Nastia Liukin: Olympic Stud of the Day

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

This make no sense why are you bashing her for being good. She getting the medals for USA not Russia so cool dat

Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

This make no sense why are you bashing her for being good. She getting the medals for USA not Russia so cool dat

anonymous Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 12:28 AM EST

you guys are dumb...people dont hate her because her name is nastia, uhm her name is Anastasia. look it up/

Holly Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 03:35 AM EST

Wow, since when are you not American if you don't wear red, white, or blue? Just because Nastia has Russian blood doesn't mean she's not American (and no I am not Russian). She's representing the U.S. there for she is American! Stop hating on her. Shouldn't you be honored that the All-Around Olympic Champion is representing us? I personally think she looked gorgeous in that pink leo and I would wear that myself! I'm also a gymnast, not an Olympic gymnat, but I know how hard you have to work to get to that level and she definitely deserved the gold! I love Nastia.

janus Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

On a last note. We ALL know that Nastia, Shawn, and Alicia were cheated (Nastia and Alicia especially). The judges were bought and paid for in RMB. Kudos for you girls maintaining your composure and sportsmanship. This is EXACTLY why you are Olympians and our representatives and the rest of us are mere spectators enjoying your talent!

janus Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:13 PM EST

Nastia is the most graceful gymnast of all time without a doubt!. I can even see that and I'm no expert. I have no bias but this young lady will certainly go down in history as the most graceful (unequaled). Her performance is the most graceful I have seen to date and incredibly artistic.

Way to go Nastia! Congrats on all of your efforts. Hope to see you kick ass in 2012! I'll buy a ticket anywhere to see that! And for all you haters, get a life or prove to the world that you can accomplish what Nastia did and then come talk/post. Otherwise, you have no credibility and should just STFU!

janus Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:10 PM EST

All things said, I'm pretty certain that Nastia knows more about gymnastics that either Helen or Leanna (aka the B****es).

And Lisa - OMG. You're un-American. You can't even respect an athlete who is representing us. So she wanted to wear a pink leotard. I think she earned the right. Your white hood is no longer a part of America.

Mary, If Nastia's calves are hyperflexed, the same would apply to your shankles (a combination of ankles and shins).

Lindsey is without a doube some sort of expert...judging from 8 mile. Gimme a break and show us all how it should be done.

Marie, You don't even know what it feels like to be an Olympian. You're obviously a person of such skill that you're beyond the Olympics and the greatest gymnast of all time. You must live next door to Lindsey.

janus Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:09 PM EST

The people in here seem to have it out for Nastia. Since she isn't here to defend herself and should so be free from attack, I'll champion the cause. 1. It takes a great deal of dedication and commitment as well as skill, ability, and heart to be an Olympian. I bet no person posting in this forum is one. That is simply because they know what it takes to perform with the entire planet (every living person in known existence watching you in a contest of the greatest athletes in a particular sport) having their eyes on you. I'm certain it's not that easy. I'm also certain that if you feel as if you performed your best and are rewarded otherwise, it is natural to feel a bit let down.

On the same note, If you've trained for most of your life in a particular sport, I imagine that such a person would be more of an "expert" than a spectator. Therefore their judgment is likely to be better at judging a particular movement or required skill.

Janus Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:07 PM EST

Helen, Obviously is some sort of competitor and was in the Olympics herself. She's just another person who is jealous and probably unable to do a "frog jump" herself. Always the critic is the person who can't accomplish it themselves. Helen you're not only a joke, you're pitiful. Your name doesn't sound familiar. Were you ever an Olympian? Thought not.

Leanna, You seem to be in the same class as Helen. You're a sad example of an American.

Helen Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 02:48 AM EST

why pay attention to sore losers?

All they can do is whine and whine more. No matter what we say, they are focusing on two things: 1. chinese girls are underage. 2. Frog Liukin deserves the gold, when they intenstionally forget all her mistakes.
However,none of the liukin fan can say anything or deny for the fact, that is LIUKIN DID HAVE ALL THOSE UGLY FROG JUMPING AND WIDE SEPARATED LEGS when having her uneven bar completition.
She is so lucky , can still have the silver medal .
That will be the most unfair thing in the olympic.

