Category: judging

choosing the American Olympic team

Day 1 was an excellent competition. Fast and exciting. The USA has incredible gymnasts right now.

Here are the results.

One scenario is to take the top 3 AA. Even though Laurie was overscored day 1, I’d still call her top 3 AA. Especially for her Bars / Beam.

Simone Biles 61.850
Laurie Hernandez 60.850
Aly Raisman 59.950

Laurie

In that scenario you need choose who could help in the 3-up, 3-count team final. Here are the top 3 on each apparatus from day 1.

VAULT top 3
Simone
McKayla
Aly

BARS top 3
Ashton & Madison
Gabby

BEAM top 3
Laurie
Simone
Ragan

FLOOR top 3
Simone
Aly
Laurie

Despite Gabby’s poor meet day 1 – and the surprise that Christian would coach her on the floor instead of Kittia – she’s still got a good shot. You could argue to have Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocian #4 and #5.

Gabby

Kocian
more photos

Marta famously likes consistency, however. She wants athletes who can hit routines over and over in training. Every day. Gymnasts like Aly Raisman.

At least 2 of the alternates should be strong AA competitors who could step in on any apparatus in case of injury / illness to someone on the team. They’ll train at a Gym in Rio until the very last minute.

judges reprimanded

Judges Valeria Lakerbai and Rodrigo Alberto Lagos Ahumada reprimanded.

Two Artistic Gymnastics judges receive a warning by FIG Disciplinary Commission

Too few FIG judges are called to account, in my opinion. We need more accountability, scrutiny and transparency in Artistic judging. Most other judges sports do a better job.

when Wolf Turns go bad

I don’t mind Wolf Turns, actually. Since they are overvalued in the Code, however, judges need be severe in evaluation. They’re not often well executed.

Balance Beam Situation provides comic relief. 🙂

jazmynfobergwolf

WHEN WOLF TURNS GO BAD

Marvin Kimble – Pommel celebration

I like Marvin. But in this case – like Manrique in Toronto – I wouldn’t hesitate to deduct.

You can’t celebrate until the routine is finished. Here he has not yet saluted the judges.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

(via GymCastic 199)

Amanar – Raisman v Chiles

Click PLAY or watch Aly on YouTube. (9.40 E)

Click PLAY or watch Jordan on YouTube. (9.35 E)

Both very good. Jordan’s is clearly better in the air. But Aly had less landing deduction.

Let’s have computer analysis decide part of the score in future.

(via GymCastic 199)

BIG deductions on Men’s H Bar

At Canadian Nationals, Mike Burns remarked that forward pirouette is a very risky skill. You can easily suffer a 0.3 deduction on an A-part. 😦

Click PLAY or watch a breakdown of angle deductions on YouTube.

Ashton Locklear – 9.450 E-score Bars

Some are complaining that score is too high. Close to perfect is 9.1 E-score, according to the good ladies of FIG.

But I’m alright with this evaluation. This routine is extremely clean.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Eddie Penev – 9.8 E-score Vault

Awesome. But I wouldn’t go as high as 9.8.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I wouldn’t go 9.7 for Paul Ruggeri.

Compare with Sam’s much more realistic 9.35 E-score.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Elena DAVYDOVA nominated to FIG WTC

Elena DAVYDOVA was the 1980 Olympic all-around champion. She’s an expert judge. An active coach.

Kristina Vaculik was part of the Canadian record setting 5th place team rank at the London Olympics.

Her up-and-coming elites include Jade Chrobok and Ana Padurariu.

I can’t think of anyone I’d like more to be part of that committee. 🙂

Nellie Kim ran unopposed for Chair last cycle. This time Donatella SACCHI from Italy is nominated, as well.

See the whole list of nominees. Via Gymternet Clan.