For the 8 teams fighting for 4 team spots in the 2012 Olympics, now’s the time for things to go right.
Italy just finished a “trial” for the January Test Meet.
Couch Gymnast:
… Italy’s bid for a place in the Olympic Team competition is looking all the stronger for the addition of two new seniors this year. …
The meet was dominated by two Italian up-and-comers, Erika Fasana and Francesca Deagostini. Fasana’s AA score was 57.6. Francesca Deagostini recently impressed with her beautiful beam work at the Italian Grand Prix Event. She achieved the top score there. …
In the good old days, training in front of a mirror was part of everyday workout.
Yang Le, age-6, Xiantao, Hubei
I don’t see much of that anymore. It’s disappeared along with Ballet Bar work.
TiVo time delay video has somewhat replaced the mirror. But I still feel that the mirror is underused in an era where artistry has never been more lacking.
… Watch as the British women’s gymnastics team trains in Tokyo during the 2011 World Championships.
The British women had a favorable showing in Tokyo, successfully qualifying a full team to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games and finishing an impressive 5th place in the Team Final. …
… Beth Tweddle, Hannah Whelan, Rebecca Downie, Danusia Francis, Imogen Cairns, Jennifer Pinches, Laura Edwards
Posted some Soviet training from 1986. Gymnasts include Olga Strazheva (’88 Olympian and ’89 AA Bronze medalist), ’81 World Champion Olga Bicherova, ’87 World Silver medalist Elena Gurova, ’88 Olympic Gold medalist Elena Shevchenko, and Aleftina Priakhina (’87 Worlds alternate and queen of the full twisting everything)
V- Yurchenko full on full twisting tsuk off
UB- Full twist back handspring mount, full in dismount
BB – Full twist back handspring to back hip circle mount, standing full, gainer rulfova, full in dismount
FX – Double double mount, 1 1/2 to double back, full in dismount
Hard to believe this was 25 years ago. 2 full in dismounts off beam (Gurova and Shevchenko) and 2 double double mounts on floor (Priakhina and a girl I can’t identify) and 3 full in dismounts (Shevchenko, Priakhina, and Gurova).
Brigid linked to a good Gymnastics Zone article – Top 12 FX and Beam Dance Tips:
1. Have fun!
Many gymnasts perform as if they do not understand that the judges and audience can read their emotions just by looking at them. Nearly 70% of communication is by non-verbal means, like body posture, inner attitude and facial expression. Put yourself in a good mood and everyone will like you and your routines better.
2. Perform!
Regardless of the importance of the competition and the subsequent pressure you might feel, your real job is to perform to the best of your ability, at the particular time and place of the meet. This is your opportunity to show everyone what you have been doing in the gym for months and years. People love gymnasts who go all out to put on a show for them, regardless of their actual skill level, mistakes and competitive success. Put on a real show for them and they will love you.
… When things go well for Komova, they go very well. But when she’s just a little bit off, as she was on her first element on beam at Massilia, she gives up quickly …
