Back in September, GymnastTV reported the news that Olympian Blaine Wilson had married former RSG athlete Aliane Baquerot (Wedding Bells for Blaine Wilson!) during the Reno stop on the Tour of Gymnastics Superstars.  Blaine expressed their desire to start a family in a phone call shortly after the surprise wedding.  Today 1996 Olympic teammate Mihai Bagiu spoke with Blaine and shared the exciting news he and Aliane are expecting their first baby in August!  Wilson has a six year-old daughter, Wakaya, from a previous marriage.  The growing family resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Congratulations Blaine and Aliane!

Photo copyright Mam Smith.

Reuters reports on the Women’s Sports Foundation award:

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Olympic all-round gymnastics champion Nastia Liukin was named Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation on Tuesday.

Liukin, who won five in Beijing with her elegant routines, joined a list of former winners including golfer Annika Sorenstam, figure skater Michelle Kwan, track athlete Gail Devers and speed skater Bonnie Blair.

“Honestly, I can’t believe I’m one of those on that list,” the American gymnast told reporters.

“They are just phenomenal athletes. I would’ve never dreamed of anything like that. It’s just amazing to be here.”

Liukin said she has been on a whirlwind schedule since Beijing, performing in a U.S. gymnastics tour, designing a fashion line and getting ready to act in an episode of the hit U.S. television show, Gossip Girl.”

Liukin, who turns 19 this month, will resume training in January with a view toward competing in front of her home fans in Dallas in August and at the world championships in London in October.

“That’s what my next big goal is,” said Liukin.

“2012 is four years away, so it’s hard to say as far as what I’m doing,” she said about the possibility of defending her Olympic title in London.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

Other award winners included Jessica Mendoza (Team Award; Softball), Patience Knight (Wilma Rudolph Courage Award; Thrower), and the Women’s Tennis Association (Billie Jean Contrabution Award).  For more information on the Women’s Sports Foundation, which counts former USA Gymnastics stars Wendy Hilliard and Dominique Dawes among past presidents, visit their website:  http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/.

Today is Paul and Morgan Hamm’s 26th Birthday. All of us here at GymnastTV want to wish them a very happy birthday.

The Best of GymnastTV showcases your favorite shows from the past featuring all of your favorite gymnasts!

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