Category: judging

Zapata II?

In general, MAG MTC has been more lenient on layout positions than WAG.

I’m guessing Ray will have this skill named in the Code.

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Simone’s Beam double double

Also — screw the FIG WTC. 😀

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USAG WAG approves competition shorts

Good decision.

I predict leo and shorts will become increasingly popular as that’s what many wear in training.

Nina’s Nabieva to cross grip

In reality, catching in cross grip should be the same skill.

Still — this is a cool combination and a very smart routine. Fewer skills to deduct.

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At a domestic meet, Sanne competed the same skill — but from Free Hip, much more difficult.

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2021 EU STICKS compilation

NOTE that backward salto landings typically result in chest position in a range between horizontal and 45%.

That’s mechanical, medically and physically a good way to absorb those huge impact forces.

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Suni – Bars

One of the hardest routines in the world — yet Sunisa is so confident she doesn’t have her coach spotting.

Amazing. But I’d say 8.5 E-score is too high.

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Oliveira – Arabian pike 1/2 out

It’s always problematic to call a full twisting double back a NEW skill, if the timing of the twist changes.

That said, I expect this will go into the Code named for Lorrane Oliveira.

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Yurchenko on Simone

I was lucky enough to see Natalia Yurchenko compete in person. She instantly became one of my favourite gymnasts.

Natalia was the first woman to compete her eponymous vault, at 1982 Moscow News.

The element was controversial at first, Yurchenko explained. Another parallel to Biles’ daring innovations.

“There were a lot of debates to allow it or not to allow it,” Yurchenko recalls. “I performed it in America, and the American judges, some of them, were really against it because it seemed way too dangerous …

A boycott of the 1984 Games in Los Angeles meant Yurchenko never got the chance to compete her element at the Olympics.

Natalia Yurchenko on Simone Biles’ feat: “I was dreaming about seeing it”