An IdealGift Idea For The Male/Female

Gymnast or Enthusiast

from THE GYM SHOP

Box 777 Santa Monica, Calif 90406

Fill in event(s) d esired in provided blank spa ces, circle Gold Plate (G) or Rhod ium Pla te (R) and indicate quantity and total price a t bottom. Be sure to see event code for men and women.

WOMEN, WFX (Floor exercise) WUPB (Uneven Bars) WBB (Beam) WTR (Trampoline) WSHV (Vault ing) WAA \(AII·Around)

MEN, MFX (Floor Exercise) MSH (Side Horse) MSR (Rings) MPB (Pa rallel Bars) MLH (Long Horse) MHB (High Bar) MTR (Trompoline) MAA (AII·Around)

KEY CHAIN (KC) w ith _ _ _ in G. or R. ___ at $2.50 each.

TIE TACK (TT) with ___ in G. or R. ___ at $1 .50 each.

TIE BAR (TB) (not shown) with ___ in G. or R. ___ at $1.50

lAPEL PI N (lP) w ith ___ in G. or R. ___ at $ 1.00 each.

CUFF LINKS (Cl) w ith ___ in G. or R. ___ at $3.00 pa ir.

CHARM BRACELET (CB) (one charm included)

with ___ in G. or R. ___ at $2.50 each.

CHARMS (C) --, --, __ , __ , -_, __ ,

___ , ___ , ___ , IN G. or R. _ __ at $1 .00 ea ch.

SWEATER PIN (SP) w ith ___ in G. or R. ___ at $1 .00 each.

DELU XE CHARM PENDANT: __

Round, Oval or Square ___ in G. or R. ___ at $2.50 each.

TOTAL: $ ____ _

California residents. odd 5V2 per cent sales tax.

1971 Calendar featuring Med full-color reproductions

NEW!! ORDER NOW.

MllA~ M[u

JUST '71 $200

MILAN MED 1971 CALENDAR Now ... beautiful full-co lor miniature reproductions of the great works of the Czechos lova­

kian artist, Mi lan Med, in a limited edition Calendar featuring a different gy mnastic impress ion for each month. These beautiful 6x9 spira l-bound calendars are equally att ractive on your desk or wall.

NOTE:

SPECIAL .. to MADEMOISELLE GYMNAST Readers:

Many of you will want more than one copy of this beautiful ca lendar for you r home, office or friends . . . therefore, as long as our supply lasts, you ca n purchase extra cop ies at just $ 1.00 each with your initial order.

ORDER NOW from:

SUNDBY PUB LICATIONS P.O. Box 777 Santa Monica, California 90406

Please send me Mi lan Med '71 at $2.00 __ _

Send me ___ addi tional copies at $1.00.

total amount enclosed $ ___ _

Name __________________ _

Add ress _________________ _

City ________ State _____ Zip ___ _

Vol. 5 - No.2 Nov.-Dec. 1970

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK. . . . ... .. .... 4 NAMES 'N' NEWS.... .... ............ .. .. 6 1970 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

PREVIEW REPORT .... .... .. ......... 7 HITHER AND YON WITH

THE U.S.A. TEAM ...... ........ .. .... 10 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES .. . .. ...... 13 LARISSA PETRIK, 1970 UNIVERSITY

GAMES ALL-AROUND CHAMPION 16 THE FIRST GYMNASTICS

MODERN SCHOOL ........ .. ........ 18 GRATIFICATION .. ............ .... .. .. .. . 20 FLIP-FLAP ON THE FOUR-INCH BEAM . . 22 REGIONAL NEWS ........... ...... . .. .... 24 HELEN'S CORNER .. .. .. .. ...... .. .. .. .... 26 BOOK REViEW .. .. .. .... .. .......... .... 28 LETTERS . . ...... ... ......... .. ..... ....... 30

COVER: Ludmilla Turistceva U.S.S.R. , 19 70 World Games a ll -a round champion.

GLENN M. SUNDBY - Publisher DENNIES BARBER- Editor A. B. FREDERICK - Assoc. Editor BARBARA B. SUNDBY - Managing Editor HELEN SJURSEN - Contributing Editor

Man uscripts, photographs, and news items are invited, but we can assume no responsibility for return or compensation. The views and opinions of writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Sundby Publications or the Editor.

MADEMOISELLE GYMNAST is published by Sundby Publications, 410 BroocNOY. Sa nto Monico. California . Second Closs Postage paid a t Santo Mon ico. Cohf. Pubhshed b,· monthly. Sept.· Oct.. Nov.· Dec., Jon.· Feb . Mor. ·April. and Moy·June. Price, $3.00 per year, 75c single copy. Subsc ription co"es· pondence Box 777, SonIa Mon ico, California 90406. Copy righ t 1969. All rights reserved by Sundby Publicat ions, 410 Broadway, Santo Mon ico, California 90401

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: Our offices have taken on a colorfulness to match the

decorations of the season - and our pride is as bright. The explanation is theMilan Med 1971 Calendar. Publisher Glenn Sundby visited with Milan Med during his trip to Europe to cover the World Games. It was both a personal and business visit, and primary on the business agenda was finalizing arrangements on Med reproductions. As a dividend of that visit the artist and publisher worked out the rough plans for a calendar featur!ng color miniature reproductions of the now­famous gymnastic expressions. As soon as he returned , Glenn Sundby set out the final layout and rushed it to press. The result is a beautiful and unique collector's item - full-color miniature reproductions on fine-qual ity paper, suitable for your home or office (or both). The miniatures would be beau­tifully framed and certain to be long enjoyed. See our full­page ad on page three - a coupon is included to expedite your order (and note there is a special price offer on multiple orders) . We a re very proud of th is new offeri ng, orders). We are very proud of this new offering, and we look forward to making it a regular feature from Sundby Publica­tions. Don't delay ordering, though , for this first effort is a limited edition.

* * Of course the World Games was a full agenda, and we

have a preview feature in this issue for you. A complete de­tailed report will practically fill the January/February issue. Cathy Rigby's record-breaking accomplishment set the whole U.S.A. a bit brighter at year's end, and needless to say that those who have worked with her for so long were jubilant. Mademoiselle Gymnast is proud to have been able to feature Cathy and follow her progress to this high point, and we heartily congratulate her for her devotion and effort and for the recogn ition and rewards she has brought to herself and her country.

* * * The article on page 20 by Marilese Tronto was submit­

ted by her instructor, Miss Rosalia Gioia, physical education department chairman , New Hyde Park High School , New Hyde Park, New York. Miss Tronto is a 10th-grade student, age 14, and we appreciate her thoughts and considered them worthy of sharing with you . We do hope more of our readers, teachers and students, friends and parents will share such material and ideas with us.

Best wishes for all good things in the new year!

Cathy Rigby (1 ), shown here on the trophy stand shaking hands with Petrik (US.S.R.), became the U.s.A. gymnast of the year by winning the second-place silver medal on the ba lance beam at the 1970 World Championships held in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia .

NAMES 'N' NEWS Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (F.I.G.) at recent World Congress yote the United States Gymnastic Federation (U.S.G.F.) to represent U.S. The United States Gymnastic Federation won a major round in its battle with the United States Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U .), breaking the A.A.U.'s 35-year hold on interna­tional representation . The vote was 20-8 for the U.S.G.F. , w hich now will represent the United States in international gymnast­ics. The U.S.G.F. was born out of the Nat ional Collegiate Ath­letic Association (N.C.A.A.) feud with the A.A.U. for dominance in American Amateur athletics. The N.C.A.A. joined with high schools and other amateur bodies to form the federation move-ment.

