News and Notes

Shawn Johnson announced that she intends to resume intensive gymnastics training in hopes of competing in the 2012 Olympics. She returned to the gym four days ago. I am really indifferent towards both her and Nastia. Please let me know when Miller, Lysenko, Onodi, Mo, Podkopayeva, or Silivas decides to return to competitive gymnastics shape. Or even Courtney Kupets from the "actually realistic list."

The New York Times published a great story on Kevin Pearce's return home following his traumatic brain injury suffered in December. It can be found here along with a video clip of Pearce's appearance on the Today Show. He has made an impressive recovery and intends to snowboard again. For the record, his dad is also a super talented glass artist.

Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova will play doubles together in a Legends match at Wimbledon. Since when did Anna Kournikova become a tennis legend? She's attractive, but was not a particularly remarkable tennis player.

On Shawn Johnson's Knee

Dancing with the Stars champion (and Olympic gymnast) Shawn Johnson suffered a "minor" knee injury while skiing last month. The minor injury was a partially torn ACL and a torn meniscus. As someone who did the same thing, I can assure you there is nothing minor about the injury. I am far from an elite athlete, but was told if I ever wanted to participate in sports again, I should have a complete ACL reconstruction. Her agent said that most people would not have even had the surgery. That's only true if most people never want to ski or play soccer for fun again. She has a long recovery ahead of her and I wish her the best of luck.

In other news Ivana Hong is rumored to have also suffered a torn ACL at Martha's latest "please break me" camp. Kytra Hunter was named the alternate for the Scam Cup along with Danell Leyva for the men.