Alright, Worlds is around the corner, it's that time of year again to make predictions!
Team
Finalists:
USA
China
Russia
Romania
Great Britain
Italy
Japan
Germany
Podium:
1. USA
2. China
3. GB
The USA is the only team to have three strong routines on each event. China's bars will be a huge asset for them, but their vault and especially floor will provide problems. I was feeling GB even before the announcement over Paseka's injury was made, but now Russia is even farther in the hole. A strong Gabby Jupp should help the team out a fair bit, especially on beam, and it's pretty strong all over. Italy could also surprise, though- they looked great at Novara and Golden League.
All Around
Podium:
1. Simone Biles
2. Aliya Mustafina
3. Larisa Iordache
Simone on top is pretty obvious. I'm feeling Aliya in second after how great she looked at Russian Cup- that beam especially is amazing. I kept going back and forth on bronze between Larisa, Kyla Ross, and Yao Jinnan. I think Larisa and Yao both beat Kyla in ability, but Kyla is a rock. It should be a great fight.
Vault
Finalists:
Simone Biles
Mykayla Skinner
Hong Un Jong
Guilia Steingruber
Oksana Chusovitina
Ellie Black
Anna Pavlova
Dipa Karmakar
Podium:
1. Simone Biles
2. Giulia Steingruber
3. Mykayla Skinner
This one is fairly difficult as we haven't seen some of the big contenders (Hong Un Jong, Oksana Chusovitina, Phan Thi Ha Than) in a long time, so this might have to be adapted after the Asian Games. Figuring out places 2-4 is a bit difficult. If Mykayla does her vaults like day two of P&Gs, I might give her the slight edge over Giulia. And then she could also block like at Classics and be slaughtered. Hong Un Jong hasn't competed much this year, and so the Asian Games should provide more clarity where she's concerned. I'm rooting for Dipa out of all the Prods, and Pavlova got the silver at Europeans, so hopefully that's a good sign.
Uneven Bars
Finalists:
Yao Jinnan
Huang Huidan
Aliya Mustafina
Daria Spridinova
Becky Downie
Ashton Locklear
Madison Kocian
Larissa Miller
Podium:
1. Yao Jinna
2. Huang Huidan
3. Becky Downie
Ugh, why can't this final be open to more gymnasts? It's stacked! I'm feeling the Chinese going 1-2. Huang could potentially be replaced by Shang, but I'd still have her in silver. The big question make is Aliya's bars, seeing as we don't know what her routine will actually look like. She could also definitely medal. Really, anyone in this final could medal if things go their way. And of course, we can't count the Germans out to qualify. I'm excited!!
Beam
Finalists:
Kyla Ross
Simone Biles
Aliya Mustafina
Maria Kharenkova
Larisa Iordache
Andreea Munteanu
Shang Chunsong
Bai Yawen
Podium:
1. Shang Chunsong
2. Maria Kharenkova
3. Larisa Iordache
This one's near impossible to predict. Shang Chunsong has looked pretty steady this year, where as Larisa and Maria have both had some issues, but her scores were also merciless last year. But then again she's competing at home this year. Maria and Larisa are both obvious picks, but can definitely be inconsistent. Kyla, on the other hand, is very consistent, but her difficulty puts her down in the favorites list. Simone's new beam could definitely put her on the podium if she has a solid effort, but she really should take out that wolf hop. It does her no favors. We of course have no idea what incarnation of her routine Aliya will bring to the table, but the reigning champion (I still can't get over this) can't be counted out. Andreea Munteanu and Bai Yawen both can't be counted out either with good difficulty and beautiful execution. And then of course, there are the Lauren Mitchells and Ellie Blacks who could sneak into the final. This one's incredibly wide open, and basically any combination of gymnasts who can be expected to final would be a conceivable podium.
Floor
Finalists:
Simone Biles
Mykayla Skinner
Giulia Steingruber
Vanessa Ferrari
Larisa Iordache
Claudia Fragapane
Marta Pihan-Kulesza
Shang Chunsong
Podium:
1. Simone Biles
2. Larisa Iordache
3. Vanessa Ferrari
The first six on the list are almost certain to qualify, and the last two spots are fairly open. Lauren Mitchell might be able to snag a spot, Aliya did well in the floor final at Russian Cup, and in my dreams Ellie Black makes it into the finals again. Unfortunately, Mai Murakami doesn't look like she has good enough tumbling this year for the final. Simone winning is another obvious choice. Larisa's been super confident on floor this year and scoring consistently in the high 14s. Vanessa has also been strong and consistent, and word is going around that apparently she's upgrading, which could put her in favor over Larisa. I would cry tears of joy if Claudia were to medal.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
US Worlds Team
In case you somehow have managed to miss out on the official announcement but have stumbled upon my humble little blog, the US Worlds team was named earlier this evening. The seven gymnasts named were Simone Biles, Kyla Ross, Mykayla Skinner, Alyssa Baumann, Ashton Locklear, Madison Kocian, and Madison Desch, with an alternate to be named later, with Brenna Dowell the non-traveling alternate.
