Berry Blast Summer 2013 Workout Essentials

GK's Berry Blast Summer Collection Gymnastic Leotards are freshly picked and ready just in time for summer. GK has you covered.

Our Sporty Seaglass Sparkle Workout Leotard E2238 features a V neck in Seaglass Sparkle Hologram, Feisty Nylon/Spandex print, and Berry Mystique wrap around binding and pretty style lines. GK's sleek Athletic Seaglass Sparkle Workout Leotard E2240 is a classic V-neck, scoop back, Seaglass Sparkle Hologram gymnastics leotard featuring Black Nylon/Spandex binding and athletic flattering side stripes. Our Rich Berry Mystique Workout Leotard E2239  has a bold v-back in Berry Mystique and Black Nylon/Spandex bodice, accented with black jeweled spray on the center chest.

 

 

These fun summer prints are just what you are looking for to mix things up. The Sporty Sweetheart Workout Leotard E2236 is an Exclusive GK Print! This Feisty Nylon/Spandex Print gymnastics leotard features a  sweetheart bodice style and Berry TechMesh racerback insert creating a unique look.

 

 

 

 

Last but not least is our Feisty Racerback Workout Leotard E2237. In Black Nylon/Spandex this gymnastics leotard is beautifully decorated with Feisty Nylon/Spandex Print, Berry Mystique top styling, and racerback detailing.

 

All styles are available in children and adult sizes. Matching scrunchies included with all leotards to complete your look.

Shop our 2013 Summer and Camp Catalog today and don't miss these limited time only styles!

 

 

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Everyday Champion: Annie L.

Annie L. competes for the artistic gymnastics competition team at Premier Athletics in Lexington, KY, and loves to show off her favorite GK leos! 

"I love GK leos!  They are comfortable, cute and affordable.  I love how I go to the gym and everybody compliments me on my GK leotards!  I love doing handstands everywhere I go and GK leotards are just the things to do them in!"

In the photo to the right, Annie is wearing a cute and bold multi-colored zebra striped tank leotard.

If you like Annie's GK workout leo, then you will love our new 2013 Summer Leotards!  We recommend checking out our GK Wild Glow Zebra Workout Leotard (Style E2215).  This gymnastics tank leotard features Glow Zebra Nylon/Spandex, Black Nylon/Spandex sporty binding and a small keyhole back.

We also love the GK Fun Fantasy Criss-Cross Tank Leotard (Style E2224).  This V-neck Fantasy Nylon/Spandex Print gymnastics leotard features Lemonlime Mystique inserts, binding and criss cross back straps.

Click here to see all of our new sizzling summer styles!

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Fierce Pink Summer 2013 Workout Essentials

Are you ready for summer? GK offers the gymnastics apparel looks you want for summer. The Fierce Pink Collection is inspired by our bold zebra print in the classic styles you love!

Who says you have to keep cool this summer with these hot looks?

Sequinz Asymmetrical LeoScoop Back Leo

The Fierce Pink Collection includes our Wild Glow Zebra Gymnastics Leotard E2215 features Black Nylon/Spandex sporty binding and keyhole back. Our Glow Zebra & Sequinz Workout Leotard E2216 in Black Nylon/Spandex features an asymmetrical neckline in Glow Zebra, and accented in a Sequinz spray swirl. The Pretty Sweetheart Tank Leotard E2217 offers a scoop back and pretty sweetheart design of Glow Zebra & Gunmetal Mystique in Black Nylon/Spandex. The back displays a twist of Glow Zebra and Gunmetal Mystique.
Sporty Racerback Leo

 

GK's Sporty Berry Binding Workout Leotard E2219 offers a v neck and back designed in Gunmetal Mystique, Black Nylon/Spandex & accented with Berry Nylon/Spandex binding lines. The Glow Zebra & Gunmetal Workout Leotard E2218 is a Racerback gymnastics leo featuring Glow Zebra Nylon/Spandex offset with Charcoal Techmesh shoulder accents for superior comfort and movement.  

 

All styles come with matching scrunchies, are available in children/adult sizes and can be worn with the Gymnastics Workout Short E2220  in Glow Zebra in Nylon/Spandex. 

As the industry leader, only GK offers the best leotard fit & the best quality at the best price.

Click here flip through the entire 2013 Summer & Camp Workout Essentials Collection.

 

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GK Everyday Champion, International Edition: Karolina G.