Becca Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 08:47 PM EST

Nastia? Really? On the day where Ryan Lochte swam two FINALS (Unlike Phelps, who swam one final and one SEMI-final) with only 26 minutes between the two, and medaled in both, including his first individual gold. That's deserving of OSD and he doesn't even get a mention? ummm, WTF?!?!?

Leanna Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:04 AM EST

Did you see liukin’s ugly frog jumping in the uneven bar completition?
How can she still claim that she should get the gold medal with that kind of serious misticks?
I really dislike her father’s attitude towards the judges.
What a shame!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2776875951_e495985907.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2776914971_7a4d2d1d47.jpg?v=0

Leanna Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:03 AM EST

Did you see liukin’s ugly frog jumping in the uneven bar completition?
How can she still claim that she should get the gold medal with that kind of serious misticks?
I really dislike her father’s attitude towards the judges.
What a shame!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2776875951_e495985907.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2776914971_7a4d2d1d47.jpg?v=0

Leanna Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:03 AM EST

Did you see liukin’s ugly frog jumping in the uneven bar completition?
How can she still claim that she should get the gold medal with that kind of serious misticks?
I really dislike her father’s attitude towards the judges.
What a shame!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2776875951_e495985907.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2776914971_7a4d2d1d47.jpg?v=0

Maria Mon, Aug 25, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

wow that is realy coooll!

Sun, Aug 24, 2008 at 10:32 PM EST

ok, the only reason people don't like nastia is that her name is nastia, they feel that shawn is more american, to those people, wake up! just because her name is nastia doesn't mean she's not american, she did a great job representing our country (btw, the leotard was one worn by all the gymnasts in podium training and said USA on it) anyone who thinks that nastia isn't american doesn't know what it means to be american, she overcame a whole lot to win the olympic all around, and she deserved it, it IS called ARTISTIC gymnastics after all,
p.s. she was CONCENTRATING she didn't have a "sourpuss" look on her face, how ignorant can you be?

Punky Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 03:35 AM EST

Nastia Lukin je NAJ 4ewer

chickensquashface Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 02:22 AM EST

More pics of Nastia Liukin winner of the Women's Individual All-Around:

http://2008olympics.komsik.net/NLWomensIndividualAllAround.html

marty Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

I really hate the name Mary, MaryAnn is a lovely name and posibly Marie, but Mary....

Sorry I just had to

Lisa Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 06:07 PM EST

Finally someone addresses this is the first time an AMERICAN does not wear her countries colors - if anyone is unamerican it would be Nastia Liukin
but then again she is just a product of the new generation which has no respect for its country or the people who granted them their freedoms - sad so sad - but obvious after reading many of these posts - The olympics have always stood for LOVE of country & PRIDE - NOT fashion

M Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM EST

"Maybe chatting about her decision to wear a pink leotard rather than a red, white, or blue one? (I know that shouldn't bother me, but it kinda did.)"

Wow. Thanks to this comment this will be my first and last visit to EW.com - I don't know what's even offered here or what they talk about - but this comment is about as Un-American as it gets from a 'cough*cough' writer who is clearly an American fan.

Since when, in America and by what is American, do you lose our individual choice and 'self'?

Oh, Olympic Stud of the Day. Well, if this site is about conforming to the ideals of those that write for and operate this site - Stud of the Day to Nastia for performing as she performed and.....for being her 'self' and choosing her leotard!!

Dennis Goodwin Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 08:00 PM EST

I think our womens gymnast team has looked exceptional compared to the "13-14 year old" Chinese girls. They're half the size and weight of the American girls!

Cindy Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

From Rochester, New York. I don't usually watch the gymnastics but Nastia looks so beautiful, so gorgeous, so talented out there in Beijing... Your parents and the USA are so proud of you.