Of course, there has been a bit of a collective emotional breakdown in the gymternet at the naming of Madison Desch over Brenna Dowell. And while I obviously, along with the rest of the gymternet, was pulling for Brenna with all my heart, I do believe the outrage seems a bit disproportionate. Desch was the alternate named on the nominative list, so it's not like we had no idea Martha's mine was in that thought process. Also, though we have no idea what went down at camp, Desch has been able to hit more than one routine this season. While I was hoping against hope until the very last second before I saw the selection that Brenna would be named and back to full capacity, I can't say I was shocked or even highly surprised. Unfortunately, the cards have not been stacked in her favor this year.
Now, again, I claim no knowledge of what happened at camp. If Brenna was vaulting consistent Amanars, I would say that she was the gymnast who should have been chosen and the US should have swallowed the very small sacrifice of putting Simone on bars. But I don't know that she was, though I was so hoping she was over the past two days. Martha has named the best teams in times the gymternet doubted her judgement. And really, Maddie will be the alternate, and when have we actually used the alternate anyway?
However, even in light of this disappointment, this team still looks very strong and poised to defend their title. Simone obviously needs no explanation, so I won't even bother with her. Kyla's consistency, level-headed approach to competition, execution, and specialty on bars and beam make her a great member, and she is good enough for the team lineup everywhere. She is a team player but also a standout individual, which will be great for this team. Mykayla was also becoming more and more of an obvious choice as the season went on. Her super high difficulty on vault and floor means she can bring in high scores, even if her execution has been the cause of scorn among the gymternet. I do think she has cleaned up in this area, though, and her form in the air in generally pretty decent, especially on vault. Alyssa Baumann is being brought for her great beam, an unusual weakness for the US, and floor, where she will likely be used as the table-setter. Ashton Locklear and Maddie K are both bars specialists with great D scores and good swing. Ashton has a talent for sticking her dismounts, and Maddie K apparently showed all four events at camp, helping clear any doubts about qualification lineups with this team.
Ultimately, I found this decision a disappointing one, but not a surprise. Brenna had a rough season and her camp clearly wasn't enough to make up for it. Maddie Desch certainly hasn't been perfect this year, but she has been decent overall and is an all arounder, which is what an alternate really needs to be. This team is still the favorite for the title, and Martha knows what she's doing.
Of course, there has been a bit of a collective emotional breakdown in the gymternet at the naming of Madison Desch over Brenna Dowell. And while I obviously, along with the rest of the gymternet, was pulling for Brenna with all my heart, I do believe the outrage seems a bit disproportionate. Desch was the alternate named on the nominative list, so it's not like we had no idea Martha's mine was in that thought process. Also, though we have no idea what went down at camp, Desch has been able to hit more than one routine this season. While I was hoping against hope until the very last second before I saw the selection that Brenna would be named and back to full capacity, I can't say I was shocked or even highly surprised. Unfortunately, the cards have not been stacked in her favor this year.
Now, again, I claim no knowledge of what happened at camp. If Brenna was vaulting consistent Amanars, I would say that she was the gymnast who should have been chosen and the US should have swallowed the very small sacrifice of putting Simone on bars. But I don't know that she was, though I was so hoping she was over the past two days. Martha has named the best teams in times the gymternet doubted her judgement. And really, Maddie will be the alternate, and when have we actually used the alternate anyway?
However, even in light of this disappointment, this team still looks very strong and poised to defend their title. Simone obviously needs no explanation, so I won't even bother with her. Kyla's consistency, level-headed approach to competition, execution, and specialty on bars and beam make her a great member, and she is good enough for the team lineup everywhere. She is a team player but also a standout individual, which will be great for this team. Mykayla was also becoming more and more of an obvious choice as the season went on. Her super high difficulty on vault and floor means she can bring in high scores, even if her execution has been the cause of scorn among the gymternet. I do think she has cleaned up in this area, though, and her form in the air in generally pretty decent, especially on vault. Alyssa Baumann is being brought for her great beam, an unusual weakness for the US, and floor, where she will likely be used as the table-setter. Ashton Locklear and Maddie K are both bars specialists with great D scores and good swing. Ashton has a talent for sticking her dismounts, and Maddie K apparently showed all four events at camp, helping clear any doubts about qualification lineups with this team.
