Kurt Thomas Says Lakes Lacks Dedication in Gymnastics

Gymnast Charlie Lakes, invited to work out with former world champion Kurt Thomas before this weekend’s U. S. Olympic trials at Salt Lake City, was criticized by Thomas Thursday at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Thomas, appearing in his Gymnastics America show at the Valencia amusement park, used a post-workout press conference to chide Lakes for what Thomas called a lack of dedication.

“You can’t be an Olympic champion and work out only one hour a day,” Thomas said. “Charlie is a tremendous gymnast with all the elements--strength, flexibility, flair and flash. But he’s also got an L. A. attitude.”

Thomas says he learned about Lakes’ attitude two years ago, when Lakes and another Olympic hopeful, former UCLA gymnast Brian Ginsberg, moved into Thomas’ guest house in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“I told them I’d coach them under certain conditions, that they’d do what I ask of them six hours a day,” Thomas said. “But after four months, it got to be like pulling teeth, so I sent them home.”

Lakes, a 1982 graduate of Monroe High School in Sepulveda who now resides in Newhall, had been asked to appear with Thomas for publicity, using Gymnastics America equipment at the Showcase Theater. During the workout, the two exchanged pleasantries, and Thomas gave Lakes pointers.

Afterward, Thomas’ remarks seemed to catch Lakes off-guard. He smiled, fidgeted, then defended himself.

“I do a quality workout, even if it does take only an hour,” said Lakes, who is expected to qualify for the Olympic team. He described his four months with Thomas in Scottsdale, saying, “We trained so hard we threw up.”