* * * Of International interest from the Olympische Turnkunst: Larissa Latynina (USSR), next to Vera Caslavska, the greatest gymnast of all time, was recently judging at a dual meet in the DDR (East Germany). Asked about Natalia Koutschinskaja and Sinaida Voronina she said that Natalia had recently won a heavi ly con­tested competition with 76.25 points ... . Marianne Noack, w ith Karin Janz among the spectators, was the star of two exhibitions given by a DDR team in Southern Germany. The press praised her for her free straddled handspring (Saito) forward on the beam and the free circle to handstand on the high bar (unevens) with half turn (and change of grip).

* * * Mildred Prchal , "Lady On The Go," was featured in the Burling­ton ' Northern's monthly publication, Commuter News, read by some 20,000 riders on the suburban Chicago area system. (See the article by Gretchen on the Gymnastics Modern seminar head­ed by Mrs. Prchal in August.)

Pictured here are photos sent to us by our Mile C artist-friend Milan Med of Czechoslovakia of past Olym­pian Vera Cas lavska and her daughter sharing a workout.

· 8·

1970 World Championships With this edition of Mademoiselle Gymnast we will

give you a quick preview report of the world champion­ships to be followed by further reports and complete score statistics on every contestant in each event along with plenty of action photos by Don Wilkenson.

The opening ceremonies was a pageant display as each country marched on the platform in their official dress. From minis to maxis and tights to boots, all colors and styles that were far from conforming made it an exciting sight to behold.

Following the team presentation the Yugoslavian hosts put on a program consisting of folk dancing, ballet and physical education routines of novel origin using all types of mats, ladders and carts. Reminiscent of their past Gymnaestrada presentations.

A brief look at the results of the competition show the Russian girls on top for the team standings with 380.65, East Germany was second at 377.75, Czecho­slovakia third with 371 .90, followed by japan, Romania and Hungary, with the U.S.A. placing seventh with 360.20. Turistceva of Russia wo'n the all-around with 77.05. Zuchold of East Germany placed second with 76.45. Voronina was third with 76.15. Cathy Rigby (silver medal winner for the U.S.A. in the balance beam event) placed 15 all-around with 74.45. Other U.S. placings were joan Moore and Adele Gleaves, 33rd­place tie; Wendy Cluff, 44th; Cleo Carver, 49th, and Kim Chace, 61 st out of 137 contestants.

In the individual event finals, Zuchold of East Ger­many won two gold medals, vaulting and balance beam. janz of East Germany won on the unevens, and all­around champ Turistcheva of Russia took the top honors in floor exercise. All and all an exciting competition, especially with Cathy Rigby taking second place on the balance beam for a silver medal (that's about as close as you can get).

Scenes from opening ceremon ies program.

East Germany (second place) U.S.S.R. (first place)

World Games all-around champs: Zuchold (E. Ger.), 2nd; Turistceva (U.S.s.R.), 1st; Varon ina (U.s.s. R.), 3rd; Janz (E. Ger.), 4th; Burda (U.s.s.R.), 5th ; Petrik (U.S.s.R.),6 th .

·9·

Czechoslova kia (third place)

U.S.A. flag flies at World Championships as Cathy Rigby wins the silver medal in the balance beam finals.

HITHER AND YON WITH THE U.S.A. TEAM by Bud Marquette

This articl e is spec ifica ll y w ritten as a brief summary to be fo llowed by detailed reports from M rs. Pau line Prest idge in Eng­land, Mrs. D ale Flansaas on the Reno, Nevada, train ing camp, M r. Vannie Edwa rds from Lubljana, Yugos lav ia, and Mu ri el Gross­feld in Zurich, Sw itze rl and .

At the conc lusion of the Fi na l Tri als at Denver, Co lorado, the top 13 girl s were informed as to the September dates fo r the training program. The three-week sess ion was conducted under the leadership of Nati onal Coach, M rs. Dale Flansaas and her most capab le Nati onal Coaching staff - M uriel Grossfe ld, George Lewis, Vannie Edwa rds, and ass isting as instructor, Ruth Mc­Bride. Yours truly was unab le to a end unti l the last week due to illness. Linda M etheny also unable to attend as a seri ous ankle injury kept her from ri gid training, and indeed she was sorely missed. Young Roxanne Pierce sustained a fractured foot, Kathy Dennison's knee did not respond, and thi s further dep leted our status quo. The girl s and staff d id work very hard in spi te of the many distracting ven ues w hich had to be honored in order to make the program fin anc iall y so lvent. Upon conclus ion of the training ca mp and the se lection by the Nationa l Coaching staff, the eight girl s w ho would represent the U.S.A. 'at the Worl d Games, all departed fo r home and given a few days to pack, rest and aga in assemble at New Haven, Con n. , for briefing and f inal­izati on of routin es. Hosting the group were the hard work ing parents and fri ends of M uriel Grossfe ld. Last-mi nute attention 10

clothing repairs and unifo rm adjustments were in ord er. We are trul y grateful to W alter Zwickel, Philadelphia; Dale Ga lloway, Sacramento; Ed Gombos, Chicago, for their generous issuance of sweats and leota rd s for the gi rl s. A word of praise must also go to Muriel's tea m for making up such pretty uni form dresses w ith the untiring efforts of M uriel Dav is. The travel cloth ing and bags

were loaned to the girls by the Long Beach SCATS. The Nati onal Coach ing Staff thanks all of you fo r your help and fo re­thought.

Upon leav ing N.Y. , the teams flew to London, England, w here we certai nly had a marve lous v isi t w ith ou r good friends, Jim and Pa uline Prest idge, Roy Tay lor and his Assoc iates, and one can not fo rget that grand guy N ick Stewart. O ur v isit to Lon­don w ill be reported in detail by Paul ine in next issue of the M ile G. Renewing o ld acquaintances during ou r brief stay in London was indeed a thrill for Cathy, Wendy and myself. O ur personal thanks to Ralph Mayo, Jack Harrower, Ji m Ca meron, John Atk inson and all the youngsters w ho came to watch the performance.

The next leg of our journey took us to Zagreb, Yugos lav ia and then via a 3-hour bus ride to Lubjana, w here we were quar­tered in a most pleasant and modern hotel. (M r. Va nnie Ed­wa rds' detailed report to fo llow.) The attitude and friendliness of everyone set the pattern fo r the entire two weeks. Need less to say, the highlight of the entire tri p for all the U .S.A. boys, girl s and coaches alike was the climacti c fini sh of Ameri ca's li ttle Cathy Ri gby and the w inning of a silver medal in the ba l­ance beam competiti on. Aga in fo r thi s w riter another dream come true!

After a most wonderful stay in Yu gos lav ia, tea ms fl ew to Zurich, Sw itzerl and for a bri ef v isit and competition w ith our good Sw iss fri ends and the Japanese tea ms. O ur thanks mu st go to M r. and M rs. Peter Z immerman and Hans Peter Frey for being such grac ious and charming hosts. W e only hope that some day in the near future we in the U.S.A. can repay all of you by mak ing you fee l as we lcome in our land as we did in yours.

Below: Carver, Hill and Chase perform ing during the England- U.S.A. competition at Albert Hall.

-10-

·11·

More preview action scenes from the World Championships. Next edition of Mile G will contain complete statistics of all team and individual scoring and placing in every event (with lots of pictures and comments).

·12·

World University Games By Delene Darst

Mrs. Darst was the judge-manager for the women 's gymnas tic team from the u.S.A.

u.s.A. Women's Universit y Games Team; I to r, M rs. Delend]. Darst, manager-;udge; Terry Spencer, joanne Connolly (alternate), Ca rolyn Riddell, Oiane Oliver (a lternate), Barbara Bauer, Pa tty McGa rry, Mrs. Ma rgit Treiber, coach.