Mary Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST

I really feel Nastia's calves are HYPER flexed....it's ugly. There's a difference bettween having a straight leg with a pointed toe & simply overflexing your calf muscles. Why hasn't anyone told her that? Maybe it's because her legs are so dang long??? I think it's ugly.......very ugly...I hate the name Nastia----it's actualy Anastasia which is very beautiful. Ana is pretter than Nastia....

Lindsey Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 08:34 AM EST

Here is the fact again! In the uneven bar gymnastic competition that finished just now, even with the same difficult level and same wonderful execution, Liukin still gets the silver medal. Shocked, but why? Her legs were twisted and separate when landing, which is what she used to do to achieve a perfect landing. Unfortunately, this is not legitimate practice! So, her execution score is not as high as the Chinese girl. Competition is fair with rules! It is not just about grace and elegance. It even has nothing to do with personality or anything else. Rules gives out the fact! Undoubtedly, Liukin is a graceful and excellent gymnastic girl! But, I hope she should not be spoiled by the high scores out of impression on her seemed-perfect appearance, and could keep on overcoming her weaknesses in techniques and become a real gymnastic queen!

CRC Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 11:52 PM EST

Geez, that article was a little cynical. Can we say back door compliment?

Lauri Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 08:22 PM EST

To the writer, would it have killed you to mention Ryan Lochte?

Marie Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

There's Shawn Johnson's focused-game face and then you have Nastia's focused-game face. How come one comes off as looking like a sour-puss and the other doesn't? Face it, Nastia has a typical Eastern European sour-puss face.

Jay Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 01:16 AM EST

Can I nominate Debbie Phelps as the Olympic stud? Next to Lin Hao, she is the most adorable personality to emerge from these games.

umm ... REALLY LH? Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 09:32 PM EST

Let me guess LH ... you probably are one of those looser girls in high school who can't stand the fact that Shawn isn't your best friend because your life is so pathetic that you'll grab at any chance to make yourself feel special. "Shawn Johnson and I are best friends and she calls me every night from the Olympics" is what you only WISH you could say. HA! pathetic and the "dumbest person known to mankind"? Let me guess, you had a major crush on him and he doesn't give you the time of day cause you could never even hope to have the body or half the success that Shawn has worked hard for. What a petty, jealous, ridiculous, little girl you are. But thank you for the wonderful trip back to the land of teenage angst and bullsh*t drama! That was fun!

donner Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

Nastia looked wonderful in her pink leotard...and her stuck landings on the beam and vault were perfect...so awesome...watching Bob watch Bela in the studio is a hoot...I've been really enjoying the Olympics this year...

LH Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

so i wanted to say i'm so happy nastia won the gold. shawn johnson is an arrogant self centered person who couldn't perfom under pressure. i've actually met shawn and even go to school with her. she thinks she's better than everyone else and she's a dwarf dating the dumbest person known to mankind. also during the team finals instead of hanging around the team, shawn decided to be in the corner by herself....way to be a team player!! good luck nastia, hope you blow the competition out of the water...and I'm sorry you have to room with Shawn!

Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

I don't know if this counts as an Olympic stud, but I'm really enjoying the people who ride bicycles on the shore following the rowers.

DanOregon Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:49 AM EST

I imagine Quentin Tarantino's next project with be a remake of Gymkata starring Nastia Liuken, playing Nastia Liuken.
Rentals of "Stick IT" just went up 700 percent.

Noelle Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:29 AM EST

I was so pumped to see Nastia and Shawn go 1-2. They completely deserved it. But if I have to nominate Olympic studs I have two (simply because they're hot! Oh, and talented)-Ryan Lochte and Eamon Sullivan (Australian swimmer). Yum.

Noelle Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:29 AM EST

I was so pumped to see Nastia and Shawn go 1-2. They completely deserved it. But if I have to nominate Olympic studs I have two (simply because they're hot! Oh, and talented)-Ryan Lochte and Eamon Sullivan (Australian swimmer). Yum.

