meet the cast

Sasha Beloff

Played by Neil Jackson

Character Bio

The former bad boy of gymnastics is now a renegade coach. When he goes against the National Committee and hosts an invitational against the Chinese, he puts his future - as well as the future of his team - at risk. His gamble pays off when his team performs better than the "official" team against the powerhouse Chinese. But has Sasha bitten off more than he can chew? What does his win get him? And how will it affect his gymnasts' chances of going to the Olympics?

Sasha proves to have a renegade heart, too. He goes against the rules when he gives into his feelings for Summer. Their attraction is too strong to deny -- at least for a kiss or two. They both agree a relationship is impossible. But Sasha's been known for making the impossible possible.

Actor Bio

His sexy accent gives away his English origins, and Neil Jackson's movie star good looks hint at his hot acting career. But here are a few things you may not know about the man who plays Sasha Beloff, the hard nosed gymnastics coach with a heart of gold.

Neil actually was a gold medalist in real life. He competed in the British Universities Boxing Championships and won the gold in the light middleweight division, as well as in the middleweight division. He was also a competitive swimmer, tennis player, and rugby player.

Neil acted in school, but he got his first big break as a writer: He penned an award winning musical play, which got him accepted into a prestigious drama school. He went on to star in a production of the classic play "Miss Julie" in the West End (London's equivalent to Broadway). And his major acting break came when Oliver Stone cast him on the spot as Perdiccas in "Alexander," opposite Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie. After that, Neil appeared in such films as "Quantum of Solace" and "Push." His TV credits include guest starring roles on "Cold Case," "CSI: Miami," "How I Met Your Mother," and "The Cleaner."

Neil's still winning awards for his writing. He wrote and starred in "The Passage," which won the 2008 Jury Award at the Durango Film Festival.