Remember the days when gymnasts from only a handful of nations would qualify to the Finals at the World Gymnastics Championships.
No more.
EIGHT different countries were represented in the men’s pommel horse final, and NONE of them were China or Japan?
In fact, none of the top four teams from the team final were represented in the pommel horse final, and this created a very unique and diversified field that included Hungary, Great Britain, Australia, France, Croatia, Armenia, Belgium, and Slovenia! All non-powerhouse countries, and what’s even better…it was one of the best pommel horse finals ever! Six guys scored above a 15, and we’re seeing some of the coolest and most stylish pommel horse routines ever done. …
Andrew Thornton – American Gymnast – Top Three Highlights of Event Finals Day 1
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How are gymnasts from Venezuela and Armenia finishing top 10 in the world?
The main reason, I feel, is the diaspora of coaches from the former Soviet Union. Skillful coaches find talent wherever they end up.
On the Men’s side, the emergence of specialists has really helped smaller nations compete.
It’s a great trend, in any case.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 