Following Valeri Liukin being named the new National Team Coordinator for USA Women's Gymnastics, there was a teleconference between him and senior vice president of the women's program, Rhonda Faehn in which they discussed the changes and direction of the program. 

Liukin shared his excitement for stepping into this new role, and Faehn expressed equal excitement to have him on board. Below, transcribed the highlights from the teleconference.

Liukin on stepping into the new role:

"This is an incredible honor and I can't wait to write the next chapter in the book of success of USA Gymnastics."

On the direction going forward:

"I don't think we should change many things at all. The system has proved that it's working."

On if there was any hesitation to take the position:

Absolutely not. I was waiting for this call for four years! We all know Martha thought about retiring four years ago, and I was super excited back then, and I'm just as excited and happy today to accept this position. It's big shoes to fill.

On 2016 Olympians returning for the next quad:

At this point in time, it's very difficult to say. I assume the Olympians will take somewhere between six months to a year of time off. I do think Laurie Hernandez will come back -- she's very young and basically just starting her senior career. Hopefully Simone will be back within a year or so. 

I cannot tell for sure about Aly, but we are definitely hoping that they all come back. They did an incredible job. I know it's not easy to stay on that elite path.

On following Martha:

I don't think I'm very far off from Martha, to be honest. We coach with similar styles and we're very particular in things. I'm very detail-oriented. That's how you raise high level athletes and Olympians.

On making sure with Martha that she is ABSOLUTELY sure she is retiring this time.

"It looks like it's too late now! The decision has been made. But that's a good question. I'm not giving it back!" (laughs)

Rhonda on the qualities that make Liukin fit this role:

"I definitely feel that one of Valeri's greatest assets is his work ethic and his passion. I've said this before- Valeri shows tremendous knowledge -- he was an amazing gymnast himself, he was an amazing coach obviously...His gym has been part of USA Gymnastics' system for a very long time. 

Also what I really liked is that he has a firm belief in educating the coaches -- the younger coaches -- and really making them feel like if they don't have the knowledge, then he's going to help them with that instead of making them feel like less of a coach. It helps them join the system, and that's exactly what we need with the young coaches. And I really like that."

On the format of the training camps and staff going forward:

Rhonda: "It will be very similar. The system has worked tremendously well and we will have the same number of national team camps with the same number of days. It will be run with the same schedule -- how we have the four events, dance, and the verification system.

We did have a retirement -- we're very sad to see him go -- our vault national staff coach. He has just been a tremendous asset for USA Gymnastics and I understand his retirement, and so we will be having a new staff member coming in on that event. 

On if there is a conflict of interest with Valeri owning WOGA:

Leslie King, VP of Communications: Valeri is not coaching elite athletes, as you know, he is now the national team coordinator. If there is a conflict of interest, or appearance of a conflict of interest, the National Team Coordinator will have a voice with no vote on the selection committee for team selection."

More clarification on the conflict of interest in follow-up email from USA Gymnastics:

Steve Penny: "Valeri Liukin's primary role as national team coordinator is to oversee the preparation of our team for international competition.  He has not been coaching individual athletes since he became our developmental coordinator, and the feedback we have received from the coaches involved has been extremely positive.

 "Throughout our discussions, we have been entirely upfront with Valeri about the potential for conflict of interest.  It is the responsibility of USA Gymnastics to ensure a fair and conflict-free environment for the selection of the teams that represent our country, and we are 100% committed to that concept.  This can be achieved in a number of ways, and as we move forward, we will work closely with the national team coaches, the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors, and the United States Olympic Committee to address this topic.

"Fundamentally, the three basic principles at the foundation of our understanding are:

1.   Valeri will not coach individual athletes
2.   WOGA may not accept elite athlete transfers from other gyms without the express written consent of the athlete's previous club.
3.   While the national team coordinator position does have a voting role on the selection committee, this role could be reduced to voice/no vote in the event a WOGA athlete is under consideration for a position.

"USA Gymnastics is in a unique position with respect to the most qualified finalists for this position have vested interests in private gymnastics clubs. I have complete faith and trust that we will be able to work within our structure to capitalize on Valeri's leadership and experience to keep the women's team at the top of the podium into the future."


Related:
Valeri Liukin Named U.S. Women's National Team Coordinator