Simone did the right thing

How many gymnasts in future will remember the time Simone withdrew from an Olympic final because she didn’t feel right?

This is a win for safer Gymnastics in future.

An example for coaches — in future — when uncertain about whether or not to include that difficult skill in the routine. Err on the side of caution.

Recall that tennis star Naomi Osaka recently took time off from competition. Smart.

A psychological problem can be just as debilitating as a physical injury.

GBR’s shocking Bronze

Kinsella:

“With beam we had one fall and we put that behind us, we smashed beam and went to floor and smashed floor and vault, that’s when we knew we could do this. Then we smashed bars and we did it.” …

There has been much discussion about the selection of the British team, with the four first-time Olympians chosen while world bars silver medalist Rebecca Downie was omitted in controversial circumstances.

The gymnasts in Tokyo said they noted all the criticism and used it as motivation to perform. …

Guardian – Team GB’s gymnasts hail ‘incredible’ first Olympic team medal since 1928

Olympic medalists Amelie Morgan, Jennifer Gadirova, Alice Kinsella and Jessica Gadirova.

Russia are Olympic Champions

Despite counting 2 falls on Beam, the ROC — like their men — are top of the podium.

Congratulations.

Full scores.

Simone withdrew after the first apparatus.

Luciana Alvarado for #BLM

Luciana made a statement on social justice as part of her choreography.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

ROC, Japan, China

WOW.

An incredible show.

3-up, 3-count alternating teams is super exciting.

So much difficulty. Yet there were very few large deductions and no falls from the medal winners.

It came down to the final rotation. The final routines.

The gamble of having Dalaloyan compete all 6 apparatus … worked.

Full results.

Beach Volleyball fixed their sexist uniform rules 😀

Because it’s 2021.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Riley McCusker to Worlds?

Seems logical that the USA send Riley to specialist Worlds 2021 in Japan.

Could she do that and still start at Florida this autumn?

I would think so.

There’s a very good argument that Riley should have been chosen for the Olympics spot over McKayla Skinner. Since that didn’t happen — Riley should get first priority on the Worlds assignment, should she want it.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Where can I bet on Team USA?

“It’s good they didn’t peak now,” added Shane Wiskus.

“Not concerned,” Mikulak said. “Never lose faith in the girls.” …

Sports Illustrated

The story of the day is Russia deservedly defeating USA in the qualifying round.

That happened.

On the other hand, no medals are awarded in qualification. I’m expecting Simone and team to come back with aggressive routines in the Team final. They’ll be far better.

USA qualified the maximum number of Finals positions. I would have loved to see Riley in the Bars final rather than Simone, however.

National Team Coordinator Tom Forster gets too much blame when things go wrong. And too much credit when things go right. That’s in the job description.

Certainly communication has been poor.

But let’s wait until Tokyo is over before analyzing team performance.

Eventually USAG could decide mistakes were made. There’s not much time before specialist Worlds 2021 in October, however.

Rhys reflects on Pommels qualification

He tours the Olympic village on his day off.

The ASICS shop is cool.

Rhys is happy so many of the top guys made the final. He wants Pommels to be an EXCITING event. 🙂

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.