There’s been much rumbling online regarding the search by Ivana Hong for a new coach. A new gym.
And much speculation about why the family took her to the controversial coach Al Fong in the first place.
Finally the story has hit the mainstream media: EXCLUSIVE: Hongs Regret Move to Blue Springs – NBC
After all has been said, I think Blythe nailed it:
… Whether it was her foot injury or not, many may say that Hong, a designated Olympic alternate, was simply the seventh-best gymnast in the U.S. this summer. Despite her third-place finish at the 2007 Pan-American Games, Hong’s routines weren’t received with much enthusiasm at the 2007 World Championships. Even in top form, she was still a bubble gymnast, and it can be argued that there was no place for her in the top five on any event. …
Ivana Hong is a fantastic, artistic gymnast. But she was not the right gymnast for the new code of points.
In 2008 start value was far more important than perfect form and line. And that’s a shame.
I would love to have seen Ivana compete in Beijing.
Click PLAY or watch a retrospective montage on YouTube.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 