1. I miss John Tesh
2. I really disliked the Phelps vault -- why did they not amend the rules any, when every gymnast had a different way of doing it, none of which were correct?
3. Roza Galieva is queen of the gymnasts with sassy walks & neat salutes
4. I wonder how Atler would have fared playing the "Sacramone role" (i.e. no bars)
5. Jamie Dantzscher really had one of the nicest triple fulls and double fronts I've ever seen.
6. The 2000 Olympics really were disappointing...so much exciting talent and yet the Romanians racked up the medals.
7. I really would have given Cheng Fei the bronze over Patricia Moreno at the 2004 Olympics on FX EF.
8. I'd be really curious to interview Elise Ray, Kriten Maloney & Jamie Dantzscher about their experience in Sydney -- I don't think it was good for anyone.
9. How did Emilie LePennec win the UB title in Athens? I mean, she had a Def, but seriously? What else?
10. Can't wait to see more from everyone this year, but most especially Bross, Hong & Shapiro!
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Top Gymnastic Pet Peeves
(in no particular order)
The Memmel Wrist
She doesn't move her arms at all, she just moves at the wrist. Three times. Ick. It's not graceful at all. I'm thinking it's not technically correct. It's not just when she "salutes" but also during choreography. It seems like a bad example of Americans trying to be graceful. Russia nor China would approve.
The Gogean Recycling Program
Honestly, it seems like in just about every beam or floor routine Gina Gogean did, she recycle these arm movements in her choreography. And yes, that is Romania for you, but it seemed to happen more with Gogean than with any other gymnast.
Here @ :56
Here @ :48
Here @ 1:24
...you get the picture
The Khorkina Fudged Landing
It seems as though time and time again, judges conveniently overlooked Khorkina's mis-steps, including her landings on floor. Now, I love Khorkina, but I do think she was often times given the benefit of the doubt.
After the first tumbling pass. I don't like this for two reasons. It's deliberately designed so as to be difficult to judge, because how do we really know how well she "sticks" it? Sorry, but that gets a thumb down from me.
The Sacramaloney Faux Salute
Alicia and Kristen are both guilty. I REALLY don't like this. Rather than definitively landing a vault/dismount, they take a little hop, then turn to salute without finishing the landing first. ARG DO NOT do this. Thisis just annoying. Take your time. Don't be so hyper to finish. Be definitive in your landing. so you didn't stick it. Who cares? FINISH the move. Ewww ew ew this is just annoying beyond belief.
A-Sac:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQYxnSZdniw
Or Maloney:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVn5CI0lx3o (ew ew EW!)
Bogi does NOT approve
The Memmel Wrist
She doesn't move her arms at all, she just moves at the wrist. Three times. Ick. It's not graceful at all. I'm thinking it's not technically correct. It's not just when she "salutes" but also during choreography. It seems like a bad example of Americans trying to be graceful. Russia nor China would approve.
The Gogean Recycling Program
Honestly, it seems like in just about every beam or floor routine Gina Gogean did, she recycle these arm movements in her choreography. And yes, that is Romania for you, but it seemed to happen more with Gogean than with any other gymnast.
Here @ :56
Here @ :48
Here @ 1:24
...you get the picture
The Khorkina Fudged Landing
It seems as though time and time again, judges conveniently overlooked Khorkina's mis-steps, including her landings on floor. Now, I love Khorkina, but I do think she was often times given the benefit of the doubt.
After the first tumbling pass. I don't like this for two reasons. It's deliberately designed so as to be difficult to judge, because how do we really know how well she "sticks" it? Sorry, but that gets a thumb down from me.
The Sacramaloney Faux Salute
Alicia and Kristen are both guilty. I REALLY don't like this. Rather than definitively landing a vault/dismount, they take a little hop, then turn to salute without finishing the landing first. ARG DO NOT do this. Thisis just annoying. Take your time. Don't be so hyper to finish. Be definitive in your landing. so you didn't stick it. Who cares? FINISH the move. Ewww ew ew this is just annoying beyond belief.
A-Sac:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQYxnSZdniw
Or Maloney:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVn5CI0lx3o (ew ew EW!)
Bogi does NOT approve
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Why I miss Milo
First off, I almost shed a tear because when Googling Lavinia Milosovici, half of what you come up with relates to the Japanese video incident. This was Milo, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. How sad that she resorted to that.
I miss that year after year, you knew she'd be at the Worlds, you knew she was one of the 5 or so to watch and expect great things from. Now Romania barely has a team, minus Porgras, if you even consider her worthy of attention (I don't). Milo was in every Worlds from 1991 - 1996. Wow, it's amazing she wasn't out with injury ever. I mean, who does that now?! (Obvious, there's the age rule change, but that aside). You knew that Milo would be there, and she was a force to be reckoned with. She was the backbone of the team. No she wasn't the neatest, cleanest gymnast, but she wasn't Amanar either. She rarely made mistakes. She was someone to count on.
Gosh. Nowadays, it seems like we already know who the winner will be. At least, that was certainly the case in Beijing and in London. It was one of two Americans. No one in any of the other countries can compare. How fun is that? Nothing at all against Bridget Sloan, but is she really good enough to be world champion? I know that in the year after the Olympics, we are essentially starting from scratch since so many retire, and that it is by no means the best time to watch out for stellar gymnastics, but....really? And I absolutely love Bross, but even with a fall, getting silver? On the one hand, that shows you how good she is (and really, better than Sloan), but on the other, can we please do away with gymnasts who have falls winning medals?
If we compare, at least in 1997 we still had some great talent. Khorkina seemed to peak at this time. Amanar's tumbling was amazing. Produonova came onto the scene. Bi Wenjing unveiled the Ono spin. Meng Fei was equally amazing on bars. I'll keep my mouth shut re: Gogean.
It seems like since after the 2004 Olympics, the level of gymnastics around the rest of the world fell, while it got much better in America. And yea it's nice to win, but competitions don't feel like competitions anymore.
To me, the 1995 Sabae Worlds was one of the best competitions in a long time. Amanar was on the rise, Gogean and Milo were steady. Kochetkova was coming off of a terrific 1994, Khorkina was a true contender, Miller was continuing to prove herself, Moceanu was off to an exciting start, Podkopayeva beat the whole world, Mo Huilan showed us perfection....
What do we have now? The showdown of two Americans at the last worlds...Ke Hexin, who competes brilliantly on just one event, Yang Yilin who looked tired and a fraction of the gymnast she was a year ago, an Australian and a Brit who are decent... it's just sad, on my humble opinion.
I miss that year after year, you knew she'd be at the Worlds, you knew she was one of the 5 or so to watch and expect great things from. Now Romania barely has a team, minus Porgras, if you even consider her worthy of attention (I don't). Milo was in every Worlds from 1991 - 1996. Wow, it's amazing she wasn't out with injury ever. I mean, who does that now?! (Obvious, there's the age rule change, but that aside). You knew that Milo would be there, and she was a force to be reckoned with. She was the backbone of the team. No she wasn't the neatest, cleanest gymnast, but she wasn't Amanar either. She rarely made mistakes. She was someone to count on.
Gosh. Nowadays, it seems like we already know who the winner will be. At least, that was certainly the case in Beijing and in London. It was one of two Americans. No one in any of the other countries can compare. How fun is that? Nothing at all against Bridget Sloan, but is she really good enough to be world champion? I know that in the year after the Olympics, we are essentially starting from scratch since so many retire, and that it is by no means the best time to watch out for stellar gymnastics, but....really? And I absolutely love Bross, but even with a fall, getting silver? On the one hand, that shows you how good she is (and really, better than Sloan), but on the other, can we please do away with gymnasts who have falls winning medals?
If we compare, at least in 1997 we still had some great talent. Khorkina seemed to peak at this time. Amanar's tumbling was amazing. Produonova came onto the scene. Bi Wenjing unveiled the Ono spin. Meng Fei was equally amazing on bars. I'll keep my mouth shut re: Gogean.
It seems like since after the 2004 Olympics, the level of gymnastics around the rest of the world fell, while it got much better in America. And yea it's nice to win, but competitions don't feel like competitions anymore.
To me, the 1995 Sabae Worlds was one of the best competitions in a long time. Amanar was on the rise, Gogean and Milo were steady. Kochetkova was coming off of a terrific 1994, Khorkina was a true contender, Miller was continuing to prove herself, Moceanu was off to an exciting start, Podkopayeva beat the whole world, Mo Huilan showed us perfection....
What do we have now? The showdown of two Americans at the last worlds...Ke Hexin, who competes brilliantly on just one event, Yang Yilin who looked tired and a fraction of the gymnast she was a year ago, an Australian and a Brit who are decent... it's just sad, on my humble opinion.
Am I the only one who wasn't overly impressed w/ Porgras?
I mean, who has done a double back tucked on FX since 1993? Yea, she still gets in her difficulty, and she's a nice dancer but... is she great or are we just starved for talent anymore? (outside the U.S.... from the traditional powerhouses of Romania and Russia).
Is it really just me? I just know that after the worlds, she was quite the buzz topic. But I'm not sure I understand why. Yea, nice lines. Yea, she's skinny (and as my friend says, the current code is the Nastia/if-you're-skinny-you'll-do-well code).
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Happy September
Well, in the coming months, we have:
The drama of the World Team selection
The Worlds
Nastia's "break"
As well as other random thoughts by me!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Nastia won't be at worlds
Joint statement from USA Gymnastics and Nastia Liukin regarding her withdrawal from consideration for ’09 World Championships Team
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Aug. 31, 2009 – 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, has withdrawn her name from consideration for selection to the U.S. Team for the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-18, in London, England. The first selection camp for the women’s team is slated to start on Sept. 8 at the Women’s National Team Training Center in Huntsville, Texas.