Ultimately, I found this decision a disappointing one, but not a surprise. Brenna had a rough season and her camp clearly wasn't enough to make up for it. Maddie Desch certainly hasn't been perfect this year, but she has been decent overall and is an all arounder, which is what an alternate really needs to be. This team is still the favorite for the title, and Martha knows what she's doing.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Deanna Soza Health Scare
Arete posted on Facebook today that their lovely rising junior star, Deanne Soza, has contracted a rare eye infection. This post also said she is not even able to sleep and has to be treated hourly. The most alarming aspect of this is there is the possibility she could lose her sight.
Of course, the gymternet wishes Deanne the best and wants her to make a full recovery to health speedily and safely. Please keep Deanne and her family in your thoughts and prayers. If you were for some reason unaware, Spanny Tampson is collecting pictures/drawings/digital images the gymternet create to send in a well-wishing card, so if you want to contribute, please send your creation to spannytampson@gmail.com. We want Deanne to know she is supported!
I remember writing on here in the US season that Deanne has all the grit needed for beam. I am sure that grit she has on beam she will also display in a well-fought treatment and recovery process. Please be sure to show your support for Deanne in whatever way you can.
Of course, the gymternet wishes Deanne the best and wants her to make a full recovery to health speedily and safely. Please keep Deanne and her family in your thoughts and prayers. If you were for some reason unaware, Spanny Tampson is collecting pictures/drawings/digital images the gymternet create to send in a well-wishing card, so if you want to contribute, please send your creation to spannytampson@gmail.com. We want Deanne to know she is supported!
I remember writing on here in the US season that Deanne has all the grit needed for beam. I am sure that grit she has on beam she will also display in a well-fought treatment and recovery process. Please be sure to show your support for Deanne in whatever way you can.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
My Junior Crushes: Ragan Smith and Christina Desiderio
The US, of course, has a fair army of talented young ones, but of course there are those you just notice the first time you watch and you can't keep your eye off of. For me, there are two of these gymnasts in the ranks of American juniors: Ragan Smith and Christina Desiderio.
Ragan Smith
For all the gymnasts who have been compared to Shawn Johnson since 2009, Ragan is the only one who actually evokes that comparison to me. Ragan is just totally adorable but also has the power in her skills and is especially strong on beam and floor. Her switch to Texas Dreams this year has proven beneficial in many ways, and I really think she has the potential to be a very successful and balanced all arounder.
I first came across Ragan after Classics last year when the gymternet's collective ears pricked up at the sound of the "Puttin' on the Ritz" cut formerly used by Ksenia Semenova and we dug up her floor from the endless posted videos.
Admittedly, it wasn't a love-at-first-sight reaction for me. I thought she was cute, but I didn't think she was too much of anything special. But something about her kept her name niggling at the back of my mind, and the more I watched, the more I enjoyed what I saw.
Bars is definitely her weakest event, but Ragan has made great strides here and I really think she has it in her to have bars viable for strong all around performances. Her bars last year had a LOT that had to be worked on, most prominently very labored swing and dead hangs. She also was unable to make it through a set without some sort of major errors in the US elite season.
While bars is still a problem area for Ragan, she's had some great improvement this year. Her swing has improved by leaps and bounds, and KZB has done a great job of capitalizing on her better work with Stalder variations. I'd like to hope she can add Chow and/or Maloney variations in her work. She still had big problems at P&Gs, but at Classics she had a clean set which was able to bring in a 13.650, her best bars score of her elite career (so far).
Vault saw a big upgrade for Ragan this year as she began vaulting a DTY. Her FTY from last year was certainly problematic, with loss of leg form and piking at her hips.
Her DTY was chucked at Classics and she fell to her knees, but at P&Gs definitely saw improvement. Day one was still fairly scary with it barely brought around, but day two's was much improved. That 9.00 E score was still fairly fishy, but her position in the air, leg form, and chest position on landing were all much improved. I'd like to see more attention given to that block, but I trust KZB with this one.