Christina Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:49 PM EST

I just watched Friday night's Olympic coverage. I see an Olympic stud has not been chosen yet. I think it should be Michael Phelps for two reasons. One, he miraclously out-touched Cavic with a .01 margin. Second, he only has one more opportunity - tomorrow night - to be named Olympic stud for these Games on your blog. And I think if Dara Torres wins her race tomorrow night, she should be named Olympic stud for Saturday night. In conclusion, I think tonight is the night to name Michael Phelps as Olympic stud on your blog.

Anna Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

I haven't followed gymnastics for years so I didn't really know either Shawn or Nastia before this competition. I found myself rooting for Nastia simply because she looked so intense throughout the competition. I much prefer that to the usual skipping around that a lot of the other gymnasts do.

That said, my stud of the day was Rebecca Soni, probably because the commentator pretty much said she had no shot at winning. I'm really starting to love listening to him be wrong all the time.

Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

P.S. the reason the US leotards suck so hard this Olympics is ever since Nike sued Adidas (IOC limits logos to 20cm on Olympic uniforms) the classic three-stripe Adidas leo a la Nadia is no longer allowed. US leotards were always simple and athletic - red or blue with the white Adidas three stripes. This Olympics the leotard company has had to improvise without the stripes, and they've done a horrible job so far. Hence why Nastia chose the pink, about the only acceptable choice out of the ugly leotards on offer.

Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:30 PM EST

The girls were given official leotards. The white one was rejected at camp because it looked bad on everyone. The red leotards from prelims and team finals were absolutely dreadful. The Americans never wear the same leotard twice at the Olympics, which left an even uglier blue version of the team finals leotard - can't imagine Nastia wearing that - another pink one already worn for podium training, a purple one Alicia loves and that we'll probably see in event finals, the red one Shawn wore and looks too much like Carly's leotard - Nastia will probably wear that for one of her three event finals, and probably another blue leotard. In other words, apart from pink being Nastia's colour and looking fantastic on her, she really was out of choices. Nastia knew if she won her picture would be everywhere, thank god it wasn't in some of the absolutely atrocious red white and blue leotards the girls have been saddled with this Olympics.

Melinda65 Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 09:03 PM EST

Apparently they recycle the butter from the statues...no, not in the popcorn at the state fair, they re-use it for statues for a few years. Ew, anyway.

mehere Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

From up north I say congrats to the US gymnasts, both superb, but I preferred Nastia's elongated lines, pink suit and all. (You did notice the "USA" on her sleeve, didn't you?) Funny how the 2 athletes, with such different body types, can both excel in the same sport. I could barely watch Nastia's floor exercise and was very happy to see her win.

Katie Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 08:43 PM EST

I've followed both Shawn and Nastia since the beginning of their gymnastics careers (on TV) and while both are phenomenal I have to admit I was rooting for Shawn mainly due her bubbly personality ( I guess I wasn't the only one). But I was surprisingly happy for Nastia and it was not only because she deserved the gold that night - she stuck her routines cold while Shawn took minor steps here and there which I'm sure added up- I truly enjoy watching a gymnast with Nastia's style over someone like Shawn's. She reminds me of how gymnastics used to be before it was all about who could fit in the hardest tricks. Instead she reminds me of why I love gymnastics - the artistic aspects of it. With that being said, both girls are champions in my book.

lily Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 08:33 PM EST

you still haven't named Ryan Lochte as the stud of the day?!!

Ceej Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

You know another word for "sour-puss face"? FOCUS.

We don't ask male athletes to flash smiles while they are in the midst of serious competition, why do we expect grins from the females?

Steve Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM EST

I bet that if Nastia Liukin's name was Natalie Lauren, people around here would be going nuts for the patrician ice princess.

I think that a lot of people here are feeling like her win is less than legitimate, because of the heavy Russian influence in her life.

And that's not fair. That girl is American, through and through.

