Michaela Can: Olympic Training

Coventry, RI - The Olympics are under way and Team USA just took home the gold in women's gymnastics for the first time since 1996! In today's "Michaela Can", Michaela throws on her leotard and steps in for a day of Olympic training.

RISE Gymnastics in Coventry is where kids learn the skills needed to get them one step closer to the Olympic.

“We've actually gotten to the point where we've developed a team up to level ten and that is the highest level in the J.O. Program or the Junior Olympic Program," said Lorin Jessen, Assistant Head Coach.

Training sessions are offered for any level, but the caliber of coaches is top notch.

“We've had coaches that have gone to the Olympics and have performed in the Olympics. Like Hana actually has skills named after her within the system of gymnastics,” said Jessen. "I went to Olympic games in 1988. In 1984, we went to Alternate Games because our country did not go to Los Angeles" said Hana Ricna-Jessen, Head Coach at RISE Gymnastics.

Another star coach at RISE is Vladimir Mureso, a two-time World Championship and Olympic athlete.

Having competed in World Championships, and Alternate Games, they know how to train. “I love to interest the parents, the kids to be involved in some kind of sports, to getting better, the soul and the body together, you know. To be balanced. So, it’s great,” Mureso said.

Michaela got a lesson in gymnastics from the coaches. She started with stretching and then moved on to learning the skills.

There are four events that female gymnasts compete in during the games; first up, floor routine. Step by step Michaela learned the technique for a back flip. Jump back on a mat, practice the ending by falling out of a handstand, and somehow put them all together. She had help from two spotters along the way. "It has to be very heartly, from your heart, involved. When you are involved you have to be focused and if you are focused, that is it” Mureso said.

It takes a lot of attempts, a powerful swing of the arms, and most importantly: trust. Michaela developed a bond that she carried over onto the vault. Hitting the springboard each time, she progressed from just landing one her feet, to landing on her hands, and finally flipping over onto the mat. Vladimir reminded her to keep her body straight and arms close to her head.

The balance beam is next. “Balance beam is winning or losing your meet or competitions,” Coach Mureso said. Michaela did her best to kick, turn, and hop on the beam.

The final event was the uneven bars. It takes a lot of strength to pull your body up then flip over and practice the swing on the high bar. A safety harness is attached for the final dismount.

Visit  http://www.risportselite.com/ for information on RISE Gymnastics. Team USA has a chance to win even more medals in the All- Around competition on Thursday, August 2nd.