The World University Games began on August 26, 1970, in Turin, Italy, with as much pomp and splendor as the Olympic Games. A ceremony which saw over 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials marching around a track by nations in a stadium filled with more than 8,000 spec­tators, included welcome speeches by officials, raising of the Universaide flag, and the lighting of the torch. It was truly an exciting experience to take part in such a cere­mony. It was the only time all the athletes were in one place at one time so there was a great deal of pin ' trading and conversation going on among all of them.

The competition began on the same day as the open­ing ceremonies and continued until September 6 and the closing ceremonies. The United States competed in swim­ming and diving, fencing, men's basketball , tennis, track and field , and gymnastics. All of the athletes did a fine job and they brought home a large number of medals.

The gymnastic competition began on August 31 after a week of working out. The organization set up for work­out times was excellent. We alternated morning and after­noon workouts as well as workout sites. We had the oppor­tunity to work out with the Hungarians and the japanese, and became friends with the gymnasts and coaches in spite of the language barrier. They looked very good dur­ing the training sessions and continued to do so in the competition. After adjusting to the time change, differences in food and soft mattresses, the American girls' workouts improved . Terry Spencer sprained her ankle on Thursday before the competition on Monday and we were afraid she would be unable to compete. But, with the excellent medical facilities set up for the Games and the prompt attention given her by the doctors, she was able to com­pete at 100% efficiency.

Only team and all-around awards were presented and the Russians walked aw ay with the first three places in all-around and the gold medal as the Number 1 team. They were really outstanding in all ways. On uneven bars

their routines were very original and their technique al­most flawless. All four of the Russian girls swung their whole routine. Their beam routines were excellently per­formed but lacked originality. Again technique was the most outstanding characteristic of their floor exerc ise rou­tine.

The japanese women were second and the Hungari­ans were third. Both of these teams had improved a great deal since Mexico. In fact, the japanese girls were right even with the Russians until one of them fell on an eagle catch on the uneven bars. Their tumbling w as superb both on beam and floor.

All three teams demonstrated very good vaulting skills. The most popular vault was the yamashita, with several adding a half twist.

There was a great deal of original ity shown on bars and beam especially in connecting moves. One Hungarian girl performed an aerial cartwheel on the beam which made everyone who was watching gasp . The Hun­garians and japanese also showed lots of different kinds

Pa tty McGa rry

of double turns. Other very difficult combinations on the beam were cartwheel, back handspring, back somersault, dismount, without a hesitation in between the skills; back walkover, back handspring, back extension roll pirouette out, and a front aerial mount from the side fin­ishing in a sitting position .

In the team competition, the United States was fifth behind the Russians, Japanese, Hungarians, and Czecho­slovakians. All four girls from the United States did a fine job, and we were very proud of them. We were lack­ing in originality on bars as well as difficulty, but our beam routines were very good, lacking only difficulty in turning. The floor exercise routines were certainly up to

-14-

Terry Spencer

the level of the Russians and Japanese in terms of compo­sition, but we were weak in fine technique and our tum­bl ing was relatively low. We sti II need a great deal of work in vaulting to be on the level of the top teams.

Terry Spencer was our most outstanding gymnast finishing 13th in the all-around. She had better than a 9.0 average on all four events. Her best performance was on the balance beam where she scored a 9.35. Patty Mc­Garry moved from 24th in the first day of competition to 18th after completing all four events. Her best perform­ance was also on the balance beam where she scored a 9.0. Barbara Bauer and Carolyn Riddell finished 21st and 22nd respectively in the all -around.

The gymnastic competition was concluded with the presentation of each team, the awarding of the all-around medals, and then the team awards. There were no indi­vidual event medals presented. The national flags of those receiving awards were raised as the band played an inter­national university theme.

The University Game concluded on Sunday, Septem­ber 6th, at the end of the final track event. It too was very impressive as all 56 national flags were paraded around the track as well as standards with each country's name on it. Five different bands were performing. The most impres­sive was a group playing only brass horns and ran in time with their playing completely around the track and then into the middle of the field. They received a standing ova­tion from the large crowd that filled the stadium. The cere­monies were concluded as the President of FISU addressed the crowd and passed the Universaide flag to Mr. Wick Rodis of the United States where the next Winter Games will be held in 1973. The .torch that had burned through­out the Games was extinguished, and fireworks went off as some of the athletes spontaneously ran around the track and field , arm in arm, regardless of what country they rep­resented .

It was a marvelous experience for all who were there. Many new and lasting friendships were made among the athletes and officials from the different sports as well as from the different nations.

Barbara Bauer

Ca rolyn Riddell

-15-

Gretchen Dowsing (foreground), instructor M ildred Prchal in white blouse.

The First Gymnastics Modern School by Gretchen Sunderland Dowsing

The fresh, mountain beauty of Sokoi Woodlands, New York, added immeasurably to our enjoyment of the First National School for Gymnastics Modern (August 30-September 4). Directed by Mildred Prchal and Norma Zabka, this school attracted students from California to New York, and even a few from Canada . .. The instructors added an exciting international flavor to our workshop: Maria Bakos is the coach of the Hungarian Gymnastics Modern Team; Eva Balazs, now teaching at Sargent Col­lege, is from Czechoslovakia.

After settling ourselves in our modern motel rooms, we began classes in the huge, beautiful gymnasium set in among the pines. We were instructed in basic to advanced skills with quite a variety of hand apparatus, including hoops, balls, clubs, ribbons, and ropes. Every morning (despite our sore muscles!) Mildred Prchal led us in ballet warm-ups, which helped us better understand the terms and positions used in modern gymnastics. Maria Bakos gave us a daily workout-in body wave technique, stress­ing the importance of using the whole body in all gym­nastic work. We gained experience learning compulsory routines with the help of Eva Balazs; she assigned us "homework" in the form of interpreting these compul­sories so that we could perform them with a group.

Films of the European modern gymnastics teams were shown everyday, probably in the hope that we would be inspired to greater heights! The evenings were used for additional practice and group discussions covering the topics of judging, equipment, available books, and sug­gestions for improvement.

The students attending the school included physical education teachers, part-time gymnastics instructors, and college gymnasts. Each one seemed to find the instruction and experience valuable. The unqualified success of this summer's workshop insures its place as an important annual event. The results of our learning will surely con­tribute to the growth and popularity of the beautiful sport of Gymnastics Modern in the United States.

·18·

.~ '" c E :>-

\.) c .~ -'<

'" 6 8 -C U Q) N

U o ] E Q)

E

'" > o -'< C

'" V) Q) c ~

GRATIFICATION During the past few years , gymnostics

has become a very gratifying part of my life . Through gym­nastics, particularly floor e x erc ise, I have found a medium

in which to express myself. For me, there are few keener joys in life than to feel the precision and clean sharpness

in a well-executed movement. Fear is still a large obstacle for me to

overcome. However, it is not actually fear as much as it is lack of confidence in my capability to do a move, such as

vaulting over the horse with the beat-board four and one half feet away. It is very pleasing to overcome a fear and be able

to do the move, but it is very disheartening to fail continuously merely because of lack of confidence when I can do the move

with a finger spot, but remain unable to summon enough courage to do it alone.

In the 7th grade when I was first introduced to gymnastics , I always felt a wonderful exhilara­

tion even in mere anticipation of gymnastics. I still feel this way today. Gymnastics is a magnificent cure for mental depression, for it requires concentration deep enough to

blot out most other thoughts. After I leave a gymnastics session, other than the physical sensations of exhaustion,

weak and shaking muscl,es, and a good "tiredness," I always feel happier, far more relaxed, and definitely more content.

