By Vera Atkinson, FIG Editor.

THE CARBALLO's GYMNASTICS DYNASTY

Madrid (ESP) - FIG Office, December 13, 2008: The name Carballo is a common name in Gymnastics, something like a pass-word, something like the innumerable Tsukahara's and Yurchenko's we hear about during gymnastics event. Did we ever have the chance to forget Carballo's name, anyway?

To start with Jesus Carballo Sr, the father of five children, all of them involved in the sport!

Jesus Carballo Sr was one of the best gymnasts of Spain in the 60s and the 70s. He continued working as a National Coach, bringing to Spain fame and respect through the achievements of his pupils, nonetheless, his sons.

Number 1: Marta, a rhythmic gymnastics Coach;
Number 2: Jesus Carballo Jr, twice World Champion on High Bar, in Porto Rico 1996 and in Tianjin 1999 and three times Olympian (1996, 2000 and 2004);
Number 3: Javier, another international gymnast who, as his eldest brother Jesus, was also a member of the Spanish world team in Tianjin;
Number 4: Manuel, the 2005 European Champion and World Cup Finalist on Parallel Bars, for whom all the Spaniards will be cheering this weekend;
Number 5: Samuel, who has been 'contaminated' by the family 'disease' Gymnastic as early as his age of 5.

Jesus Carballo Jr has a lot to do these days. Last year he has been appointed Technical Director for the Royal Spanish Gymnastics Federation and the organisation of the World Cup Final is his first International event of such a scale.

 'To host such an event is a great honour for us and we hope that all the efforts we have put into the organisation will contribute to a wonderful event and will be a great inspiration for the young gymnasts in Spain.'

What is it like being  part of such an unique family?
'It's great. When my father and mother have met first, both have been competitors, he in artistic gymnastics and she in rhythmic. My father is, in fact, an absolutely incurable Gymnastics fanatic and we have all taken after him.  We have been living, breathing and eating Gymnastics from our earliest childhood until today.  It's funny during our Sunday's family gatherings; all talk is about Gymnastics, more gymnastics and Gymnastics again, and if we have friends or visitors with us, they are getting totally lost in our Gymnastics language'
 
Will all the Carballos be here on Sunday to watch Manuel competing?
'Of course they will! All of them! My mother will surely be trying to hide her tears somewhere in the audience.'

Which one of your glorious moments you remember best?
'My first world title in Puerto Rico was a great joy. It's always special to win your first title, but Tianjin was even better. Everybody in Gymnastics knows that the second title is always more difficult to win, and therefore, it was even more precious to me.'