“I have given a lot of thought to this since the 2009 Visa Championships,” said Liukin, who competed in the Visa Championships in Dallas earlier this month. “Getting back into the gym and competition has been a major goal for me this summer, and I have worked hard to balance my training and obligations. This past year has been wonderful and a whirlwind. With the selection process for Worlds beginning next week, I realized I need to take some time to get myself where I need and want to be competitively. Competing at a World Championships is an incredible experience, and I look forward to supporting my teammates as they prepare for London.
“The 2012 Olympics in London remain an important goal for me. I have more to accomplish in this sport.”
Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, said, “We totally support Nastia’s decision regarding this year’s World Championships. This is just another example of the integrity and sportsmanship that is an integral part of Nastia. We look forward to her continued participation at a high level and are confident that she is making a decision that is in her and the team's best interest.”
Well, in a way, I know that Nastia would hate to appear at a Worlds in less-than-top-notch form, plus it leaves the door open for someone else who has been training all year, so I'd have to say that I'm pleased.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Aug. 31, 2009 – 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, has withdrawn her name from consideration for selection to the U.S. Team for the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-18, in London, England. The first selection camp for the women’s team is slated to start on Sept. 8 at the Women’s National Team Training Center in Huntsville, Texas.
“I have given a lot of thought to this since the 2009 Visa Championships,” said Liukin, who competed in the Visa Championships in Dallas earlier this month. “Getting back into the gym and competition has been a major goal for me this summer, and I have worked hard to balance my training and obligations. This past year has been wonderful and a whirlwind. With the selection process for Worlds beginning next week, I realized I need to take some time to get myself where I need and want to be competitively. Competing at a World Championships is an incredible experience, and I look forward to supporting my teammates as they prepare for London.
“The 2012 Olympics in London remain an important goal for me. I have more to accomplish in this sport.”
Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics, said, “We totally support Nastia’s decision regarding this year’s World Championships. This is just another example of the integrity and sportsmanship that is an integral part of Nastia. We look forward to her continued participation at a high level and are confident that she is making a decision that is in her and the team's best interest.”
Well, in a way, I know that Nastia would hate to appear at a Worlds in less-than-top-notch form, plus it leaves the door open for someone else who has been training all year, so I'd have to say that I'm pleased.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Whoops, spoke too soon
Nastia wished to set the record straight.
This afternoon she tweeted:
NLiukin: For everyone asking about my floor music... No, it's not "Carmen"....
hmmm....what then?
This afternoon she tweeted:
NLiukin: For everyone asking about my floor music... No, it's not "Carmen"....
hmmm....what then?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I knew it!
Nastia's new floor ex music is...CARMEN!
The Leak
If it's anything like Sasha Cohen's 2002 short program, it'll be stunning.
Interestingly, Nastia originally had Ivana's music, which was Sasha Cohen 2002 short program music. Which is all the more interesting because I have always seen tremendous similarities between Sasha and Nastia. I see them as similar because in the spiral sequences Sasha was one of the only skaters I've ever seen to come to a complete 180 split in her legs, and she exceeds that in her split leaps. I feel like Sasha forever changed the sport in that this became the expectation, similar to how Nastia's handstands became the expectation. They are also both so technically good but prone to small mistakes here and there, that that is why I never expected Nastia to win the Olympic all-around gold. They are also both of Russian heritage, and they both have a mastery in technique, which leads to gorgeous artistry.
<3 Can't wait!
The Leak
If it's anything like Sasha Cohen's 2002 short program, it'll be stunning.
Interestingly, Nastia originally had Ivana's music, which was Sasha Cohen 2002 short program music. Which is all the more interesting because I have always seen tremendous similarities between Sasha and Nastia. I see them as similar because in the spiral sequences Sasha was one of the only skaters I've ever seen to come to a complete 180 split in her legs, and she exceeds that in her split leaps. I feel like Sasha forever changed the sport in that this became the expectation, similar to how Nastia's handstands became the expectation. They are also both so technically good but prone to small mistakes here and there, that that is why I never expected Nastia to win the Olympic all-around gold. They are also both of Russian heritage, and they both have a mastery in technique, which leads to gorgeous artistry.
<3 Can't wait!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Heated Debate!
I am having a somewhat heated discussion with the fellow fanatics on the IG Message Board.
Fishbulb says: Bleh. I don't understand the execution scores at all. It doesn't make sense to me that a short handstand on bars can be worse than a FALL. I might get pummelled for this, but... why does Ivana get such low scores on bars? Before you freak out, mind you I'm not a code expert, and obviously I didn't get the memo about short handstands = death. I can see that her tkatchev is bad, but other than that (and the HANDSTANDS) how does she barely score better than Jana?
AGREED. Neither gymnast is THAT sloppy. Jana gets picked on, bur seriously, from an 8.4 you'd think she was horrid. But how can Ivana only score .2 higher than that? Yes, handstands and low Tcatchev, but... hmm for YEARS these things didn't matter like they do now. which leads me to his second point...
I feel like the FIG picks one new thing every code to focus on, and kind of forgets about everything else. Now it's this no-lunge landing thing. Can I just mention that this may be the stupidest thing to ever happen in gymnastics. IMO. I spent a million hours as a kid practicing throwing my head back and stepping back just the way the elites did it. Now that's gone. WHY? They give some BS answer about this being the only way to show lack of control, but isn't that the judges job? Aren't the supposed to watch and decide if someone is in control or not? I see it controlling the girls into a bunch of snapped ankles.
So, to be clear, the two most important things in gymnastics are handstands on bars, and landing like a dude on floor. Not so much skills, artistry, creativity, expression, staying on the apparatus... It's a few tenths for a fall, and 72380189710980 tenths for a missed handstand. HURUMPF.
Precisely. This year it's execution. Oh well if you're consistent and hit 8-for-8, like hong. If you can land like a guy, and hit handstands, you're good as gold.
And, I'm sorry but it's ludicrous to say that the "lunge" girls have done for years shows a lack of control. I'm not a judge, but even I know the difference between a lunge that shows a controlled landing and one that does not!!
Fishbulb says: Bleh. I don't understand the execution scores at all. It doesn't make sense to me that a short handstand on bars can be worse than a FALL. I might get pummelled for this, but... why does Ivana get such low scores on bars? Before you freak out, mind you I'm not a code expert, and obviously I didn't get the memo about short handstands = death. I can see that her tkatchev is bad, but other than that (and the HANDSTANDS) how does she barely score better than Jana?
AGREED. Neither gymnast is THAT sloppy. Jana gets picked on, bur seriously, from an 8.4 you'd think she was horrid. But how can Ivana only score .2 higher than that? Yes, handstands and low Tcatchev, but... hmm for YEARS these things didn't matter like they do now. which leads me to his second point...
I feel like the FIG picks one new thing every code to focus on, and kind of forgets about everything else. Now it's this no-lunge landing thing. Can I just mention that this may be the stupidest thing to ever happen in gymnastics. IMO. I spent a million hours as a kid practicing throwing my head back and stepping back just the way the elites did it. Now that's gone. WHY? They give some BS answer about this being the only way to show lack of control, but isn't that the judges job? Aren't the supposed to watch and decide if someone is in control or not? I see it controlling the girls into a bunch of snapped ankles.
So, to be clear, the two most important things in gymnastics are handstands on bars, and landing like a dude on floor. Not so much skills, artistry, creativity, expression, staying on the apparatus... It's a few tenths for a fall, and 72380189710980 tenths for a missed handstand. HURUMPF.
Precisely. This year it's execution. Oh well if you're consistent and hit 8-for-8, like hong. If you can land like a guy, and hit handstands, you're good as gold.
And, I'm sorry but it's ludicrous to say that the "lunge" girls have done for years shows a lack of control. I'm not a judge, but even I know the difference between a lunge that shows a controlled landing and one that does not!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Not favorites technically, but....
Do you (any of my ?? readers...if I have any?) have any gymnasts that, while technically are not your favorites, they have a compelling story that makes them kind of a favorite anyway? I was thinking about this the other day.
Like, for example, Morgan White. Back in the "dark quad" era. America needed a shining light. By late 1999, Vanessa Atler had dimmed. Morgan had some sloppy things here and there, lacked power, and IMO, did something kind of funny with her arm placement.
That said, she came a long way between 1999-2000, especially between Nationals, where she fell on vault, to Trials, where she landed her Yurchenko 1.5. THAT was a big deal for her. Morgan was so teeny and fragile and lacked a lot of confidence, I think, but to her, just getting that vault to her feet was huge. She may not have been Elise Ray that year, but just watching her "grow" and improve over that two-year period, to making the team, I found to be very touching.
And then she broke her foot.
Another one is Courtney Kupets. While I could never get into her strange choices of floor exercise music, and choreograpghy that lacked grace, MAN you have to give it to her for coming back from not one but TWO torn Achilles tendons. In an interview recently I heard on an NCAA competition, whomever the commentator was (can't remember), she noted what a true champion Kupets was, because in the interview, Kupets made note of how she actually looked forward to the comebacks from injury, and fighting her way back. Wow, who likes that?! Who looks forward to that? Who doesn't want to scream and throw a fit an an injury like that?!
Also, as a side note, Kupets needs to teach the world how to do Tchatchevs, Never seen a better one from anyone.
Like, for example, Morgan White. Back in the "dark quad" era. America needed a shining light. By late 1999, Vanessa Atler had dimmed. Morgan had some sloppy things here and there, lacked power, and IMO, did something kind of funny with her arm placement.
