She’s the favourite right now, in my opinion. Though she doesn’t have knee surgery until Tuesday.
… I think this injury and subsequent withdrawal from this year’s worlds will, in the long run, increase her chances of becoming the 2012 Olympic Champ.
Lately, I”ve been noticing how hard Aliya pushes her self, constantly striving for perfection. She competes very often and I knew it was only a matter of time before she sustained an injury. Better this year than next. Let her rest this year, recover, and then slowly come back until…BAMM, she peaks right at the correct moment in 2012. …
I was thinking exactly the same thing.
Having watched Shewfelt come back from injury for both 2004 and 2008, I foresee the same chronology for Aliya.
She’s been undisciplined and difficult to coach. This reality check will help her focus on a simple goal: getting completely healthy and regaining her current level.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 