Podium training for WAG has begun in Stuttgart. I’ll be commenting LIVE via Twitter @GymCoaching. More LIVE coverage:
It was a pretty good day overall. Blythe Lawrence feels form has steadily improved since the introduction of the open ended code in 2006. Many times at Worlds podium training in the past I’ve been terrified — worried about injury — when gymnasts are competing skills not yet ready enough. I didn’t have any scary moments today.
- Yamilet Peña warmed up two Handspring double fronts on Vault. Both safe. Neither close to landing. She fell on double front on Floor, as well. She’s obviously not at 100%.
- watch for the Belgium Floor choreography. Very entertaining. In fact the team has a good vibe. They could certainly qualify for Tokyo with a hit qualification round.
- Yeo Seojeong landed two Handspring front layout double twists! I’d argue that’s even more difficult than Simone’s half-on Handspring front layout double twist.
- North Korea still NOT wearing handguards on Bars. Like Chuso. One has the tiny grips made of athletic tape.
- Germany often slides a landing mat in for Bars releases, in case of fall. Seems a better technique than hand spotting in most cases.
- Fujitsu is scanning all gymnasts (unless they opt out) in multiple poses in an open area with quite a few people around. I assume they are being very careful with privacy and transparency.
- Simone will have a Press Conference Tuesday. Because she’s Simone. Also, the general public can watch American podium training Tuesday for 10 euros. Because they are USA.
- Is Romania back? I was really impressed with the quality of the Beam work. Especially the leaps & jumps. (Wolf turns … not so much.) Most expect the perennial podium team not to qualify in the top 12. But they certainly could make Tokyo with a good meet in qualifications.
- the final rotation day 1 included Canada and China. Very entertaining. Canada was very good, but struggled a bit on Bars. China impressed me more than any other team today — they’ve really improved tumbling and vault. I’d agree with the mob that Team China is silver medal favourite.
- the big screen — essential since Glasgow Worlds — is epic in Stuttgart
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