Welcome to GK - Choice of Champions. The World's Leader in Gymnastics Apparel. This gymnastics blog is here to help GK communicate with our  customers, fans, and friends – current and future!  We’ll keep you up to date on what’s going on in the world of gymnastics and we want to hear from you. Comment, post, upload, and link until you’ve had your fill of GK :)

I am Michelle Weaver - GK's eCommerce Manager. I am so excited to have recently joined Elite Sportswear in November 2010. You’ll hear from me regularly in our blog, on facebook and twitter.

Before coming to the Elite team, I worked in both Retail Apparel and Sports Marketing. Outside of the office, I enjoy coaching recreational level cheerleading and spending time with family and friends!

GK Everyday Champions Talia B. and Madison D. love to compete in GK style!  Both gymnasts represented the Region 1 Junior B Championship team at at the 2013 Women's Level 9 Western Gymnastics Chamionships in Roseville, CA.  Talia, who competes for Head Over Heels of Emeryville, CA, was victorious in her GK leotard as she claimed the All-Around title. Madison, who competes for San Mateo Gymnastics of Belmont, CA, also shined in her GK leotard as she placed 2nd in the All-Around competition.  Way to go Talia and Madison!

Are you ready to bring your gymnastics to the next level?  Check out GK's latest and most stylish leotards in the 2013-2014 Competitive Catalog!

Last week, Olympic Gold Medalist & GK Champion, Alexandra Raisman, and her partner, Mark Ballas, danced the Argentine Tango and the Jive to a total of 56 out of 60 judges points!  Earning their second 29 out of 30, Aly & Mark are looking forward to hitting that perfect score.  Will it happen tonight?  Because of your votes, Aly & Mark are moving right along to Week 9 which brings on a new dance challenge - Afro Jazz!  You tweeted it last week, now be sure to tune in to ABC tonight at 8/7c to watch Mark & Aly dance Afro Jazz on Week 9 of Dancing with the Stars and then VOTE, VOTE, and VOTE!

Vote for Aly & Mark by calling 1-800-VOTE4-08 or 1-800-868-3408.  And don't forget... you can also vote online on Facebook and on the DWTS website until 11AM EST Tuesday morning! Need help?  Click here for detailed voting Info!

GK. Choice of Champions.

In between practice sessions for Dancing with the Stars, GK recently caught up with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Alexandra Raisman and she gave us some of her thoughts on how gymnastics compares to ballroom dancing!

GK: How has training for Dancing with the Stars differentiated from training for the London Olympics? Are there any similarities?

AR: There aren't many similarities besides hard work!  Training for the Olympics takes years and years of hard work!  The Olympics are once in a lifetime and only come around once every four years!  The show is all about having fun!  I only have five days to learn a dance which is a huge challenge!  I love working hard, performing, and trying new things, which is why this show is so fun for me!

GK: Is it more comfortable to perform with a dress and heels rather than a leotard and barefooted?

AR: I am more comfortable competing in gymnastics because I've done it for so long.  Dancing in heels and a dress is a blast but it is very nerve-racking because I am not used to it.  Dancing is still very new to me. That being said, I love performing on the show.  It is a blast!

GK: How have you adjusted to sharing the floor with a partner?

AR: I am used to competing all by myself so working with a partner is completely different.  Instead of worrying about my tumbling, I have to make sure I am on every beat so I am in sync with my partner.  It is a huge challenge, but Mark is an amazing teacher!

GK: Will your Dancing with the Stars costumes inspire your GK leotard collection?

AR: Yes!!! I am so inspired to design new leotards! I love each and every costume I have worn.  They are all so beautiful!  Every week I get so many amazing ideas! I love how all of my costumes are fun, bright colors.  And they are so sparkly!

GK: Are there any aspects of Dancing with the Stars that you would like to bring back to the gym?

AR: Yes! I want to bring the performance level that I have on the show into my floor routine.  As a gymnast, I want to not only show great tumbling but also how I can connect with the music and how much I can show personality.

