“Where’s my cheese sandwich.” -Danusia Francis had a little Fyre déjà vu from the wetness at Aurora Games. Never forget.

Comp news

The Russian Cup happened. Fifteen-year-old Vladislava Urazova won the Russian Cup title over Angelina Melnikova by nearly five points on Saturday, with a 57.732 on day two. Elena Gerasimova—another junior—won bronze. Nikita Nagornyy won the men’s all-around title. Event finals are Monday and Tuesday.

German Worlds Trials happened. Emilie Petz took top prize with a 54.350.

The Aurora Games also happened. Team Americas took the big, hugely significant win over Team [Rest of the] World at the Aurora Games, with Katelyn Ohashi and Tatiana Nabieva both nabbing perfect 10s. 

But the real winners at this competition were this photo of Nabs and Danusia Francis, Danusia’s beam error and her finally getting her extra mat, and of course flash mob enthusiasts. And we’re getting more in 2021 and 2023. Praise.

The FIG made decisions. The suits over at the FIG decided last week that junior worlds will be a regular thing in odd years, the uneven bars will be raised a whole five centimeters next quad (right?), and the new 3D judging system will be implemented at this year’s worlds. And they never once consulted us, the beloved viewers. Oh, well.

We got world challenge cup lineups. Here’s who’s attending Mersin, Szombathely, and Paris. Snaps to @theallaround, who notices such things.

We got worlds medals. And they’re gorgeous. The fight for bronze has never been so interesting.

Wut happened

Maggie Haney is under investigation. MG Elite coach Maggie Haney is being investigated for verbal and emotional abuse, the Orange County Register reported last Monday. Accusers say she has bullied and harassed athletes, and also told gymnasts to compete while injured. USA Gymnastics said in a statement, “Athlete safety and well-being are top priorities.”

Survivor and advocate Sarah Klein responded to USAG’s statement, tweeting, “How many kids will be abused before you finally get it?” Rachael Denhollander also responded, tweeting to USAG, “You can’t fix what you refuse to see and admit.”

Anna Li denied abuse allegations. Former USAG athlete representative and 2012 Olympian Anna Li denied allegations that she emotionally abused gymnasts at Legacy Elite, calling the claims “false and untrue.” She also came forward as a survivor of Larry Nassar’s abuse, and said she has filed a lawsuit against USAG.

USOPC proposed bylaw updates. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee proposed changes to the organization’s bylaws on Monday, nearly three weeks after Congress proposed a bill that would give it more power over the organization. The bylaw changes include giving the USOPC more control of the national governing bodies and adding more athletes to the board, though some critics say the changes aren’t enough. 

• Simone Biles appeared on the Today Show on Tuesday, saying she wants to see a little less conversation, a little more action from USAG.
• Michigan State University has a new administrator for the survivors’ fund in replacement of the Healing Assistance Fund, which was closed last year after reports of fraud, MSU president Samuel Stanley announced on Thursday.

Required Reading

• More than a sporting event, Aurora Games give voice to female athletes (ESPNW)
• U.S. Olympic officials drag feet on sex abuse reforms, act swiftly to stop protests during anthem (ThinkProgress)

Star status

Upgrades. Jade Carey is training a triple double, so it’s within the realm of possibility that we’ll get a joint Biles-Carey named at worlds. MyKayla Skinner says she’s been playing around with it, too, so maybe we can get a three-way American baby? Would we call her Willick-Bunch-Geller or Geller-Willick-Bunch?

In other ingenuity spotted round the ‘net, Konnor McClain is training a laid out full on beam, Gabby Perea is working on a Nabieva, Grace McCallum is training a Komova, and Desiree Carofiglio has some crazy upgrades on bars. Speaking of, we might see Kyla Ross bring back her Bhardwaj at UCLA (do it, K).

Injuries. Aliya Mustafina announced that she won’t be at worlds, much to the chagrin of the ‘net. 

Kenzo Shirai won’t be at All-Japan due to his shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Ofir Netzer unfortunately tore her ACL. Get well get well soon to both.

Recoveries. Lucy Stanhope is back and looking amazing.

Nationality changes. Maria Kharenkova will now compete for Georgia, and I do mean the country, you dumb Americans.

Staying social

Sad news. Don Finnegan, Sarah and Aleah Finnegan’s father, recently passed away. Our deepest condolences go out to Sarah, Aleah, and the rest of the Finnegan family. 

Professor Biles. Simone is teaching a MasterClass in gymnastics. Throwing a triple double never seemed so possible.

Another babay. Alicia Quinn is prego with baby number three, which by the time they’re grown will be an entire Olympic team, so good for her.

Next up for Katelyn. Katelyn Ohashi’s working on two books and a YouTube channel, PLUS ESPN’s Body Issue.

Hang in there. Danell Leyva had an incredible, Nastia-level save on American Ninja Warrior, creating awareness for those of us who fear water worse than death. 

Because you asked…

You had burning questions and Lauren was like, you got it dude.

Last words

I’m on a seven-hour flight with a crying baby. God grant me strength.

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