Too bad.
… 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, has withdrawn her name from consideration for selection to the U.S. Team for the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-18, in London, England.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.” …
read more – USAG
These are the unimportant World Championships, after all.
I expect we’ll see more big names withdraw from countries around the globe. It reminds me that Kyle Shewfelt did not compete at World Championships 2001 … but went on to win Floor in 2004.
In a 4yr cycle, this is a good time for a “rest”.
14 comments ↓
I would withdraw if I were her, as well – she’s definitely not at her best yet and she’s smart enough to know that.
Now we can look forward to seeing all these new kids come up and get some experience from all countries – yay!
Somebody on IG forum called this. They said rather then be “left off the team” Martha would have a chat with her and she would release as statement saying she had “withdrawn herself” from consideration.
She clearly states that she withdrew herself and had trouble telling Martha.
I think it’s a smart move on her part. She hasn’t had the time to train properly this year and I have no doubt we’ll see her next year.
Yeah, BWilson clearly stated that he walked out of the arena mid-meet because the other guys deserved the spotlight and he didn’t want to hurt himself but that was crap. MSanders clearly stated she was competing for the US to honor her father but that was crap too.
People lie. All the time. Especially when they’re famous and have to save face.
What exactly is she lying about. She has stated she is not ready. What more do you want?
I think it’s pretty classy of her to pull out now instead of pulling a Hamm and waiting until the last minute.
Shergymrag, not really sure why you have such animosity toward Nastia. If anything, Valeri was probably the one who advised her not to compete. He has repeatedly stated in interviews he would not let her go to Worlds if she’s unable to contend for the gold. Taking that into account and her lackluster showing at Nationals, no one should be surprised. She’s quite aware of her limitations at this point, and she has acknowledged that by withdrawing.
I already said what I think she’s lying about. I don’t think it’s classy to tell half truths and/or omit information and/or outright lie. I’d rank her ahead of Hamm and far ahead of Wilson in the classy quitter contest though.
Where has she said she’s quitting? Because she’s not ready for this year’s World’s? Don’t you think she’s probably under a huge amount of pressure and feels badly for having had to make this decision? You view her as a quitter? Have you read the article on Inside Gymnastics?
http://www.insidegymnastics.com/content/show/newsarticle.aspx?articleid=621&zoneid=1
Yes, technically she’s a quitter even if only for the short term. Withdrawing is the same as quitting.
Shergymrag, I think you’re judging her too quickly. How do you know she’s lying? Can you read her mind? No. Suppose she is lying. Is it your business? Have you ever lied? Does she give her opinion on your choices? You are entitled to your opinion, but I would take these thoughts into consideration before judging her too harshly.
All i can say is i am def. excited that she plans to continue training and competing when her life calms down a bit. I think she looked amazing at nationals for someone who has not had a lot of training time.. gymnastics is not like riding a bike.. certain things come back quick but it takes a long time to get routines and skills perfect.. (not saying she was perfect at nationals)
Not to mention at 20 years old having to train a few days then take days off is hard!
I think it was smart and classy on her part to pull out of worlds.. maybe it is all a show maybe Martha did plan this whole thing.. maybe it is a lie.. but honestly no one but nastia and the poeple close to her know..
True fans of nastia will choose to believe what she is saying and be supportive of her and her future in the sport =)
Now see, I don’t think I’m judging her harshly. I’ve got my opinion on what’s really going on and I’m calling a spade a spade. That’s it.
Sure it’s my business whether she’s lying or not. That’s just as much my business as it is you’re business about my “harsh judgement” of her.
It doesn’t matter that Nastia doesn’t give her opinion on my choices. She doesn’t know me. What does matter is that she gives her opinion on people she does know and situations she has heard about. Everyone does this and unless Nastia is some kind of saint, she does it too. You do it. So do I.
No, I’m not a mind reader. You don’t have to be a mind reader to be able to tell when someone is lying.
I’m glad. I would have hated to see her put on the team just because of her prior accomplishments, and taking a spot away from another deserving girl. She is not in competition shape, and even if she trained everyday(which she obviously isn’t doing per her twitter) I doubt she still would have been ready.
Nastia did not deserve to make this team and Marta was going to put her on it no matter how bad she looked.
Marta did not tell Nastia she was leaving her off the team. That never happened.
Nastia told her father she was going to California for a few days and he told her, no either do gymnastics or go have fun and she chose the fun.
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