Kathy Geisler Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 07:50 PM EST

Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic USA team gymnastics champion performed her Olympic medal winning floor routine to music from Well-Tempered Productions, a record label specializing in innovative classical music. The selection entitled 'Variations on Dark Eyes,' was arranged and performed by the Israeli virtuoso pianist Ilan Rechtman and features the violin playing of Lara St. John. The selection is currently only available on a CD recording entitled 'Gypsy.' Ilan Rechtman is the featured artist on two releases on Well-Tempered that will be available in early 2009, "Beethoven in Brazil," and "Rechtman Plays Beethoven, Chopin & Rechtman." The 'Gypsy' CD is available directly from Well-Tempered or Amazon.com. www.welltempered.com

Monee Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

Nastia was on point and it's hard to argue with a gold medalist. I know Shawn would have been OSD had she won, however, the coolest thing about Shawn was that she had to put everything into that floor routine, AND DID, just to get the silver. Both girls seemed genuinely happy for each other. Glad it was the two of them with the 1-2 finish.

Katja Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

Oh my GOSH, Bela Karolyi was hilarious! His reaction had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. "COME ON!! COME ON!!" He was so overjoyed, it was just one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

seattle_girl Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:49 PM EST

Agree, it has to be Nastia. She so deserved to win. And I loved the pink leotard. The only other outfit that was nearly as attractive was the Chinese women's...er, girls. But single best performance last night was Shawn's phenomenal floor exercise. That girl BROUGHT it under so much pressure. Next was Rebecca Soni -- ahh, how we all lovveee the underdog. Wish I had seen the Belgian/US volleyball game, sounds pretty exciting.

laura Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

Ryan Lochte simply by standing there is ' Stud of the Day ' ... ;o)

Lindsey Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

Shawn is the real champion! Even though with somewhat perfect landing, Liukin is short with her appearing-elegant-but-not-standard act. She is famous for her frog-like legs when tucking and twisted legs when turning which appeared so often last night. These two act are part of her reasons for solid landing and turning. However, unfortunately, they are not legitimate practice and scores should be deducted! The highest score in the balance beam she got last night is out of nowhere since she has got much less difficult level and did worse than Shawn did. I am a Chinese. I wish to see Chinese girls to win. But, I have to say, the Chinese girl, Yiling Yang, lost it to Shawn, but not to Liukin!

Lindsey Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

Shawn is the real champion! Even though with somewhat perfect landing, Liukin is short with her appearing-elegant-but-not-standard act. She is famous for her frog-like legs when tucking and twisted legs when turning which appeared so often last night. These two act are part of her reasons for solid landing and turning. However, unfortunately, they are not legitimate practice and scores should be deducted! The highest score in the balance beam she got last night is out of nowhere since she has got much less difficult level and did worse than Shawn did. I am a Chinese. I wish to see Chinese girls to win. But, I have to say, the Chinese girl, Yiling Yang, lost it to Shawn, but not to Liukin!

Phil Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

Enough hating on Phelps and Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh. Phelps is getting much deserved press for being one of the most accomplised athletes, breaking record after record and clinching gold after gold. And Treanor and Walsh are simply the most dominant vollyball duo in the world right now, amassing a 105 game win streak, and the won't be stopped in Beijing. Go hype!

ejsrhb Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

Hey Mandi Bierly you WOULD hop on the bandwagon and openly mention your rooting for Shawn Johnson!

martina Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

Shawn Johnson's size is not a disadvantage at all! It's just the opposite. It's easier to rotate when you are small - so you can perform more difficult skills on vault and floor exercises. That's why there is this whole controversy with under-aged Chinese girls. They are being used because their small size allows them to perform more difficult vaults and tumbling passes....

Kai- Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

Glad I'm not the only one who has had her fill of beach volleyball. I physically have to leave the room now whenever Misty and Kerrie are on. The NBC lovefest of certain athletes like these two and Phelps is enough to make me gag. As for OSD, beside Nastia I am all for Ryan Lochte! That man is totally hot!

lauren Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

SECONDED!