Some may say this is because I reassured myself I can do some things fairly well, but even when I was in grade school and generally acknowledge one of the worst tumblers in the school (not even good enough to make the first team!) I still

experienced these feelings of great enjoyment. I have found that the determination and perseverance needed

for any degree of success in gymnastics has also carried into life outside the gym. The muscular as well as mental discipline

(for one must be disciplined to repeat a move over and over and over again without any noticeable improvement) needed

for gymnastics is valuable in other areas as well. When there is music playing and I can do free-ex without

restraint, this is the way I can best pretend to be what I consider some of the most beautiful things in life. I can be

the wind, rushing quickly and then retreating in soft darting movements ... or a bird winging strongly and swiftly down

swooping air currents . . . or perhaps a small fish - a mere sliver leaping cleanly from surging waters into fresh sunlight from

the pure joy of living ... a petite flower, a dreamily floating snowflake . .. so many things can I feel in gymnastics that I

can never find elsewhere. In conclusion, the discovery of gymnastics has been a great

deal more to me than learning to conquer new sensations and feelings. It has opened for me an outlet for emotions,

an enjoyable way of learning difficult discipline, and a way to express myself . . . perhaps better than I ever could in words.

. . . Marilise Tronto

-21 -

Flip-flap on the 4-inch beam Erika Zuchold -senior women's gymnast of the GDR By Karl-Heinz Friedrich

The fan mail for Erika Zuchold is piling up. The grace­ful gymnast and silver medal winner in the vault in both the world championship and in the Olympic Games, tries to reply to each letter. She is writing in English to a Mexi­can boy and in Russian to a nurse in the Soviet Union. "No doubt, there will be mistakes in them," she confesses, "but I learn a lot from writing."

One year ago, Erika graduated from the Teachers' Training College in Leipzig. Recalling her first test lesson with a group of ten-year-old school girls, she says : "The girls behaved very well indeed and seemed to hang on my lips." -Small wonder if one considers that only a few weeks ago P.E. teacher Erika Zuchold had won two Olym­pic medals in Mexico City: a silver medal for the individual vault and a bronze one for the over-all team competition . She was near winning a third medal in the individual rank­ings of the women's 8-exercises combined competition but finally had to take fourth place, nevertheless proving that she has to be rated among the strongest gymnasts in the world . How her Olympic dream came true

Erika Zuchold's dream of competing in the Olympic Games could well have come true, already four years earlier. In 1964, the sixteen-year-old girl, then known un­der her maiden name Erika Barth j made headlines in the sports press as the first gymnast in the world , who ventured in a competition upon the flip-flap (a backward flip) on the 4-inch wooden beam. Although she was standing head and shoulders above her rivals, because of a tragic injury in the last minute the trip to Tokyo was out of reach . The tears she shed at that time are forgotten . Today she admits : "There was also a bright side to it. At the Kreischa sana­torium, where I underwent treatment for my Achilles ten­don trouble, I came to know my husband, and that made up for my disappointment. " In 1966, Erika gave the 'auto­graph of her life' to Leipzig track-racing cyclist Dieter Zuchold at a Dresden registrar's office. Dieter Zuchold is an engineer by trade and was, at that time, a member of the GDR's 4,000 m pursuit team which had set a world record in 1963.

Erika's enthusiasm for gymnastics was aroused by her father who taught her how to perform side splits, arm­stands and horizontal balances on one leg. It was more meant for play and a pastime, nothing more. In the course of time, however, it became evident that the girl was ex­traordinarily gifted for gymnastics and calisthenics. Later after Erika had become a member of the SC Leipzig, her talent was developed systematically by experienced coach­es and she was given the opportunity to train together with the top female gymnasts of Leipzig. Among them was Ute Starke, the European vault champion of 1961. Nobody then had the least inkling that the vault would become Erika's favorite event in the following years.

·22-

Sisters between themselves: Experienced Erika giving hints to up-and-coming Monika.

Breaking new ground In framing her program of exercises, the almost fifteen­

year-old girl did not follow the well-worn path. She al­ways felt like trying something new, to find elements and sequences of exercises which had not been done before. When told that Mr. Yamashita of Japan had "invented" a new jump over the long horse she felt challenged to try it over the women's transversely-placed horse. Two years later she demonstrated this new type of exercise, and was awarded maximum points by two judges.

Though the Olympic Games in Tokyo remained a dream because of her injury, her comeback was a bril­liant success. At her world championship debut in Dort­mund in 1966 she produced her "Yamashita" in the vault final. She did it with superb control and succeeded in win­ning the silver medal.

The 1970 world championships are just around the corner. Erika Zuchold, the youngest member of the GDR team in 1964, has attained seniority status now. Like any­one else in the GDR squad including Karin Janz, four times European champion, she underwent an intense prepara­tion. They all will do their best in Lubljana to keep the good reputation of GDR women's gymnastics intact. Challenge from her own family?

At home at Lucka near Altenburg a little gymnast will watch the world championships on television. She is Monika Barth, Erika's 14-year-old sister. There is a striking likeness not only with regard to their faces and figures. Even in the movements and in the lay-out of her exercises, young Monika cannot belie her affinity to her famous sister. In the competitions of the GDR's Third Children's and Youth Spartakiad in Berlin in 1970, Monika Barth, in her floor exercises used music and elements from her sister's youth championship performances. In the vault final she beat all rivals. Her Spartakiad victory in the vault left no doubt that she has something of her sister's natural talent.

When asked if she believed in becoming as success­ful as her sister, Monika seemed a bit frightened. "Well," she said, "until I can do that I will have to learn a lot more." It is a sure thing that Erika will give the little Spar­takiad champion all her help.

(pANORAMA DDR)

Erika Zuchold's favorite event on the 4-inch beam. Her flip-flap made her known all over the world.

REGIONAL NAMES 'N' NEWS

MICHIGAN by Owen Perkins The First Judging Clinic and Exam at the Ann Arbor Y on Sept. 25-26 was a great step forward! About 30 people attended the clinic, and 18 participated in the exam! Continued efforts by judging chairman Li nda Morton and her comm ittee w ill see more rated offic ials in Michigan and a higher leve l of judging for meets! Judges need to learn the junior O lympic compul sories! To do a proper eva luation when judging and to pass the exam requires a thorough knowledge of these compulsories routines . Two Ave­nues Are Open for Learning These Routines: The compu lsory cl inics on Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 and the Second Judging Clinic in November. Watch for the Flyer on the Second Judging Clin ic and Exam!!! ... Mid-America Conference (F lint, Michigan, team): Gym­nasts representing Flint in the Mid-America Conference : Gayle Compton (age 14), Nancy Dickey (13), Becky Ensign (10), Dianne Grayson (15), Sharmane Peek (11 ), Cindy Roberts (13), Maddie Wetherell (18) ... the home dual meets will be held in Fl int (not in Madison Heights as originally an nou nced) . . . the first meet is tentatively schedu led for Saturday, Dec. 12 ... Champaign, Illinois vs. Fl int, Mich ... . comments from Jim McGraw, Flint coach, on the Flint team and its competitors : "We are defin itely young, inexperienced and wil l take ou r lumps for awhile. Com­pu lso ri es wi ll be used as well as optiona l exercises. At least half the conference teams we meet have one or more U.S. national team members; one team nas three ... Dianne Grayson is one gi rl w ho at the present time can compete at this high level with suc­cess. She has the necessary experience - is determined - and shou ld finish nea r the top in any competition she enters. I'm anticipating a great year for her .. . . Our next best AA. perfor­mances shou ld come from Nancy Dickey and Gay le Compton . A lthough not as 'polished, they both should eventually deve lop into good gymnasts .... Sharmane Peek and Becky Ensign are too small to work regu lation bars ... they will only be entered in three events, as wi ll Cindy Roberts and Maddie Wetherell -Maddie has just recently returned tQ us after a two-year absence. ... Now graduated, she is servi ng in the capac ity of assistant coach for ou r newer gymnasts and slowly working herself back into shape to help fill our gaps until ou r younger ones develop some experience. Our best team event w ill be floor exercise .. . shortage of seasoned gymnasts will hurt our cons istency . . . . Our routines are difficult ... these kids are a very determined bunch .... Dianne, espec ially, shou ld be reaching her peak, and I pred ict that this yea r will see her make the U.S. training camp." ...