10-month-old Karolina G. calls the Czech Republic home where she dreams of one day bursting onto the international gymnastics scene.  Karolina will be well suited in GK leotards for her gymnastics career by her parents, Martina and Peter, who are GK International Distributors for the Czech Republic & Slovakia.  Here, Karolina is modeling a fierce neon green animal print leotard with bright pink binding accents and just enough SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS across the top.
 
Want Karolina's look for your little gymnast?  Check out GKids Feisty Feline Children's Gymnastics Leotard E2209, a children's gymnastics tank leotard featuring the Exclusive GK Print - Feisty Feline - with Black Nylon/Spandex accents and Neon Pink Nylon/Spandex binding.
 
 
 
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GKids for Summer 2013 Workout Essentials

Wind up for summer with awesome gymnastics leotards for little champions!  You'll be starstruck by our fun summer leotard designs!  Designed specifically for little gymnasts, each leotard is made with our super soft, no itch fabrics, and GK's superior fit.  GKids offers adorable styling at reasonable prices!

Starstruck Squareback Children's Leotard E2212 is a Black Nylon/Spandex children's gymnastics leotard featuring GK Exclusive Print - Pink Starstruck Poly/Spandex - and Berry Hologram Sequinz star embellishment.  Sequinz Starstruck Children's Biketard E2214 is a Neon Pink & Black Nylon/Spandex children's gymnastics biketard with fun Pink Starstruck Poly/Spandex Print shoulder detail and gold hologram Sequinz star on front.  Neon Yellow Back Bow Children's Leotard E2213 is a children's gymnastics leotard featuring Starstruck Poly/Spandex with a fun Neon Yellow Nylon/Spandex back bow detail. 

Neon Pink Children's Tank Leotard E2210 is a classic children's gymnastics leotard featuring Neon Pink Nylon/Spandex, GK Exclusive Print - Feisty Feline Poly/Spandex - with a Black Nylon/Spandex empire waist accent. Feisty Feline Children's Biketard E2211 is a children's gymnastics biketard featuring Neon Pink Nylon/Spandex bottom, Feisty Feline Poly/Spandex Print upper and Black Nylon/Spandex empire waist accent.Feisty Feline Children's Tank Leotard E2209 is a children's gymnastics leotard featuring Feisty Feline Poly/Spandex Print with Black Nylon spandex accent & Neon Pink Nylon/Spandex binding.   X Back Boy's Competition Shirt 1718M is a Boy's Gymnastics Shirt with racerback styling and X back design near shoulder blades paired with Boy's Gymnastics Shorts 1818M, boy's gymnastics competition shorts with 5" inseam and elastic drawstring waist.

Click here to shop GK's GKids gymnastics apparel collection.

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GK Leotards for 2013 Summer & Camp Online Now!

Online today! 2013 Summer & Camp Workout Essentials!  GK has everything you need for your summer gymnastics apparel!  From summer camp basics to signature collections by Olympic Gold Medalists, the 2013 Summer & Camp catalog offers 65 unique gymnastics leotard styles giving you more variety than anyone else.

Choose GK gymnastics leotards and get the best fit and the best price for all of your leotards & gymnastics apparel needs.  Check out the 2013 Summer & Camp Catalog to find...

  • Signature Collections - Gabrielle Douglas and Alexandra Raisman's collections continue to offer cutting edge leotard designs and popular fabrics.
  • Camp - 12 sporty styles in the seasons hottest colors.  Add the matching gymnastics workout short for a compete camp look!
  • GKids - super cute children's leotard styles and affordable prices for the beginner gymnast.
  • SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Sequinz, and GK Exclusive Prints - only GK offers these one of a kind embellishment options to stand out in the the gym!

Hurry, because these gymnastics leotard styles won't last long! Order today to ensure you get what you want for summer.

Click here to browse the 2013 Summer & Camp Catalog online.

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Which National Team Under Armour Leotard is Your Favorite? Tell GK to Win!

At the close of the March Women's National Team Camp at the Karolyi Ranch, USAG announced the eight women selected to represent Team USA on a two week European Tour which will begin at the 2013 Jesolo Trophy on Saturday, March 23rd in Jesolo, Italy. GK was on hand immediately to deliver brand new Under Armour gymnastics leotards to the National Team for training and competition as part of its partnership with Under Armour to manufacture the National Team leotards.