That said, she came a long way between 1999-2000, especially between Nationals, where she fell on vault, to Trials, where she landed her Yurchenko 1.5. THAT was a big deal for her. Morgan was so teeny and fragile and lacked a lot of confidence, I think, but to her, just getting that vault to her feet was huge. She may not have been Elise Ray that year, but just watching her "grow" and improve over that two-year period, to making the team, I found to be very touching.
And then she broke her foot.
Another one is Courtney Kupets. While I could never get into her strange choices of floor exercise music, and choreograpghy that lacked grace, MAN you have to give it to her for coming back from not one but TWO torn Achilles tendons. In an interview recently I heard on an NCAA competition, whomever the commentator was (can't remember), she noted what a true champion Kupets was, because in the interview, Kupets made note of how she actually looked forward to the comebacks from injury, and fighting her way back. Wow, who likes that?! Who looks forward to that? Who doesn't want to scream and throw a fit an an injury like that?!
Also, as a side note, Kupets needs to teach the world how to do Tchatchevs, Never seen a better one from anyone.
I want to know more
About Rebecca Bross.
Dear Al Twautwig, Please do a fluff piece on Bross for your next broadcast!
Like I said earlier, she's different from Nastia, yet she's the clear heir apparent (despite her mistakes). I wonder how many of her mistakes were because of injury v. nerves?
I like that in a world of glamor and girlie leos, Bross comes in with plain hair, no make up, all business, with only her teeny little stud earrings. I like that she invokes the seriousness of the "gool 'ole Iron Curtain" days. I like her intensity. I like that she's a power house.
I really, really like her FX music. I think it suits her personality: intense. But what I don't like is that she starts with two tumbling passes, back-to-back, then does a whole lot of dance until the final pass. And it's not stellar dance at that (she's not Amanar but she's not Nastia either). It makes for an imbalanced routine. Additionally, look how solid her tumbling was here in 2007:
She mounts with a full-in (correct me if that's a half-in, half-out or a full-out) (check the landing!). Then: back 1.5 to Rudi; FHS, bounder, double twisting front; back 2.5 to layout punch front with half.
Look at the control in all her landings and check the height of the double twisting front, her third pass. And look how the choreography flows better with the fourth pass added.
Let's move to bars. Someone on the IG message bourd commented about her legs/ankles.Yup, she's got the Ksenia Semenova legs. That being said, who cares? It doesn't bother me. I am all about her quick pirouettes on top of the bar, and the height on her Tchatchev (Hong needs to study that w/ Bross) and her kick-butt Jaeger. Wow, talk about torque, as her arm rips off the bar.
I like that's she's a power athlete with the ability to score exceedingly well on bars. (Ha, note "ability." It's not her forte). I love the way she kind of "kicks" her legs into a really tight pike position when doing an inside stalder. Anyone else notice this? ha, or just me? And love the legs together on the full-in dismount.
Beam. Phew girl, she makes me nervous here! Like I said before, you never know how hard a dismount, or any skill for that matter, is until someone misses it. Was it just me, or was she taking off not close enough to the edge of the beam? I felt like she was too close to the beam and in danger of hitting her head. That, and the locked knees on the landing on night 1, and her being off to the side on night 2. Perhaps Valeri will change the dismount. I noticed that when several of Nastia's skills caused problems again and again, they did away with them (her old beam combo that included and back pike, and her scrapping the triple twisting dismount for a 2.5 off beam, and her Randi on floor). I think she clearly let the nerves get to her on night 2, with the little bobble she had on a simple dance move. I TOTALLY thought she was going to fall on her side flip. Nice save.
Vault. I think the ability's totally there, which was evident in night 2. What I don't know is how much of a factor injury and lack of repetition played. I'd love to see her do an Amanar though.
OK but moreover, I want to know about her as a person. Here's what I've been able to find.
She was born on July 11, 1993 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I'm taking a guess her parents are divorced (last names Bross and Brugge). She is 5 feet tall. Her favorite apparatus is beam and her favorite subject is math; she's home-schooled. She likes Chinese food and R & B music.
I can't wait to see more of her. I feel like she's a shoe-in for the World team. And if I had to pick to all-arounders for the U.S., as of now I'd go with Bross & Sloan.
Thoughts?
Dear Al Twautwig, Please do a fluff piece on Bross for your next broadcast!
Like I said earlier, she's different from Nastia, yet she's the clear heir apparent (despite her mistakes). I wonder how many of her mistakes were because of injury v. nerves?
I like that in a world of glamor and girlie leos, Bross comes in with plain hair, no make up, all business, with only her teeny little stud earrings. I like that she invokes the seriousness of the "gool 'ole Iron Curtain" days. I like her intensity. I like that she's a power house.
I really, really like her FX music. I think it suits her personality: intense. But what I don't like is that she starts with two tumbling passes, back-to-back, then does a whole lot of dance until the final pass. And it's not stellar dance at that (she's not Amanar but she's not Nastia either). It makes for an imbalanced routine. Additionally, look how solid her tumbling was here in 2007:
She mounts with a full-in (correct me if that's a half-in, half-out or a full-out) (check the landing!). Then: back 1.5 to Rudi; FHS, bounder, double twisting front; back 2.5 to layout punch front with half.
Look at the control in all her landings and check the height of the double twisting front, her third pass. And look how the choreography flows better with the fourth pass added.
Let's move to bars. Someone on the IG message bourd commented about her legs/ankles.Yup, she's got the Ksenia Semenova legs. That being said, who cares? It doesn't bother me. I am all about her quick pirouettes on top of the bar, and the height on her Tchatchev (Hong needs to study that w/ Bross) and her kick-butt Jaeger. Wow, talk about torque, as her arm rips off the bar.
I like that's she's a power athlete with the ability to score exceedingly well on bars. (Ha, note "ability." It's not her forte). I love the way she kind of "kicks" her legs into a really tight pike position when doing an inside stalder. Anyone else notice this? ha, or just me? And love the legs together on the full-in dismount.
Beam. Phew girl, she makes me nervous here! Like I said before, you never know how hard a dismount, or any skill for that matter, is until someone misses it. Was it just me, or was she taking off not close enough to the edge of the beam? I felt like she was too close to the beam and in danger of hitting her head. That, and the locked knees on the landing on night 1, and her being off to the side on night 2. Perhaps Valeri will change the dismount. I noticed that when several of Nastia's skills caused problems again and again, they did away with them (her old beam combo that included and back pike, and her scrapping the triple twisting dismount for a 2.5 off beam, and her Randi on floor). I think she clearly let the nerves get to her on night 2, with the little bobble she had on a simple dance move. I TOTALLY thought she was going to fall on her side flip. Nice save.
Vault. I think the ability's totally there, which was evident in night 2. What I don't know is how much of a factor injury and lack of repetition played. I'd love to see her do an Amanar though.
OK but moreover, I want to know about her as a person. Here's what I've been able to find.
She was born on July 11, 1993 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I'm taking a guess her parents are divorced (last names Bross and Brugge). She is 5 feet tall. Her favorite apparatus is beam and her favorite subject is math; she's home-schooled. She likes Chinese food and R & B music.
I can't wait to see more of her. I feel like she's a shoe-in for the World team. And if I had to pick to all-arounders for the U.S., as of now I'd go with Bross & Sloan.
Thoughts?
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Getting ridiculously excited.
Off to buy a bottle of my favorite wine.
VCR & DVR are set. And double-checked.
This will be my 12th Nationals that I have watched live.
And 17th that I have on tape.
It takes me back.... 12 years ago, I was watching and rooting for Vanessa Atler. Ahh...memories.
Word on the street is that Nastia had breakfast with "special friend" 2009 World Figure Skating Champion Evan Lysacek. hmm...wonder if he's gay?
OK off to buy my wine. :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Ready for Nationals Day 2
I have my Nastia t-shirt (white w/ pink Nastia + heart logo) and I plan to have a sushi dinner, including a Rainbow Roll (Nastia's favorite). Need a nice bottle of wine. The DVR & VCR are ready. WAHOO!
2009 Nationals: Day 1
Dwight Normile's thoughts here: Bross Leads Hong at U.S. Championships
Photos here: USA Gymnastics
My thoughts.
The heir apparent?
I really like Bross in a way that's quite different from Liukin. She's got a tough-as-nails look about her. She muscular, compact and boyish. She lacks the grace of Liukin but has raw power. It's got to be tough to be the third gymnast from your gym in a line of Olympic all-around gold medalists. And looking on to 2012, I think the super stars of those Games are likely juniors right now. That being said, at least Bross is age-eligible to compete at worlds ad start gaining experience. Her dance needs some work, but it was a testament to her for hitting bars, not a strong event for her, and for having the meet-high on the event so far. On her Patterson dismount off beam, apparently she missed it in warming up as well. It's amazing because, I know a double Arabian off beam is tough, but in all the years watching Carly do it, I can't remember her falling on it. In other words, it's easy to forget how hard some skills are! Another thought that occurred to me: could you ASK for a better mentor than Nastia?
The Queen Returns
I am really digging these WOGA plum-colored leos. And Nastia's dramatic eyeliner. And her little French braid on the side. That being said, I've never seen her look so tentative. She actually looked nervous, versus at the Classic when she missed her Onodi and switch-ring leap in practice but hit in competition, here her practice looked better but competition not as good. No meltdowns though, and I mean, seriously, who even expected her to be here?! I really wish she would have just bit the bullet and done bars though. Like she has said several times, you have to start somewhere. Even if it's not spectacular, why not just give it a go, just to debut it?
The Rock Wobbles
I would have expected Sloan to have been more solid. I think she's coming into her own as a gymnast, but she still gets rattled by mistakes. Like the fall on beam. She couldn't let it go throughout that routine. And her piked full-in on floor? She normally lands that two-footed! What was her landing about?