Outstanding Michigan Girl Gymnast: Dianne Grayson, age 15, is a member of the Flint Olympians team and is coached by Jim Mc­Graw .... Dianne won her first all-around championship in 1966 at the age of 1 0, w hich she followed with four more wins in the prep divis ion ... w hen she was 12, she entered the junior divi­sion and won 13 out of 14 meets climaxed by winning the AAU Junior Olympic National Championships in 1968 in Tennessee. . .. In 1969 she won the Michigan State M.A.G. Junior Division Championsh ips .. . in 1970 she placed 10th in UB in her f irst AAU senior nationals ... . Dianne says, "Gymnastics has enabled me to meet many interesting people and to travel and see many places. It has taught me how to accept a loss and be proud of a w in and to acknowledge other gymnasts' hard work." . .. Dianne advises beginners, " I would tell a beginner that if she keeps work­ing and progresses, she has a wonderful future ahead of her and never to get too discouraged and quit. " ... Michigan Calendar: Michigan Women's Gymnast ic Commiss ion Compulsory Rou­tines Clinics, junior Olympic developmental leve l, 13-14 and 15-18, and junior nationals ... headed by Lindsay Cobb with members of the An n Arbor Y Gymnastic team Dec. 5, Taylor, M ich . .. . Illinois vs. Flint dual meet Dec. 12, Flint. . . . Michigan State YMCA Gymnastic Clin ic at the Mt. Clemens YMCA, staffed by Peter Rondot, Jim Bryden, Bob Swislo, Dorothy Hoben, Sharon Ri chards, Rusty Weiman, Jerry Tay lor, Carol Cratchoff, Kathleen Berube Dec. 12, Mt. Clemens, Mich ... . Louisv ille, Kentucky, vs. Flint, Mich. , dual meet Jan . 9 (time and exact site not yet designated) ... YMCA State Compu lsory Meet Jan. 30, 1971, site to be announced.

-24-

Information pertaining to the A.A.U. Junior Olympic Competition: The September M .W .G.C. Newsletter indicated Editor Owen Perkins' concern about a change in the Junior O lympic Compulsories for this 1970-71 season ... he rece ived many res'ponses to his let­ter and ed itori al from persons all over the nation, and it is his interpretation of their comments that the Junior Olympic Com­pu lsories for 1970-71 wi ll be those published in the guide for 1970-1972. It wou ld be presumptuous to know what the AAU. Olympic Girl s' Committee at the national convention in San Francisco on Dec. 5 w ill decide. However, it is not in the best interests of the gymnasts, coaches, judges and other interested parties to make a major change at this late date . . . . Owen Per­kins' suggestion for this season : " The 1971 Junior Olympic Pro­gram shou ld use the Developmental Leve l compulsories as pub­lished and distributed by the A.A.U. of the U.S. for 1970-1972 and nationally sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company" ... and for the future . . .. " If indeed it is wise to change for the 1971-72 season to modifications of the AAU. junior national compulso­ries (I' bel ieve it has merit and shou ld be given serious considera­tion) that this decisic)Il shou ld be made at the Dec. 5 meeting with a stiup lation that a supplement contain ing these exerc ises be printed and made avai lable not later than May 1, 1971, or the change be voided. This would allow spring, summer and fall clinics to include these compulsori es in training of judges, coaches as well as gymnasts."

NEW JERSEY: by Helen Sjursen Junior Olympics National Trampoline Girls' Champion for 1970 is Greer Thompson of Tennessee .. .. USGF Olympic Tour .. . Reservations now being accepted ... total cost approximately $600 per per-son . . . includes air transportation, hotel and ti ckets to opening ceremonies Aug. 26th, Munich, Germany . . . for further informa­tion wri te to Frank Bare, O lympic Tour, P.O. Box 4699, Tucson, Arizona 85717; telephone (602) 622-3865 . ... 1971 Junior Olym­pics Girls' Compulsory Exercises . . . the 13-14 and 15-18 age group will use the new 1971 junior national compu lsories. These rou­tines are now avai lable in a packet (i ncludes text, code of deduc­tions, music, film, etc.), cost $10. Order from Dick Mulvilhill , c/o McKinley YMCA, 500 Church St., Champaign, Illinois 61820. (These com pulsories are the " mod ified 1970 World Games com­pulsories" referred to as the " new 1971 junior national compu l­sori es" and wi ll also be used for the AAU junior nationals and YMCA nationals.) ... 1971 Junior Olympics Developmental level for 10-12 Age Group . ... Up to this writing, we still have to wait on a decision for this age group in regards to the use of compulsories . They may remain the same as last season, or they may be changed. Most likely thi s decision will be made at the December AAU con­vention .... 1971 Junior Olympics Novice level .. . There are no changes in compulsories for this level for the coming season . . . use the same compulsories as was used last year shown in the AAU Junior O lympics Compulsory Book . .. YMCA Nationals . .. the women will use the new 1971 Junior National AAU compul­sories .... "Skills for Women's Gymnastics" by Helen Sjursen . .. includes skills for uneven bars, ba lance beam, floor exercise and vau lting . .. no need to scan through a dozen separate books to hunt up different skills to learn or to teach .. . over 890 skills, incl uding some combinations . .. all listed under one cover ... espec ially helpful to coaches and gymnasts with a limited knowl­edge of gymnastic skills .. . for convenience the skills have been " unoffic ially" listed as an element of " medium" or "superior" difficulty so that judges may use this book as a guide when judg­ing competitions within their loca l area ... no one in the gymnast field shou ld be w ithout thi s handy, convenient, reference book ... each sk ill illustrated ... beginner to advanced .. . cost approx­imately $6 more or less, plus postage and handling . . . expected off the press by late October or earl y December. Order from HOCTOR RECORDS, WALDWICK, NEW JERSEy .... Get Well , Sandy ... Sandra Stutzman, coach at Trenton State Col­lege, was forced to resign due to illness resulting in hosp itali za­tion and a long recuperating peri od. Bes ides doing an excellent coaching job, Sandy was instrumental in organizing the first J.J. State Intercollegiate Championships last season and hopes that

it will continue to ;be an annual event. Trenton State College is most fortunate in having Phyllis Cooper (a nationally recognized coach and judge and former coach at West Chester State) as the new coach of Trenton's women 's team .... Gymnastics Instructor Needed ... at Hillside Community Center for high school boys and girls. Contact Dave Klurman, Hillside Community Center Township of Hillside, Hillside, New Jersey. Phone (201 ) 923-1285 between 3:00-6 :00 and 7:00-10:00 p.m .... Competition Wanted for elementary, junior high and high school team, boys and girls ... Spring Valley, New York, area or northern New Jersey area. Contact Pel Mead, gymnastic coach, Kakiat JuniorJ=i-ign, Viola Road, Sprint Valley, New York 10977 .. . New Release .. . " Gym­nastics Handbook" by Sam Foget, University of Pennsylvania gymnastics coach (men). ... Cost $8.95, includes chapters on building gymnasti cs in your school, organizing practice sessions, introducing tumbling and free exercise, side horse, still rings, long horse, parallel bars and horizontal bars, coaching beginners routines, utilizing sample exercises with 5.0, 8.5 and 10.0 rat­ings, analyzing parts ABC of routines, preparing for a gymnastics meet, operating a complete meet, evaluating gymnastics perfor­mances, the spirit of gymnastics .... Order from Parker Publishing Co. , Inc., West Nyack, New York 10994 (extra for postage and handling).