AA Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:29 PM EST

Occasionally I'll flip to NBC's coverage (from CBC's) during the evening. It seems like every time I do, they're showing the same women playing beach volleyball every night! I realize they're American (and so is NBC), but surely they could take the opportunity to show some other sports that had been done in the middle of the previous night (our time)? Just a thought. I've now set my PVR for a 5 AM (I think) 100-metre dash final for tomorrow morning (our time). Have a great weekend everyone!

Vicky Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

*Belgian. Whoops.

Vicky Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

Honestly, the Belgium V-ball team kinda scared me. I would not want to go up against them ever. I wish the gymnastics weren't on so late. It was almost 11:30 in Chicago and I was like "I have to go to bed or I'll be dead tomorrow."

Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Thanks for mentioning the Belgian volleyball team. As someone who is sick and tired of the Misty-Kerrie lovefest at NBC, I was rooting hard for the Belgian team to win, and I'm really proud of how hard they played. Go Belgium!

phelpsphan Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

I'm disappointed neither Lochte nor Peirsol even got a mention in today's OSD! They both are the definition of OSD!!

MsDaisy Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

Aaron Piersol is definitely the man-candy of this Olympics. Aussie swimmer Eamon Sullivan is right up there with him in the man-candiness.

Danielle Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:15 PM EST

I will be so sad when the swimming is over. Seeing Piersol at night before bed has given me sweet dreams this week. My husband's enjoying watching Natalie Coughlin as well, so it's a fair trade.

Phil Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

OSD: Aaron Peirsol > Michael Phelps. Peirsol reminds me of GOB Bluth/Will Arnett! And if there were enough days most of the olympic runners are worthy of OSD. Runners = Hot!

virginia Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

I vote for Ryan Lochte. He's hot and a gold medal winner...what a combination.

Coach's Mistress Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

DANIELLE: Finally somebody to join me in the Aaron Piersol brigade. It's a crime he hasn't been an OSD yet. Phelps, Schmelps...Piersol is my guy!

StaceySoleil Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

I am SO proud of Nastia Liukin and just like her theme song says...she IS 'Supergirl'!!! You can hear and download her theme song by Saving Jane on her website at www.nastialiukin.com

Stephanie T. Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:50 PM EST

Nystad, Oen, Vanderkay, and totally Lochte!

Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

I can't imagine why anyone cares what color leotard she wore. Half the countries on the planet have red, white, and blue as the basis for their flags, so I don't think it matters one way or another. Plus, this was the individual all-around, not the team competition. She was representing herself first, her country second.

DS Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

I was a little bothered by the pink leotard as well... but do agree that it looked great on her! She and Shawn both performed so well... I was a little worried they would fall short, as it seemed the judges were tougher on them than they were on the others. Great win! The eyeshadow and mismatched hair clips some of the gymnasts wore were certainly an eye sore! I'm not getting much sleep these days... I'm hooked on the olympics!

anr Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:38 PM EST

Nastia deserves OSD title. She was awesome last night and she didn't have a sour puss face - its called being focused. Shawn didn't necessarily flash smiles either until she won. Nastia looked so great in pink and did so wonderful sticking those landings. You Go Girl! I don't if NBC flashing the age of 15 for the Chinese gymnast was on purpose but according to news reports- their was an article in a Chinese newspaper last November that reported last night's bronze medalist as being 13. Apparently, that article was erased from the paper's website earlier this week......And finally, hell yeah, Ryan Lochte is my personal Olympic Stud of the Day! That boy is way too cute for his own good.

Julia Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:38 PM EST

For all of you who were bothered with Nastia's pink leotard, please know that pink is Nastia's signature color. She even has her own line of gymnastics equipment that comes in hot pink. I really liked the color, personally, and thought that Shawn Johnson's red leotard was too reminiscent of Carly Patterson, although I love Shawn too.

laura Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:37 PM EST

Ryan Lochte!

