Future Leotard Designers Shine at USA Gymnastics Congress!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 by Andrew Foss
As part of the festivities at the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Tradeshow, GK Elite sponsored a Design a Leotard Contest. Applicants were able to show their design skills by sketching and coloring thier own custom gymnastics apparel. They could even add jewels and embellishments to make their designs shine!

Prizes were awarded each day of Congress to participants in different age groups. Winners received GK gift certificates and clothing prizes. One Lucky Grand Prize Winner will receive their Custom Design Gymnastics Leotard made especially for them.

The 2010 Grand Prize Winner was Macy Toronjo from Huntsville Texas and Texas Dreams Gymnastics in Coppell TX.




GK Elite Sportswear has long offered its Custom Design services for Teams. All that is needed is a basic sketch and the Design Team at GK will make it happen. And for teams who order 6 or more leotards, the design fee is FREE! If you are interested in creating a custom design leotard or warm up for your team, print out our Custom Design Worksheets:


Women's Competitive Custom Design Worksheet


Warm Up Custom Design Worksheet










The Complete list of Contest Winners Includes:

Grand Prize Winner  
Macy ToronjoTexas DreamsHuntsville TX

1st Place Winners
   
    
Rhiannon Jardim GreenvilleNY
Hallie FowlerWilliard GymMilwaukeeWI
Hannah HagemanGymfinityBellevilleWI
Veronique VelaquezSilver StarsPort JeffersonNY 
Nicole MillietDenton Gymn AcadDentonTX
Kati RiceGTCAvonCT
Amy LaskarzewskiChamplain Valley GymEssex JctVT
Ally RogersASAPHersheyPA

2nd Place Winners
   
    
Allison CrescimannoDearyBrooklynCT
Audrey Mack WebsterNY
Emily MillietDenton Gymn AcadDentonTX
Luc GrenierFuntasticsScituateMA
Abbi RiceGTCAvonCT
Cadence HigginsFrog BridgeCoventryCT
Bailie KeyTexas DreamsMontgomeryTX
Nicki DavidsonDearys GymnConterburyCT

3rd Place Winners
   
    
Hailey CummingsDearys Gymn  
Jenna DavidsonDearys GymnCanterburyCT
Rylie KeyTexas DreamsMontgomeryTX
Emily GriningWildcardMilwaukeeWI
Abby MillietDenton Gymn AcadDentonTX
Carolyn Mack WebsterNY
Sabrina Strom NewingtonCT
Justin RogersASAPHersheyPA



Nastia on Make It Or Break It

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Andrew Foss
Did you see the latest episode of Make It or Break It - on ABC Family. This week, Olympic Champion Nastia Liukin made a cameo appearance!

Nastia Liukin on set at Make It Or Break It

The girls are all wearing GK Gymnastics Warm Ups. The storyline follows the characters to France for a Gymnastics meet, where they run into Nastia.

New 2010 IN STOCK Gymnastics Apparel OnLine!

Thursday, July 1, 2010 by Andrew Foss

GK has the largest selection of IN STOCK Gymnastics Apparel! See what's new and now available from GK in 2010. These stylish leotards and gymnastics warm ups are available throughout the gymnastics season. Teams can rely on these styles as practice apparel, knowing that they will be able to get more whenever needed.

New IN STOCK Gymnastics Leotards and Apparel


Stylish Workout Tank Leotards

Long Sleeve Leotards

Gymnastics Undergarments - designed to fit and not show through

IN STOCK Men's Leotards, Comp Shirts, gymnastics pants and Shorts

Accessories such as Gymnastics grips, sweatbands and

Exciting NEW GK Gymnastics Warm-Ups

Expanded adidas Gymnastics Apparel for Women and Men

FINALLY - adidas Gymnastics Warm-Ups

All IN STOCK and ready to ship when you need it most - Right Now!


For an additional OnLine Shopping Experience, we have added a new Page Flipping IN STOCK catalog. You can view this online version of our printed catalog, and then return to our site to purchase your gymnastics apparel and accessories.