GK: How do you mentally prepare for Dancing with the Stars? How does this differ from gymnastics mental preparation?

AR: I'm always really nervous to perform on the show! We only have five days to perform completely new dances that we've never done in our life so it's a bit scary! However performing is a blast I love it so much! Hitting a good routine with Mark is such a great feeling! I prepare myself like I did gymnastics just by working hard and believing in myself

Tune in to ABC every Monday night at 8/7c to see Aly's performance and then vote, vote, VOTE!  Aly & Mark's voting number is 1-800-VOTE4-08 or 1-800-868-3408. Remember - you can also vote online on Facebook and on the DWTS website until 11AM EST Tuesday morning! Not sure how to vote? Click here for detailed voting Info!

Check out Aly's current gymnastics leotard collection on our website!

GK. Choice of Champions.

GK Everyday Champion Brittany F. from Chester, Illinois sports her gymnastics leotard that she wears when competing for the Triple T Twisters.  Brittany said, "My red, white & blue competition leotard is very bling bling, stylish and catches the judges eyes!  Not only all that, it is also very comfortable to compete in."

Thank you Brittany!  We think you look fabulous in your Sharp Accept Gymnastics Leotard 4840A02.  Brittany's Red Mystique, White Sparkle, and Navy Mystique gymnastics leotard features a scoop neckline with a sharp pattern accenting the left shoulder and a scoop back.  The "bling bling" is provided by clear SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS along the style lines.

Choose any fabric and any color combination to design a GK Competitive Gymnastics Leotard with your own custom look. Add your team name or logo in your choice of jewels, embroidery or imprinting. Check out the 2012 Women's Competitive Catalog for design ideas and inspiration.  Need help? Find your local GK Sales Representative here!

GK. Choice of Champions.

After months of negotiations, Elite Sportswear and adidas were unable to come to a mutually agreeable renewal of our global licensing agreement.  While the former partnership was successful and positive, the two companies could not agree on mutual goals for the future of their relationship.

What does that mean for Elite Sportswear’s customers?

Effective immediately, Elite Sportswear is unable to process any new orders for adidas stock or special order merchandise and after December 31, 2012, will be unable to accept any re-orders or fill-ins.

We sincerely apologize for the late notice, however, due to extended contract negotiations with adidas and contractual confidentiality agreements, we were not able to give more advance notice.

In an attempt to minimize any negative impact on our customers, we made a conscious decision not to introduce any new adidas styles in our 2012-13 In Stock and Competitive catalogs, and instructed our sales reps to encourage their customers to re-order early.  We realize we may not have reached all of you.

Although it is unfortunate that a renewal was not successful, we are more excited about the future than ever.  More people are choosing GK than ever before.  We feel that we have the most well-rounded and stylish leotard collections in the company’s history.  We are proud to have Olympic champions Gabrielle Douglas and Alexandra Raisman as our newest endorsed athletes, and our customer service rankings have been outstanding.

What should I do if I still have questions about my adidas gymnastics order?

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call customer service at 800-345-4087.

This beginner gymnast is dreaming big!  Jordan H. of Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania is sporting one of GK's mens and boys compression shirt and adidas triple stripe gymnastics shorts AS104 while learning all the basics!

Does your gym need men's gymnastics apparel?  Visit GK's 2012 Men's Competitive Catalog for inspiration and ideas.  Need help?  Find your local GK Gymnastics Sales Representative here.

GK. Choice of Champions.

Chelsea A. of Gyminators Gymnastics in Jacksonville, Florida recently wrote to GK to tell us how much she loves the two (of eight!) new gymnastics leotards that her parents bought for her!  "I love the patriotic leos and what they represent. I hope to be a part of the U.S. team one day and have my own signature patriotic leo! I LOVE GK!!"

