Come join us on this journey about what makes gymnastics so great! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifeinaleo/support

Kids & Family

This week on Life in a Leo, I interviewed the amazing Betty Okino. Betty was part of the 1992 USA Olympic Team. This was the first team to win a medal at the Olympics. This was a time when the athletes had to compete both compulsory and optional routines. Betty was known for her beautiful lines and gracefulness. She has a couple skills named after her. The most famous being the triple turn on beam. 
What I loved about talking to Betty was how much mental toughness she displayed through her career in the sport. She had so much drive and determination that she was able to overcome her fears and achieve her dream of becoming an Olympian. 
Betty has continued to stay involved in the sport, giving back and building on the qualities she thinks make it so unique and important in young girls (and boys) lives. Betty has recently joined the National Team Staff, she also runs her own camp called Peak Training, and choreographs routines all over the country. If you want to learn more, check out www.bettyochoreo.com or find Betty on Instagram @BettyOChoreo or @BettyOkino. 
Thanks everyone for tuning in. If you are competing this weekend, good luck! Hope everyone stays warm and don't forget to point your toes ;)

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Episode 40: Interview with Olympian and total inspiration, Betty Okino

This week on Life in a Leo, I interviewed Marla Ranieri, a physical therapist specializing in gymnastics. As an elite gymnast herself, Marla completely understands what these athletes go through and what they are striving for. She is working to make sure injuries don't keep them from reaching their dreams.  This is done by performing an injury prevention assessment to find out what strength, range of motion and biomechanics deficits a gymnast has that may put them at risk for certain injuries.  
It was fun to learn what got Marla to this place in her career and what she is working to do to improve the care for gymnasts going forward. Definitely check out the app/resource she has created at https://www.betterpt.com/
If you have any feedback or ideas for future episodes, or even want to appear on the show, you can reach us at Rebecca@leotard.com or on Instagram @Rebeccasmomleo. 
Hope everyone has been enjoying the holidays! We want to thank our community for all the support. You guys are the best!! Hope everyone has a safe and very Happy New Year!! Looking forward to more episodes in 2019!
Keep up all the hard work, stretch and condition, and of course, don't forget to point your toes...

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Episode 39: Interview with gymnastics PT expert, Marla Ranieri

Just a quick update and apology for not having an episode ready for you. We have more in the works and I’ll have a new one next week. Happy holidays and don’t forget to point your toes 

Quick update - new episodes coming soon!!

This week I got to interview the incredibly accomplished Jill Hicks. Jill runs a business called Jill Hicks Consulting where she helps athletes in seven different sports navigate the college recruiting process. Her expertise is gymnastics but the other sports include women's soccer, women's basketball, track & field, cross country, acro& tumbling, and cheer!! In addition to helping young athletes navigate the recruiting process, Jill was an elite gymnast at SCATS and received a scholarship to compete for the Oregon State gymnastics team, where she ended up becoming the assistant coach and transitioned her career as an athlete. Jill moved back to So. CA for a period of time taking on the head coach position at Cal State Fullerton for six years before returning back to Oregon to be with her kids and grandchildren. 
Jill discusses how this process is a marathon and not a sprint, so make sure you are patient with yourself through the process. If you want more information, check out Jill's website https://www.jhicksconsulting.com/
You can also see all 82 schools that offer college gymnastics programs here https://usagym.org/pages/home/college/womeninfo.html
I mention that this is episode 40 at the beginning, but in fact, it's actually 38. Whoops...hope you guys enjoy the show! 
Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week! If you're competing this weekend, hope you have a great meet!! Keep up the hard work, stay positive, and of course, don't forget to point your toes ;)

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Episode 38: Interview with college recruiting expert Jill Hicks

Happy Friday and welcome to Life in a Leo! This week I got to interview, 10-year-old gymnast, Anabelle. She is training level 7 at San Mateo Gymnastics and just qualified as a TOPS National A Team Member! What a huge accomplishment. Her favorite gymnast is Laurie Hernandez because she looks like she's having so much fun out there. What a great thing to admire! We hope you enjoy the episode.
Are you watching World Championships? What do you think? What are your favorite moments so far? You can send us an email at Rebecca@leotard.com or you can reach us on Instagram, @Rebeccasmomleo. We hope to hear from you :)
If you're competing this weekend, good luck and good skill. Hope you have fun out there and of course, don't forget to point your toes!

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Episode 25: The American Classics at University of Utah

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