GK IN STOCK Page Flipping Catalog

Everyday Champions - Czech Republic

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by Andrew Foss
One of our gymnasts was photographed in her new adidas leotard with world gymnastics legend Mrs. Věra Čáslavská. Czech Gymnast Patricie Truneckova poses here after a Memorial Gymnastics Competition with Věra Čáslavská, the most decorated gymnast in Czech gymnastics history. This photo was made by chance as Patricie did not have camera.
 
Gymnastics in Czech RepublicWhat a wonderful contrast - gymnastics future and Czech gymnastic famous history.
 
The gymnast girl has also other big idol - Nastia Liukin B-)


Petr Gryga
GK Elite Sportswear CZ
http://www.gkelite.com/CZ


The Special Order adidas gymnastics leotard that she is wearing is the AW505, in bright pink and black mystique fabrics. This style is also available IN STOCK, in either Black & White or Ocean Blue & Black.

To see these and our complete collection of adidas gymnastics leotards, warm ups and apparel, CLICK HERE









 Below are pictures of Patricie from the competition.




 

Everyday Champions - Gymnastics Leotards for Kids - KAF

Friday, June 11, 2010 by Andrew Foss
The Kilgore Acro Flyers choose GK for their girls gymnastics clothes.

(Top) Kaidra Kidd, (Middle) Lily Baldazo, (Bottom) Autumn Schara; L5 WG 12-14 division, performing 'column'. (Mystique Curls Leotard)

Name: Tina Foxworth
Team: Kilgore Acro-Flyers
City: Kilgore, TX

Check out GK's New 2010-2011 Gymnastics Leotards and gymnastics warm up suits at:

www.gkelite.com

What's New in GK Warm Ups?

Thursday, June 3, 2010 by Andrew Foss

New GK Warm Ups


When we say our 2010-2011 GK Gymnastics Warm Ups are new, we mean we started from scratch. We totally redefined our styling with fresh, eye-popping designs — including a new contemporary athletic cut. We’re even introducing new performance fabrics with embedded wicking comfort and UV/anti-bacterial protection.

Check out our new High-Definition Presentation in the new 2010-2011 GK catalog - Online Now!



It’s clearer than ever why our gymnastic Warm Up suits have you covered.

 

Rediscover GK.
Choice of Champions.

Best Variety • Best Fit • Best Quality • Best Service • Infinite Possibilities

TM

Available from your local GK dealer or online:

www.GKELITE.com

toll free phone:

1.800.345.4087

toll free fax:

1.888.866.9884

New Page Flipping Catalogs Online - See them Now!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 by Andrew Foss

The New Catalogs from Elite Sportswear are available to see online. Now you can see all the new styles of Gymnastics Apparel for the 2010-11 season in these dynamic Page Flipping Catalogs - and then go to our site to purchase!

GK Women's Competitive Leotards and Warm ups

GK Women's Gymnastics Apparel

You can also see and purchase GK Special Order Gymnastics Leotards Online!





GK Mens Gymnastics Apparel (Leotards, Comp Shirts, Compression Shirts and Warm Ups)

GK Mens Gymnasitcs Apparel


You can also see and purchase GK Mens Gymnastics Wear Online!





adidas Gymnastics Apparel for Women and Men (Leotards, Comp Shirts shorts pants and Warm ups

adidas Page Flipping Catalog


You can also see and purchase adidas Gymnastics Wear Online!







Click Catalog Images to see the new lines!

 

Printed Catalogs will be in the mail shortly. While you are waiting, you can see them online.

Sneak Peak - View GK's 2010-11 Catalog Now!

Friday, May 21, 2010 by Andrew Foss
Gk's New 2010-11 Competitive Gymnastics Catalog is going to knock you over!.  It's Like GK in HD!  CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ONLINE



Our 2010-11 Women's Competitive Gymnastics Apparel Catalog. See everything that GK is bringing to Gymnastics including:

New Long Sleeve Special Order Gymnastics Leotards
New Fabrics
New Colors
New Gymnastics Warm Ups Fit and Fabrics


See it here first. Items will be available to order online within weeks!

