The American Juniors are fantastic.
Much of the media coverage went to champion Shawn Johnson from West Des Moines, Iowa. She has a Chinese coach, Liang Chow.
“Shawn Johnson?” Bela Karolyi said, his voice rising and his eyes growing wide. “Wow. Wow. Wow!”
Coach has single syllable for junior champion: Wow
‘Peanut’ Looks to Beijing – AP
For me the highlight was the Bars rotation which included the WOGA and Great American Gymnastic Express Juniors. It was a coaching clinic where you could contrast and compare two fantastic coaching styles. I give Great American the slight edge. Those kids have unbelievably good form and position. They reminded me of my favourite gymnast of the 2004 Olympics Courtney McCool also coached by Al and Armine Fong of Great American.
But there are dozens of fantastic gymnasts coming up in the USA, many from lesser known clubs.
The future looks bright.
Many credit Marta Karoli for fine tuning the National Team program.
She has done a good job. But the huge American base of clubs and the competitive free enterprise system is the more important secret of success.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 