If you follow women’s gymnastics, you know that Shawn Johnson finally got her gold medal Tuesday morning, edging out teammate Nastia Liukin with a fantastic balance beam routine. And the man supporting her is her coach, Liang Chow, himself a member of the Chinese national gymnastics team in the 1980’s. He’s the unsung hero behind her success—and her great attitude.

In the extensive news coverage I’ve seen on Johnson, she refers to her Chinese coach and his wife as “my second parents.” Teri and Doug Johnson, Shawn’s parents, appreciate the important relationship. In an article for the August 2008 issue of Guideposts, Teri recounts Coach Chow’s mastery in managing Johnson’s personality. Other gymnastics teachers were frustrated by Shawn’s hyperactive behavior. Chow, who owns a gym in West Des Moines, Iowa, knew how to harness it. “I love her energy. That’s what you need in this sport.” Teri stated, “He kept her interest by keeping her challenged.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: 2008, beijing, chinese, gymnastics, liang chow, nastia liukin, olympics, shawn johnson

I just finished watching the Opening Ceremonies, and it’s hard to find a word besides, “Wow.” Artistically, it was everything I’d hoped for and more. Zhang Yimou really outdid himself. I have strong feelings about the Chinese government’s political and religious oppression. But like many others, I put those aside for the sake of the athletes and the high Olympic principles that drive them. I geek out over the Olympics. I lose all my cynicism and become a kid again.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: 2008, beijing, children, cultural, dancers, drummers, footprints, historical, lcd screen, lin hao, opening ceremony, sichuan earthquake, tang dynasty dancers, zhang yimou