John Crumlish has yet another excellent article on International Gymnast.
This one answers many questions about what Canadian Carol-Angela has planned after her wedding in Fiji, September, 2008. Both she and future hubby, Eddie Van Hoof, technical director of the British Men’s Gymnastics team, are working for Beijing up until then.
When coaches leave athletes, it’s sad. Carol-Angela is eloquent in voicing her experience.
One point of interest is her gymnast Peng Peng Lee’s A-score on Beam. Well “over 7.6” — if you include the forward layout triple twist dismount and other new skills.
Of even greater wonder is her explanation on how Canada is selecting the two gymnasts qualified for Beijing. You will have to read it for yourself, to believe it. Rather than heavily weighting past performance at the biggest competitions in the world (favouring Hopfner-Hibbs), they are using a “points system”.
I’m worried they will not pick the two best.
International Gymnast – Interview: Carol-Angela Orchard
UPDATE: There’s an online petition for those who fear Kristina Vaculik will not be selected to Beijing due to the criteria.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 