Beam is one of Ragan's specialty events and she could do great things. Her beam from Classics last year was incredibly steady and she had power and ability oozing out the entire routine. She lacked some amplitude in her dance skills, but she had nice position. She lacked some refinement everywhere, but she had all the goods for great beam work. She did well enough to score over 14.000.
Under KZB, Ragan's beam has only improved. She gained a lot of that polish she lacked last year while still having all the risk. Her beam followed Ragan's trend of improving throughout the season to earn a career high on day two, 14.550. She still had great confidence and steadiness, but her new skills provided some blips for her. I would like for her to go back to her nice switch half instead of the switch ring. Her sheep jump had definitely improved, though, and I am looking forward to her future beam work.
Floor is where Ragan really sparkles. I personally prefer her interpretation to Semenova's, but Semenova did compete in the 10-skills-count-for-your-D-score era. Her floor has very creative and engaging choreography and it suits her perfectly. As I said above, floor was where Ragan first slipped into my radar in 2013. The best performance of this routine last year was P&Gs day one, when she received 13.800 and had a very strong performance. Her tumbling lacked air time and amplitude, but her power was evident.
Day two of 2014 P&Gs was the best performance of her floor routine. She scored 14.650 for her dazzling routine which had great tumbling and musicality. Her performance has improved by leaps and bounds since last year. She's also done some big upgrading and has been able to harness that power into big tumbling with great amplitude.
Ragan is a tiny little pocket rocket but also has some really nice style. Texas Dreams has really helped channel her talent more efficiently into great skills and routines. Ragan's cuteness is what caught my eye at first, but she has a ton of talent and potential. Her charisma and charm makes her a fan favorite, and her power makes her a standout. Beam and floor are incredible for her, her vault can be great for her, and I know she has bars in her if she can keep working with her strengths. Ragan just has to keep cleaning up and she could be something incredible.
Christina Desiderio
In case you haven't been able to tell by the way I bring her up whenever US juniors are the topic, Christina is one of my favorite. In terms of pure ability, Christina is right at the top of the sizable junior pack. She has power, swing, and a great arsenal of skills. The one problem that clouds Christina's performance is her mind. She is wildly inconsistent, which culminated in her heartbreaking bars routine on day two of P&Gs. If she can get her mind under control, Christina will be a force to be reckoned with. Plus, she trains at one of the nation's top gyms!
Christina first slipped onto my radar last summer when I was watching videos of the juniors from the US season looking to scope out the talent, if you will. It was a much more love-at-first-sight reaction than I had for Ragan, and I knew I'd found a special gymnast.
Beam was where Christina first caught my eye. Unfortunately, Christina had issues with that event every competition in the season this year. She fell every time she competed in Classics and P&Gs, on her layout, sheep jump, and switch ring.
However, she still has some great skills and lots of good work. Beam is definitely her strong spot in terms of skill, and she could be absolutely great.
Her beam from Classics last year was unbelievable. She had impressive difficulty and nary a waver in sight, which shows she does have the confidence she needs, she just has to find it. Her work is beautiful and light- her jump series especially looks like she's being pulled up from the beam by strings. And her wolf turn work is some of the best!
Bars is generally Christina's lowest-scoring event, and unfortunately she is largely remembered there for her disastrous final routine of P&Gs this year which left her visibly devastated, but she has some good work there, especially her super high Tkatchev. She needs a good deal of cleaning up and has been unable to score higher than the low 13s, but Parkettes does have a pretty good record on bars.
Her bars day one of P&Gs this year definitely looked to be the best she's done so far to me. Her Tkatchev, if anything, looked higher and her form looked better than last year as well. Her only real problem was a flat transfer to the high bar, but it certainly didn't result in a dead hang. Her difficulty is a bit low, and I definitely think there is room to upgrade. I trust that she can put up solid bars routines next year and that what happened day two of P&Gs isn't representative of her typical bar work.
Vault saw a big upgrade for Christina this year when she joined the Junior DTY club. Christina had a really nice FTY which was nicely flighted. Her form wasn't perfect and had some leg separation and a little bit of piking, but it was a very solid vault and there were no major issues.
Her DTY definitely looks serviceable and I think she has good vaulting in her future. Her first two attempts were fairly underrotated and she landed with a very low chest. On day two of P&Gs, she fixed that problem well and in fact overrotated a bit. She just needs to figure out the right amount of power she needs to give her vault.
Like Ragan, Christina has lots of charisma on floor. She also has a really good amount of power, and her tumbling shows it. Her floor last year was relatively unexceptional in terms of skill level, but she still had a long three years before becoming a senior. All of her tumbling was good and powerful and clean, and she really enjoyed her performance. Also, while I HATE that a random aerial can fulfill the tumbling requirement, hers looks really cool.