Click To See Page Flipping Catalog Online

GK Men's Gymnastics Apparel 2010-11 Catalog

Friday, May 21, 2010 by Andrew Foss
GK MEn's Gymnastics Apparel

The 2010-11 GK Men's Competitive Gymnastics wear and Warm-Ups catalog features the newest designs, styles and colors available for men's gymnastics apparel. In addition to GK's selection of Men's gymnastics apparel from stock, GK features Special Order apparel to create your team look.Infinite Possibilities

Men's Special Order Competitive Wear

Infinite Possibilities. Our Champions always have choices. That's why GK Offers the world's largest selection of super stretch fabrics yielding millions of combinations on a three color comp shirt
.
Men's Comp ShirtsComp Shirts - Choose from the largest selection of Men's competitive leotards - known as Comp Shirts.  GK's Mens comp shirts are available in the standard Leotard cut, or new longer leg Boy-cut design.

Compression Shirts - designed with the physique of the gymnast, GK introduced men's Compression Shirts to the gymnastics industry.  The tails of these shirts hang free, rather than connect with leg holes. Though they are not FIG approved for competition, they have gained wide acceptance as a more versatile garment for gymnasts, especially as practice wear.



Youth Gymnastics Apparel

GK offers the largest selection of boys gymnastics leotards, gymnastics shorts and pants available. GK Gymnastics apparel is available in a full range of sizes from youth to adult.

6 New 2010 In-Stock Gymnastics Leotards

Monday, May 17, 2010 by Andrew Foss

2010 In-Stock Gymnastics Leotards - PREVIEW

New InStock Leotards for 2010

New in the 2010-11 Team gymnastics apparel line are these 6 Team Leotards. Each Spring we preview some of the styles that will be in the line starting in the Summer. These styles Include:

3625 - Team - Green Pinwheel Leotard

3622 - Team - Flame Mystique Leotard

3620 - Team - Red Mystique With Swirls

3624 - Team - Purple Ribbons Leotard
 
3623 - Team - Cherry Splash 
 
3621 - Team - Berry & Black Leotard

Click Here to See Them Online


GK's Annual Team In-Stock apparel catalog will be available this July. It features over 100 leotard options for teams. These styles range from colored basics in Velvet and spandex to detailed applique leotards, as seen in the preview styles above. In addition to Tank Leotards, Long Sleeve leotards are featured. Also you can choose from In-Stock Gymnastics Warm Ups.

Elite Fitted Warm Ups - New and Improved for 2010

Monday, May 17, 2010 by Andrew Foss

You want your team to look like champions at every event. GK's focus on gymnastics apparel goes beyond just the best gymnastics leotards available. We put that same time effort into our Warm ups. And you will love what you see for 2010!


Better Fit - Special Order Elite Fitted Warm Ups


When you’re outfitting your eliteNew Warm Ups team, only the very best will do. And if you want the athletic look of a fitted warm-up, you’re in the right place.

The new and improved GK Elite Fitted Warm-ups give you an improved collar and longer torso. Plus all the choices you need to complement your championship team look – jewels, embroidery, sequined embroidery, and new this year, applique embroidery.

Infinite Possibilities - Any Style. Any Fabric. Any Combination

With Infinite Possibilities, it's Your Team, Your Look, Your Way. You choose the fabrics, colors and embellishments for a look that's uniquely yours. And being with GK, you know your Warm ups and Competitive Leotards will match.



Gk's New Elite Fitted Warm Ups are available this summer in the 2010-11 Competitive Gymnastics Catalog. Be watching for updates.
 


What's New in the 2010-11 GK Catalog?

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by Andrew Foss


CKICK HERE TO SEE GK'S PAGE FLIPPING CATALOG!


New GK Leotard - 9541Spring is when you start to see what is new in Competitive Gymnastics apparel for 2010.

