2026 Gymnastics Social Media bits

[RichardL]

How she holds her pen is probably causing Occupational Therapists to cry.

If that was how I held a pen, I would never in my life consent to a video being recorded for all the world to see. What a strange accompaniment to her announcement (I'm not sure which is more news-worthy tbh)

 

[Aizheng]

Is jade left-handed? Would explain the pen

 

[Passion]

She’s writing with her right hand in the video.

 

[Angelika]

Jade has unusual technique for holding a pencil!

The way Americans hold pens/pencils and cutlery never ceases to amaze me. It's obviously a cultural thing.

 

[Denn]

@RichardL What IS the status of Shilese Jones, though? I would think that even at 80%, she's still top 3 in the country.

 

[makam]

I love that the pen holding has become a topic. On that topic, I found this image:

1 is how they tried to teach me in school, but 2 I think represents how I do it--my middle finger takes the pressure and guides while the pen rests on my ring finger. So for some reason, I just moved the "standard" method, over a finger. I claim that this is why I struggle to use chopsticks. I mean, it might be true.

ETA: jade holds her pen more delicately than 6 so she might have created a new variation, never before seen.

 

[Seyonne]

I had to take a pen out and write to see how I do it. I think it looks more like one than two. I tried doing it the sixth way and I had trouble writing in a straight line. A bit lacking in legibility as well.

 

[QuietColours]

4's the closest to mine, but I rest the pen on the first knuckle of the middle finger and don't really use the pointer at all. A little for guidance? Seems to work for me--I write quickly and get many compliments on my handwriting

 

[RichardL]

@RichardL What IS the status of Shilese Jones, though? I would think that even at 80%, she's still top 3 in the country.

I've heard nothing definitive and since she hasn't competed in two years I'm hesitant to include her in any predictions. But I'd be obsessed with a comeback in good form!

 

[KristyJ]

The way Americans hold pens/pencils and cutlery never ceases to amaze me. It's obviously a cultural thing.

How the heck is this a cultural thing? Most of us do not hold a pen like that.

 

[Angelika]

How the heck is this a cultural thing? Most of us do not hold a pen like that.

I've seen so many Americans in films/on TV hold their writing tools in this way that I thought that was how you were taught to hold it at school!! Glad to know it's not 'normal' !

 

[KristyJ]

I've seen so many Americans in films/on TV hold their writing tools in this way that I thought that was how you were taught to hold it at school!! Glad to know it's not 'normal' !

Yeah, not remotely! I wonder if they hold pens that way on tv to make the words more visible? I do know that my teachers were adamant when I was little that I learn to hold a pencil properly.

 

[MaryClare]

I can’t say I’ve noticed how Americans hold a pen but one thing I was taught as a child was that Americans lack the coordination to use a knife and fork at the same time. A lot of Europeans can be quite snooty about it, but it’s no different to how we struggle with chopsticks and have to practice because we don’t build that muscle memory as young children.

 

[IratePanda]

I can’t say I’ve noticed how Americans hold a pen but one thing I was taught as a child was that Americans lack the coordination to use a knife and fork at the same time. A lot of Europeans can be quite snooty about it, but it’s no different to how we struggle with chopsticks and have to practice because we don’t build that muscle memory as young children.

I went to graduate school with students from all over the world, and it was fascinating to see how people from different places handled their silverware.

When I lived in China, my chopstick skills were an endless source of wonder, especially if I traveled outside major cities.

 

[Caligym]

Adding to the cultural thoughts about pen and cutlery holding…my first thought when seeing Jade hold her pen that way was, “no way she grew up going to Catholic Schools”

 

[JaJa]

Adding to the cultural thoughts about pen and cutlery holding…my first thought when seeing Jade hold her pen that way was, “no way she grew up going to Catholic Schools”

unless her knuckles were broken by a ruler . . . . .

 

[Seyonne]

I cut with my left and hold the fork in my right. My parents tried to get me to cut with my right, put the knife down, and pick up the fork, but I thought that was silly and refused. They gave up. I was a stubborn child.

 

[IratePanda]

If I'm being honest, it's really fun to eat with your hands. I just finished a meal of barbecued chicken and steamed broccoli. Silverware was superfluous.

 

[flappergirl]

I can’t say I’ve noticed how Americans hold a pen but one thing I was taught as a child was that Americans lack the coordination to use a knife and fork at the same time. A lot of Europeans can be quite snooty about it, but it’s no different to how we struggle with chopsticks and have to practice because we don’t build that muscle memory as young children.

Is this true? I was taught to use a knife and fork together as a kid. Was that abnormal for multiples -generational US citizens

 

[Denn]

If I'm being honest, it's really fun to eat with your hands. I just finished a meal of barbecued chicken and steamed broccoli. Silverware was superfluous.

Monster!

Kidding. That sounds messy but also fulfilling.