This years floor routine is one big party. I love it! She also has done some good upgrading, including a big double layout! Her form is really good except for her 2 1/2 twist. She also has great amplitude on her leaps and a beautiful double turn. Her best performance of her new routine was day two of P&Gs, where she scored a super 14.450. Her routine is really entertaining, and it fits Christina so well!
I'm still weeping inside for that bars routine, because she was doing her best of 2014 all the rest of day two. Christina has what it takes, I know it! Confidence is all she needs. Her power is great, and her swing on bars is right where it needs to be. All her work is light and beautiful, but she's really powerful too, which is great. Her form is generally lovely, and she can work a crowd. Christina is a total package gymnast, and I only hope next year will see her stronger than ever!
Ragan Smith
For all the gymnasts who have been compared to Shawn Johnson since 2009, Ragan is the only one who actually evokes that comparison to me. Ragan is just totally adorable but also has the power in her skills and is especially strong on beam and floor. Her switch to Texas Dreams this year has proven beneficial in many ways, and I really think she has the potential to be a very successful and balanced all arounder.
I first came across Ragan after Classics last year when the gymternet's collective ears pricked up at the sound of the "Puttin' on the Ritz" cut formerly used by Ksenia Semenova and we dug up her floor from the endless posted videos.
Bars is definitely her weakest event, but Ragan has made great strides here and I really think she has it in her to have bars viable for strong all around performances. Her bars last year had a LOT that had to be worked on, most prominently very labored swing and dead hangs. She also was unable to make it through a set without some sort of major errors in the US elite season.
Vault saw a big upgrade for Ragan this year as she began vaulting a DTY. Her FTY from last year was certainly problematic, with loss of leg form and piking at her hips.
Beam is one of Ragan's specialty events and she could do great things. Her beam from Classics last year was incredibly steady and she had power and ability oozing out the entire routine. She lacked some amplitude in her dance skills, but she had nice position. She lacked some refinement everywhere, but she had all the goods for great beam work. She did well enough to score over 14.000.
Floor is where Ragan really sparkles. I personally prefer her interpretation to Semenova's, but Semenova did compete in the 10-skills-count-for-your-D-score era. Her floor has very creative and engaging choreography and it suits her perfectly. As I said above, floor was where Ragan first slipped into my radar in 2013. The best performance of this routine last year was P&Gs day one, when she received 13.800 and had a very strong performance. Her tumbling lacked air time and amplitude, but her power was evident.
Ragan is a tiny little pocket rocket but also has some really nice style. Texas Dreams has really helped channel her talent more efficiently into great skills and routines. Ragan's cuteness is what caught my eye at first, but she has a ton of talent and potential. Her charisma and charm makes her a fan favorite, and her power makes her a standout. Beam and floor are incredible for her, her vault can be great for her, and I know she has bars in her if she can keep working with her strengths. Ragan just has to keep cleaning up and she could be something incredible.
Christina Desiderio
In case you haven't been able to tell by the way I bring her up whenever US juniors are the topic, Christina is one of my favorite. In terms of pure ability, Christina is right at the top of the sizable junior pack. She has power, swing, and a great arsenal of skills. The one problem that clouds Christina's performance is her mind. She is wildly inconsistent, which culminated in her heartbreaking bars routine on day two of P&Gs. If she can get her mind under control, Christina will be a force to be reckoned with. Plus, she trains at one of the nation's top gyms!
Christina first slipped onto my radar last summer when I was watching videos of the juniors from the US season looking to scope out the talent, if you will. It was a much more love-at-first-sight reaction than I had for Ragan, and I knew I'd found a special gymnast.
Beam was where Christina first caught my eye. Unfortunately, Christina had issues with that event every competition in the season this year. She fell every time she competed in Classics and P&Gs, on her layout, sheep jump, and switch ring.
Her beam from Classics last year was unbelievable. She had impressive difficulty and nary a waver in sight, which shows she does have the confidence she needs, she just has to find it. Her work is beautiful and light- her jump series especially looks like she's being pulled up from the beam by strings. And her wolf turn work is some of the best!
Bars is generally Christina's lowest-scoring event, and unfortunately she is largely remembered there for her disastrous final routine of P&Gs this year which left her visibly devastated, but she has some good work there, especially her super high Tkatchev. She needs a good deal of cleaning up and has been unable to score higher than the low 13s, but Parkettes does have a pretty good record on bars.