Are you eager to get the same patriotic looks as Chelsea?  Then you won't want to miss your chance to pick up our Pride AS429 leotard shown here on the left.  This adidas stylized stars and stripes poly/spandex design, printed on classic tank leotard features the iconic embroidered National Team circle of stars logo and comes with a matching scrunchie.  Want a more classic look?  Check out Shannon Miller's Patriotic Leotard design E1955 for a classic scoop neck tank leotard, designed by Shannon Miller herself!  This leo comes in navy, red and silver mystique and features clear jeweled accents in patriotic stars and stripes design.  But don't wait around!  These Special Edition styles are only available through December 30, 2012.

Morgan and Kadi of Team Central Gymnastics Academy, a National Level Non-Profit Gymnastics Training Center in St. Louis, Missouri, show off their USA Gymnastics team replica leotards.  Pride AS429 is an adidas stylized stars and stripes poly/spandex design, printed on a classic tank leotard featuring the iconic embroidered National Team circle of stars logo.  This workout leotard will forever remind us of 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Aly Raisman's floor exercise routine.

Do you just have to have the same elegant, regal leotard?  GK is the only place to get authorized replicas of the USA Gymnastics team leotards available for purchase through December 30, 2012. Get Pride AS429 here!

GK.  Choice of Champions.

Caitlin of The Classic City Center Gymnastics Program in Waterloo, Indiana was recently chosen as one of four girls to perform Body In Flight (Delta) at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Earlier this year, the exhibit which was originally shown at the "Gloria" art exhibit at the 54th La Biennale di Venezia, Caitlin and the other gymnasts donned the same GK Ladies' Unitards and men's Competition Shirts and Pants that were also showcased by 2007 U.S. All-Around Champion David Durante and 2008 Olympic silver medalist Chellsie Memmel in Venice in July 2011.

Still want to learn more about La Biennale di Venezia?  Check out www.imamuseum.org/venice/about/exhibition to explore the event and view pictures of the gymnasts performing in GK gymnastics apparel!

Does your gym need new competition leotards?  Visit GK's 2012 Competitive Catalog for inspiration and ideas.  Need help?  Find your local GK Gymnastics Sales Representative here.

GK. Choice of Champions.

What a cutie!  Savannah's mom, Ashley, recently wrote to GK to tell us just how much Savannah loves her GKids leotard, especially the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS along the neckline.  Savannah is three years old and has been doing gymnastics for about a year at Inland Empire Gymnastics Association in Coeur d Alene, Idaho.

GKids gymnastics leotards for girls are designed for little champions everywhere.  They are always Affordable, Bright, and Comfy.  All GKids styles are reasonably priced at just $29.99 and are designed with fun, colorful prints just for your little ones.  Each leotard is made with super soft, itch-free fabrics that your beginner gymnast will love!

Samantha G. of Northwest Gymnastics in Harwinton, Connecticut recently wrote GK to tell us about the Special Edition GK gymnastics leotard she's wearing here.   Samantha said, "I had to get the leotard Svetlana Boguinskaia designed as soon as I found out that Svetlana would be at Camp Woodward the week I was going.  Svetlana was so sweet when she saw me in the leotard. She even told me I have nice form after we posed for pics. I love my Svetlana designed leotard. Thanks GK, for this amazing opportunity!"

We're so glad you love Svetlana's Legends leotard design.  You both look great!

GK Elite hosted our 3^rd Annual Fashion Show at the Gymnastics Olympic Trials in San Jose, California from June 28 to July 1.  The Show was held at the Village at Arena Green right outside the HP Pavilion where the competition was being held.  GK held not just one, but two Fashion Shows on Saturday and Sunday of the competition on the same stage that Kenny Loggins played at the post event celebration.

The models, who came from many different gyms across the U.S., strutted their stuff down the runway in a variety of elegant and bold leotards. The large crowd that flocked the Arena Green for the Show needed shades to block the light from not just the shining sun, but also the sparkling SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS that adorned these gymnastic leotards!