Danielle Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

I'm voting Aaron Piersol Stud of the Evening, because he deserves his own special category and he should win it every night.

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Okay, that explains that. Thanks for clearing it up, Jam. And, as for Olympic Stud of the day, give me Amanda Beard on the strength of her PETA ad. Freaking WOW!!!

Dawn Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Tate, I saw that too. Don't hold me to this, but I think the gymnasts need to be 16 in this year, even if that's not during the Olympics.

Y'all correct me on that if I am wrong.

EMF Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

You can compete at 15 in gymnastics as long as you turn 16 by December 31st.

JAM Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:26 PM EST

They just have to turn 16 in the Olympic year.

JAM Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

Horton wore gray but it still had the red white and blue flag on it.....

Tate Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Did anyone else catch this? When the young lady from China got ready to do her routine (I don't remember her name, sorry), I could have sworn I saw NBC flash her name and age 15 below it.

Maybe I was hallucinating because I was tired, I don't know. But, if not, am I missing something. Wasn't everyone making a big deal about the girls not being 16? Did I miss something?

Jelana Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

I didn't read that as sour-puss face, but concentration. Athletes have to do whatever they can to be 100 percent mentally strong. You'll note that Phelps never looks like Mr. Joy Joy Happy man before he gets into the pool either. That said, I do wish all the members of team USA would stick to flag/team colors.

KG Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

Some people were born w/ a sour puss face and couldn't help it. I say that because my lips, when not smiling, go downwards so people think when I'm not smiling I'm pissed off about something (also has something to do w/ my eyebrows). And Nastia has those strong Russian features so at first I thought geez what a snob and I warmed up to Shawn Johnson more. But when all her routines were done, Nastia started smiling to the crowd and I thought aww okay so she must be one of those people who look like they're always frowning. I bet because she was also trying to concentrate, she couldn't smile until she was done w/ all 4 routines.

Pouncer Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

Aw, Marie, I thought Nastia looked almost incandescently happy once her victory was assured. Her smile was so beautiful! And I could tell she was nearly overwhelmed by fulfilling her dreams. She's a gorgeous champion -- I love her.

jones Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

Both Natsia and Shawn did very well last night. Since Natsia won, she deserves to be the STOD. I did not mind the pink leotard, although the blue eye shadow and baby barettes made me feel like I time warped into the 80's.

LL Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

Agree with picking Nastia, and agree with everyone else mentioning Ryan Lochte! He was so cute on the Today Show this morning and his whole family was there. I fell asleep after the parallel bars last night so I'm psyched NBC's re-broadcasting the women's all-around tonight!

Emoney Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

When we turned on the volleyball last night, the Belgians were in the middle of the first set, kicking some US a**. Although of course I was happy to see the US ladies win, I was genuinely impressed with the Belgians (and they're huge, too!) and happy to see the US team tested a little.

Marie Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

I think Nastia is an amazing gymnast but I'm so tired of looking at her sour-puss face. It's like she has a permanent scowl etched in. I would have preferred Shawn Johnson be the OSD based on that.

coco Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

she was amazing, worth while staying up late to watch her . i think the leotard was beautiful and she look great, she definitively stand-out ( she even match the scrunchy).
the blue eye shadow on the Chinese toddlers was way to much, very ugly.
Shawn was very cute and i m sure she'll win the gold in London.

EMF Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

I was rooting for Nastia, in part, because I feel like the media treat her like the ugly step-child compared to Shawn Johnson. Shawn is cute, litle and perky like Mary Lou and Carly. Nastia is long, lean and has a unique look. At any rate, both girls did a great job. WTG.

Eh..whatev Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

I think, technically, in both cases they're representing their country. But one is as a team and one is as an individual. Michael Phelps is swimming for the US, even though he's swimming in an individual event. But, eh..whatev.

reagan Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

the pink leotard was an official US Olympic leotard. They wore it during the qualifying round. She looked great it in. I wouldn't expect her and shawn to wear the same leotard to the individial all-around. the gymnasts are trying to differentiate themselves. the pink played into her elegance, long lines, and artistry and the red played into shawn's power and compactness.