The new GK 2010-11 Collection will be like GK in HD! High Definition with the boldest and the brightest for Gymnastics . . .

(Pictured Left- Style # 9541)


- The new GK 2010-11 Collection features 113 bold and creative leotards - 34 Brand New competitive leotards combined with 79 of your favorites.

- Exciting new Color and Fabric combinations that really pop.

Stunning new Swarovski jeweling options to make your team out-shine the competition (and they’re 100% CPSIA-compliant for all ages)!

- New Warm up designs: eye-popping in-stock and special order warm ups
     o Longer length, sleek fitting jackets
     o Hot New Tech fabric options. Simply put, kids love the feel and fit! Technically speaking:
        1) Fast Evaporation
        2) Anti Bacterial
        3) Blocks UV Rays
        4) Easy Care

- Team In-Stock Apparel - The largest selection of Team Long Sleeve and Tank Leotards and apparel available for Gymnasts. Our Stock guarantee means that you will have them when you need them!

- New and Expanded adidas Gymnastics collection - Perform Yourself Better
     o More Special Order Women's and Men's Competitive Leotards and Comp Shirts
     o Expanded Stock Competitive Apparel
     o New adidas Gymnastics Warm Ups

For GK, the new Competitive gymnastics season is the most exciting time of the year! As each athlete and team is improving their performance, GK is right there helping to make you look your best. This collection is sure to WOW you.

Here is a just Sneak Peak at what is in store: (Pictured Below – NEW GK Style # 9542). Check Back often for Updates.

New GK Leotard - 9542

Let’s be honest. Some companies talk a good game but deliver something else. You need more. You need a team who’s as dedicated to your long term success as you are with an intimate understanding of your sport. The kind of dedication you get from GK. Choice of Champions.


Everyday Champions - Pretty in Pink

Friday, April 2, 2010 by Andrew Foss
Our team's GK pink leotards with the bright gems and coordinating gymnastics warm-ups are always a judges favorite. We love how we are always the brightest team to stand out at all the meets and it gives us confidence too! Pictured is our Level 6 team for the 2009-2010 season. This is our last season competing in these leos but we know next year GK will give us the same confidence to do great out on the competition floor.

Name: Daphne
Team: Excel
City: Kingston NY

First Ever Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Andrew Foss


As reported on PR Newswire and USA Gymnastics

WORCESTER, MA, March 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup was held at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. Competing were 36 gymnasts who traveled from 17 states across the country to participate. Proceeds from the event benefit the Nastia Liukin Fund, a charitable fund within the National Gymnastics Foundation.Nastia Liukin Cup Winners

The 36 young women were chosen to compete in the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup based on performances at the 15 invitationals that comprised the Nastia Liukin Cup Series. Each invitational selected a minimum of two athletes from the respective Level 10/open fields. The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup is a partnership between Warner Bros. Consumer Products, USA Gymnastics and Liukin. Always aware of how much life has given her and determined to give back, Liukin is proud to host an event that helps fund the Nastia Liukin Fund. The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup and the accompanying Nastia Liukin Cup Series provide a unique competitive opportunity for the country's rising female gymnasts.

"We had an amazing group of talented gymnasts participate in my first ever Supergirl Cup," said Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic all-around champion. "I congratulate Lexie, Kassandra, and Diandra for their incredible performances today. They serve as an inspiration to the Supergirl in all of us."

With her desire to be a positive role model for young girls, Liukin enjoyed meeting the young gymnasts to share the Supergirl vision— with hard work, belief in yourself, and commitment to a dream—anything is possible. The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup participants received a Nastia Liukin-designed gymnastics leotard and matching gymnastics warm-up from GK Elite; two tickets to the Tyson American Cup and recognition during that event for the Cup's medalists. For more information, go to: www.nastialiukinsupergirlcup.com.



