Andrew, brother of former International gymnast Jay Thornton, is posting the best pre-Olympic analysis of Artistic Gymnastics … ever.
(Note to self — ask Andrew to fill in the empty spots in my own Olympic predictions.)
A few samples of the many, many gymnasts and routines Andrew’s evaluated already:
A look at Justin Spring’s high bar. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
… from the second day of the U.S. Championships last year, where he scored a very strong 15.4 (6.6 A-score). This was the last high bar routine he competed before his ACL injury, which happened later that same night on the vault. His recent routine at the U.S. Qualifier scored just a 14.55 (6.4 A-score), but was rumored to be underscored. Spring will need to demonstrate routines like the one (above) in order to make the team this summer; mid 15’s or higher is what the selection committee will be looking for.
A look at Shayla Worley’s Balance Beam. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
… I would definitely consider beam her strongest event, but the U.S. actually needs her more on bars. Her beam routine, in my opinion, is one of the most interesting and beautiful to watch in the world. Her Onodi to two feet is absolutely awesome, and this year she also added a unique Onodi to immediate scale. …
More than on any other event, the Chinese DOMINATE parallel bars. This one apparatus could seal a team win in Beijing.
Andrew asks, The best parallel bars routine in the world? Click PLAY or watch Li Xiaopeng on Parallel Bars on YouTube.
… the Chinese men’s team has showed no signs of slowing down as they’re preparing to win Olympic gold in their own back yard this summer. If these guys hit, the battle will most likely be for the silver and bronze. After winning last year’s worlds by almost five points over the Japanese, the Chinese have recently added a new secret weapon to their arsenal…multiple world and Olympic champion Li Xiaopeng, who disappeared for a couple of years due to injuries and recently made a spectacular appearance at the Cottbus Cup. Below is a video of Xiaopeng’s gold medal routine on the parallel bars from that competition. …
The new editor of Gymnast is former Olympian Steve McCain. (He’s down at Bela’s ranch right now, gathering even more original video content for the site.)
Though still in beta, with features yet to be added, it’s well worth exploring the new Gymnast site now.
It’s also linked from the right hand navigation under Magazines On-line.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 