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?

What's New....

German Documentary Filmmaker, Niklas Schenck, has been following Charlie- from a distance- since Charlie's Bronze Medal at the World championships in 2001. As a journalist for German's equivalent to National Public Radio and for the largest newspaper in Germany, Niklas has decided to use Charlie as the subject of his next project. He recently traveled to the US to interview Charlie and get more of his story. (see pic of them together below!) We are so excited about this prospective documentary and Niklas has told us he will continue to follow Charlie on this journey to the 2012 Olympics. As soon as we know more on this developing story, we will let you know!

Niklas and Charlie during his recent visit to Houston.

Charlie has had his best training week ever!  He came back from Thanksgiving break recharged and extremely motivated!  After the first three days his coach Tom called him to let him know he was so impressed with his workouts and so proud of what he has been seeing from Charlie.  His focus right now is on Winter Cup in February.  He is taking things one step at a time-putting all his energy both physically and mentally into each step towards his main goal of 2012.  Winter Cup should be exciting as Charlie is in his best shape ever since leaving his home country of Cuba in 2003.  The encouragement form his fans has really helped-he appreciates every encouraging comment and wants to thank all those who have visited his website- www.flipforcharlie.com for their support.  

Keep it up Charlie!

Welcome to the Flip for Charlie Blog!!

We're flippin out! The Flip for Charlie blog has (finally) launched.  Here you can keep up to date with Charlie's training, fundraising, events and news! It will be the place to go to find the most current information. Check in often, or follow this blog so you will be notified everytime we post something new.
It's been a busy year and there is a lot to catch up on so stay tuned!