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.

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!