Other random notes:
I am digging the sideways-bang-poof thing, as well as Sloan and Bieger's buns over their previous ponytails.
Love Hong's FX music (it's the old Sasha Cohen short program skating music from 2002). (Yes, I am a geek like that).
What is with the no lunging rule on FX? I know that's the new rule but, even when gymnasts looked like they landed and had control, they still took the step; they didn't even look like they were trying to land two-footed.
I remember the days of the 1992-1996 Quad, with Miller, Strug, Dawes... these were the years I grew up watching. And I must say, we NEVER saw a camaraderie like we see now. It's so refreshing. Especially among gymnasts who don't even train in the same gym. so nice.
Chellsie Memmel once again proves she's tough as they come.
Photos here: USA Gymnastics
My thoughts.
The heir apparent?
I really like Bross in a way that's quite different from Liukin. She's got a tough-as-nails look about her. She muscular, compact and boyish. She lacks the grace of Liukin but has raw power. It's got to be tough to be the third gymnast from your gym in a line of Olympic all-around gold medalists. And looking on to 2012, I think the super stars of those Games are likely juniors right now. That being said, at least Bross is age-eligible to compete at worlds ad start gaining experience. Her dance needs some work, but it was a testament to her for hitting bars, not a strong event for her, and for having the meet-high on the event so far. On her Patterson dismount off beam, apparently she missed it in warming up as well. It's amazing because, I know a double Arabian off beam is tough, but in all the years watching Carly do it, I can't remember her falling on it. In other words, it's easy to forget how hard some skills are! Another thought that occurred to me: could you ASK for a better mentor than Nastia?
The Queen Returns
I am really digging these WOGA plum-colored leos. And Nastia's dramatic eyeliner. And her little French braid on the side. That being said, I've never seen her look so tentative. She actually looked nervous, versus at the Classic when she missed her Onodi and switch-ring leap in practice but hit in competition, here her practice looked better but competition not as good. No meltdowns though, and I mean, seriously, who even expected her to be here?! I really wish she would have just bit the bullet and done bars though. Like she has said several times, you have to start somewhere. Even if it's not spectacular, why not just give it a go, just to debut it?
The Rock Wobbles
I would have expected Sloan to have been more solid. I think she's coming into her own as a gymnast, but she still gets rattled by mistakes. Like the fall on beam. She couldn't let it go throughout that routine. And her piked full-in on floor? She normally lands that two-footed! What was her landing about?
Other random notes:
I am digging the sideways-bang-poof thing, as well as Sloan and Bieger's buns over their previous ponytails.
Love Hong's FX music (it's the old Sasha Cohen short program skating music from 2002). (Yes, I am a geek like that).
What is with the no lunging rule on FX? I know that's the new rule but, even when gymnasts looked like they landed and had control, they still took the step; they didn't even look like they were trying to land two-footed.
I remember the days of the 1992-1996 Quad, with Miller, Strug, Dawes... these were the years I grew up watching. And I must say, we NEVER saw a camaraderie like we see now. It's so refreshing. Especially among gymnasts who don't even train in the same gym. so nice.
Chellsie Memmel once again proves she's tough as they come.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New code -- deduction
Take a look at Shawn's 2008 Olympic FX EF routine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fAlzxwqA-I
Under the new code, per what they said @ Classic, landings like Shawn's double-double (1st pass), 3rd pass and final pass, in which she does she "gymnast lunge landing" would be deducted for.
Umm...what???
When I look at this routine, I think it's darn near perfect as far as landing, minus her second pass. They're really going to deduct for that? The girl's doing a double-double for pete's sake. And whereas she could end with a double pike, she chooses a full-in. Give her a break; she's in total control of the landings. A deduction is ludicrous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fAlzxwqA-I
Under the new code, per what they said @ Classic, landings like Shawn's double-double (1st pass), 3rd pass and final pass, in which she does she "gymnast lunge landing" would be deducted for.
Umm...what???
When I look at this routine, I think it's darn near perfect as far as landing, minus her second pass. They're really going to deduct for that? The girl's doing a double-double for pete's sake. And whereas she could end with a double pike, she chooses a full-in. Give her a break; she's in total control of the landings. A deduction is ludicrous.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
YAY to Nastia's silver medal-winning performance @ Classic
http://www.universalsports.com/mediaPlayer/media.dbml?db_oem_id=23000&sid=-1&catid=-1&id=632508
I wonder if became of the time delay, she didn't want to rush, so she just did the layout dismount, or if she really doesn't have her 2.5 twist yet. Either way, pretty darn good.
I wonder if became of the time delay, she didn't want to rush, so she just did the layout dismount, or if she really doesn't have her 2.5 twist yet. Either way, pretty darn good.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Nastia training bars @ Classic!
http://www.gymnastike.org/videos/play/195396
Doesn't look too bad... She's got her Ono-Ono-Ono + 1/2 to Geinger down, with a little leg separation on the Geinger and then a pause after the combo, but wow!
http://www.gymnastike.org/videos/play/195393
The dismount sure look 100% better, of course she didn't do it after a full routine. But wow, when was the last time you saw the Olympic all-around champ look so good so soon after the Olympics? Podkopayeva in 1997?
Doesn't look too bad... She's got her Ono-Ono-Ono + 1/2 to Geinger down, with a little leg separation on the Geinger and then a pause after the combo, but wow!
http://www.gymnastike.org/videos/play/195393
The dismount sure look 100% better, of course she didn't do it after a full routine. But wow, when was the last time you saw the Olympic all-around champ look so good so soon after the Olympics? Podkopayeva in 1997?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Karolyi Camps: 2000 v. 2003
I have a thought/question about the training camps.
I've read from several gymnasts that the camps in 2000 were more brutal and negative that the later ones in the 2002-2004 time period.
Moceanu (OK I know some will take what she says with a grain of salt) said she was humiliated for he weight. Atler (again, some might not consider her reliable) called them "unbearable." But most interestingly, I was reading an interview with Shannon Miller from 2004 and she even said the difference in the camps between 2000 and 2003 was "night and day." I feel strongly that Dantzcher would have choice things to say, although she is kind of from the anti-Karolyi camp.
But seriously... what can we make of this? Does anyone think there's some truth to this and could the difference be Bela v. Marta? Do you think "choice" athletes (i.e. Johnson & Liukin) could "opt out" out of doing some of the extra sets and repetitions and that their coaches could kind of "overrule" the Karolyis because they were too valuable to lose to injury?
I've read from several gymnasts that the camps in 2000 were more brutal and negative that the later ones in the 2002-2004 time period.
Moceanu (OK I know some will take what she says with a grain of salt) said she was humiliated for he weight. Atler (again, some might not consider her reliable) called them "unbearable." But most interestingly, I was reading an interview with Shannon Miller from 2004 and she even said the difference in the camps between 2000 and 2003 was "night and day." I feel strongly that Dantzcher would have choice things to say, although she is kind of from the anti-Karolyi camp.
But seriously... what can we make of this? Does anyone think there's some truth to this and could the difference be Bela v. Marta? Do you think "choice" athletes (i.e. Johnson & Liukin) could "opt out" out of doing some of the extra sets and repetitions and that their coaches could kind of "overrule" the Karolyis because they were too valuable to lose to injury?
A thought
I seriously think I was an elite gymnast in another life. The only problem with this theory is that no gymnast since Nadia's time (that I can think of) has passed away. Regardless, I still file like I used to be one. I feel like I can sense how they feel. I feel like I know how uneven bars feel, how a Tchatchev feels. How it feels to be in practice with throbbing body parts but to continue anyway. How it feels to nervously wait for the judges to give the green light.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Newsflash
Nastia, Ivana, Rebecca, Briley, Sophia, Lily, Grace, Madison - WOGA Elites competing at US Classic, July 24-26 --WOGA's Twitter
OMG, Can't wait to see/hear how Nastia & Ivana do, as well as Rebecca Bross.
OMG, Can't wait to see/hear how Nastia & Ivana do, as well as Rebecca Bross.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
PRK -- Pt. 2
So, that ended up being the Kim Gwang Suk post. Here are the rest of the North Koreans.
I really enjoy a mystery, something/someone mysterious, an anomaly, whatever. And I suppose that's what the North Koreans are. Who understand them? How do they train? I mean, the Romanians and the Americans are interesting enough to learn about, but hey, at least we GET interviews with them.
Here is a cutie, Kang Yun Mi at the 2003 Worlds vault finals. Nice lay out in the second vault.
Pyon Kwang Sun -- 2006 Asian Games
I don't know who this girl is, but I somehow came across her. Her uneven bars is a heck of a lot better than her vault, but I love her smile. That's so unexpected! Especially from a North Korean, and after falling.
She came in 4th at the 2003 Worlds on uneven bars:
More impressive ont he vault is 2007 silver medalist Hong Su Jong, not to be confused with her sis, Hong Un Jong. Su performs a pretty darn good Cheng vault here, and vault #1 is a well-landed Amanar.
I wonder what happened to Su in the 2008 Games, but Un was there and obviously, she won the title.
And, I have to say, I love Cheng Fei, but I'm kind of glad that she fell and someone else got to take home the gold medal. And not that I'm pro-Korea, but hey, if it means a better life for Un, then that's terrific.
I really enjoy a mystery, something/someone mysterious, an anomaly, whatever. And I suppose that's what the North Koreans are. Who understand them? How do they train? I mean, the Romanians and the Americans are interesting enough to learn about, but hey, at least we GET interviews with them.
Here is a cutie, Kang Yun Mi at the 2003 Worlds vault finals. Nice lay out in the second vault.
