The Couch Gymnast posted yet another original, well-researched article listing many up-and-coming Jr. Gymnasts around the world. Who will come into prominence as Seniors over the next Olympic cycle?
They even poke fun at the Chinese program with this photo:
Included are:
USA: Bross and Shapiro and Wieber
Russia: Tatiana Nabieva, Aliya Mustafina
France: Youna Dufournet
England: Nicole Hibbert, Danusia Francis
Canada: Peng Peng Lee, Dominique Pegg, Charlotte Mackie
Romania: Amelia Racea, Larisa Lordache and Diana Chelaru
Australia: Britt Greeley
Italy: Paola Galante
Japan: Shizuka Tozawa, Erica Lynn Danko
Netherlands: Nastasja Blind, Celine De Gerner
Brazil: Khiunai Dias, Ethione Franco
Belgium: Jolien Eggermont
Mexico: Daniele Espinosa
Ukraine: Natalia Kononenko
Click through to the Couch Gymnast for photos and details: Something to look forward to…
Leave a comment if you want to add to the list.
Here’s the superbly elegant Samantha Shapiro. Click PLAY or watch her beam from Gymnix 2008 Finals on YouTube.
A more important question: Which of these talents will not be able to handle the intense demands of the code of points as an all-arounder?
Many of those listed above show “loose” form on very difficult routines. That lack of control makes me worry about injury.
Will rule changes to be finalized in October make the sport “easier”?
I predict the biggest “stars” of the London Olympics will be specialists.
related: Up-and-coming juniors Part I: Russia and Romania – The C Score
Gymnastics Coaching.com 