World Games music tape .. . for compulsory floor exercise $2 .50 ... has one recording of piano only and one recording of music with vocal directions . .. write Dale Flansaas, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada. Women's minimum age lowered ... it was announced at the USGF Nationals that the FIG has changed the minimum age requirement for female gymnasts in international compe­tition from 15 years to 14 years of age .. . Winter session of the Sokol U.S.A. Gymnastic School .. . in December ... for enrollment or further information, write to Sokol USA, 276 Prospect St. , East Orange, N.J. The gymnastic school winter session will take place in Tampa, Florida, and will be directed by Milan Trnka, gymnastic coach at West Chester State College, Pa .... Results of Region I, AAU Junior Olympic National Trampoline Championships ... regional champions of each age group : 9 and under, Sara Glover of Monmouth Beach Club, NJ ; 10-12, Mary Lee of New Canaan YMCA, Conn .; 13-14, Barcey Thurston of Somerset Valley YMCA, NJ; 15-18, Betty Stein of Middletown Recreation Club, NJ . ... Betty Stein, qualifier for the 1970 AAU Junior Olympic National Trampoline Championships, was flown to Knoxville, Tenn. in August.. .Now that trampolining is on the increase, NJ Newslet­ter recommends "Trampoline As I See It" .. . an excellent book containing series pictures of the skills along with detailed ex­planation of the skills and spotting instructions for same ... cost $3 .95 from International Publications of Lafayette, La., P.O. Box 869, USL Station, Lafayette, La. 70501 ... "Trampolining" is recommended for those just beginning trampolining ... cost $.95 (don't let the price fool you) from Wm. C. Brown, Co., Dubuque, lowa ... both books contain a wealth of information, both illus­trated and written by Jeff Hennessy of La ., a,n expert on the sport of trampolining.

* * * New 1971 Jr. National and YMCA National Compulsory Dis­mount from Balance Beam explanation ... Placing the right leg forward on the beam, thrust the left leg, then the right leg back­ward to an inverted stretched support (handstand) on the right arm executing a % turn to the ri ght. Land in a side stand, right side next to the beam, right hand on the beam, left lateral.

Ohio by Renee Hendershott Re: Junior Olympic girls' developmental-level compulsory routines for 1971: As was indicated in the last Oh io newsletter, there is defi­nitely a great deal of opposition to a change in the girls ~ compul­sories for the coming season . . .. I have heard from two sources now that Wanda Obradovich, national Olympic chairman for girls, recommends that the junior Olympic routines remain the same as they were written in the compulsory booklet put out in March by the Quaker Oats Co. for the AAU ... last year at the December AAU convention, it was agreed that these compulso­ries would be used until '72 ... . Wanda says that she doubts that

·25·

a change will be voted in at the coming AAU convention ... so ... it looks like we are pretty safe in going ahead and using the '71 compulsories .... DGWS Compulsories for 1972 .. . the Division of Girls' and Women's Sports will change their compulsories for the 1972 competitive season . ... Films of the new compulsories will be filmed in the early part of 1971 .... lakewood YWCA Holi­day Gymnastic Clinic for Girls Dec. 27-30, Lakewood, Ohio, staffed by Kathie Bodnar, Renee Hendershott and members of the Lake­wood Y Girls' Gymnastic team . . . . Bids for dual meets: Coach Vern Dietrich writes that if anyone in the area has boys and girls (all ages except senior) who wish competition other than what is already in the Ohio schedule, the Geneva Vikings compete in all Olympic events, plus tumbling and trampoline . . . they have gym­nasts at either novice or developmental level who will compete at home or away ... write to him at 57V2 S. Crowell St. , Geneva, Ohio 44041 .... Ohio Calendar: Fourth Annual Columbus Invita-tional Dec. 19-20, Worthington, Ohio ... . Great Lakes Region YMCA Girls' Gymnastics Championships (Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia) March 13, 1971 , Cambridge, Ohio .... News from sum­mer clinics: Bobby. Naukam and Phil Naukam, Ron and Joan Ganim, Pete Dusek and Sadau joined forces this summer with Rudy and Janet Bachna to give a record number of gymnastic clinics ... by the end of the second week in August they had reached over 900 boys and girls . . .. Muriel Grossfeld's World of Gymnastics down in Columbus was a great success. From all re­ports the clinic was very well organized and all participants, both adult and child, gained much during their week's stay . ... The annual National Gymnastics Clinic at Michigan State University, aside from its many classes for gymnasts, had quite a number of adults' classes. The most interesting thing was that they had two international judges and two national judges (women) there. Adults interested in judging had three days of judging sessions with Jackie Uphues, who was an excellent teacher. They also had 0RPortunity to judge three meets with the experienced judges there to help and· correct their work . . . what a marvelous 'oppor-tunity ...... DGWS certification exam was given at the end.

New Gymnastic Figure Trophies From $3.95 and up.

For Orders and further price list write : THE GYM SHOP

412 Broadway Santa Monica, Ca. 90406

'-'fe/en ~ Corner By HELEN SJURS'EN

46 POPLAR PLACE FANWOOD, NEW JERSEY 07023

ARE YOU HAVING A PROBLEM STAYING ON THE BAR AFTER A CAST WRAP?

Why lose a point for a "fall" after a cast wrap when this type fall CAN be IMMEDIATELY corrected by doing the following : As you turn over on the low bar, the moment your body is resting on the bar in an upside down "V" position, immediately stretch the body and straighten the arms MAK­ING SURE THE HEAD AND SHOULDERS STAY WELL IN FRONT OF THE LOW BAR. If you make sure the head and shoulders stay WELL in front of the low bar as you straighten your arms, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to fa ll off, even if you kept your body "piked" throughout the back hip circle.

o

Cast

Wrap

o

Straighten arms keeping head and shoulders well in front of bar as body rises to reach the front support position.

o

Turn over bar to upside down " V" posi­tion " 1\ ") .

·26·

HAPPINESS IS -Happiness is when you don ' t really know the compulsories

well, but the judges think you do.

Happiness is when you can refuse to perform first in a second event if you were scheduled to go on twice in the first spot.

Happiness is when you 've won the all-around much to your surprise.

Happiness is when you have a smart coach who knows all the up-to-date rules and deductions while train ing you for competitions.

Happiness is getting through a workout without any serious blows from the performers when spotting.

Happiness is being prepared to perform perfectly an alternate move as a coverup, so the judges will not know you immediately corrected a " would be" error.

Happiness is teaching youngsters gymnastics and knowing you had a hand in helping them to grow up with strong, healthy, graceful bodies.

Happiness is ridding yourself of the "I am great" attitude.

Happiness is when you know a lot about gymnastic rules and regulations and freely pass the information on to your fellow enthusiasts.

Happiness is getting compulsories exercises well in advance (for a change) of the meet date.

GYMNASTIC APPAREL BY

IN STOCK - IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

G-59 lEOTARD "DOUBLE TRIMMED NECK" For comfortable fit and practicality, Mizuno Leotards are made from 100% stretch nylon, reinforced with special double overlock stitch­ing at all points of stress. Furnished with % sleeves and a choice of six " stock" colors. Children's and adult sizes are available.