Five of GK Elite’s gymnastics lines, Legends, Women’s Special Order Competitive, IN STOCK, adidas, and SWAROVSKI Couture, were showcased at the event.  The Show began with the presentation of the Legends Leotards, which was created by five legendary Olympians, including Svetlana Boguinskaia, Kim Zmeskal, Shannon Miller, Amanda Borden and Carly Patterson.  An array of leotards from the Women’s Special Order Competitive, IN STOCK and adidas, embodied much of the Show.  However, the highlight of the GK Fashion Show was the grand finale of the SWAROVSKI Couture Leotards!  This line boasts four one-of-a-kind handcrafted leotards each worth around $5,000.  Up to 18,000 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS adorned each of the Couture Leotards!

Paul Ziert, President and CEO of International Gymnast Magazine, enjoyed the GK Fashion Show from our VIP section.  After reflecting on the Show, he said, "I have always thought that artistic gymnastics should move closer to the fashion world, and Elite Sportswear continues to impress me with the various projects they do along this line.  At the Final Olympic Trials, Elite for the third year held a wonderful fashion show to introduce and celebrate their new line.  With models that truly represented the great sport of gymnastics, they entertained a standing-room-only crowd for 30 minutes with exciting music and bling beyond belief.  This new line captures the full range of styles and colors and should be a big hit for next season!"

To shop all of the styles and designs presented in the GK Fashion Show, click here!

Piper S. is a two year old from Materick All-Star Tumblers in Weatherford, Texas who loves Practicing Trampoline & Tumbling in her orange and black gymnastics leotard that her mother Jenifer purchased from GK Sales Representative June Blackman at their Regional Competition at the Fort Worth Convention Center.  Piper, a future Power Tumbling Star, calls her GK workout leotards her "Super Suits"!

Isabella L. of Le Club in Moorpark, California shows off her sparkling team spirit in her Sporty Camp Tank GK Gymnastics Leotard Style E1917 in black and yellow nylon/spandex with a custom embellishment on the front center chest.  This workout leotard features a classic racer back and includes a matching hair scrunchie.

According to Isabella, "GK made my team SPARKLE with Camp Spirit! Thank you GK!!"

Gymstars Modesto claimed a Level 5 first place title in the Vineyard Classic Gymnastics Competition at the California Gymnastics Academy in GK style.  Gymstars Modesto Gymnastics, located in Modesto, California has a mission to “Provide quality instruction in a safe, clean and fun environment so that every participant can meet his or her full potential and ‘Reach for the Stars!’”

Before and after the Vineyard competition, the girls sported classy and cute GK Elite warm ups.  Their customized special order Piping Accent Fitted Jacket (style number 8772) consists of Black Dry-Tech piping and White Dry-Tech body, sleeves, and collar.  The back of the jacket is embellished with a custom jewel to make it their own!  To complete the look the girls wore GK Low Rise Warm-Up Pants (style number 8731) in Black Dry-Tech.

Find the perfect warm up for you and your team by checking out all of GK Elite’s Special Order Warm-Ups!

Beginner gymnast Brianna H. of Allentown, Pennsylvania is dreaming big in her Curved Bodice Tank Leotard style 3657.  This gymnastics tank leotard from GK's In Stock Catalog comes in black, yellow, and steel mystique and features a classic neckline and clear SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

2 year old Piper loves her GKids pink and leopard print gymnastics leotard and pink and black gymnastics shorts. Piper attends Maverick AllStar Tumblers in Weatherford, TX, but this photo was taken outside the Nationals Competion in Long Beach, California!

Her mom, Jenifer, said, "We love GK for its fit and quality.  Can't wait till she's big enough to compete!!"

MyKayla Skinner, a senior international elite gymnast, trusts GK Elite to deliver the best quality and comfort when she competes.  At just fourteen years old, MyKayla was the youngest gymnast in the Senior division at the 2012 VISA Championships this June in St. Louis, Missouri.  Despite her young age, MyKayla performed terrifically, winning 15^th in the all-around and 3^rd on the vault! 

MyKayla trains at Desert Lights Gymnastics in Chandler, Arizona and is coached by Lisa Spini, Neela Nelson, Bruce McGehee, Bob Peterson and Chris George.  In March, she represented the USA team at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy where she placed 10^th in the all-around, 5^th on the vault, and 4^th in the floor exercise.

