The new Olympic Artistic Gymnastics format for 2020 has been approved. Teams will be 4 All-Around gymnasts and the best countries may qualify up to 2 individual gymnasts (All-Around or Specialist). This is a big change for gymnastics!!!!
… the team format will be four gymnasts, four compete on each appataus, and three scores count. The best countries will be able to qualify up to two individual gymnasts also through World Cups, Challenge Cups, and Continental Championships.
There are many other formulas for AA gymnasts to qualify outside of the teams. The final details are still to be worked out, but the format is now set. I am one of the few that did not support this major change.
The gymternet is pretty much universally against this decision. (There’s already a petition against it on Change.org.) We’ve seen teams reduced from 7 members to 4 members over the years.
On the other hand, in London 5 Americans competed. In Tokyo we could easily have 6 American women competing. It MIGHT work. But I’m worried about unforeseen, unintended consequences.
ALL agree that FIG should lobby the IOC for more spots at the Olympics for Gymnastics.
___ original post from May 11th:
Nancy Armour:
Later this week, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will vote on a proposal that would cut team size from its current five people to four, with a convoluted process that could allow some teams to bring two additional gymnasts, beginning with the 2020 Olympics. Those 24 extra spots – 12 for the men, 12 for the women — would be used to increase the number of event specialists at the Olympic Games and ensure that all continents are represented.
In theory, it’s a well-intentioned idea. In practice, it’s unnecessary and excessive …
Armour: Addition by subtraction won’t add up for Olympic gymnastics
Almost every fan agrees with Nancy Armour.
But – playing the Devil’s Advocate – could a 4-person team in Japan be as entertaining?
In London the format was 5-4-3, five gymnasts on the team, four competed on each event, and three of the scores counted.
The Team Final was 3-up, 3-count. Here’s the Gold medal Team:
Gabby Douglas
Jordyn Wieber
Aly Raisman
Kyla Ross
McKayla Maroney
In London we saw 16 (prelims) + 12 (team finals) = 28 American routines.
What if Teams were 4 competitors, but all competed?
16 (prelims) + 16 (team finals) = 32 American routines.
What if McKayla Maroney had not been named to the 4-person American Team. But qualified as a Vault specialist instead? What if both Maroney & Sacramone were named as the USA specialists?
It could work.
My guess is that FIG will not reduce Team size, in the end. (I was wrong.)
related – Turn Gymnastics – The Future Focus: Growing The Sport
Gymnastics Coaching.com 