Liang Chow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liang Chow |
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Chow with athlete Norah Flatley at the 2014 City of Jesolo Trophy
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| Personal information | |
| Alternative name(s) | Qiao Liang |
| Country represented |  China (as head coach of the national female team) |
| Former countries represented | China (as gymnast) |
| Born | January 1, 1968 Beijing, China |
| Discipline | Men's artistic gymnastics |
Liang Chow, also known as Qiao Liang (simplified Chinese: 乔良; traditional Chinese: 喬良; pinyin: Qiáo Liáng), was born on January 1, 1968. He is a Chinese-American former artistic gymnast. He is the founder and head coach of Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa. Liang Chow is famous for coaching two Olympic champions: Shawn Johnson, who won gold on the balance beam in 2008, and Gabby Douglas, who won the all-around gold in 2012. He also coached other talented US gymnasts like Norah Flatley and Rachel Gowey.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Gymnastics Career
Liang Chow grew up in Beijing, China. When he was just 5 years old, a local club chose him to start training in gymnastics. He became part of China's national gymnastics team. He competed for more than ten years, winning many medals both in China and around the world.
Even though he was a top gymnast, he never competed in the Olympic Games. In 1988, he was too young to join the Chinese Olympic team. Before the 1992 Olympics, he got a back injury. This injury made him retire from competing as a gymnast.
Moving to the United States
In 1991, Liang Chow moved to the United States. His aunt, who was studying at the University of Iowa, suggested he come. He received a scholarship to study English. He also got a job as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa's men's gymnastics team.
Later, he became a coach for the women's gymnastics program. Working with female gymnasts gave him an idea. He decided to open his own gym. He wanted to train gymnasts when they were younger. At a younger age, gymnasts are more flexible and can learn new skills more easily.
Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute
Liang Chow and his wife moved to West Des Moines, Iowa. They opened Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute on August 23, 1998. The gym grew quickly. By 2003, it had expanded to a large facility with two gyms.
In June 2008, a big flood in Iowa damaged the gym's buildings. Despite this challenge, the gym continued its work.
Coaching Success
Liang Chow coached Shawn Johnson from 1998 until her retirement. He started working with Gabby Douglas in 2010. He is known for caring for his gymnasts like a father. In June 2018, he was named the head coach of the Chinese women's national gymnastics team.
Personal Life
Liang Chow is married to Liwen Zhuang. She was also a gymnast on the Chinese national team. They have one child together, a son named Kevin.