Pyon Kwang Sun -- 2006 Asian Games
I don't know who this girl is, but I somehow came across her. Her uneven bars is a heck of a lot better than her vault, but I love her smile. That's so unexpected! Especially from a North Korean, and after falling.
She came in 4th at the 2003 Worlds on uneven bars:
More impressive ont he vault is 2007 silver medalist Hong Su Jong, not to be confused with her sis, Hong Un Jong. Su performs a pretty darn good Cheng vault here, and vault #1 is a well-landed Amanar.
I wonder what happened to Su in the 2008 Games, but Un was there and obviously, she won the title.
And, I have to say, I love Cheng Fei, but I'm kind of glad that she fell and someone else got to take home the gold medal. And not that I'm pro-Korea, but hey, if it means a better life for Un, then that's terrific.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A tribute to PRK
A tribute to the few North Koreans who have surfaced in world & Olympic competition.
Please feel free to fill in any holes -- I'm just filling it what I know. The North Koreans really fascinate me. I mean, it's odd enough to imagine training in a former Iron Curtain nation, without exposure to the outside world, but that was 20 years ago, and the Wall fell and many emigrated to the West. And I guess you could liken them to the Chinese, but they are so much more closed off; we know so much less about North Korea. Bart Conner mentioned in the broadcast of the 2007 Worlds that the North Korean coaches kept the girls from speaking with the press and that they did not show up at many international events because of a lack of funding. Well, no kidding, if parts of Korea suffer from famine, I wonder how they fund their gymnastics program. And I wonder if the gymnasts' motivation is for the state. (I wrote my graduate thesis on communist nations and their gymnastics programs and how the gymnasts' motivations come from the state). I wonder if Kim Jong Ill bought Hong Un Jong an apartment for her gold medal on vault at the Beijing Olympics. I think it's a shame we can't ever learn about these girls! Furthermore, what's interesting is that we seldom see the North Koreans but when we do, they are stellar. I mean, how many girls in the world can perform the Cheng vault? And Hong Un Jong did and (I'll have to look) but I think Hong Su Jong did as well at the 2007 Worlds.
The first North Korean I can remember was Kim Gwang Suk, who was famously "15 years old" for 3 years. She won the uneven bars title in 1991. I love the "Counter-Kim" a Tkatchev-front flip toward the high bar. The skill came to be known in the Code of Points as the Counter-Kim; as of the 2008 Code of Points, it was classified as a difficult 'F' element. And I really think that's it's wrong that she didn't medal in Barcelona. Personally, I think Shannon should have been left out and the bronze should have gone to Suk.
Kim Gwang Suk, 1991 Worlds UB EF
And I just found this adorable video of her at the 1990 Asian Games (if she was underage at the 1991 Worlds, no telling how old she is here). Nice handstand split and she holds it through the pirouette.
The more I look for Kim Gwang Suk videos, the more confused I get, re: her age. Here she is at the 1989 Worlds, where technically she'd need to be at least 14.
But then here she is in 1987 as a junior. By my calculations, if she was (let's says eh had a late birthday) 13 in 1989, then she was 11 in 1987. And look at this routine!
Wikipedia lists her birthday as February 15 but no given year. The "generally accepted years" are 1978 or 1979, making her 9 or 10 at during that beam routine and 13 or 14 for her World title.
And she is still alive! Here she is for the "North Korean portion" or the torch carrying for last year's Olympics.
My name is Yekaterina
And my last name is Lobaznyuk, which can be pronounced "Lay-boz-NUKE" or "La-BOZ-nee-uk." But no matter how you say it, I am pretty darn cute.
I would just like to share that I think Lobaznyuk is one of theose great gymnasts who was enormously talented EQUALLY on all four apparatus, and clean as well. I wanted to give her her due. I think part of why more people don't remember her is that she was at her peak for a relatively short time. She "debuted" at the 1999 Worlds, winning a silver medal with her team (ahh remember the good 'ole days when Russia was in the top 3?). At the 2000, if you go back and re-watch (which I am fond of doing) you realize, which I had forgotten, that she was right up there with some of the best. She got a silver for team and beam and bronze on vault (arg I think you can argue that she was better than Raducan on vault) and 5th AA. But look AT her vaults: double-twisting Yurchenko and double-twisting Tsukahara. Who even does double-twisting Tsukaharas now?
And yes I love that someone who can be so amazing on vault can also have such an amazing beam set.
And I have to say, I really, REALLY want to give the gold to Lobaznyuk over Liu Xuan. Liu just really didn't blow me out of the park on this one. Yes Lobaznyuk did have a slight step after her standing Arabian and a slight waver after her aerial front walkover. That being said, I want to say this routine is a smidge more difficult... thoughts?
And besides, you have to giver her bonus points for being cute.
I would just like to share that I think Lobaznyuk is one of theose great gymnasts who was enormously talented EQUALLY on all four apparatus, and clean as well. I wanted to give her her due. I think part of why more people don't remember her is that she was at her peak for a relatively short time. She "debuted" at the 1999 Worlds, winning a silver medal with her team (ahh remember the good 'ole days when Russia was in the top 3?). At the 2000, if you go back and re-watch (which I am fond of doing) you realize, which I had forgotten, that she was right up there with some of the best. She got a silver for team and beam and bronze on vault (arg I think you can argue that she was better than Raducan on vault) and 5th AA. But look AT her vaults: double-twisting Yurchenko and double-twisting Tsukahara. Who even does double-twisting Tsukaharas now?
And yes I love that someone who can be so amazing on vault can also have such an amazing beam set.
And I have to say, I really, REALLY want to give the gold to Lobaznyuk over Liu Xuan. Liu just really didn't blow me out of the park on this one. Yes Lobaznyuk did have a slight step after her standing Arabian and a slight waver after her aerial front walkover. That being said, I want to say this routine is a smidge more difficult... thoughts?
And besides, you have to giver her bonus points for being cute.
Oh, I don't want to be mean but
I am Gina Gogean.
Sadly, I do not deviate much from this facial expression. I always look bored, have bad under-eye circles, and in general, I am the most unenthusiastic gymnast you will see.
[Haters to the right. This is a post where I am going to gripe about Gina Gogean. Yes, she certainly has some redeeming qualities, but seriously....okay here we go].
I have the traditional Romanian hairdo: bangs slightly curled and then split in half, equally pushed to both side of my face (ick!). As previously mentioned in the post "Biggest Scandal" re: 1997 Worlds event finals, I frequently do sub-par routines and somehow medal.
I do not have the best "gymnastics hands," as my fingers are always separated. In addition to the "hands" issue, I have ugly wolf jumps and have this habit of doing my beam choreography, then taking two "little steps" before "big skills."
I have the most "dead vaulting run" ever. I start off without the little "jump start" some gymnasts have and continue to run with zero facial expression. And I have an annoying little habit of "almost sticking" my vault but not really but I still get marked down some but not much. Case in point: 1996 Olympics, all-around AND AGAIN in event finals. I got a silver in the AA (thank GOD Lilia hit...I can't imagine the 1996 Olympic champ being Gogean) and a bronze in the vaulting finals, which really should have gone to the neater, cleaner Galieva, especially considering my sloppy and strange Phelps vault). (And note the leg separation as I take off from the horse!).
I also have the most pathetic excuse for a Tcatchev known to man. I really need to chat it up with Courtney Kupets. (On the + side though, I do have a very nice one-and-a-half pirouette).
And who, in their right mind would have given me the bronze in the 1996 Olympic balance beam final? OK, I hit everything, but seriously, Kochetkova took like 5 times the risk and had 10 times the grace...Judges, step up to the plate. After all, it's an event final....we need to see the extra risk and reward it.
And no one can forgive me for the extremely uninspired music and dance used in my 1997 worlds floor exercise music. "Zorba the Greek" never seemed so...grim. (In keeping with the Biggest Scandal of all time entry, again, the gold should have gone to Khorkina for floor, then Produnova, then Gogean...if we must).
(Note the little piece of "choreography" she does at :56...this same "skill" is repeated on her beam routine...ugh...).
Now, so that I am not being a total hater, I will say that she does have a pretty leap that I think is "hers:"
And we do need to say that she was tough as nails, as Elfi and Tim love to remind us at the 1994 Worlds in Dortmund:
Now, please don't think I'm being mean to be mean. Basically, I think Gina lacked a lot of polish, not to mention she at time seemed inhuman. It's hard to like someone who doesn't seem real. And frequently, yes, she did hit her routines. That being said, many times there was a gymnast who took more risk and have cleaner, better lines & presentation who got bumped a place behind Gogean. Blah!
Sadly, I do not deviate much from this facial expression. I always look bored, have bad under-eye circles, and in general, I am the most unenthusiastic gymnast you will see.
[Haters to the right. This is a post where I am going to gripe about Gina Gogean. Yes, she certainly has some redeeming qualities, but seriously....okay here we go].
I have the traditional Romanian hairdo: bangs slightly curled and then split in half, equally pushed to both side of my face (ick!). As previously mentioned in the post "Biggest Scandal" re: 1997 Worlds event finals, I frequently do sub-par routines and somehow medal.
I do not have the best "gymnastics hands," as my fingers are always separated. In addition to the "hands" issue, I have ugly wolf jumps and have this habit of doing my beam choreography, then taking two "little steps" before "big skills."
I have the most "dead vaulting run" ever. I start off without the little "jump start" some gymnasts have and continue to run with zero facial expression. And I have an annoying little habit of "almost sticking" my vault but not really but I still get marked down some but not much. Case in point: 1996 Olympics, all-around AND AGAIN in event finals. I got a silver in the AA (thank GOD Lilia hit...I can't imagine the 1996 Olympic champ being Gogean) and a bronze in the vaulting finals, which really should have gone to the neater, cleaner Galieva, especially considering my sloppy and strange Phelps vault). (And note the leg separation as I take off from the horse!).