 

Everyday Champions - Gymasts Win Joan Hicks Spirit Award

Saturday, March 6, 2010 by Andrew Foss
I know you asked for GK leotards but your warm ups are just as beautiful. In this picuture the Off the Wall Gymnastics (Plaistow, NH) Level 8 team proudly wear their GK warmups on the podium as they receive the "Joan Hicks Spirit of the Sport Award" at the Northeast Invite held in January at Trinity College in Hartford CT. This award was to honor the team that displayed and exemplified the spirit of cooperation, teamwork, exceptionally positive attitudes, hard work, and love for the sport of gymnastics, amongst its team members and coaches. This was in honor of Joan Hicks, a very predominant person in the sport of gymnastics in CT, who passed away recently and dedicted so much of herself and her life to the sport of gymnastics. This was the first year this honor was awarded and the OTW Level 8s were the first Optional team to receive it! The Level 8 Team (left to right) award winners are Ali Attenasiso West Newbury MA, Jamie Maffeo Windham NH, Nicole Lanouette Sandown NH, and Jackie Hult Fremont NH.

Name: Rita L.
Company: Off the Wall Gymnastics
City: Plaistow
State: New Hampshire


Everyday Champions - Competition on Vault

Saturday, March 6, 2010 by Andrew Foss
it is my competition warm up at 6 30 in the morning

Name: vivian
Team: alliance family ymca
City: alliance, ohio



Getting ready in the morning before a meet wearing team gymnastics warm ups from GK. From head to toe, GK has the gymnastics apparel to to outfit your team.

Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 by Andrew Foss

As Reported onUSA-Gymnastics.com

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 2, 2010 – The 36 gymnast field is now set for the 2010 Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup on March 5, 2010, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. The final two competitors – Madison Krentz of Cave Creek, Ariz./Arizona Sunrays and Jaclyn McCartin of West Covina, Calif./Charter Oak Gliders – were selected this past weekend at the Long Beach (Calif.) Open. During seven weeks of competition, 36 gymnasts from 17 states were selected from the 15 invitationals in the Nastia Liukin Cup Series to compete in the inaugural Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup.

“It’s important for me to be able to give back to the gymnastics community that has supported me so much,” said 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas. “The Supergirl Cup is a great way to give girls the chance to compete, shoot for their dreams, and let their inner Supergirl take flight.”

“We are so excited to be hosting the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup for these athletes,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “This event will allow some of our top Junior Olympic gymnasts to experience gymnastics like an elite athlete and provide a chance for them to mingle with some of the best in the sport. It is going to be a fun weekend in Worcester.”

Each of the 15 invitationals that comprised the Nastia Liukin Cup Series selected a minimum of two athletes from the respective Level 10/open fields to compete in the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Consumer Products, USA Gymnastics and Liukin. The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup and the accompanying Nastia Liukin Cup Series provide a unique competitive opportunity for the country’s rising female gymnasts. The complete list of participants is included below.

“Nastia Liukin is the perfect brand ambassador for this initiative and a person who embodies the attributes of Supergirl in her own right,” said Karen McTier, executive vice president, domestic licensing and worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We are proud to be able to align with Nastia and give this talented group of gymnasts the opportunity to strive for excellence and find their own inner Supergirl.”

Fans around the country can watch the inaugural Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup live on television or the web via Universal Sports and www.universalsports.com from 7-9 p.m. ET.

To catch all the action in person, Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup tickets can be purchased for $25 general admission, through Ticketmaster by phone at 800-745-3000; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at all Ticketmaster outlets; or at the DCU Center Ticket Office. Visa is the preferred method of payment.

Gymnasts competing in the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup will receive a Nastia Liukin-designed leotard and a warm-up from GK Elite; two tickets to the Tyson American Cup and recognition during that event for the Cup’s medalists; and the opportunity to meet Nastia Liukin and participate in a team photo. Proceeds from the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup will go into the Nastia Liukin Fund, a charitable fund within the National Gymnastics Foundation. For more information, go to www.nastialiukinsupergirlcup.com.





