This is one of the few interactive gymnastics websites where a regular commenter who goes by the name TCO … or, more recently, as apolytongp … has not been “banned” or, at least, edited.
At a key stroke I could ban him too.
But I don’t want to at this time.
He’s boring. Repetitious.
An Amerocentric war monger.
A gymnastics substance abuse conspiracy theorist.
On the other hand, apolytongp’s many times been first to find gymnastics stories on the internet. He’s passionate. We’ve had some very good conversations online.
The internet is all about giving EVERYONE an equal voice. Even apolytongp. He’s trying to limit the profanity on my request. I appreciate that.
I just wish he’d start his own blog. We’d all then be able to leave our comments there.
Note that the comments are pretty much “buried” on this site. Most people don’t read them. I rarely read comments on sites other than this one, especially YouTube.
That’s 16.7 start, 16.9 if he does whip -> 2.5 twist as he originally intended. Right?
NICK calculates only 16.6….F(6)-F(6)-[C+D](3+1+4)-B(2)-C(3)-[D+C](4+1+3)-C(3)-E(5)=4.1+2.5+10=16.6
UPDATE: From Geoffrey Taucer:
Actually, Nick’s off by one tenth; according to the latest NGJA interperetations release, the value they’ve given the DLO 5/2 is a G, not an F. Otherwise, his calculations appear to be accurate (assuming the final pass is an arabian double pike and not an arabian double lay; which is probably an accurate assumption).
This would put the start value of this routine at 16.7.
Don Eckert posts by far the most interesting gymnastics videos on the internet. And now he’s sponsored by Gibson (Mats, Beam, Bars, Grips, …)
… Shawn and Teri Johnson will be leaving for Los Angeles this week. They’ll be moving into an apartment in Hollywood, where Shawn will work with Ballas.
Teri left her job in the West Des Moines school district. Her husband, Doug, a trim-finish carpenter, will stay behind to work and fly in to watch her compete.
“We’re pretty much moving out there for as long as she’s on the show,” Teri said. “I don’t feel we’re Hollywood folks. I guess we’ll find out.”
…
If Shawn decides to try for London, maybe this experience will help her “artistic presentation,” as the experts say.
“Ultimately,” Teri said, “this could be a huge benefit for her. She’s never concentrated on her grace and flexibility before.” …
Normally this showcase of American gymnastics is a bit of a let down. More sizzle than steak.
And the women’s field is not all that strong this year:
Brittany Rogers, Canada
Youna Dufournet, France
Kim Bui, Germany
Rebecca Downie, Great Britain
Koko Tsurumi, Japan
Amelia Racea, Romania
Kristina Goryunova, Russia
Bridget Sloan, USA
Jordyn Wieber, USA
Jessica Lopez, Venezuela
I have already spoken on my excitement about Bridget (paticularly since reports that she’s been training a front triple twist!) and I’m sure Jordyn will do fine. It’s also nice to see Jessica Lopez back as I felt her floor was a standout last year. Plus, Koko Tsurumi is always good to see and Brittany Rogers is one of Canada’s outstanding new seniors. But I have to say that the person I am most excited about (hopefully) getting a peek at this comp is Becky Downie. …
I too find myself more interested than usual, I think because it’s the first Scam American Cup of the quadrennial. Let’s see “what’s new” for this cycle. Is Wieber the next big American star?
… In the battle of the surprise contenders, Auburn (Alabama) knocked of Arkansas, 196.175-195.400. Not that the Razorbacks were terribly displeased. “We went 24-for-24 with a few minor bobbles,†said Arkansas co-head coach Mark Cook in a press release, “but nothing we can’t correct in the gym. We fought hard in a tough environment and I’m proud of our efforts.†…
Freshman Vanessa Zamarripa scored her second perfect 10 of the season on vault to lead UCLA to a quad meet victory over Boise State, Washington and Cal State Fullerton in Pauley Pavilion …
… The Bruins, who were competing for the first time since being hit with the norovirus the last weekend of January, got off to a monster start on vault, scoring a season-high tying 49.525. The score was the seventh-best vault total in UCLA history. …