Category: Olympics

Antwerp Worlds AA Finalists

Diogo Soares is the final qualifier. He also earned an individual spot for Paris.

Biggest surprise at Worlds ➙ Canada MAG

Insiders all knew that Canada could be one of the top teams with super talents like Félix Dolci and his club teammate William Émard.

Tokyo Olympian René Cournoyer (now age-26) has been one of most artistic gymnasts for years.

BUT Canada waited until it really counted to put together the best team performance of any Olympic contenders. (In fact, I’d argue that Canada was also most consistent at the 2022 Worlds.)

It’s a team strategy. Lower difficulty, higher execution and consistency. More teams should do this. Smart.

I doubt anyone predicted Canada could finish as high as 4th.

Since Canada started on Pommels, they brought in specialist Jayson Rampersad. The Worlds rookie looked a veteran to me. Nailing his difficult routine. Actually, he said his heart rate was going up — but when he looked back at his teammates, confidence returned.

And what can we say about Zach Clay. (age-28). A mainstay of Canada’s top team for years. Finally getting a chance to meet his lifetime goal of competing Olympics.

Zach did not train nor plan to compete the AA in qualification. But things happen — and Zach did do all six.

I talked to alternate Yanni Chronopoulos about how difficult is to be ready — but not compete. He graciously gave all credit to his teammates.

Canada has not qualified a full team since the Kyle Shewfelt era. 2008.

See you in Paris.

2024 Olympics Paris

related – Neutral Deductions – LIVE blog

highlights of Men’s qualification – day 1

Trying to make sense of what happened the first day of Worlds?

2/3rds of the men’s teams have competed. Top 12 will win a team placement in the Paris Olympics.

Kensley will get you up-to-speed.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (36min)

Here’s the official FIG write-up:

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.

Sofus Heggemsnes interview

Great gymnast. And entertainer.

Sofus Heggemsnes represented Norway at the Tokyo Olympics.

This interview followed podium training at Worlds 2023.

Sabrina Voinea at Worlds 2023

After all the troubles with Romania, it would be terrific if Sabrina Voinea could lead this team to a Paris Olympics qualification.

She is a throwback to the great days of Romania. Amazing Floor and Beam.

Her Mom / Coach is Camelia Voinea, who competed internationally between between 1984 and 1988. In 1987 she scored a perfect 10 on Floor at Worlds.  

Men’s World Championships have BEGUN

The main Paris Olympics qualifier.

More than half of the Artistic gymnasts who compete at Paris 2024 will earn their Olympic ticket in Antwerp. …

… men’s Team and Individual qualification on 30 September-1 October, with the women taking the floor for qualification on 1 and 2 October. …

Nine men’s and women’s teams will qualify for Paris 2024 during the qualification round in Antwerp, joining the three teams already qualified in 2022 …

Three of the six 2022 apparatus World champions — Rhys McClenaghan (IRL, Pommel Horse), Adem Asil (TUR, Still Rings), and Artur Davtyan (ARM, Vault) — are returning to Belgium in search of more gold. …

FIG – 14 World titles and Olympic qualification up for grabs at Artistic Worlds in Antwerp

Click PLAY or watch a preview 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.

Brazil will medal at Worlds

That’s Spencer’s prediction. And the prediction of many, including me.

IF Flavia and Rebeca are at full strength, I’m thinking Brazil will be 2nd after USA.

GBR with Jessica Gadirova is fantastic, of course, but had major problems on Bars during podium training. To my eyes, Brazil looks better prepared to hit routines.

Also, GBR has already qualified to Paris.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.