… At the current state of competition readiness and health, Marta would most likely send Kyla Ross (AA, UB), Simone Biles (AA?, V, FX), McKayla Maroney (V, Fx?) and Lexie Priessman (Fx, AA?).
If Katelyn comes back healthy and ready to compete, she could definitely take one of those slots (FX, BB, UB?). Though there are a number of other talented girls that could come into the mix (Peyton Ernst, Brenna Dowell, Abigail Milliet, MyKayla Skinner, and Elizabeth Price) all of them would have to put up higher all-around scores or a much higher event score than they have currently.
P&G US National Championships will shed more light on the team selection. But as there is likely to be another selection camp in September after Nationals, it definitely won’t tell the final story …
Medals are the goal. Kyla might make the Bar final, but her chances of getting on the podium are slight.
Marta loves consistency. Aly was not pretty on Bars, but she could hit 7 routines a day prior to London. Every day.
The two top healthy, consistent AAs will go. Both will have chance to medal if they hit in Belgium. I expect Kyla will be one of them. She’s been healthy and consistent.
Assuming Katelyn’s not back, the two specialists will be selected for Vault and Floor. Maroney#1, I expect. She’d have to fall (again) to not win the Gold.
Team USA has good Beam, of course. But Floor is stronger.
I could easily see Brenna Dowell getting the call. She’s tough and consistent in training.
… Fans have to remember that the Classic is usually the first major competitive elite experience in months – or in some cases, a year or more – for these athletes. Most are trying out new skills while others are debuting brand new routines. …
Despite the spills, bumps, and bruises along the way, we did see lots of promise from both junior and senior athletes at the Classic, athletes who will now spend the next few weeks polishing and fine-tuning in order to make their case for inclusion on the U.S. National Team at the P&G Championships in a couple of weeks. I loved the immense difficulty attempted by these athletes, even if the results were a bit messy …
Our first order of business is definitely the competitive return of Maroney …
Maroney also competed on floor, where she went for a big double layout (a little too big, as it landed out of bounds), a 2.5 to punch front, a gorgeous stuck double arabian, and a double pike.
It was a great, sassy routine where she truly made the statement that she’s back and here to stay. I talked to her for a bit about her goals and whether 2016 was on her mind or, like every other stock gymnast answer, if she was “taking it one day at a time.” Maroney’s no “stock answer” gal, though, and answered,
“Not only is Rio on my mind, it’s the only thing on my mind. It’s the password on my phone.” …
… International Development Program (IDP) Clinic …
100 of our best young gymnasts and their personal coaches attended the clinic representing 16 different High Performance programs from around the country.
The clinic was led by National Junior Development Co-ordinator Jo Richards along with a team of experienced coaches:
– Peggy Liddick, Women’s Artistic Gymnastics National Coach;
– Tim Lees, Uneven Bars specialist coach;
– Mark Calton, specialist coach across Tumbling, Vaulting and Trampoline; and
– Stacey Umeh, Choreographer.
All of the participating gymnasts actively compete in the IDP and were selected from their performances and ranking on the National IDEAL Skills test. …
The next IDP clinic will be held in Melbourne, from November 23 – 25 following the National Club Championships in Geelong.
Last week at Camp I met with some of the parents and kids from this Gym. They are very keen. Very well funded.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced WAG coach willing to move.
The economy is booming in Alberta, Canada. Especially up north.
Full-time coach needed immediately.
Lakeland Gymnastics Club offers classes to more than 300 children. Our competitive team consists of 25 athletes currently competing at Provincial levels.
Salary: negotiable based on experience/certification
Cold Lake is located about 3 hours N.E. of Edmonton, 1 hour from Lloydminster.
… boating, swimming, fishing and camping. Through our winter months we enjoy all outdoor winter sports.
Please send resume via email to: lakelandgymclub (a) hotmail.com
Gymnastics Coaching.com 