Looking fantastic in their training leotards are Amelia Hundley of Hamilton, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics, Maggie Nichols of Little Canada, Minnesota/Twin City Twisters, Brenna Dowell of Lenexa, Kansas/Great American Gymnastics Express, Bailie Key of Montgomery, Texas/Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Lexie Priessmann, reigning U.S. Junior Champion, of Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics, Peyton Ernst of Coppell, Texas/Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Simone Biles of Spring, Texas/Bannon's Gymnastics, and Olympic Gold Medalist, Kyla Ross of Aliso Viejo, California/Gym-Max. 

It looks like the team is very happy with their Under Armour leotards! 

Which leo is your favorite? Comment below telling us which leotard is your favorite and why you love it and you will be entered to win a 2-piece set of Mystique Headbands!

Comments will be accepted through Thursday, March 28th at 11:59 PM.  Twenty winners will be randomly selected to receive a headband set.  Winners will be able to choose an adult or child size headband set.

Please note: Comments on the GK Gymnstics Blog are moderated by an administrator so there may be a delay before you see your comment published.

Good luck!  We can't wait to hear from you!

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GK Sponsors USA Gymnastics T&T JumpStart Program

As part of its ongoing support of the sport of gymnastics, GK supplied the participants of USA Gymnastics T&T JumpStart program with gymnastics apparel for their January 12-13th camp at the Karolyi Ranch in Huntsville, Texas.  The JumpStart Program "identifies future elite athletes at a young age and educates their coaches on proper fitness and skill development. The fitness program is designed for all trampoline and tumbling athletes." ("T&T Jumpstart Program Overview." USA Gymnastics, n.d., Web. 12 March 2013.)

GK was happy to supply apparel for these young athletes and their smiles are thanks enough!  The girls of the JumpStart program received a GK tank gymnastics leotard with a custom embroidered JumpStart logo on the front.  For warm ups, the girls look great in GK's Fitted DryTech Team Warm-Up SWU01 in Black DryTech, White DryTech, and Red DryTech & coordinating Fitted DryTech Warm-Up Pants SWU02 in Black DryTech.  For the boys, GK supplied Men's Basic Competition Shirt 1838M in red with custom embroidered JumpStart logo to be worn with either Men's In Stock Competition Pants 1846M in white or Men's Gymnastics Straight Leg Stock Shorts 1817M, in red.  The boy's warm up jacket is GK's Relaxed Fit Team Warm-Up Jacket 1797 paired with Men's Relaxed Fit DryTech Pant 1792 in Black DryTech. 

To see some great photos of the kids at camp - click here.  Do you have a camp, meet, or team to outfit?  Check out GK's In Stock Catalog which offers a large variety of gymnastics leotards and apparel for teams & pro shops.  Our workout tank leotards are available for an entire year and with over 70 styles, you are sure to find your perfect workout tank with no worries about availability to fill in throughout the year.  In Stock apparel routinely ships in just three business days.

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GK Everyday Champion: Hannah B. Shows Her Military Pride

GK Everyday Champion Hannah B. hails from Kailua, Hawaii.  Hannah just turned 10 years old and is a level 7 gymnast who trains at K-Bay Gymnastics. K-Bay Gymnastics is located on Marine Corps Base Hawaii where all of the athletes are military kids. 

Hannah said, "This is my favorite team competition leotard because we got to customize them to be very patriotic.  This leotard portrays our dedication to our parents during competition, whether they are here watching us or on deployment."

Hannah's leotard is GK's Dramatic Asymmetrical Competition Leotard 4867 from the Special Order collection of leotards.  Special Order styles can be customized with your choice of fabrics, colors, and embellishments to truly make them your own.

Good luck this season Hannah!  GK is very grateful to you & your military family for your service and sacrifice. 

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GK Helps Newtown Gymnasts Pay Tribute to Sandy Hook Elementary School

Early in 2013, Melissa Zigmont, a teacher at Newtown High School contacted GK Elite Sportswear with a request that she hoped would bring some joy back to her students' lives in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.  With the faculty, staff, and community trying to promote healing in any and every way, Ms. Zigmont had the idea of a competition leotard for the Newtown Varsity Gymnastics Team that could somehow pay tribute to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Her idea was a competition gymnastics leotard with "S H E S" down the left sleeve.  A simple, yet moving tribute that the gymnasts could display during competition at home and away meets.

GK was eager to help with the hope-filled project of Ms. Zigmont.  Marian Wanner, GK Gymnastics Customer Service Supervisor, contacted Ms. Zigmont and the two worked together to create a new competitive gymnastics leotard in the Newtown High School colors with the essential customization of the sleeve.