 

Parkette's Boys Team

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 by Andrew Foss
When you are looking for Men's gymnastics apparel, GK is the Choice of Champions. Whether it is Boys Gymnastics leotards, mens gymnastics short and pants, warm ups or even new styled gymnastics compression shirts, GK is the name chosen. Just ask Parkettes:

Parkettes Boys Gymnastics"The Parkette Boys  Gymnastics Team has been a GK team since 1981. No one can match the style and comfort of their uniforms and GK's exceptional service and professionalism is unmatched. GK's continued support of the sport of gymnastics - from the grass roots programs to the Elite level - has been unwavering. Thank you GK!"

Joe Stallone
Men's Program Director
Parkette National Gymnastics
Training Center





Click Here to see GK's entire line of Mens Gymnastics Apparel

Nastia & the New Year - Interview Inside Gymnastics

Friday, January 15, 2010 by Andrew Foss
Nastia Liukin, in an interview in the January/February issue of Inside Gymnastics Magazine, talks about the New Year - and mentions the Nastia Liukin cup and her line of Leotards that she designed with GK Elite.

Nastia Liukin talks fashion, designers and her GK line plus more in the Jan/Feb issue of Inside Gymnastics! Subscribe Today!

Inside Gymnastics’ Amanda Whitley catches up with 2008 Olympic Champ Nastia Liukin for a quick chat about what’s ahead in 2010!

Talk to me a bit about the Luikin Cup in Connecticut.

It’s the first year for it and we’ve been working on it since last summer. It’s all coming together and it’s something I’m really looking forward to also. It’s right outside of Boston and I’ll be there the week after next doing some promoting for it. I also just finished designing the leotards that the all girls will get with GK Elite so everyone will be getting a leotard and a warm up.

Sounds like you have a lot going on and it’s going to be a busy 2010 for you!

Yeah, I do have so many things, but everything is something I’m really looking forward to and I’m trying to balance it all. I’m excited about the Cup and Camp plus getting back in the gym, hopefully. It’s going to be a great year and I’m ready for it.

Read more about Nastia and her designs for GK Leotards as well as her perspective on fashion and some of her favorite designers in the Jan/Feb issue of Inside Gymnastics! Subscribe Today!

Read the Whole article at Inside Gymnastics.

Click Here to See Nastia Gymnastics Apparel and Leotards from GK Elite



4 Days Until Christmas - First Day of Winter

Monday, December 21, 2009 by Andrew Foss

Winter Solstice


December 21 - Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere - The Longest Night - First Day of Winter

It's the first day of Winter, and here in Eastern Pennsylvania, we are looking forward to a White Christmas, as the Blizzard to December 2009 has left us under a white blanket of snow.

Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.

What exactly is Winter and What makes it Cold

In the winter time, the Northern Hemisphere receives fewer hours of sunshine and less direct rays of sunshine, which combine to make it the coldest season. Many people wonder why the "first" day of winter isn't the middle point of winter and why it's not the coldest on the solstice. It is understandable to wonder why, if the December solstice marks the shortest day and the farthest south the sun will get, that it hasn't been colder leading up to the solstice and that it doesn't get warmer more quickly as the sun moves north again.


The answer lies in the Earth's atmosphere. It is a cumulative effect. In the summer, it takes the atmosphere a while to warm up from receiving the additional radiation, and therefore it is not hottest at the summer solstice. In the same way, the atmosphere has taken some time to cool down so that it is not the coldest at the winter solstice. The same thing can be noticed in the atmosphere on a daily basis. It is not warmest during the day when the sun is highest but in late afternoon. It is not coldest in the middle of the night but instead just before the dawn.

Winter Solstice and the Holidays

Today, many people in Western-based cultures refer to this holiday as "Christmas." Yet a look into its origins of Christmas reveals roots that predate the religious holiday. Emperor Aurelian (Rome) established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice. Most of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated with "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations from these ancient cultures.

As for Winter . . .  

Stay Warm - Velvet Leotards can keep you warm at the Gym!

and remember - every day from here to the summer is getting just a little bit longer!