Deb Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

I agree totally with the Nastia Liukin nomination. The pink leotard didn't bother me but the makeup on some of the gymnasts seemed a little much. Also Rebecca Soni for pulling off the upset and yes, yes, yes Ryan Lochte! Too bad that was his last event.

To Lise Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

I disagree...Olympians are ALWAYS representing their country. However, I have no problem with them wearing different colors, but I can see why some think it's off.

Lise Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

The difference between the team competition and the all-around is that the gymnasts are representing themselves, not their country. So they should be able to wear whatever color makes them happy!

Crystal Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

Nastia! She is gorgeous and her routines were so pretty (and stuck like glue). Plus, her barely holding it together once she found out she won was very moving. On the podium she would try and sing along but you could tell that anything other than deep breathing was going to turn her into a sobbing mess.

As for the leo, I was thrown a bit at first as well, but the color looks very good on her so it grew on me!

Gymbo Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

One word: LOCHTE!

Amelia Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

Yes, she was the stud of yesterday. But Lochte comes as a second, he is gorgeous!

And for the leotard debate, I liked it.

Meg Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:25 AM EST

I'm going to echo the calls for Ryan Lochte. There is probably no one at the olympic games who better fulfills the term stud and then yesterday he went on to win his first individual gold only to have to swim against Michael Phelps 29 minutes later (and he still had a good race!). It was also his last swim I believe, meaning there is no other chance to give him the stud title which is a true shame because Lochte is a total hottie!

Dana Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

Nastia was a shoo in but I too was disturbed at her choice of leotard. And as a mother,it broke my heart to see her trying to call her mom to no availe.

Erin Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

Yeah I stayed up way too late watching the gymnastics and it was so worth it. I thought the pink leotard was cute on her, it really made her stand out. I second Ryan Lochte- so hottt

Andie Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

Good one on calling out Liesbeth Mouha and Liesbet van Breedam. I obviously wanted Walsh and May to win, but the Belgians put up a great first set. Props to Misty and Kerri for pulling it together at the end.

Coach's Mistress Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

Nastia is the obvious choice for OSD. However, I don't understand why the pink leotard should bother anybody. Johnathan Horton wore grey in the mens all-around.

MsDaisy Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

Agree wholeheartedly with choosing Nastia. And I liked the pink leotard, she looked great in the color - much better than she looks in the red one.. A close second for OSOD would be Rebecca Soni.

Anne Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:13 AM EST

I was rooting for Nastia last night. She has come back from injury to be even better than she was before and she did it with grace and beauty. The pink leotard is no big deal its just one of many that was made for the members of the US team and pink is her favorite color! You can't argue with her stuck landings and how exquisite she looked while on floor or the fact that she has the hardest bar routine in the world. Nastia just killed it! I'm also going to nominate Ryan Lochte for Oylmpic stud, aside from the fact that he is a total hottie, he won a gold medal in the 200m backstroke and then a mere 27 minutes later he took bronze in the 200IM. People said it was the hardest double of games but he did it and up against the best swimmers in the world no less. Now there's someone I could chat up in an airport!

Kelly Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

What an incredible win for the U.S. Nastia Liukin was amazing, and so was Shawn Johnson. I was nervous throughout since it seemed like the judges were being extra hard on the Americans and easy on everyone else. And I was more bothered by that Chinese gymnast's blue eyeshadow than I was by Nastia's leotard.

Rach Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 10:04 AM EST

Thank you EW for covering the Olympics!

KG Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 09:46 AM EST

i second that. and i also got bothered by the pink leotard. i was also rooting for shawn johnson bec she looks so cute and adorable and doesn't have the size that most gymnasts yet she nails her routines. but nastia was breathtakingly amazing, especially in the beam and the floor. when she started smiling after she finished w/ the floor, and couldn't hold back tears when the announcer said gold medalist & olympic champion next to her name, i cried a little bit myself.