Jessica Savona finished 2nd all-around at the Canadian Championships 2011.
She won Floor and Beam, as well. And had the highest Vault score in prelims with double twisting Yurchenko.
For Worlds 2011 in October, Tokyo, I see Savona as anchor for the Canadian Team. I’d love to see her compete the all-around. (She hit 3/3 at Worlds 2010, Rotterdam)
Why?
The goal for Tokyo is top 8 in the 3-up, 3-count Team competition.
AJ corrected me. The team qualification to the Olympics is from prelims: 6 girls – 5 compete each apparatus – 4 scores count.
Still … if Canada is to get into the top 8 they’ll need high start scores. HIT 16/20 at least, missing no more than 1 routine / apparatus.
That’s not impossible.
Savona has high start scores.
Savona is psychologically strong, too. A warrior. Enthusiastic. Tough. Energetic. She won’t get fatigued by end of a long meet in a strange land.
Click PLAY or watch an (older) montage on YouTube.
Kristina Vaculik is taking a year off the Stanford team, returning to her home gym (Gemini) to work with her old coaches, Elena Davydova and Valery Yahchybekov. That’s huge. A big sacrifice on the part of Kristina, much appreciated.
Canada was 13th in 2010 with what you’d generously call an “average” meet.
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For Second Olympic Qualification – Test Event January 2012, London, it’s a different story. If Canada must go, only the top 4 teams (#9-#12) get to the Olympics. Most teams will have new age eligible gymnasts. The rules change between Tokyo and London.
A different mix of gymnasts may be needed. Consistency may be more important than start scores.
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Savona’s Commit Status on College Gym Fans: Available
She’s focused on the immediate goal, for now.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 