I also have the most pathetic excuse for a Tcatchev known to man. I really need to chat it up with Courtney Kupets. (On the + side though, I do have a very nice one-and-a-half pirouette).
And who, in their right mind would have given me the bronze in the 1996 Olympic balance beam final? OK, I hit everything, but seriously, Kochetkova took like 5 times the risk and had 10 times the grace...Judges, step up to the plate. After all, it's an event final....we need to see the extra risk and reward it.
And no one can forgive me for the extremely uninspired music and dance used in my 1997 worlds floor exercise music. "Zorba the Greek" never seemed so...grim. (In keeping with the Biggest Scandal of all time entry, again, the gold should have gone to Khorkina for floor, then Produnova, then Gogean...if we must).
(Note the little piece of "choreography" she does at :56...this same "skill" is repeated on her beam routine...ugh...).
Now, so that I am not being a total hater, I will say that she does have a pretty leap that I think is "hers:"
And we do need to say that she was tough as nails, as Elfi and Tim love to remind us at the 1994 Worlds in Dortmund:
Now, please don't think I'm being mean to be mean. Basically, I think Gina lacked a lot of polish, not to mention she at time seemed inhuman. It's hard to like someone who doesn't seem real. And frequently, yes, she did hit her routines. That being said, many times there was a gymnast who took more risk and have cleaner, better lines & presentation who got bumped a place behind Gogean. Blah!
Monday, July 6, 2009
You know what I miss?
Competitions where you really didn't know who would win. Where there was, you know, real competition. Maybe it's because I'm from capitalist America, and it's not that I don't like (well, love) Shawn & Nastia. But, c'mon. EVERYone knew that either one or the other would win last year at the Olympics. How much fun is that? And it was the same in 2004. Carly v. Svetlana. This is really not that cool.
This is due mostly to the fall of former Eastern-bloc nations, and the 2-per-country rule, which is also eliminating competition. So what if gold, silver and bronze medalists are from the same country? May the best nation win, I say.
Talk about, excitement, let's take a walk down memory lane. The first competition that I watched over and over again like a good chick flick was the 1996 Olympics, all-around. There were SO MANY performances shown and so many athletes who potentially could have won that it was extremely exciting. Thirty-six gymnasts competed. What a competition. And one by one they fell and we saw the best win.
Let's reminisce: Shannon Miller, 3rd rotation: she gives it away with a botched floor exercise. Dominique Dawes, in the same rotation, same event, has a fall. They were leading, Daw3ees in first and Miller in second up to that point. Khorkina was up there until she fell on a transition from low to high on uneven bars. (shocking!).
Dina Kochetkova was leading up until her last event and botched both of her Yurchenko one-and-a-halfs.
Dominique Moceanu blew it in the first rotation with a sizable wobble on beam, followed by a step out of bounds on floor and then piking down on her full-in double layout off bars.
Mo Huilan was nicely set up to medal but had a large step out of bounds on her final rotation floor routine.
Any number of gymnasts could have medaled in the 1996 Olympics. Realistically, Shannon Miller & Dominique Dawes, although they were not favorites to win, could have medaled. Dominique Moceanu could have done very well. I do think that she was a bit over-hyped, but if you look at her team options scores, they were all 9.8+ with the exception of vault, which had the potential of getting a 9.80 at least. Any of the Romanians could have medaled (and did). So that adds Amanr, Gogean and Milo to the pile. Mo Huilan was certainly up there, and could have medaled with just an average floor exercise. A lot of insiders favored Podkopayeva, with good reason. And any of the three Russian, but especially Kochetkova and Khorkina, could have been there. Kochetkova was third in 1994 and current world champion on beam; Khorkina was second in 1995. So, all in all, at least 11 people could have been considered for the top three spots.
Similarly, in 2000, the field was wide (haha unless you were an American). Karpenko was second at the 1999 Worlds and would have medaled had it not been for the silly "tripping" incident on floor in the last rotation. Just like Karpenko, Zamo had a similar fate on one of her best event, floor exercise. NO ONE saw this coming. Zamo was third at the worlds in 1999. Khorkina was certainly in the mix, having won the 1997 Worlds and was one of the "leaders" in the bizarre '97 - '99 Quad. But she made an error similar to 1996 on uneven bars, and then the dang vaulting issue screwed her over as well.
The fateful "trip"
Zamo's most uncharacteristic fall: (it kind of brings tears to your eyes)
In the 2000 Games, Karpenko, Zamo and Khorkina could have all challenged. And of course, the reliable Romanians all challenged (and all medaled): Raducan, Olaru, Amanar. (disclaimer: I am a die-hard who still counts Raducan as the winner). I suppose Elise Ray was America's best hope, and might have medaled with some luck from her part and errors from others. And let's not forget the terrific Lobazniuk, a bit of a personal favorite for me, who had no weak event (double twisting Yurchenko AND Tsukahara on vault, nice on beam, cute girl, great body for the sport, love her). But, on her first event, floor exercise, she took some extra steps on her double layout. Basically, at least 7 girls were challenging for the top.
Now let's travel WAY back down memory lane to the year of big bangs and the Dream Team: 1992. The field was wide open in 1992. Obviously Zmeskal was the 1991 World Champion, but she also technically won the "all-around" at the 1992 Worlds; she just had a royally bad meet at the Barcelona Olympics. Bogi was second in 1991 and a favorite again in 1992. Milo and Bontas looked like the best bets for Romania, with tumbling passes like a whip through to a full-in to a punch front and a full-in double layout. Miller was certainly on everyone's mind with super stellar compulsories and optionals. It was hard not to overlook bird-like Gutsu and her unthinkable-easy-looking 3-flip-flops to a perfect full-in off beam. WHO can do this, even now, with such EASE?
And of course, Okino, although not a favorite, was up there in the top 10. And Gogean was an up-and-comer. Lyssenko as well, who would go on to win beam, could have won if it hadn't been for a botched floor exercise. And, duh. One of my most favorite girls of all time, with tumbling that would rival years later, Onodi.
So, in 1992, we had 10 girls who could have challenged.
I'm not sure how much taped coverage I have of the 2000 Games, but in 1996 I have AT LEAST 2 hours of coverage, and same with 1992, including all of the lovely, wonderful "fluff" pieces that hardcore fans/saps like me adore. all in all, hours of coverage, almost a dozen top girls each year meant you didn't know who was going to win = DRAMA. LOVE IT.
NOWADAYS, with 2 per country and uh, the fall of other countries, to put it in not so many words, it sucks.
2004: With the 2 per country rule, we have eliminated some people right there. I would have liked to have seen McCool challenge (she botched up prelims but give the gal another shot!). Ban I believe was out with injury but she was stellar and could have done some damage. I remember at the beginning, upon learning that Ban was out, that all Patterson had to do was hit and she'd win. Pavlova and Zhang Nan and Safronie were decent but everyone knew it was Khorkina or Patterson.
2008: DUH. Months ahead of time we knew it was Shawn v. Nastia, with a slight favor toward Shawn. Yeah, I suppose we knew the Chinese would put forth someone decent, and same with Nistor and Isbaza, but everyone knew it was Shawn v. Nastia. I would have really enjoyed seeing 3 per country, because even though I'm sure the gold and silver results would have been the same, why not at least give some others a SHOT? The way figure it, these girls give their entire lives to their sport. They are good enough to make it to the Olympics, so give them all the opportunities to compete that are possible. Same with teh 2-per-country on event finals. This is BS! You know, I really would not care if all the medalists on a particular event were from the same nation; may the best win.
Sigh.... so now, as we approach the 2009 Worlds, we have a pretty small number of contenders to win, and I think it's sad. After all, it's a COMPETITION.
Phew, ok that was a novel.
This is due mostly to the fall of former Eastern-bloc nations, and the 2-per-country rule, which is also eliminating competition. So what if gold, silver and bronze medalists are from the same country? May the best nation win, I say.
Talk about, excitement, let's take a walk down memory lane. The first competition that I watched over and over again like a good chick flick was the 1996 Olympics, all-around. There were SO MANY performances shown and so many athletes who potentially could have won that it was extremely exciting. Thirty-six gymnasts competed. What a competition. And one by one they fell and we saw the best win.
Let's reminisce: Shannon Miller, 3rd rotation: she gives it away with a botched floor exercise. Dominique Dawes, in the same rotation, same event, has a fall. They were leading, Daw3ees in first and Miller in second up to that point. Khorkina was up there until she fell on a transition from low to high on uneven bars. (shocking!).
Dina Kochetkova was leading up until her last event and botched both of her Yurchenko one-and-a-halfs.
Dominique Moceanu blew it in the first rotation with a sizable wobble on beam, followed by a step out of bounds on floor and then piking down on her full-in double layout off bars.
Mo Huilan was nicely set up to medal but had a large step out of bounds on her final rotation floor routine.
Any number of gymnasts could have medaled in the 1996 Olympics. Realistically, Shannon Miller & Dominique Dawes, although they were not favorites to win, could have medaled. Dominique Moceanu could have done very well. I do think that she was a bit over-hyped, but if you look at her team options scores, they were all 9.8+ with the exception of vault, which had the potential of getting a 9.80 at least. Any of the Romanians could have medaled (and did). So that adds Amanr, Gogean and Milo to the pile. Mo Huilan was certainly up there, and could have medaled with just an average floor exercise. A lot of insiders favored Podkopayeva, with good reason. And any of the three Russian, but especially Kochetkova and Khorkina, could have been there. Kochetkova was third in 1994 and current world champion on beam; Khorkina was second in 1995. So, all in all, at least 11 people could have been considered for the top three spots.