95A "JET-STREAM" 1 00% nylon suit, designed for a full ranqe of sports and casual wear. Th is Olympic -grade suit features a con­trasting double stripe, raglan sleeves, knit collar, cuff and waistband with contrasting stripes. Zipper legs with straight cuffs and stirrups. All sizes available in five colors.

62A

95A

1 00% Double Knit Acrylic suit de­signed for those with a budget. Half­zipper style, knit collar, cuffs and waist ­band. All sizes available in five colors.

75A 100% Triple Knit Acrylic suit. Fea­tures the smooth European style, full zipper front in white contrasted color. All sizes available in nine colors.

We also handle gymnastic hand guards, shoes and other accessories.

G-59

75A 62A

For complete color catalog contact your local representative:

Mizuno Corporation Los Angeles Office 834 So. Spring St. Los Angeles, Calif. 90014 Phone: (213) 622-5883

622-1734

Mizuno Corporation Louisville Office Box 7505 Louisville, Ky. 40207 Phone: (502) 895-9141

Mizuno Corporation Lake Crystal Office Box 188 Lake Crystal, Minn. 56055

GYMNASTIC FLASHBACKS Ten Minutes - 1 6mm B&W and'Calor Sound Produced by Dovid Adams of Pyrmid Films

Price: $120. Rentol : $1 0 GYMNASTIC FLASHBACKS. A New Educotional Gymnastic Film with a BEAT .. . Do you know what gymnastics looked like 50 years ago? Do you remember Even Parallels for women? Do you want to see it as it was? .. and see it as it is today? .. then! THIS IS THE FILM FOR YOU .. . A time capsule of World and Olympic Champions in action over the past half century set to a musical score that will make you jump.

GREAT for any class, anytime, anyplace, rain or shine. They will really get TURNED ON for GYMNASTICS when you show them this one.

Put your order in Now! for this narrated 16mm sound action film of the Super-Stars in the Gymnastic World post and present

Purchase $1 20. Rental- $1 O.

Order From: PYRAMID FILMS P.O. Box 1048G Santa Monica, Calif. 90406

phone (213) 395-5200

LADIES' GYMNASTIC SHOE '

An extremely flexiable snug-fitting shoe with white Tetron jersey upper. Provides excellent toe point . during competition. Rubber hemming assures tight but comfortable wear even during the mos. vigor­ous movements . Leather sale is slip -free and ,llows good ventilation. Worn by many top international

competitors. Sixes: 2 - 9 $2.00 pro ppd.

1970 Yugoslavia World GymnastiCS Championships Super 8 - in color

The world's most exciting combinations, tWists and new techniques have been re­cently filmed. See the winning and top optional routines, for all Olympic events, in semi-slow motion taken from the best loca­tions. In order to show more variety of rou­tines, a second reel for men has been pro­duced showing top competitors throughout the world.

Men's - #1 4 - 400 ft ............ $35.00 Ppd. Men's - # 1 5 - 300 ft . ....... ... . $25.00 Ppd. Women's - # 1 6 - 400 ft . ........ $35.00 Ppd.

r k r I 12200 SOUTH BERENOO AVENUE r 1" ant::: n a 0 LOS ANGELES, CALI FOI'lNIA 90044

-28·

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS JUDGES CORRESPONDENCE COURSE, 1969. Edited by Helen Sjursen (ava ilable from the author, 46 Poplar Place, Fanwood, N.). 07023. $3.00, plus 18c postage) ..

Helen Sjursen has been an active participant in gymnastics for many years: national women's champion in 1947 and 1948 and member of the 1948 Women's Olympic Gymnastic Team. She has been a keystone in the New jersey Gymnastics Association and edits the NjGA Newsletter. Out of her years of gymnastic experience came the recogn ition that a growing sport needed more and better qualified judges; hence, her judges correspondence courses for women and men.

Based on the 1968 FIG Code of Points, the women's course has been updated with each new ruiing listed on a correction sheet (the copy re­viewed was up to date through jan. 1, 1970). The course is self-adminis­tered and includes a test (with the answers in a sealed envelope) _ Mrs. Sjursen writes in an informal , anecdotal style much like her approach in a clinic situatiof).

The book should be read with a copy of the women's Code of Points at hand for assistance in definitions and some technical matters. Mostly, however, it does follow the FIG breakdown on compulsories and option­als with descriptions and examples of the factors of execution, form, dif­ficulty (see also her supplementary book Women 's Gymnastics Superior and Medium [difficulty] Book), amplitude, composition, originality and general impression.

It is interesting to note that " comparison" judging is not discouraged, at least at beginning levels, but honest judging is recognized as the chief obligation of the judge to the gymnast. The hard work involved in judging is not minimized, but emphasis is placed on the satisfaction of doing a good job.

The idea of notation - recording what happens as it goes - is stressed. It certainly does make it easier to justify a score, but the system takes time to learn and to use competently. Along this line Mrs. Sjursen presents an alternative approach to judging to reduce' the time involved in arriving at a score. Since the course does not aim to produce interna­tional-level judges but competent judges in a local area, her system is quite workable. (The ten points are broken down into four for form and execution, four for difficulty and two for overall general impression and composition versus the FIG breakdown of execution and form, 1.5 ; ampli­tude, 1.5; general impression, 1.0; difficulty, 4; originality, 1.5, and com­position, 0.5). One must still be able to add three component scores cor­rectly, but it is easier than six scores as an erratum on page 35 demon­strates (this is corrected on a corrections sheet).

Discussions on problem areas such as short routines and vaulting are well done and instructive. A table of ratings for FIG vaults is included along with recommendations for lower value vaults often seen in age group meets.

Thb FIG ban against men in the competition area is not mentioned, probably because the course is aimed at local area competitions where men still predominate in coaching women's gymnastics. There are a few rough spots as the book is mimeographed, and not all of the typist's errors were caught.

It is this reviewer's opinion that this course can be useful in both the case of the "isolated gymnastics community" and in a clinic situation where experienced judges can use it as an outline and "student" judges can follow along. It would have been helpful to leave a little more white space for personal notes and additions. The overall format is good; an alternative might have been to use the " programmed learning" approach with mini-tests at the end of each section. If the book were to be used as part of a course, an additional test might be helpful but not necessary if experienced judges can set up their own and run some practicals with live performers. There are more than enough questions given to prepare two or three tests for a class situation.

-D.C

WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS S & M BOOK. Based on 1968 FIG Code of Points. (Available from Helen Sjur­sen, 46 Poplar Place, Fanwood, N.J. 07023. $3.00, plus 18c for postage.) .

Stick figures illustrate many of the moves encountered in women's gymnastics and hitherto unrated moves or uncertain ratings are denoted. Some confusion is stiff attendant in this release because the FIG itself has not clarified all of its terminology or rating of difficulty. The moves are presented in order of increasing.difficulty within the medium and superior difficulty range. The order is very similar to that of the japanese Illustrated S&M moves for women. Because so few women's moves have short, sim­ple names, the illustrations are doubly useful in understanding the nature of a given move.

This little book will be useful to coaches and gymnasts in develop­ing routines as well as to judges who must evaluate the performances. For the judge, it will go hand in hand with the FIG Code and Mrs. Sjursen's previous book, "Women's Gymnastics judges Correspondence Course."

- D.C

New Lever Dollies allow easy handling and storage.

"ZWICKEL MAKES IT"

ALL COLORS 6 PANEL TEAM PRICE $10.00

Learn about the NEW

System NIssen BALANCE BEAM This unique apparatus is designed to exceed the new F.I.G. specifications. It provides more stability, easy adjustment and better perform­ance than any U.S. or foreign made balance beam! Interested in more information?

