More good things to say about the Russian team. (I’m still reviewing videos from European Championships.)
Anna Pavlova has come back with a vengance. … Her floor routine is just amazing to watch, if she could just add a little bit more difficulty it would be one of the best ever in my opinion. …
Live.Breath.Love.Gymnastics (new blog)
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
It is a great routine. Good tumbling. Yet still very artistic.
I believe I am a new Anna Pavlova fan.
Now … Can Anna Pavlova challenge for the all-around in Beijing?
She needs an Amanar on vault, if so. Since Anna tried it repeatedly at Europeans — and landed none — I expect she wants to to contend. The Olympic Champion 2008 must compete Amanar. The higher start score in the all-around from just that vault, is too difficult to overcome on the other apparatus.
I still feel that the Olympic title is Shawn Johnson’s to lose. There is no other strong AA contender now competing Amanar consistently.
Gymblog agrees. As do most of us self-declared pundits online. Something would have to happen for Shawn to lose.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 