LilyPod on the IG forum started another great thread on the topic:
Can we go through the deductions for twisting form, and what is regarded as acceptable and what is not? (Not talking about height or landing here, just the leg form in the air). Where do the judges draw the line with deductions, and what deductions are given at each degree? I’m really just trying to understand …
Here’s my favourite funny man, Stephen Colbert, on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Can you believe it?
… “In November, devoted Colbert fans known as the Colbert Nation became the official primary sponsor of U.S. Speedskating. The team’s largest annual cash sponsor, DSB Bank NV, left the team in the lurch after it declared bankruptcy in October.
With contributions from fans, more than $250,000 has been raised. …
Luan Peszek posted an entertaining write up for USAG.
The holiday season is upon us! USA Gymnastics asked members of the men’s and women’s national teams which holiday they celebrate, their traditions and memories, the best present they’ve ever received, and what they’re asking for this year. Here are their responses. …
JORDYN WIEBER hopes to get a Juicy Couture outfit.
REBECCA BROSS is asking for a car!
The old rule-of-thumb was that female Artistic gymnasts would take no more than 3 days “break” from training over Christmas. These days some are taking a few more days than that.
Preview performances for Viva ELVIS, the newest Cirque show, will begin Friday, December 18, 2009.
Viva ELVIS, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, is a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his immortal voice and the exhilaration and beauty of his music.
I’ve not seen any official trailer as yet, but here are some clips.
In related Cirque news, the Chinese government just announced a 50km bridge to be built connecting Hong Kong and Macao with the mainland. This will be good for Macao business, including the Cirque show Zaia.
All this talk about Komova and Mustafina got me thinking how good they REALLY are compared to the rising American talent. I took the highest scores each gymnast received on each apparatus and combined them to come up with a total. The results are…
LilyPod then linked to videos of all routines for the top 2 taken from their best AA competition. It’s an interesting comparison. Almost a Nastia – Shawn comparison.
See what you think.
Weiber had the better vault.
Komova had the better bars. (Superb dismount for Weiber, however.)
Hmm. I’d say Weiber won beam. But Komova is close.
Clearly Wieber won Floor.
Two completely different styles. Weiber powerful, routines jammed with difficulty. Komova more elegant. Better artistry and form.
It’s going to be a wonderful Olympics in 2012 with all this young talent (hopefully) peaking at that time.
UPDATE:
Almost everyone on the IG forum that commented likes Komova better. I think I’ll bet on Weiber. If she can stay healthy training all that difficulty, she’ll be tough to beat.
I still think you need an Amanar vault to win the Olympics 2012. (Nastia won 2008 with only a perfect Yurcheno 1 1/2.)
I’d like to see her defend her Scam American Cup title March 6, 2010. If the USA put up Rebecca Bross (confirmed) and Jordyn Weiber … that would be a potent duo.
The U.K. is the most improved nation in recent years, especially on the Men’s side.
Brilliant timing with the Olympics coming up in London.
British Gymnastics superb achievements throughout 2009 have been recognised by the British press, who have awarded BG the prestigious Sports Journalist Association Committee Award recognising “the progress made by a sport which is now established as a medal-winning force on the world stage.”
Representing British Gymnastics at the 2009 Sports Journalists Association awards were Adrian Stan, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Technical Director, along with Paul Hall Head coach of Huntingdon Olympic Gymnastics club with gymnasts Louis Smith and Daniel Keatings. …
Beth Tweddle, Britain’s World Floor Champion was voted in 2nd place in the SJA’s Sportswoman of the Year Award just behind Heptathlon World Champion, Jessica Ennis.
Former gymnast goes on to greatness in another sport.
I just finished telling a friend that Twitter is useless … then I saw this on the Sports Girls Play blog. … Linked from Twitter.
An interview with Damu Cherry-Mitchell (DC)
DC: “First I want to say the God is the reason why I am here and able to do what I do! Without God none of this would be possible! I am a world class 100 meter hurdler for the USA and Nike. I am a 2008 Olympian where I finished 4th. My personal best is 12.44 and my goal is to qualify for the 2012 Olympic team. I have been a professional for 7 years now. Thank you for your interest and I hope that I may be a blessing to others!”
SGP: How old were you when you started competing?
DC: I actually started competing when I was 10 years old as a gymnast! I started competing in track n high school when I was 16 years old.
SGP: Did you play other sports when you were younger?
DC: I was a gymnast for 7 years
But it took Blythe on Gymnastics Examiner to put together a proper write-up of the FIG meet.
Ukraine’s Nikolai (Mykola) Kuksenkov, ninth all-around at the 2009 World Championships, won the Valeri Liukin Invitational last weekend in Frisco, Texas.
Kuksenkov posted the highest scores of the meet on floor (14.8) and high bar (15.4) to finish ahead of runner-up Jonathan Horton of Houston and Takuto Tatikani of Japan. Horton had the highest score of the entire meet on rings (16.1) and tabbed second place finishes on floor (14.7) and parallel bars (15.45) but was as usual outdone on pommel horse (13.0). He finished with an 89.45 all-around total to Kuksenkov’s 90.1. …
The financial plight of Cal State Fullerton Titans Gymnastics is close to my heart. My gym had more girls go to this University, over the years, than any other.
Two teams, one goal, and 2008 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin brought Southern Californian gymnastics fans to Titan Gym during the Southern California College Preview.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 