Similarly, in 2000, the field was wide (haha unless you were an American). Karpenko was second at the 1999 Worlds and would have medaled had it not been for the silly "tripping" incident on floor in the last rotation. Just like Karpenko, Zamo had a similar fate on one of her best event, floor exercise. NO ONE saw this coming. Zamo was third at the worlds in 1999. Khorkina was certainly in the mix, having won the 1997 Worlds and was one of the "leaders" in the bizarre '97 - '99 Quad. But she made an error similar to 1996 on uneven bars, and then the dang vaulting issue screwed her over as well.
The fateful "trip"
Zamo's most uncharacteristic fall: (it kind of brings tears to your eyes)
In the 2000 Games, Karpenko, Zamo and Khorkina could have all challenged. And of course, the reliable Romanians all challenged (and all medaled): Raducan, Olaru, Amanar. (disclaimer: I am a die-hard who still counts Raducan as the winner). I suppose Elise Ray was America's best hope, and might have medaled with some luck from her part and errors from others. And let's not forget the terrific Lobazniuk, a bit of a personal favorite for me, who had no weak event (double twisting Yurchenko AND Tsukahara on vault, nice on beam, cute girl, great body for the sport, love her). But, on her first event, floor exercise, she took some extra steps on her double layout. Basically, at least 7 girls were challenging for the top.
Now let's travel WAY back down memory lane to the year of big bangs and the Dream Team: 1992. The field was wide open in 1992. Obviously Zmeskal was the 1991 World Champion, but she also technically won the "all-around" at the 1992 Worlds; she just had a royally bad meet at the Barcelona Olympics. Bogi was second in 1991 and a favorite again in 1992. Milo and Bontas looked like the best bets for Romania, with tumbling passes like a whip through to a full-in to a punch front and a full-in double layout. Miller was certainly on everyone's mind with super stellar compulsories and optionals. It was hard not to overlook bird-like Gutsu and her unthinkable-easy-looking 3-flip-flops to a perfect full-in off beam. WHO can do this, even now, with such EASE?
And of course, Okino, although not a favorite, was up there in the top 10. And Gogean was an up-and-comer. Lyssenko as well, who would go on to win beam, could have won if it hadn't been for a botched floor exercise. And, duh. One of my most favorite girls of all time, with tumbling that would rival years later, Onodi.
So, in 1992, we had 10 girls who could have challenged.
I'm not sure how much taped coverage I have of the 2000 Games, but in 1996 I have AT LEAST 2 hours of coverage, and same with 1992, including all of the lovely, wonderful "fluff" pieces that hardcore fans/saps like me adore. all in all, hours of coverage, almost a dozen top girls each year meant you didn't know who was going to win = DRAMA. LOVE IT.
NOWADAYS, with 2 per country and uh, the fall of other countries, to put it in not so many words, it sucks.
2004: With the 2 per country rule, we have eliminated some people right there. I would have liked to have seen McCool challenge (she botched up prelims but give the gal another shot!). Ban I believe was out with injury but she was stellar and could have done some damage. I remember at the beginning, upon learning that Ban was out, that all Patterson had to do was hit and she'd win. Pavlova and Zhang Nan and Safronie were decent but everyone knew it was Khorkina or Patterson.
2008: DUH. Months ahead of time we knew it was Shawn v. Nastia, with a slight favor toward Shawn. Yeah, I suppose we knew the Chinese would put forth someone decent, and same with Nistor and Isbaza, but everyone knew it was Shawn v. Nastia. I would have really enjoyed seeing 3 per country, because even though I'm sure the gold and silver results would have been the same, why not at least give some others a SHOT? The way figure it, these girls give their entire lives to their sport. They are good enough to make it to the Olympics, so give them all the opportunities to compete that are possible. Same with teh 2-per-country on event finals. This is BS! You know, I really would not care if all the medalists on a particular event were from the same nation; may the best win.
Sigh.... so now, as we approach the 2009 Worlds, we have a pretty small number of contenders to win, and I think it's sad. After all, it's a COMPETITION.
Phew, ok that was a novel.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
How embarassing!
I have seen some embarrassing falls in my time as a gymnastics spectator, but I don't know that I've ever seen anything like this. And Kathy is one of my most favorites -- she has a special place in my heart. :)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
One of the biggest scandals of all time (IMO...)
1997 World Championships, Balance Beam Finals
Gina Gogean gets the gold. But why? She does a punch front mount and a punch front on the beam and her dismount. Otherwise, it's nothing but leaps. There is no tumbling, no creativity. It's not even well-choreographed. She's basically "cheating" the (at the time) new Code of Points. No, she doesn't wobble, but seriously? The FIG creates a new, demanding Code, and then doesn't reward the gymnasts who takes the most risk, has the most originality? And I must say, I don't like to be "mean" to any gymnast, but Gina is someone that I have never liked, find very hard to like, don't really enjoy anything she does. And this is one of the ugliest, most compulsory and boring routines, of ALL the events.
Now, a lot of people would say that Kui Yuanyuan should have won. Yes, this is one of the great balance beam routines of all time. But she does have a slight wobble after her layout (but who else DOES a laid-out full-twisting layout on beam? Oana Ban?). And she has a slight hop on the dismount. But this routine IS brilliant. It's what I thought the FIG wanted, since they eliminated compulsories, made it more difficult to get to a 10.0 start value and got rid of bonuses for repeating elements and added bonuses for connecting elements.
In my opinion, Svetlana Khorkina is the winner. This routine is difficult, artistic, original, and clean. Khorkina does not have any balance breaks. WHY do judges reward Gogean over Khorkina? Khorkina delivers what the new Code was looking for, AND she does it sans balance breaks and steps on the landing.
MY results:
1. Svetlana Khorkina
2. Kui Yuanyuan
3. Gag-me-Gogean (sorry, but she really is about the most irritating gymnast of all time)
And another thought: Khorkina looks so good here with a little bit of meat on her bones, much better than at the 2004 Olympics.
Gina Gogean gets the gold. But why? She does a punch front mount and a punch front on the beam and her dismount. Otherwise, it's nothing but leaps. There is no tumbling, no creativity. It's not even well-choreographed. She's basically "cheating" the (at the time) new Code of Points. No, she doesn't wobble, but seriously? The FIG creates a new, demanding Code, and then doesn't reward the gymnasts who takes the most risk, has the most originality? And I must say, I don't like to be "mean" to any gymnast, but Gina is someone that I have never liked, find very hard to like, don't really enjoy anything she does. And this is one of the ugliest, most compulsory and boring routines, of ALL the events.
Now, a lot of people would say that Kui Yuanyuan should have won. Yes, this is one of the great balance beam routines of all time. But she does have a slight wobble after her layout (but who else DOES a laid-out full-twisting layout on beam? Oana Ban?). And she has a slight hop on the dismount. But this routine IS brilliant. It's what I thought the FIG wanted, since they eliminated compulsories, made it more difficult to get to a 10.0 start value and got rid of bonuses for repeating elements and added bonuses for connecting elements.
In my opinion, Svetlana Khorkina is the winner. This routine is difficult, artistic, original, and clean. Khorkina does not have any balance breaks. WHY do judges reward Gogean over Khorkina? Khorkina delivers what the new Code was looking for, AND she does it sans balance breaks and steps on the landing.
MY results:
1. Svetlana Khorkina
2. Kui Yuanyuan
3. Gag-me-Gogean (sorry, but she really is about the most irritating gymnast of all time)
And another thought: Khorkina looks so good here with a little bit of meat on her bones, much better than at the 2004 Olympics.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Re-visiting the 90s
A trip down memory lane. It was the Clinton era, I was in middle & high school, and this was the first decade I began to follow gymnastics. From the 1996 Olympics, which I watched and re-watched religiously, one of my favorites was Dina Kochetkova.
I loved her skinny, svelte body, and her lovely fluid movements, particularly her Kochetkova (full-twisting back handspring on beam) and her Shaposhnikova to immediate uprise on uneven bars, and her pencil-straight handstands.
Look how straight she is!
I must however, get on my platform and note that part of what gave her such a great line was a, uh, minimal backside. She was quite tiny. I do tend to prefer skinny gymnasts....they do tend to have better lines. And Kochetkova was surprisingly powerful despite being skinny. Although, I remember in the 1996 Olympic floor event finals, the Tim & Elfi said that she was barely making 3 of her 4 her tumbling passes. And she really could have medaled in the all-around had it not been for her disastrous vaults. Poor thing.
And her 1996 Worlds balance beam gold medal was well-deserved. She has not a wobble in the routine, is fluid and confident. Seriously, they couldn't give her a 9.9 for this?
Dina retired in 1997 and made an appearance at the 1997 Worlds, looking cute as a bug.
And now she is working as a trainer in Russia. I have to admit, the mullet is somewhat cute.
"Silver medal" floor exercise musics
Nastia Liukin, 2005
I really love the dark and classical tone of this music, and I love her opening "pirouette" she does with her hands on her hip. And the opening Randi is about the best I've ever seen her do.
I was re-living the 2004 Olympics, particularly Ponor, And I must say, I really enjoy this music. It reminds me of Egyptian music a bit. Neat beat and exotic.
I really, really enjoy the classical dance and slightly darker side to Kathy Johnson's music from 1978.
I really love the dark and classical tone of this music, and I love her opening "pirouette" she does with her hands on her hip. And the opening Randi is about the best I've ever seen her do.
