School of Style
February 15, 2008
The youngest member of the USA women’s team that won gold at the 2007 World Championships, Ivana Hong (14-years-old at the time) established a name for herself in the international field with crisp lines, picture-perfect form and unique sets. Jumping from fifth all-around in the Junior Division at the 2006 National Championships to fourth all-around in the Senior Division in 2007, Hong’s rise to the top ranks in the U.S. gymnastics scene has been swift and commanding.
“She went from middle of pack to taking second on first day of Championships in ‘07” coach Al Fong told Inside Gymnastics. “It unnerved her a little [because] she beat people that she had always looked up to. But she came back strong and really learned from the whole experience.”
“At Worlds, I was pleased,” Fong says of Hong’s debut at a World Championships. “Just making the team was huge. Being on the team and helping to make the Americans number one after the first day was great. She’s young, but hungry. It would be harder now if not for that experience.”
The “now” that Fong refers to is the preparation for a chance at a spot on the 2008 Olympic team. “After Worlds, we took just a little break,” he says. “Not a break with no training, but refreshing the brain a little, and putting together skills.”
Between Worlds and the end of January, the training plan included upgrading routines to include “better combinations and higher start values.” Now, the plan is to focus on routine training. New to Hong’s repertoire of skills from the upgrade period are a front double full and a front double tuck on floor (though she may not compete both) and new in-bar Stalder combinations on bars.
As impressive as her skills are, most impressive is Hong’s unique style and textbook technique Known for her precision, Hong, who trains five and a half hours a day, continues to train aggressively to maintain an advantage in this area. “It’s always a part of our daily workout,” Fong says of Hong’s focus on the basics. “We use a ballet bar, and Armine (Fong) puts together some warm-up drills that focus on the dance element. You can have the big skills, but just as important is the way those skills are presented.”
Both Al and Armine know that when start values in routines among the nation’s best gymnasts become relatively even, it’s the little details that can set a gymnast apart, and that’s perhaps where Hong will have an advantage. “She’s a tremendous talent, a hard worker, hungry, and brings something unique to the mix” Fong says of the star pupil. “We’re excited about this year.”
Look for some amazing photos of Ivana Hong included in the 50 Most Photogenic issue of Inside Gymnastics magazine. Subscribe or renew now so you don’t miss out on one of the most popular issues of the year!
photo by Grace Chiu