GK's Mystique & Velvet Long Sleeve Gymnastics Leotard 5830ST was the perfect choice. Created with Sapphire Velvet and Gold Mystique fabric, the leotard was perfect for the Newtown High School colors and Marian hustled to the warehouse to check the in stock inventory.  After pulling the necessary leotards, "Newtown" was embroidered on the front chest in Gold Glimmer thread.  Finally, the most poignant feature of this very special leotard was applied, the initials S H E S on the upper left sleeve in Royal Sequinz.  This simple gesture, as it sparkles at competitions this season, will not only be a gentle reminder of the countless lives that were changed that December day, but will also be an enduring tribute to the glimmer of hope always remains. 

The varsity gymnasts of Newtown were very excited to receive these one-of-a-kind leotards. Ms. Zigmont said, "Thank you GK Elite Sportswear for creating a competition leotard for the Newtown High School Varsity Gymnastics Team.  Your donation was very generous and thoughtful."

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GKids for 2013 Spring! Adorable! Bright! Comfy!

GKids for 2013 Spring are designed specifically for little gymnasts.  Each gymnastics leotard style is made with our super soft, no itch fabrics, and feature GK's superior fit.  GKids leotards offer adorable styling at reasonable prices.  Available now through April 30, 2013.

Bow Back Children's Gymnastics Leotard E2155 features pink gumballs nylon/spandex with foil, black velvet style lines and cute velvet bow back detail. Sporty Strappy Biketard E2157 features black velvet & pink gumballs nylon/spandex with foil, neon pink tricot straps, and v-back detail.  Turquoise Biketard E2152 is a turquoise nylon/spandex biketard featuring GK Exclusive Print - fun glow hearts nylon/spandex with foil - top accent and wave style line. Velvet Glow Hearts Biketard E2151 features black velvet & glow hearts nylon/spandex with foil with neon lime and turquoise nylon/spandex waist accent.

Glow Hearts Key-Hole Gymnastics Leotard E2150 is a children's leotard featuring magenta nylon/spandex & glow hearts nylon/spandex with foil, neon lime nylon/spandex yoke binding, and back key-hole cut out.  Sequinz Heart Tank Gymnastics Leotard E2156 features magenta nylon/spandex, v-back, pink gumballs nylon/spandex with foil side panels, and silver hologram sequinz fancy heart design on front.  Neon Lime Tank Gymnastics Leotard E2153 features bright neon lime nylon/spandex, sporty glow hearts nylon/spandex with foil binding accents, and key-hole back. Neon Pink Children's Gymnastics Leotard E2154 features neon pink nylon/spandex with pink gumballs nylon/spandex with foil wave detail.

And last, but not least, Boy's Gymnastics Competition Shirt 1834M features U back, V shape design on sides and boy cut leg.  Paired with Boys' Gymnastics Shorts 1818M with 5" inseam and elastic drawstring waist.

Flip through the 2013 Spring Workout Essentials Catalog here.

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Everyday Champions: Matching Sisters Savanna and Emmy P.

These GK Everyday Champions, sisters Savanna and Emmy P., just grew out of toddler sizes allowing Mom many more GK leotard options for her two gymnasts.  Savanna and Emmy train at Kids Gym, Inc., in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Mom, Melissa Peters, said, "These Engineered Art gymnastics leotards from the Back to School catalog are so precious. Both of my girls love gymnastics!  Savanna is quickly picking up skills and Emmy just can't get enough. I am grateful that GK makes such cute and well-fitting leotards.  GK is my favorite brand of gymnastics leotards because of the quality, durability, and resell value.  I'm also grateful for the cuteness!"

Looking for some great options for your gymnasts?  Check out our Value Tanks where there is always a great selection of fabrics and patterns to choose from.

GK's In-Stock Tank Leotards are another style collection to shop for workout leotards that have the unparalleled GK design and fit!

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GK and Dominique Moceanu Announce The Go-for-Gold Challenge

GK and Dominique Moceanu are excited to announce The Go-for-Gold Challenge!  Dominique Moceanu, 1996 Olympic Champion, mother of two, gymnastics clinician, choreographer, motivational speaker, and author has graciously supplied GK with four sets of her Go-for-Gold Gymnasts series and GK wants to give them away to four lucky fans!  

