Your Questions Answered - 11/28-12/4

(Property of  Inside Gymnastics)

Kim asked: "Does Dare Maxwell still train at Texas Dreams? I noticed her sister competes for Dynamo in Oklahoma, so I'm kinda lost on this one!"

In late 2009 Dare moved to Texas Dreams to train with Kim Zmeskal and Chris Burdette. At this time, she began boarding with Chelsea Davis (and her mother) during the week to train while coming home often to spend time with her family. After Chelsea left for college, Dare began living with the Hults family. Dare’s younger sister Teagan still lives in Oklahoma and competes for Dynamo. She's planning to compete as a Level 9 and qualified to the 2011 Level 8 Regional Championships.

Zoe asked: "What do you think of Nastia and her comeback? Do you think she has a shot? What about Johnson?"

(Property of Quinn Rooney)

I am pleased to see that 5 out of the 6 Olympians from 2008 are attempting to make the team. What do I think their shots are? I think that Nastia, if in top, or almost top form, has a better shot than Shawn does. This is for no other reason than we NEED a bar worker. We have plenty of strong beamers, but if Nastia could get into top shape she could fill the hole that the US has right now. If I had to purely guess what I think will happen? I don't think Nastia will be ready in time. She'll probably compete at Classics and then have an "injury" or maybe just announce that she's not ready. I truly hope that this ISN'T the case, I just really can't see her being in a good position the first weekend of June, when Championships begin. Johnson, if she stays healthy, could potentially make the team, but I see her more likely as an alternate, just because she doesn't really "fill in the blanks" with Jordyn and several other likely candidates on the team. 

(Property of the Reeve Family)

Vikki asked: "Do you know if Olivia Reeve who moved from Great Britain to train at Chow's will be going into level 10 or elite?"

I've been told that the plan is to try to qualify Elite. She and her dad traveled to Chow's in 2010 for what a Chow's insider tells me was essentially a "try out". She has officially moved for the long term at this point and has started school in Iowa. Her website says that she'd like to represent GB in the 2016 Olympics, so I'm not sure how far into the USAG program Olivia will go. She's also not currently training in Chow's group but with Neptali Narvaez & Amy Longwill.

If you're not familiar with Olivia Reeve, she's a 13 year old gymnast and diver from Great Britain.  

Kiyal asked: "When did Jana officially retire and what is she doing now? Same 'where is she now' question about Carly."

(Property of Jeff Sipsey)

While I don't officially remember Jana having a statement about retiring, she competed most recently at the 2009 Visa Championships. She did receive an international assignment to travel to a World Cup Competition in Croatia in November of 2009 but she did not attend. Most recently we saw her as fit as ever performing along with many former elite and college gymnasts in Evolution. 

Although Carly briefly talked about a comeback early this quad, she hasn't competed since the 2004 Olympics. She's currently in school and has made several appearances in gyms across the country. No word as to if she's given up the singing dream. 

Do you have questions of your own? Ask Me! 

Your Questions Answered - What happened to Keely McNeer?

KB asked: "Do you know what happened to Keely McNeer?" 

Keely McNeer was a 2010 National Team Member who gained the attention of the gymnastics world when she moved to Chows in late 2009. Her 2010 season went well, and she placed 9th on bars at Championships.

(Property of Brigid McCarthy) 

When we saw Keely next, she was at the 2011 Classics, competing for Gymsport USA. She only competed 2 events after falling off bars. I've seen a lot of stuff, but when this girl was limping in the hotel lobby post competition, she looked like she was in SO much pain. It really was disheartening.

So, back to KB's question...

While I'm not sure where Keely currently stands, here's what I know about her leaving Chow's.

Keely never really "clicked" with any of the other girls in her training group. Apparently this is often the case with girls who transfer into Chow's late in their careers. Chow and Li didn't seem to "click" with Keely either. He also had concerns about her safety while training.

Finally, Keely's mom was overprotective, coming to nearly every practice, and that didn't sit well with Chow. Keely even would sometimes direct her attention to mom when Chow or Li was talking to her.

When all of these factors came to light, everyone involved concluded that Chow's wasn't the right place for Keely.

This all came from an insider at Chow's. I have been unable to reach Keely McNeer for her own comment.

Where does Keely stand now? I'm not sure. I'd love to see more of her because she's unbelievably talented. Is that's possible at Gymsport? I don't know.

Do you have a Gymnastics Question you want answered? Just ask!

Koko Tsurumi to train at Chow's this month!

(Property of Intl Gymnast, Thomas Schreyer)

Koko Tsurumi has traveled to West Des Moines, Iowa to train at Chow's!

In a relationship that most likely started at the Uneven Bars Finals at this years Worlds, Japanese team leader Koko Tsurumi is training at Chow's Gymnastics, home of Olympian Shawn Johnson and World Champion Gabrielle Douglas.

Koko is training with the group of Elites and Level 10s on a purely temporary basis, and was seen working hard, conditioning yesterday. Her coach did not travel with her.

The biggest challenge for Chow so far? Finding someone in the gym who speaks Japanese!

More details to come!

Koko was on Japan's 2008 Olympic Team, won 2 medals at 2009 Worlds and lead the Japanese team to 5th place in 2010 and 7th place in 2011.