Comments on: gymnast Peng Peng Lee – interview

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:16:02 +0000

I think her huge list of skills has something to do with Carole leaving. Carole knew she was going to be leaving and wanted to leave Peng Peng with a big list of skills that she can grow into and improve in the next couple years.

By: Tupelo

Tupelo — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:31:35 +0000

Everything Chris said.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:02:13 +0000

I agree with many of the comments above. I went through a large growth spurt myself so I know how hard it is to simply maintain the skills you have and many them need to be re-learned. In terms of coaches taking the time with technique, I completely agree that it is something that needs to be done, but as Chris mentioned, it is not very often you see an athlete that has it all walk thorugh your gym dorrs and I think that sometimes when it does happen, even the most diligent technical coaches can get caught up in rushing to the big gymnastics rather than taking time with basics and technique.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:15:32 +0000

In my opinion, it has nothing to do with the Code. It really boils down to probably a combination of a lack of patience combined with a little bit of laziness. A lot of “top” coaches are purely the product of great athletes. There are very few who are as great as they think that they are or as great as the average fan may think. Most are impatient and this is reflected by the technical execution of their athletes. They get a talented kid who walks through their door and immediately they’re plotting the next skill to chuck the kids through to get them to the next level instead of spending that first couple of years hammering in body positions and only teaching very basic skills while ALWAYS reinforcing proper shaping and technique. I mention “laziness” in the sense that it’s a lot of work to continously be shaping and putting kids (even little ones) into the right positions. It actually involves work and a little sweat. You can’t lean against a wall with your Starbucks and just shout instructions or yell. You have to get your hands dirty and use a little elbow grease.

If you don’t teach your kids how to hold shapes and be disciplined as a coach to not move on if the kids can’t hold a position, then 90% of the time you’re going to have a hell of a time later on – particularly on bars. The other 10% is reserved for those really talented kids. Those kids will figure it out, regardless. But, how many of those walk through your door everyday?

By: Katrina Burton

Katrina Burton — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:30:17 +0000

I remember first seeing videos of her as a National Novice and then she was amazing! She did have clean lines AND difficult skills. Now I’m afraid she just has difficult skills.

WHY is it that coaches are allowing poor form these days? Many people say it’s because the code is so difficult they need to maximize the B score so the gymnast doesn’t get “left behind”. But seriously… I couldn’t live with myself watching brutal swing mechanics and bent legs on the beam. It is harder that way anyways!

By: Becca

Becca — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:09:40 +0000

I agree with you T. Plus, she has grown a tremendous amount since the previous nationals. Just keeping those skills through her growth is tough enough.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:51:36 +0000

Hannah? She needs polish, sure, but I certainly wouldn’t discount her entirely.

By: Hannah

Hannah — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:15:49 +0000

I don’t get much enjoyment out of watching her. Sure she has skills, but they’re not done to a great standard. Her choreography is a mess and there is no rhythm whatsoever. Skills, schmills… I’d prefer to watch Charlotte Mackie do a handstand and a back-walkover with a straight jump dismount than this routine…