Charlie update

Well, it was an eventful summer and fall and we wanted to bring all of Charlie's supporters up to speed. Charlie and his wife Nicole welcomed two little ones into their life over the summer- Anthony and Maryanne. Anthony is so strong- he can push himself out of all his bouncy's and chairs and Maryanne is so petite- it's already obvious they are gymnasts in the making!

After spending some time home in San Diego with the babies, it was back to training this fall. Charlie is now training at Universal Gymnastics in Miami, FL alongside Danell Leyva and coached by Yin Alvarez. He recently participated in a small competition where he placed 2nd on rings and won floor and vault. (Way to go Charlie!).

Charlie's next competiton is Luikin invitational in Texas at WOGA. He was also one of only 3 athletes chosen (out of 100 petitions!!) to compete at the upcoming Winter Cup in Las Vegas in February. We are so happy for Charlie and can't wait to cheer him on.

Charlie is also thrilled that the immigration process is moving along and his naturalization test is just around the corner- hopefully within the next four weeks.

He misses his friends, family and community in San Diego and when he gets the chance he Skypes with his 2 little ones!! Charlie thanks everyone who has been cheering him on and supporting his journey to his Olympic Dream.

WHY NOT???

Throughout Charlie’s journey he has found himself repeatedly asking himself one question- WHY NOT? With each challenge he faces, he’s pushed himself forward despite the fear he may have felt or the discouragement of others around him. 

Charlie has had many ‘why nots’ but here are a few of the most significant:

*Defecting from Cuba in 2003 after the World Championships in Anaheim would leave him practically alone in a strange country with a significant language barrier and the knowledge he might never see his family again. But for the opportunity to provide a better future for him and his family, Charlie asked himself, WHY NOT?

*After a 6 year hiatus from gymnastics, Charlie made the decision to begin training again in 2009.  His body, not the same at almost 30 verses age 22, the work would be harder and recovery slower.  Despite the odds and the raised eyebrows, Charlie thought, well WHY NOT?

*Most recently, Charlie faced his largest why not after the birth of his twins, Anthony and Maryanne. It was hard enough to leave his wife and home the first time, moving from San Diego to Texas to train with Olympian Jonathan Horton.  Heading back to Houston seemed impossible with those tiny faces staring back at him.  But with his family behind him and in the final stretch of  a 20+ year road to his Olympic dream, he asked- WHY NOT?

We have all faced challenges and obstacles in our lives and many of us have pushed forward despite the odds and we want to hear your story.  Share your "WHY NOT?" by commenting below.

What's your why not?

Amazing documentary audioslide show on Charlie Tamayo!!!

Flip for Charlie is thrilled to share with you this Audioslide show of Charlie's life story. The piece clearly dictates Charlie's history, struggles, goals and dreams. Produced by documentary filmmaker, Niklas Schenck, this story was published in the German national newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on April 23rd. (password is "video" if prompted)

Please watch and share!

  FLIP FOR CHARLIE!!

Tamayo times TWO!!!

Charlie is back in San Diego for two weeks!  He is so excited to see his wife and his athletes.  He is also very excited to become a father-Charlie and his wife are expecting twins!  He will be spending his time, training, coaching, attending a gym sleepover with his athletes, celebrating Christmas and the new year, and celebrating is 2nd anniversary with his wife.  He is so excited to be home and returns motivated to keep up his training and return ready to go!

Training Update

(L-R) Spencer Johnson, Chris Brooks, Charlie Tamayo, Jonathon Horton

 The last week at Cypress Gymnastics Academy Chris Brooks was in town to train with the boys.  Charlie said "it was great to have him there-his energy and personality brought something extra to the training environment.  Chris is a great athlete-he is one of those athletes whose training and work ethic makes you want to train harder."  The last few weeks of training have been some of the best weeks Charlie has had while in Houston.  His coach Tom Meadows made a point to commend Charlie on his latest training efforts.   It was a fun week and it was a great way to end his last week of training before coming home for Christmas!

Flips and Fundraising

Now that the blog has launched and you've been updated on Charlie's training for 2012, we'd like to stop for a minute and give one big (HUGE, actually) THANK YOU to everyone who has been supporting Charlie's journey.  Collectively, you've been providing the means for one person to reach for their lifelong dream.  No matter how big or small the donation, you've become a part of this journey and Charlie's appreciation is beyond words. We love to hear the stories that occasionally come in along side a donation. Here is one that particularly touched our hearts..
"My sons met Charlie at the CATS Super Camp in Boulder, Colorado last month. They have not stopped talking about him. Each year the boys select a different charity to donate money instead of gifts from their friends for their birthday. This year, they wanted to support Charlie. The boys raised a total of $365. We wish Charlie all the best of luck, and will be cheering all the way to London 2012!"
 
Thanks to these boys for having such big hearts and thank you to everyone who have donated their dollars, given their time or simply shared Charlie's story.