I was re-living the 2004 Olympics, particularly Ponor, And I must say, I really enjoy this music. It reminds me of Egyptian music a bit. Neat beat and exotic.
I really, really enjoy the classical dance and slightly darker side to Kathy Johnson's music from 1978.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A better clip of Grosheva
Since this is one of my favorite floor ex musics, here's a better clip of it:
Friday, June 12, 2009
While we're on the topic of autographs
Here are the ones I have.
Shannon Miller, from 1997
Vanessa Atler, from 1997
Kristal Uzelac, Mohini Bhardwaj & Tasha Schwikert, all from 2002 U.S. Classic
Shannon Miller, from 1997
Vanessa Atler, from 1997
Kristal Uzelac, Mohini Bhardwaj & Tasha Schwikert, all from 2002 U.S. Classic
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Re-Nastia-ed Cubicle
Note also the pink Nastia water bottle...and some old school Shannon thrown in. And some Shawn.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I WON the NastiaCanDo contest!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/nastiacando/
Check me out dressed up as Nastia for Halloween, complete with pink leo, blonde hair, Nastia grips, and "gymnastics" pants.
Check me out dressed up as Nastia for Halloween, complete with pink leo, blonde hair, Nastia grips, and "gymnastics" pants.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Fllor Ex du jour/another one of the best pieces of floor ex music ever
Yelena Groshova's 1994 floor exercise music
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Yay Shannon!
Miller expecting first child
© ShannonMiller.com
"My husband and I are so excited to begin the wonderful adventures of parenthood. We couldn't be happier!" said Miller, 32, in a “People” magazine online story. "I already feel that incredible 'mama bear' protectiveness toward our baby. Each day I wake up wondering what our baby looks like today, how much he or she has grown, and anticipating the fun and surprises that lie ahead."
Miller has won more Olympic and World Championship medals than any other U.S. gymnast. She earned seven Olympic and nine World Championships medals during her career. Her tally of five medals (two silver, three bronze) at the 1992 Olympic Games was the most medals won by a U.S. athlete in Barcelona, Spain. During her career, Miller won an astounding 58 international and 49 national competition medals, with more than half gold. A member of two U.S. Olympic Teams, Miller was part of the “Magnificent Seven,” the first U.S. women’s gymnastics team to win an Olympic team gold medal, at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also became the first American gymnast to win an individual gold medal on the balance beam in 1996. Miller is a member of seven halls of fame, including the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, International Women's Sports Hall of Fame and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
Miller received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and a law degree from Boston College. In 2007, she began the Shannon Miller Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity. Miller was named to the Florida Sports Foundation Board of Directors in 2008 and was appointed co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness in 2007.
Miller and Falconetti were married in 2007.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The three best floor ex musical pieces of all time
(in my opinion)
Hollie Vise -- 2003 Nationals
Inga Shkarupa - 1999 Worlds
Svetlana Boginskaya - 1992 Olympics
Friday, January 23, 2009
Top 10 gymnastics moments that will make me cry
1. 1992 Olympics, all-around
Shannon Miller. Anyone who was really watching and knew what was going on knew that this kid had a legit. shot at winning. But we didn't know enough about her to be able to rely on her to hit once again. She qualified first with compulsories and optionals, but this may have been a fluke. But time after time, she was hitting. And you have to remember, for the U.S., this was huge. Sure Zmeskal was the current world all-around champion, but we still hadn't really "Broken through" the iron curtiain. There were a large number of legitimate contenders: Boginskaya, Gutsu, Lysenko, Bontas, Milosovici, Onodi and Zmeskal. Sorry to say it, but this was not a 2008 Olympics scenario where everyone knew that one of two girls was going to win. No one really knew. And the spotlight was not on Miller. This the the ideal scenario. When it comes down to Miller's vault, I always lose it. Nunno is ecstatic and we even see Miller crack a smile after her first vault.
2. 1995 World Championships, all-around
As Milo dismounts beam, her final event, she leaves the podium and breaks down. This always gets me. The poor girl never won an all-around title. And she finally breaks down, after giving it her all, and her competition is complete.
3. 1972 Olympics, team finals
Olga Korbut steps up to mount the uneven bars. I think the old-school commentators really add a lot. They get so excited. "Watch this, watch this...back flip right to the other bar! ....Has that been done before, by a girl? .....Never, not by any HUMAN that I know of!" She dismounts effortlessly, and then runs off the podium, smiling. Then she goes to balance beam. Near the end of the routine, the commentators get excited. "Think this is the part we've been waiting for....back flip and...a front off! Look at the gal go!" I mean, history is being made here. How can you not tear up?
4. 1972 Olympics, event finals
Olga is on floor, after Touricheva. I think the common thought is that Touricheva has won it. But everyone's REAL favorite is Olga. Well, her music is just charming. And seductive. The whole package is just brilliant. As she finishes, it's like the commentators have fallen in love with her. "Oh yeah...she feels like she can fly to the moon on her own power right now."
5.
Shannon Miller. Anyone who was really watching and knew what was going on knew that this kid had a legit. shot at winning. But we didn't know enough about her to be able to rely on her to hit once again. She qualified first with compulsories and optionals, but this may have been a fluke. But time after time, she was hitting. And you have to remember, for the U.S., this was huge. Sure Zmeskal was the current world all-around champion, but we still hadn't really "Broken through" the iron curtiain. There were a large number of legitimate contenders: Boginskaya, Gutsu, Lysenko, Bontas, Milosovici, Onodi and Zmeskal. Sorry to say it, but this was not a 2008 Olympics scenario where everyone knew that one of two girls was going to win. No one really knew. And the spotlight was not on Miller. This the the ideal scenario. When it comes down to Miller's vault, I always lose it. Nunno is ecstatic and we even see Miller crack a smile after her first vault.
2. 1995 World Championships, all-around
As Milo dismounts beam, her final event, she leaves the podium and breaks down. This always gets me. The poor girl never won an all-around title. And she finally breaks down, after giving it her all, and her competition is complete.
3. 1972 Olympics, team finals
Olga Korbut steps up to mount the uneven bars. I think the old-school commentators really add a lot. They get so excited. "Watch this, watch this...back flip right to the other bar! ....Has that been done before, by a girl? .....Never, not by any HUMAN that I know of!" She dismounts effortlessly, and then runs off the podium, smiling. Then she goes to balance beam. Near the end of the routine, the commentators get excited. "Think this is the part we've been waiting for....back flip and...a front off! Look at the gal go!" I mean, history is being made here. How can you not tear up?
4. 1972 Olympics, event finals
Olga is on floor, after Touricheva. I think the common thought is that Touricheva has won it. But everyone's REAL favorite is Olga. Well, her music is just charming. And seductive. The whole package is just brilliant. As she finishes, it's like the commentators have fallen in love with her. "Oh yeah...she feels like she can fly to the moon on her own power right now."
5.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Who is the sexiest gymnast?
lol, ok a little bit different from previous posts, but seriously, there are some hot gymnasts out there.
Henrietta Onodi
This girl is just gorgeous...when I saw her in 1992, I thought she looked more like a 20-something model than a 17-year-old gymnast (body aside). Her beaty mark and her eyes...I think she's stunning.
Alicia Sacramone, duh
This girl has got it going on. Especially in her little choreography section where she, uh, feels her leg (above). Tan skin, blond-ish hair, nice toned body and uh busty for a gymnast. Tres hot.
Hell-o
Yelena Zamolodchichova
In a kind of cute/kind of hot way, I vote Zamo.
Hollie Vise
She's definitely like the high school hottie type, but when she was about 12, I never would have guessed! hah remember her in 2001?
Henrietta Onodi
This girl is just gorgeous...when I saw her in 1992, I thought she looked more like a 20-something model than a 17-year-old gymnast (body aside). Her beaty mark and her eyes...I think she's stunning.
Alicia Sacramone, duh
This girl has got it going on. Especially in her little choreography section where she, uh, feels her leg (above). Tan skin, blond-ish hair, nice toned body and uh busty for a gymnast. Tres hot.
Hell-o
Yelena Zamolodchichova
In a kind of cute/kind of hot way, I vote Zamo.
Hollie Vise
She's definitely like the high school hottie type, but when she was about 12, I never would have guessed! hah remember her in 2001?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Nastia's new leo line
So what do we think?
http://www.gkelite.com/Nastia.html
Why are they all sleveless? They are so pretty, wouldn't you want to compete in them?
http://www.gkelite.com/Nastia.html
Why are they all sleveless? They are so pretty, wouldn't you want to compete in them?
Some random things in Gymnastics that I DON'T like
1. The White leo: Why do gymnasts even wear one? Even if you're a waif, white is not flattering. It's going to make you look larger than you are, plus you can SEE through it. Just pleae, never, ever. At the 1996 Olympics it's like they were obsessed with white. There were umpteen dfferent varieties. Thank goodness Dawes finally dawned a red one for floor event finals.
2. Bad salutes. I think Kristen Maloney is the most guilty of this offense. She did this totally weird... take a hop on the landing, and then just turn to salute without "finishing" the landing, ya know?
3. Beam shoes. I just don't like the interuption of the line of a gymnast's leg that they create.
4. The side flip on beam. It's just ugly.
5. The stupid "if there is a tie for gold, then there is no silver medal" rule. WTF?
hmmm...more to come.
2. Bad salutes. I think Kristen Maloney is the most guilty of this offense. She did this totally weird... take a hop on the landing, and then just turn to salute without "finishing" the landing, ya know?
3. Beam shoes. I just don't like the interuption of the line of a gymnast's leg that they create.
4. The side flip on beam. It's just ugly.
5. The stupid "if there is a tie for gold, then there is no silver medal" rule. WTF?
hmmm...more to come.
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