Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center

Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center, widely known as Parkettes, is a gymnastics club located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It has produced several teams and individual gymnasts representing the United States, the Czech Republic, and Canada in international meets, including the Olympic Games.[1]

History

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20th century

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Parkettes was founded by Bill Strauss and his wife, Donna Strauss.[2] It started as a backyard after-school workout program at the Strauss home.[2] It was later in a barn, school, and church basement as they got the program established.[2] Former Mack Trucks CEO, Alfred Pelletier, helped the program move to a permanent home.[2][3]

The first Olympian produced by the club was Jody Yocum, who was named as an alternate for the 1976 Summer Olympics.[2]

  • In 1992, Parkettes' gymnast Kim Kelly was selected for the 1992 Summer Olympics gymnastics training squad.
  • In 1999, 2000, and again in 2001, Kristal Uzelac won the United States Junior National All-Around gold.

21st century

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  • In 2002, Vanessa Meloche, a Canadian gymnast at Parkettes, finished third at the Canadian championships and first on the uneven bars.
  • Parkettes 50th anniversary was Summer 2018.[2]

Media coverage

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In 2003, CNN aired a documentary, Achieving the Perfect 10, which contained some criticisms of the demanding and competitive nature of Parkettes's training program.[7] In 2008, Jennifer Sey, the 1986 National Champion from Parkettes, published a book, Chalked Up, which was critical of Parkettes and elite gymnastics.[8]

Notable gymnasts & alumni

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Notable coaches

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References

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  1. ^ "Parkettes Gymnastics Training Center in the Lehigh Valley, PA". www.parkettes.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Reinhard, Paul (June 22, 2018). "From west Allentown backyard to producing Olympians, the Parkettes celebrate 50th anniversary". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  3. ^ "PARKETTES HONOR EX-MACK BOARD HEAD FYI". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. November 24, 1985. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  4. ^ Peter Hall. "Gym owners, 3 coaches named in SafeSport allegations at elite Pa. gymnastics training center". Times News Online.
  5. ^ Koltnow, Bo (21 February 2022). "Allentown's Parkettes defending itself against allegations of abuse". WFMZ.com.
  6. ^ Hall, Peter (20 February 2022). "Parkettes owners and 3 coaches named in SafeSport allegations. Former athletes claim weight-shaming and sexual harassment at elite gymnastics club". Mcall.
  7. ^ "Transcripts CNN Presents Achieving The Perfect 10". transcripts.cnn.com. August 10, 2003. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  8. ^ "Book Review: "Chalked Up" by Jennifer Sey". thegymnasticsguide.com. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
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40°36′02″N 75°27′49″W / 40.60050°N 75.46361°W / 40.60050; -75.46361