Liukin Does What Dad Couldn't

Olympic figure skating gold medalist isn't dating gymnast Nastia Liukin

(NEWSER) - Never mind the rumors about Evan Lysacek dating gymnast Nastia Liukin—the Olympic champion in men's figure skating is single and looking. "I haven't had any time for dating while I'm training," Lysacek tells Entertainment Tonight . "I'm lonely." As for Liukin, herself an Olympic gold medalist, "we're very close friends and she's been such a great inspiration to me," says Lysacek, whose ex is ice dancer Tanith Belbin. "I'm honored to have her here." More»

0.033 margin on deductions puts American in second place in uneven bars

(NEWSER) - Chinese gymnast He Kexin won a gold medal on the women’s uneven bars today, despite exactly same score as American Nastia Liukin, the New York Times reports. Liukin and He each scored 16.725, but since gymnastics no longer gives out dual medals, He was awarded the gold, thanks to a lower average deduction total—a margin of just 0.033. More»

Liukin takes gold, Johnson silver to China's bronze

(NEWSER) - Americans Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson captured the gold and silver medals in the women’s gymnastics all-around competitions, marking the first time US gymnasts have taken the top two spots, USA Today reports. Liukin’s standout balance-beam routine and focus on artistic elements helped lead her to victory with a score of 63.325. The bronze went to Yang Yilin of China. More»

Gymnast Dong Fangxiao was just 14 at the time

(AP) - China was stripped of a bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics today for fielding an underage female gymnast, with the women's team medal now going to the US. The International Olympic Committee acted after investigations by the sport's governing body determined that Dong Fangxiao was only 14 at the 2000 Games. Gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible. More»

(NEWSER) - The restraining order against Shawn Johnson stalker Robert Michael O’Ryan has been extended to 3 years, E! reports today. The Johnson family is “pleased with the decision,” their lawyer said. O’Ryan is being held in a California jail for trespassing on a studio lot—guns, duct tape, and all—in an attempt to meet the gymnast and Dancing With the Stars contestant. He faces 4 years in prison. More»