Beginning on October 1, 2012, there will be four chances to win a complete set of The Go-for-Gold Gymnast book series with each book autographed by Dominique!  How? GK fans will be challenged to:

  • Put on your most favorite GK gymnastics leotard
  • Recreate the cover of that week's featured book
  • Snap a photo of your "cover" shot
  • Upload your photograph to the GK Gymnastics Blog

Even if you don't win a set of autographed books - you may be featured on our blog, Facebook page, or Twitter account in your GK gymnastics leotard!  Click here for the Go-for-Gold Challenge Official Rules & Regulations.

In The Go-for-Gold Gymnast series, gymnastics fans will get to know Britt, the fearless dynamo whose mouth is sometimes too fast for her brain; Noelle, the quiet daughter of Romanian immigrants who sacrifices everything for gymnastics, making her the hardest worker of all the girls; Jessie, the powerhouse who starts to question her devotion to gymnastics as other demands interfere with her training; and Christina, the graceful, but sassy gymnast who is sidelined by an injury and forced to think about the role gymnastics plays in her life.  Over the course of four books, the girls commit themselves to the sport and to each other as they actively pursue their gymnastics dreams.  GK had a great opportunity to speak with Dominique about the story behind her book venture.

GK:  What inspired you to write this book series?

DM:  It’s hard to pick one factor.  The idea came to me when I was pregnant with my first child.  Children were on my mind more than ever, so I was inspired to create a gymnastics book series that would be entertaining, but not be too removed from the gymnastics world.  My co-author, Alicia Thompson, reached out in 2006.  While she was never a gymnast, she’s been a fan of the sport since childhood.  Our inspiration got a big boost when Disney Hyperion loved our synopsis and signed us on as a team!  It was exciting to use some of my experiences to shape events that went into the novels. The creative process has been inspiring as well.  I love using words to create images and plot structures.  I also found inspiration in the many good books that I’ve read, from my fans, from my husband who encourages me, and from my children who inspire me.  Just like any big dream, there have been a lot of inspirational moments along the way!  After seven years of hard work, the dream of The Go-for-Gold Gymnasts series came true!

GK:  What do you think your readers will like the most about the series?

DM:  I believe most people will find the series interesting and inspiring because throughout the four-part series, readers will see the world through the eyes of each of the four main characters.  The importance of friendship is a theme that runs through all four books, and friendship is full of hilarious moments, so readers are sure to connect with the stories.  There are serious strands to the storyline like body image, fear, and disappointment.  We didn’t want to create a fluffy account of the sport, so there are authentic issues addressed that are unique to the gymnastics world.  We delve into realities of elite gymnastics training, cliques in the gym, overuse injuries, jealousy, and touch on the social sacrifices many elite gymnasts make to achieve their dreams.

GK:  How much of Dominique Moceanu, the gymnast, in the series?

DM:  In creating the characters, I asked myself a lot of questions about who the characters were.  Brittany is the main character in Book #1.  I relate to her on several levels.  She’s a bubbly tween with a touch of sass.  She’s fearless when it comes to throwing big skills, and she longs for acceptance when she leaves her gym in Ohio to train in Texas.  I have a connection to all of the characters, but Noelle (Book #2), is the daughter of Romanian immigrants, so I believe I’m the closest to her.

Click here to learn more about Dominque!

Stay tuned to the GK Gymnastics Blog for your first chance to win!

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Kendrick Kippettes Gets "Never Ending" Support from GK

In 2007, The Kendrick Kippettes were established as Philadelphia's very first non-profit, USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic gymnastics program providing a gymnastic opportunity for inner-city and urban-based children.  The city-subsidized program thrives on fundraising, stipends, grants, and the unending support and guidance of Kendrick Recreation Center Supervisor, Bill Malizia, and Program Director, Janette Santore. 

At Kendrick, gymnastics instructors dedicate a multitude of volunteer hours to ensure that gymnasts have the opportunity to acquire a heightened sense of self-confidence, tenacity, perseverance, accountability, and the capacity to nurture healthy relationships with peers, program leaders, and contributing members of the community.  The result has been the delivery of a boundless experience across athletic challenges, healthy competition, relationship management, a results-driven culture, and goal-oriented curriculum. 

The Kippettes currently train gymnasts who compete across USAG levels 3-9 and a Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Competitive Gymnastics program.  In addition, Kendrick provides safe and healthy gymnastics instruction to more than 150 recreational participants. GK is proud to be the choice supplier of gymnastic workout leotards, competitive leotards, and warm ups for this awesome program.

