video – bars – Ksenia Semyonova, Russia

I was a big fan of sole circle swings on bars. But recently I am seeing far too many of them.

Can’t we do more to penalize overuse of similar skills? Or, better, reward gymnasts who show a wide variety of skills?

For example, check the loaded routine of Ksenia Semyonova at the 2007 WOGA Classic.

Too many sole circle elements “piked inverted swing” elements for you?

CLICK PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Semyonova, current Russian Champion, who turns 15 in October, was not eligible for the Senior competition at Europeans. She will be eligible for the world championships in Stuttgart, because 2007 is a qualifying year for the Olympics.