Jan. 6, 2011

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois men's gymnastics third-year assistant coach Ivan Ivankov will be featured on the 2011 Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular presented by Progressive, this Sunday, Jan. 9 from 3-5 p.m. CT on NBC. Ivankov, who is a two-time world all-around champion and two-time Olympian, was one of nine gymnasts selected to participate in the unique event. Prior to retiring from competition in 2006, the Misk, Belarus, native garnered 10 world championship medals, including three gold, and achieved the highest athletic level "Master of Sport" in his native land.

In addition to Ivankov, the gymnastics cast also boasts 2008 Olympic all-around gold medalist Nastia Liukin and 2008 Olympic team bronze medalists Jonathon Horton and Raj Bhavsar. Also scheduled to appear is 2001 world championship team member Sean Townsend, 2003 world uneven bars champion Hollie Vise, 2004 Olympic team member Courtney McCool, six-time NCAA All-American Kevin Tan and 2009 NCAA top female athlete Courtney Kupets.

On the skating side, the cast includes 2010 Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek, 2010 U.S. national champion Rachael Flatt, 2010 Olympic silver medalist Meryl Davis and Charlie White, 2010 U.S. national pairs champion Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett, three-time U.S. national champion Michael Weiss and 2009 U.S. national champion Alissa Czisny.

The Hallmark Channel will rebroadcast the special on March 8 from 5-7 p.m. CT and March 14 from 12-2 a.m. CT.