A Well Balanced Digest
Olympians,
Happy 2026! The balance beam judging just wrapped up and we're looking forward to future events. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympics are happening in Italy and you know we're tuning in.
Index:
Just Finished: Gymnastics V
What's Next?
Ongoing: Pickleball Tournaments
Just Finished: Gymnastics V: Beam
2025's annual remote event was selected by the athletes themselves and balance beam was the favorite! Competitors had to send in routines that included stepping, jumping, turning, sitting, and running, but the hardest part was finding a suitable beam. No one was able to get into an official gym for their routine, and all opted to be closer than the standard four feet to the ground. G. Sexauer, Cass and Ruchman did find a metal beam at a fitness trail station. K. Sexauer considered that option, but instead took to the wooden border of the wood chip area. Hu and Holve had a similar thought, using the wooden perimeter to a bocce ball court. The Arnolds took to a softer beam, actually purpose-built as a training device. Silcox and Ross literally rounded out the competition, balancing on a log on a beach in the Grand Canyon.
Al Peterson headed up the judging panel, accompanied by Kel Richards and new-to-Our-Olympics Jane Oski. They considered both the difficulty and execution of the routines, doling out penalties for falls and missed elements. The Judges looked earnestly for illusion turns, sheep jumps, back handsprings, and side aerials, but didn't notice any. The gymnasts preferred instead to woo the judges with the difficulty that comes from standing on a not totally immobile log (Silcox and Ross), bringing props (Holve's bocce balls and Ross' paddle), and expertly choosing a song to serve as a backdrop to the routine (The Sexauers, Cass, Ruchman, Stasa Arnold, Silcox, and Ross). Highlights did include cartwheel dismounts (Stasa Arnold and Katrina Sexauer), and a unique barrel roll dismount (Sean Arnold), but the difficulty champ was not in question. Stasa Arnold flexed, spun, and saltoed to a 8.66/10! Her execution earned the highest mark as well, at an 8.33/10. Reigning Our Olympic gold medalist (4x100m and 100m) Ross did his best to put up points, too, topping out the penalties category with -3.66 points. Stasa Arnold took home the gold with an impressive 17 total points, followed by Katrina Sexauer with 14.66 and Gustave Sexauer with 14.33.
See everyone's routine here.
Winner's Interview with Stasa Arnold
OO: What experience do you have with the balance beam?
SA: I did gymnastics from about age 6-12, which included uneven parallel bars, floor, vault, trampoline, and beam exercises. While I can no longer boast of being able to do any king of handspring (front or back) on the beam without a visit to the ER, I do still enjoy gymnastics as a weekday workout using our garage setup (foldout beam and mats for easy storage).
OO: How did you convince Sean to enter the competition?
SA: Lots of cajoling coupled with specific reference to his innate sense of balance (his mom is convinced that he could have been a gymnast, he had such good balance as a 4 year old). I may have also thrown in some shaming for not competing in previous online Olympic events...
OO: What food would make the best balance beam?
SA: Definitely those layered vanilla sugar wafer cookies - they're the perfect shape and color, and you know you'll have good grip with that cross hatching.
OO: Between Nadia, Mary Lou, and Simone, who was your greatest influence?
SA: Nadia - I get the feeling she understands the frustration of no one State-side being able to pronounce her name correctly either (a lifelong struggle for those of us with Eastern Block names).
OO: What's the best kind of music for a gymnastics workout?
SA: 80's synth and The Karate Kid (1984) soundtrack.
OO: What's your favorite move to do on the beam?
SA: Side handstand dismount!
OO: What was the hardest thing to do on the beam when you were competing as a child? Or as an adult in your garage?
SA: Backhand springs on the beam were always the hardest for me when I was in gymnastics, so I'd say they definitely retain that title and then some in my 30s.
What's Next?
Options are wide open for 2026. If we can get proper equipment, hammer throw, high jump, and taekwondo could be good candidates for events in Tuba City. If folks are willing to travel, Flagstaff could play host to climbing, swimming, or freestyle skiing events. If we get some snow, we could event cross-country ski at Arizona Nordic Village? As with all events, they go off best when I collaborate with other enthusiastic individuals, so please reach out if you have a good idea or event in mind!
Ongoing: Pickleball Singles and Doubles
The pickleball tournaments remain ongoing and very long term. Anyone can join. Serious inquiries only. :)
Unit we meet again!
-Gustave
Commissioner, Our Olympics
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