In the image below, MyKayla is competing in a GK Elite Women’s Long Sleeve Leotard style 7524.  This elegant but bold leotard is made of Gunmetal Mystique, Purple Slither, and White Slither fabrics and is embellished with Brilliance SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  If you like this leotard, check out style 7540 which is a similar leotard from GK Elite’s 2012-2013 Competitive Wear!

Shop all of GK Elite’s IN STOCK and Special Order Women's Competitive wear and warm-ups by clicking here!

Junior international elite gymnast Lexie Priessman claimed the Junior All-Around Title at the 2012 VISA Championships in style as she wore a GK Elite Special Order Competitive Wear leotard!  Lexie began gymnastics at the age of 5 and now trains at the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy in Ohio under the coaching of Mary Lee Tracy and Amy Wert. 

Aside from her Junior All-Around Title at the 2012 VISA Championships on June 7-10 in St. Louis, Missouri, Lexie also captured the Junior Floor Exercise Title and silver medals on the vault and uneven bars.  Way to go Lexie!  Previously in March, Lexie traveled to Italy to help the USA team win gold in the City of Jesolo Trophy.  There, she gained the All-Around title and was first on the vault, second on the uneven bars, and third in the floor exercise.

Lexie made a statement at the VISA Championships in a stunning GK Elite Special Order Long Sleeve Leotard style 9537.  This striking leotard is constructed with Imperial Purple Mystique, Berry Slither, and Steel Mystique fabrics and is adorned with Brilliance SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  Check out the youtube video above to watch Lexi's outstanding floor routine from the Championships in her GK Elite Competitive Leotard!

Make your move and click here to shop for your next GK gymnastics leotard!

Carly Patterson competed in the Athens Olympics in 2004 and became only the second American woman to capture Olympic Gold for the Individual All-Around.  Carly hit that pinnacle after a fast and furious gymnastics career with an impressive medal count at a young age.  Carly caught the gymnastics bug while attending a cousin’s birthday party at a local gym.  After literally bouncing around her home, her mother decided to enroll her in a gymnastics class.  Flash forward several years and Carly began training at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy with Evgeny Marchenko and Natasha Boyarskaya as her personal coaches.

Carly exhibited tremendous talent from a young age.  She made the Junior National Team at the age of 12.  Two years later, she won the Junior National All-Around title.  At the 2003 World Championships, Carly won Gold and Silver medals, respectively, in the Team and All-Around events and then tied for the All-Around title at the 2004 U.S. Nationals.  She reached the height of her career in 2004 winning Olympic Gold for Individual All‑Around.  Carly describes this as “one of the most amazing moments of my life!” 

Carly was best-known for her impressive beam repertoire, being the first to perform an Arabian double front dismount, now aptly named the “Patterson.”  She also had amazing floor and vault skills.  Carly took time off after the 2004 Games to heal a back injury she’d had throughout the competition, and announced her retirement from the sport shortly thereafter.  Carly was inducted into the Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Carly found inspiration for her 2012 GK Legends Collection Leotard in revisiting the culmination of her gymnastics career – the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.  Carly won the Individual All-Around Gold medal, making her only the second American woman to do so, 20 years after Mary Lou Retton first did in 1984.

According to Carly, “The Olympic rings wrapping around the leotard are an awesome representation of what I achieved in my gymnastics career.”  The foundation for Carly’s take on the rings is Silver Mystique and each ring is created with Ocean, Black, Red, Yellow and Kelly Green Mystiques.

Since her retirement, Carly made several talk show appearances, was featured on an NBC special, adorned the front of a Wheaties box, honored as the March of Dimes' “Sportswoman of the Year” in 2004, and named one of Teen People's “20 Teens Who Will Change the World” in 2005.  Currently, Carly attends the University of North Texas working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.  She is still very involved in gymnastic camps, speaking engagements and works with USA Gymnastics.

Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!

GK. Choice of Champions.