The Springfield Olympiad

Where and how to participate in the games of summer, without schlepping to Beijing.

Need to get off the couch and shed a few pounds from all that pizza you ate from our last issue? Stoked because the Summer Olympics are just around the corner? Go out and live the games, rather than just watching from home.

Weightlifting

If you have a younger brother or a son around the age of eleven who might be serious about getting as ripped as Hulk Hogan (but maybe in a more natural way), sign him or her up for Team Tracks Weightlifting through the Springfield Community Olympic Development Program. Offering workouts on a daily basis, these trainers focus specifically on the snatch and the clean-and-jerk movements, brother. “It’s a great way to get involved and to focus on the sport of weightlifting,” trainer Brandon Ezzell says.
Springfield Community Olympic Development Program, St. John’s HealthTracks, 1235 E. Cherokee, Brandon Ezzell, 417-820-5010

Archery

A big step up from Big Buck Hunter, this family-owned archery business will get you in the mood for deer season. You can get your hunt on by shooting at paper ranges or indoor 3-D ranges where you can shoot individually or as a group. You can even take a shot at the Techno Hunt, which is a live video feed of animals such as Whitetail and African animals. Currently, archery is one of the fastest growing sports, and if you act fast enough, you might just get enough practice to nail a 12-point buck in the fall.
Archery Quest Inc., 2900 E. Pythian St.–A, 417-863-8060, archeryquestinc.com

Fencing

En garde! Wanting to take out a little aggression? Then you need to start taking classes with Maestro Nick Evangelista. This guy knows what he’s doing—he was taught by a former Olympian. Evangelista specializes in teaching classical fencing, making sure that every student is personally trained. Maestro Nick teaches anyone from beginners to advanced students. In his studio, you can be sure to learn about correcting your technical errors and improving your fencing form. When you become a master at your skill, Evangelista will be sure to help you fine-tune everything you’ve been taught. Call to set up your private or group training session, and don’t forget to play nice.
Maestro Nick Evangelista, 417-866-4370, nickevangelista.com

Rowing

It might not be as competitive as what you’re watching on TV, but you can still get your rowing fix with the Ozark Mountain Paddlers. These athletes get together for multiple events throughout the entire year, including monthly meetings, occasional white water adventures all across the country, and their monthly floats down Missouri and Arkansas rivers and streams (different rivers for different levels of paddling). The members of this organization also get together for camp outs, cook outs, and host educational clinics each year. Find your inner outdoorsman and get to rowing.
Ozark Mountain Paddlers, ozarkmtnpaddlers.org

Cycling

For anyone wanting to be just like Lance and “live strong” (professional life, not personal—Lance hasn’t had too much luck with the ladies), pick up a custom bike at Sunshine Bike Shop, where they specialize in cycles for every type of riding (including off-roaders). If you’re downtown, you can’t go wrong with Queen City Cycles. Then you should definitely choose from the plethora of Springfield trails that are available—we suggest Galloway Creek Greenway. Bring a large bottle of water; you’ll probably get thirsty.
Sunshine Bike Shop, 1926 E. Sunshine, 417-883-1113, sunshinebike.com; Queen City Cycles, 301 W. Walnut St., 417-831-0800, queencitycycles.com

Gymnastics

It’s high time we convince kids that “Wii Sports” isn’t enough exercise for the summer, and actually get them into a gym. You never know—your son, daughter, niece or nephew may be another little Paul Hamm/Kari Strug in-the-making. Dynamics Gymnastics offers classes for pre-beginners all the way up to elite. Try easing them into Dynamics’ recreational gymnastics—where you learn the basics—or start with tumbling or the open gym, before they shoot for competitive training.
Dynamics Gymnastics, LLC, 2100 E. Pythian, 417-890-0946, dynamics-gymnastics.com