Saranne Miller, Head Coach & Team Coordinator at Kendrick Kippettes said, “When I founded the Kippettes Gymnastics Team in 2007, I was overwhelmed with the administrative tasks of establishing Philadelphia’s first non-profit USAG competitive team. But, when it came to gymnastics leotards, GK Elite took the weight off of my shoulders. From leotard design to sizing to payment processes, and finally placing my order, GK representatives guided me through every step. I was treated as an individual, rather than one of a million customers. When I expressed concern over colors and fabrics, a GK representative was at the other end of the line ready to counsel me on my choices. The quality of the products, the timely delivery, and the never-ending support of the GK staff has made gymnastic leotard supply for the Kippettes the least of my worries. Thank you GK! We wouldn’t be who we are without our snazzy GK leos!”

Check out this awesome video about the Kippettes ...

We can't wait to see what the Kippettes accomplish this season in gymnastics!  Thank you for allowing GK to be a part of your success!

Do you need a helping hand in designing and ordering gymnastic leotards, workout tanks, or warm ups?  Give our Customer Service Experts a call at 1-800-345-4087 and they will be happy to help you with every step.

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Gymnastics Legend - Amanda Borden

Amanda Borden was Team Captain of the 1996 Magnificent Seven, the first U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team to win Gold in all of Olympic history.  Before leading the Magnificent Seven, Amanda proved herself to be a steady and consistent gymnast from the start of her training in 1984 at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy.  Her talent and ability led her to be named to the National Team six times and the World Championship Team three times, eventually reaching the pinnacle of her career as Team Captain of the 1996 Gold Medal winning, history making, Olympic Team. 

USA Gymnastics Code of Points number 2.302, otherwise known as the “Borden,” is named after Amanda.  The Borden is a straddle pike jump from side position with ½ or ¾ turn on the balance beam.  USA Gymnastics also named Amanda Sportswoman of the Year in 1995. 

Outside of the gym, Amanda earned her B.S. summa cum laude in elementary education from Arizona State University.

When asked about her gymnastics career, Amanda Borden seems to have developed a theme upon answering… it’s all about the team!

Amanda’s inspiration for her 2012 GK Legends Collection Leotard stays true to her team theme and the source of her 1996 Olympic fame – her Magnificent Seven teammates.  Amanda described the experience as, “the biggest moment of my gymnastics career and one of the biggest moments in women’s gymnastics history.”  The Magnificent Seven, as they were aptly dubbed, was the first U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team to win Gold in all of Olympic history.

Amanda’s teammates were heroes to her personally and she was shocked and humbled when they voted her as team captain.  Amanda’s vivacious personality and encouraging nature coupled with a maturity beyond her years made her the perfect choice to lead the Magnificent Seven to the top of the Olympic podium. 

Amanda honors each of her team members with her GK design saying, “There are 7 stripes to represent the 7 members on the team.”  Always having favored red, white and blue, Amanda’s Legends Inspired Workout Leotard is a shimmering and brilliant combination of Silver Mystique and White Nylon/Spandex.  The stunning red Sequinz stripes are artfully laid out across the front of the leo paired with brilliant blue and silver Sequinz stars.

Currently, Amanda owns Gold Medal Gymnastics in Tempe, Arizona.  There, she also coaches combining her educational training with her athletic expertise.  Amanda provides expert commentary for gymnastics and cheerleading events on CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Turner Broadcasting and ESPN.  In addition, Amanda is a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame and US Olympic Hall of Fame.  She currently sits on the Arizona Gymnastics Board.

Personally, Amanda has been married to her husband, Brad Cochran, for over five years and has two children, Kennedy, 4 and Brody, 1 1/2.  Amanda’s current goals focus on the next generation of athletes.  “My goal is to touch the lives of children all across Arizona to help them reach their goals, whatever they may be.”

Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!

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Gymnastic Legend - Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller is the most decorated gymnast in US Olympic history.  She is a gymnastic legend both individually and as a member of the US Women’s Gymnastics Team, fondly referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.”  Her Gold medal on the balance beam at the 1996 Olympic Games marked the first time in history for any American gymnast to capture that particular medal.  During those Games, Shannon led the US Women’s Team to successfully oust the Russian gymnastic dynasty and win Team Gold that year on their home soil of Atlanta, Georgia.  The US Women’s Gymnastics Team had never won Gold even at a World Championship – but that year – they accomplished what no team had been able to do before. 