,-------------------, o Send me information about System Nissen Gymnastic Apparatus. NISSEN CORPORATJON I Name ........................................................................... Position .... .... .... ..... ~~g~~ ~A~~~S; ~~~:s6;2406 I

I School or Organization ..................... .. ................................. ............ ........... I I Address ................................................................................. ......... ................ 1;1 c::::J D~~rnc::::J I L Ci~ .... ::::: ..... :::::: .. ... ::::: ..... ::::: ..... :::::: ..... =. Sta~ .... = ...... ~ZiP ~ ..... =. _ _ _ ____ ....J

CAN YOU AFFORD ANYTHING LESS THAN THE BEST?

'fIaittllt' ~mltaf! FOR THE LADIES

MADEMOISELLE' GYMNAST P. O. BOX 777 SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - 90406

Please send me a Subscription of MADEMOISELLE' GYMNAST

o I -Year @ $3.00 0 2·Years @ $5.00 o Foreign - $3.50 Per Year o Please find $ . . . . . . . . for Gift sub5Criptions

to be sent to the names enclosed.

Name .... ...... ........... .

Address .. . ... ................ .. . . .. .

Zwickel Gymnastic Tailors Ciry· ....... .. ........... .. .. ... .... .... .. ..... ... .. ..... . Srare .. ... .. .. ..... ...... .. ............ Zip ... . P.o. Box 309

Jenkintown, Pa. 19046

The MAGIC of • Designed for Teacher, Coach,

Professional and Student! • Covers the Current Available

Literature in the Field! • Includes Teaching

Methodology for all levels! • Elementary, Secondary and

College Level Physical Education Gymnastics!

• Kinesiology, Physiology, and Psychology of Gymnastics!

• Lists Current ~quipment and Supply Companies!

• Exhibition Gymnastics!

ORDER NOW! 250 page

hardbound text

$6.95 1--- - -----

SUNDBY PUBLICATIONS Box 777

= • z • '" ... -fI\

'" Santa Monica, California 90406

PI~ send me THE MAG IC OF GYMNASTICS. Enclosed you wi ll find a check or money order of $6.95 NAME ______________________ ___

ADDRESS __________________ ___

City State lip

Ca liforni a re sidents add 5% sales tax

Women's Gymnastics S&M Book Now Available The "Women's Gymnastics S&M Book" (superior and medium

difficulties) is now available, based on the official 1968 Edition of the FLG Code of Paints. This S&M Book illustrates each of the superior and medium difficulty moves, along with the written descriptions, for all four women's events. Besides the illustrations, the vaulting section also includes the value of the va rious vaults.

Judges may use this book as a simplified method of studying the superior and medium elements of difficulty by merely glancing through the illustrations.

Gymnasts may use the S&M Book to verify if their routines con­tain at least 4 medium moves and 2 superior moves.

Instructors (or gymnasts) can use the S&M Book to get ideas of new ski lls to try, if their knowledge of skills is limited.

Cost is $3.00 plus 18 cents for postage and handling. Payment MUST be included with order-checks oavable to Helen Siursen.

Order from: Helen Sjursen, 46 Poplar Place', Fanwood, N.J: 07023.

Synchronized Group Exercises for Girls Super 8 - in color

Observe va rious routines performed with the use of ladders, a circular platform and curved boards. They were performed during the 1970 World Gymnastics , Champion­ships in Yugoslavia. 140 ft. in length. $15.00 Ppd.

Order fro m, FRANK ENOO 12200 SO. 8ERENOO AVE. lOS ANGElES, CALIF. 90044

leHers APPALLED Dear Mademoiselle Gymnast,

I am appa lled at the incredible delay in w hich it takes to receive a Mile G. Th e world game trials were held in August, and it is nearly No­vember and I have not gotten my copy yet.

I think it is highway robbery to pay $5.00 and get so few issues in two years. The only reason I get this magazine is to see what's go ing on in the gymnastic world, and I am beginning to rea lize wha t a poor maga­zine you are! You haven 't even started to use the resources ava ilablt to you. COME ON - M.G., get off you r fanny and do the job you ' re cap­able off!!

LET DOWN Dear Mademoiselle Gymnast:

Margie Magraw Newton M.A.

I am an av id reader of yours, and I enjoy getting news about gymnas­tics. But somehow in receiving your magaz ine I fee l let down from lack of articles and creative columns . I feel that in order to really ca ll yourself a good magazine, you ought to have more things like the gymnasts them­selves (interviews, interests, hobbies), or things like sty les, z ipper leotards, wa rm-up su its. A lso you wouldn 't believe how many girls have problems with their hair in gymnastics and would apprec iate tips from M ile G. How about coaches and their different techniques and methods? Maybe edito­rials on why America has never won a go ld medal in the Olympics . ...

I love M ile G, and I am not w riting this letter to criticize it but to try to help it.

Sincerely, Trying to help Boston, Mass.

Good suggestions all . We do hope to get caught up soon and be able to reach out for new ideas and art icles of interest for our many readers. D.B.

Hello, "Unknown" Dear Editor:

Enclosed are a couple of photographs of a sma ll .unknown team in Pueblo, Colorado. Our club has been in existence for about two yea rs, and has to offer some young up and coming gymnasts for the U.S.A.

Jim Lucero Pueblo, Colorado

ED: Welcome, "Unknown" fr iends-we w ish more of you would let us know you're there ...

Young Mile Gs from Colorado: L 10 R, lop: Ka ren Koshak (10), Gracie Francel (13); bottom Cindy Sm ith (10), Chelle Jennings (13).

Official Gymnastics Modern Hand Apparatus Now Available Through Gymnastic Supply Company -

E-70 OFFICIAL WOODEN GYMNASTIC HOOPS. I mported from Germany. Constructed from :Ya" laminated Beech wood, 31 W' diameter with flat surface for "sure" grip. Delivered price per dozen: $59.40.

E-C30 PRACTICE HOOPS. light weight plastic in two (2) sizes, 30" and 36". Round grip surface. Delivered price per dozen: $24.50.

E-2 OFFICIAL GYMNASTIC BALl. Original Medau, imported from Germany. 7%" diameter and weight 1-lb., 2-oz. The size and weight force correct use of the ball, thus giving a perfect performance. Delivered price each: $7.20.

E-034 OFFICIAL GYMNASTIC CLUB. Manu-factured by Gymnastic Supply Company to conform to the European style. 1 4" long with %" weight properly distri­buted to insure correct and graceful movements. Delivered price each: $4.75.

E-75 OFFICIAL JUMPING ROPE. Without handles as required. Available in 8 ft. and 9 ft. lengths, with 10" long center section of rope enlarged to give proper distribution of weight. Delivered price each: $4.25.

E-80 PRACTICE ROPE. Made from braided dacron without the enlarged center sec­tion. Delivered price each: $1 .50.

E-S54 100% DOUBLE KNIT STRETCH NYlON HALF SOLE GYMDAL, with elastic heel strap. (Worn by models) Soft leather sole protects the foot pivot area, yet does not lose the "feel of the floor" . This slipper was first introduced in European Gymnastics Modern and is now EX­CLUSIVELY manufactured by Gymnastic Supply Company. Sizes: Small (1 -4) Medium (5-8), large (9-1 2). White only. Delivered price per pair: $2 .00.

AMERICAN LIBERATES THE FEMININE GYMNAST!

The American Revolution provides the feminine gymnast with apparatus that accentuates the freedom of movement.

A new member of the American force is the F.I.G. Balance Beam. You can get complete information on this new balance beam by joining the American Revolution and sending for your "Revolution Hand­book" (our catalog)! Join today.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT COMPANY I BOX 17761 JEFFERSON, IOWA 50129 == AMERICAN