Tour of Gymnastics Superstars 2008
Although it is just a foggy dream-like memory now, I will never forget going to see Shannon Miller perform at the Charlotte Coliseum after the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. When the United States gymnasts performed on television the summer before, I was mesmerized. They seemed so old to me then and so talented. As a young gymnast myself, the women of US Olympic team were my idols.
This past summer, as I watched the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, I was still captivated by the women gymnasts and their immense talent. What changed however in the past 15 years is that they now seem so young!
But the United States women artistic gymnasts came to compete. Despite getting used to the new scoring system, several injuries and a tough tie-breaker, they returned to the States clad in Silver and Gold.
The team took the all-around Silver medal behind China. Team members included Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan. In the Individual All-Around, Nastia Liukin took the Gold Medal and Shawn Johnson took the Silver Medal. Roles reverse in the Balance Beam as Shawn Johnson took the Gold Medal and Nastia Liukin took the Silver Medal. In Floor, Shawn Johnson won the Silver Medal and in Uneven Bars, Nastia Liukin won the Silver Medal.
The Beijing Olympics are over, but even if you didn’t make it to China, there is still a chance to see the ladies of the 2008 Olympic team perform. The 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars will be coming to the Sommet Center in Nashville on October 16.
This truly all-star cast of women will showcase Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Chellsie Memmel, Ashley Postell and Shayla Worley. Of course, the highlight of the cast (in my eyes at least) is Shannon Miller—the most decorated gymnast in American history.
The tour will also include a group of stellar (and super strong!) male gymnasts. The gymnasts will perform to music by Disney artists to make this a truly family-friendly fun event. Young children that can’t follow the quick-paced tumbling routines and flips of the gymnasts will enjoy the upbeat music and fun atmosphere.
The show in Nashville starts at 7:30pm and tickets are available on Ticketmaster and prices range from $25-$77, group discounts are available. This is sure to be a great event for aspiring young gymnasts and the whole family! Log on to the Tour of Gymnastics Superstars website at: www.gymnasticssuperstars.com.