Four years earlier, at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, Shannon’s tally of five medals was the most medals won by a US athlete in any sport.  According to Shannon, “Representing my country on the Olympic stage was an honor, a privilege and one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Shannon has won a staggering 7 Olympic medals and 9 World Championship Medals, 59 International and 49 National competition medals, over half of which have been gold.  She is the only American to rank among the Top 10 All-Time Gymnasts and is the only female athlete inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame – Twice!  First, in 2006, as an individual athlete and again in 2008, as a member of the Magnificent Seven team.

It’s no surprise that when asked about the design inspiration for her 2012 Legends Collection Leotard for GK, Shannon chose a “modern take” on the 1996 Olympic team leotard.

US Olympic athletes are an inspiration when they don the red, white and blue and represent their country with grace under pressure, in heartbreak, and in success.  Shannon’s Legends Inspired Workout Leotard is the epitome of patriotism.

Her design is rich with Navy Mystique, Red Mystique, and Silver Mystique echoing Old Glory.  The Stars & Stripes motif is perfected with clear rhinestone star transfers over the right side of the front bodice and right shoulder.

Shannon’s gymnastics career and personal life since retiring are reminiscent of the American spirit.  Not long after she and her husband welcomed their adorable son, Rocco, (now 2 years old and currently enrolled in Mommy & Me gymnastics class!)  Shannon was diagnosed with a germ cell malignancy, a rare form of ovarian cancer.  Shannon is now cancer free and she has remained open and public about her diagnosis and treatment.  Shannon is a role model to women everywhere who want to start or continue a healthy lifestyle.  She continues to be an advocate for making health and fitness a priority.  Professionally, Shannon has continued her own brand of success as President of Shannon Miller Lifestyle: Health & Fitness for Women and Host of the Health & Wellness Channel's The Wish List with Shannon Miller, a national show where Shannon makes dreams come true for men, women and children facing life threatening medical conditions.  She also is the Host of the Shannon Miller Lifestyle Radio Show in partnership with St. Vincent's HealthCare discussing a variety of health and fitness issues.  She has authored several fitness and cook books and produced multiple fitness videos and a specially designed work out mat.  Shannon is a sought after professional speaker and health and fitness advocate.

Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!

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Gymnastic Legend - Kim Zmeskal

Kim Zmeskal took center stage in the sport of women’s artistic gymnastics early on.  From a young age, she trained with the coaching dream team of Béla and Márta Károlyi, who had bought a gym in her Houston, Texas neighborhood.  There, she had the chance to observe and interact with her idol, Mary Lou Retton.

Kim later became famous in her own right when she became the first American woman to become All-Around World Champion in 1991.  Until then, the United States had yet to produce a gymnastics world champion, male or female, and 15 year old Kim made history.  This awesome feat established the United States as a gymnastics superpower and opened the door for future American gymnastics stars. 

Kim was the U.S. National Champion in the senior division three years in a row from 1990‑1992.  At the 1992 World Championships in Paris, Kim captured individual Gold on both Beam and Floor.  Later that same year, Kim was a member of the Bronze Medal winning Olympic Team in Barcelona, where she also achieved the highest optional score of any gymnast at the Games.   Kim spent the next few years after Barcelona touring and competing professionally.

Kim was ready to return to training so a move to Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy and a new coach in Mary Lee Tracy was next in preparation for the 2000 Olympics.  Unfortunately, a serious injury would dash her Olympic dreams.  Kim kept any pity at arm’s length saying, “It was all worth it.  I've been on top of the world and I've been on crutches learning to walk.  I've experienced success and heartache.  I've learned how to stay humble in good times and motivated in desperate times.” 

Kim’s inspiration for the design of her 2012 GK Legends Collection Leotard came from the logo design of the 1991 World Championships.  Kim said, “During that competition, I experienced the highest of highs with an amazing American audience cheering me and my teammates on all the way!  Winning the All-Around title and toppling the Romanians for a Team Silver are tremendous memories that have not faded one bit!  The color blue, besides being a favorite of mine, is synonymous with being the best, which is a constant, driving force in my life."

In 2001, Kim moved back home to Texas determined to open her own gym and move on to coaching.  Today, Kim and her husband, Coach Chris Burdette, continue her gymnastics legacy at their Texas Dreams Gymnastics facility and host the annual Texas Prime Meet.  The meet brings out riveting competition, but by far, the most anticipated event is the Legendz Classic.  Legendz is an energy-packed, 2-hour event that features three Olympic gymnasts as team captains for the top Level 9/10 elite gymnasts in the previous sessions. 

