Category: Gymnastics

Hillary Heron from Panama

The first flight of women’s Gymnastics qualifications was wonderful. Italy. Netherlands.

But the biggest excitement was generated by a gymnast I didn’t know.

Her Rudi Vault was even better. Stuck.

MAG Apparatus Finalists

Pommels is the strongest Final. Any of these guys could medal on the day.

You have to call Artur the favourite.

Nemour from multiple angles

Day 1 MAG Worlds video

Lukas Dauser is proud of Germany

Despite MANY personal and team challenges, Germany put together the best qualification competition of any team so far.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

2/3 of Men’s qualification complete

A good meet, overall. I was impressed.

Mostly HIT routines.

MOST of the top apparatus specialists HIT. The finals will be epic.

Weirdly, Yulo took a zero on Vault. He landed on his back. That was right after having a flukey ping on Rings. The grips slipped. I don’t know whether the first fall had any effect on the second.

I was most impressed with Germany today. Despite losing Andreas Toba to injury in podium training, they found a way to put together a qualifying competition. #respect

Spain was terrific too. Turkey and Netherlands, as well.

Some nation is going to finish 13th. A huge disappointment.

China often doesn’t put much importance on the team qualification. But today was about the worst performance I can recall. They might not even make the Team Final 2023.

Kensley is reporting that that Lin Chaopan has flown in from China (Asian Games) and may be substituted in for team final.

We have Italy, Switzerland, Korea, Canada, France and others yet to compete. It’s a dogfight.

Mahdi Olfati – YDP Vault

Iranian Mahdi Olfati won the 1st Gymnastics medal in Asian Games history. Silver on Vault.

We want a showdown …

Mahdi vs Simone.

Simone’s form is better. But Mahdi might have more total height / distance relative to their respective heights and table height.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

women’s podium training is DONE

The final flight in the qualifying round will have FRANCE and Mélanie on Floor confirming their qualification to PARIS. At the same time, China will be finishing on Beam. An awesome finish.

I felt there were fewer injuries in podium training this year. Gymnasts healthier on arrival. Better prepared to hit the routines intended.

Watch a montage from WAG day 2 podium on YouTube.

Kaylia Nemour – Bars

A World Champion from Algeria?

It could happen in 2023. #history

Podium training Antwerp.