Most people agree on these points:
- Worlds should be shorter
- Worlds should be less expensive
- Worlds should not showcase dangerous skills from gymnasts not at the expected level of competition
- Smaller, poorer nations should have a chance to compete against China
In 2019 we had medalists from Croatia, Ireland and Philippines, for example. We don’t want to reduce the chances of a future Carlos ‘Caloy’ Yulo having a chance to rise to medal contender.
I’m OK with lower level gymnasts competing Worlds so long as their routines are not dangerous. Recall Sri Lanka’s appearance at Worlds 2003? The audience loved them. Their routines were very basic.
In 2019 Milka Gehani just might qualify for the Tokyo Olympics through the tripartite rule. Worlds 2003 was a step on the long road to Tokyo.
Click PLAY or watch her Beam on YouTube.
To shorten Worlds I’d first cut the Team competition. It would be decided through the qualification round.
IOC and FIG have broad missions. Handing medals to the best of the best is one objective amongst many. Developing sport in Sri Lanka is another.
PROPOSAL – Elite Worlds
In Canada we have always had two major competitions each year:
- Nationals (regional representation, regional development, etc.)
- Elite Canada
At Elite Canada only the best of the best qualify. We might have 12 gymnasts from Ontario and only 1 from Nova Scotia, for example.
I’d love to see an FIG sponsored Elite Worlds. Cash prizes. 15 American gymnasts competing Floor, for example.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 
Cut the TEAM COMPETITION? That is an awful idea. Why does it have to be shorter? Who is putting this idea out? The FIG???
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Yep, team is the BEST part of worlds. It needs to be the priority.
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