Out of the gym, Kim is a proud mom to three children, sons Ryder and Koda and daughter Riven Belle. Kim was inducted into the Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2001 and remains a sought after motivational speaker, sharing her memories, her perseverance, and her ambitions with the rest of the world.  Kim also serves as a Brevet womens gymnastics judge.

Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!

GK. Choice of Champions.

 

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Gymnastic Legend - Svetlana Boguinskaia

Svetlana Boguinskaia was born on February 9, 1973, in the city of Minsk, Belarus.  She went on to a long and illustrious gymnastics career after finding success at an early age when she burst on to the competition scene and walked away with the All-Around title at the 1986 Junior European Championships.  Svetlana is one of only a few athletes to compete in three separate Olympic Games and one of even fewer who have competed on three different Olympic teams representing the Soviet Union in Seoul in 1988, the Unified Team in Barcelona in 1992, and Belarus in Atlanta in 1996.

With her trilogy of Olympic showings and numerous other competitions, her medal count is impressive.  In Seoul, she won the Gold medal with the team, the All-Around Bronze medal, the Gold medal on vault, and the Silver on floor.  She won the 1989 European title, the 1989 World All-Around title, and swept all five Golds at the 1990 European Championships.  Svetlana retired after leading her team to the Olympic Gold medal in 1992, but made a comeback in 1995.  Remarkably, she won the All-Around Silver medal at the 1996 European Championships a decade after her junior victory. Svetlana was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2005.

When Svetlana Boguinskaia competed as a gymnast, she preferred leotards with a dark color on the bottom and a light color on top to create stand-out contrast.  Being a study in contrasts herself on the competition floor, the combination suited Svetlana well. 

Svetlana’s gymnastics were a contrast of graceful artistry and intense drama.  That same grace and drama served as inspiration for her 2012 GK Legends Collection Leotard. Her design inspiration comes to life with Black Mystique throughout the body and Charcoal Mystique and Berry Mystique near the neckline in a rolling flame design on the front and back.  Svetlana said the “berry, silver and black combination looks great together and makes a perfect leotard for gymnasts of all ages.” 

Presently, Svetlana lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and two children, daughter Ania, 12, and son, Brandon, 8.  She is owner and founder of Olympia Gymnastics Camps where she inspires young gymnasts as a choreographer and coach.  She has hosted the Svetlana Invitational since 2001.  She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Discover Fitness Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards athletic scholarships to children fighting obesity, children with special needs, and children with financial need wishing to participate in recreational and competitive level gymnastics.  Svetlana also spends time as an independent consultant and choreographer for gymnastics clubs, universities and summer camps.

Svetlana offers the following words of wisdom for young gymnasts… 
“To become a champion, give 100% every day, practice like you compete, and never give up on your dream!”

Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!

GK. Choice of Champions.

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Meet Jim Davie, GK International Distributor for Australia, New Zealand, and the West Pacific

Jim Davie felt very fortunate in 2001 when he was first appointed the GK Distributor for Australia and New Zealand.  At that time, GK was not well known in the two countries because the market was dominated by domestic manufacturers.  Now, with the best product in the world and a lot of hard work, Jim is able to claim that GK is the dominant brand in these markets, and the first choice of the vast majority of gymnasts.

Born in Scotland and educated in Rhodesia, Jim began his career in the field of law, but soon shifted into the business sector. He went on to hold senior marketing positions and was the CEO of major engineering companies in Melbourne, Singapore, and London.

In 1991, Jim established Northpac International, with the goal to import Dancewear and Swimwear from the United States. 

Jim is married and his wife, Brenda, manages the Administrative and Customer Service areas at Northpac.  Together, they have two adult sons, both married, and have 2 grandchildren. Stuart and his family live in Sydney and Andrew and his family live in Houston, Texas.

Jim was recently appointed GK's Co-Coordinator for the West Pacific area, a challenge he relishes due to his history of working in Asia. 

If you are in Australia or New Zealand and need gymnastics leotards for women, mens gymnastics apparel, or gymnastics leotards for children, contact Jim at northpac@bigpond.net.au.

Outside of Australia or New Zealand?  GK has International Distributors all over the globe.  Click here to find yours!

GK. Choice of Champions. 

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