Worlds begins

… 🙂

Jordyn trains at Manjaks Gymnastics in Toronto.

Chen Siyi – Floor

Many liked the “Moon River” routine. So I went back to look again.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

When she opened with triple twist punch front, I assumed it was Shang (who uses the same combination). It’s risky. Potential Achilles injury.

1/1-in and double pike are weak, obviously. This Floor is hard, a disadvantage for the lightest girls in the competition.

Overall I was very disappointed with China on Floor. Their plan to compete 3 ½ twist as their BIG trick has not panned out. Only Shang warmed one up, separate from the routine.

When Wang Yan joins Senior ranks next year, she’ll be their most important gymnast. Preparing Floor/Vault specialists is highest priority for Rio.

Yao Jinnan – Bars

The highlights of podium training for me were Simone Biles and China on Bars.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

That routine could win Worlds. But first she’ll have to qualify top two out of China. Not easy as any of the other 4 girls might score higher.

(via Couch Gymnast)

Claudia Fragapane in the all-around

#FIGWorlds2014ART

Claudia should finish high in the AA. But she did have trouble with her DTY today on Vault.

See the rest of Sports2Visuals podium training day 2 photos on Facebook.

Tamara Mrdjenovic injured

Tamara from Serbia (training in Germany) is here watching podium training. Coaches told me she suffered a partial ligament tear. No surgery should be needed. But she had to withdraw from Worlds. 😦

Gymnastics is a very dangerous sport.

injury

Inside Gymnastics on Facebook.

via TAA

new MAG elements Worlds 2014

YANG Hak Seon (KOR)

• Kasamatsu Stretched 5/2 (like Tsuk with 3 1/2 twist)

• Value 6.4

figure5

See the rest – MAG NEW ELEMENTS SUBMITTED 2014 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Iordache in the all-around

And on Beam.

Looks better prepared than for Worlds 2013. Beam is easy. If she hits her new Bars routine, count on Larisa finishing in the top 3 AA.

teach kids not to use the R word

In Canada, our Olympic Trampoline Champion and many others are pushing a campaign called Yellowcard.

Of the 60+ nations I’ve traveled, Canada is least racist. The most ethical. Sport is the best way to educate youth, not school.