Vault saw a big upgrade for Christina this year when she joined the Junior DTY club. Christina had a really nice FTY which was nicely flighted. Her form wasn't perfect and had some leg separation and a little bit of piking, but it was a very solid vault and there were no major issues.
Like Ragan, Christina has lots of charisma on floor. She also has a really good amount of power, and her tumbling shows it. Her floor last year was relatively unexceptional in terms of skill level, but she still had a long three years before becoming a senior. All of her tumbling was good and powerful and clean, and she really enjoyed her performance. Also, while I HATE that a random aerial can fulfill the tumbling requirement, hers looks really cool.
I'm still weeping inside for that bars routine, because she was doing her best of 2014 all the rest of day two. Christina has what it takes, I know it! Confidence is all she needs. Her power is great, and her swing on bars is right where it needs to be. All her work is light and beautiful, but she's really powerful too, which is great. Her form is generally lovely, and she can work a crowd. Christina is a total package gymnast, and I only hope next year will see her stronger than ever!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Post-P&Gs Worlds Team Situation
Right now, there are basically eight gymnasts in contention for the six gymnasts and one alternate on the US World Championship team. Those eight are Simone Biles, Kyla Ross, Maggie Nichols, Alyssa Baumann, Mykayla Skinner, Maddie Kocian, Ashton Locklear, and Brenna Dowell. People are writing Brenna off, but there's no reason she'd be named to the national team if she wasn't in Worlds contention. People are also being a bit sensationalist about Alyssa, but according to Landi, she'll be back for selection camp just fine. Simone and Kyla are locks barring their own health. Simone will contribute on vault, beam, and floor and be a backup on bars. Kyla would ideally only be used on bars and beam but would also be backup on the other events if we need her.
So, choosing the best combination of four of the other gymnasts means we have to consider how well their specialty events fit into the current slots. Maggie and Mykayla could both compliment Kyla's specialties well on vault and floor. Mykayla vaults a Cheng and Maggie had a gorgeous DTY day two of P&Gs. Mykayla could be backup on beam, and Maggie's a great all around team player. Alyssa's beam would be a great addition to the lineup and she did herself a big favor with her outings on floor at P&Gs. She could absolutely be used as the table-setter there. Maddie K and Ashton Locklear both share the same two-event specialty, bars and beam. Both have absolutely gorgeous bars sets to fill in the gaps on that event, so Pan Ams will be a critical performance for both of them. Brenna's said she will be coming back all around at selection camp, so if she actually does come back on all four events, she could be well in contention. Her vault especially could help the team outside of bars. I get the feeling Brenna isn't really alternate material right now, she's either completely on the team or completely off.
The Pan Ams team was clearly strategically selected as a trial for Worlds. Simone and Kyla don't need any more observation from Martha, so they are at home preparing to arrive at camp as strong as possible. Brenna has already had plenty enough international experience, and apparently she, Al Fong, and Martha agreed she didn't need the exposure and it would be better to stick to training and let her ankle heal as much as possible. All the other hopefuls are in Canada except for Alyssa, who was supposed to be. I think that if she shows herself well at camp, she should have no problem snagging a spot, but Pan Ams wasn't as critical for her anyway. It will be important for Mykayla and Maggie, and absolutely critical for Ashton and Maddie K. Martha will definitely want to see what the Pan Ams judges do with Mykayla before officially naming her to a Worlds team, and she'll want to be sure Maggie won't repeat her errors from Tokyo earlier this year. Also, Maggie needs to prove her events are worth taking. Pan Ams is most critical for Maddie K and Ashton, who will almost certainly be fighting for the same spot unless Maddie K shows she can do other events at least in qual, and even then I'd be surprised to see them on the same team. Bars will be the clutch event for these two. If Ashton can outscore Maddie K by as much as she did at Classics and night one of P&Gs on bars, she would look to be the obvious choice. However, beam will also be of note for Martha- she will likely want to have a team player who could go backup on beam if needed if she can have one. If both can put up decent beam sets, bars really should be the big deciding factor. And, of course, Martha wants to make sure neither will crumble under the international pressure.
Right now, I'd say four spots on the team are practically set. Simone and Kyla are going. Ashton or Maddie K will go as a bars specialist. Mykayla will compliment Kyla on vault and floor, though Maggie might be able to overtake her. This leaves two spots for Ashton or Maddie K, whoever doesn't make the first bars spot, Maggie, Alyssa, and Brenna. Alyssa will, I think, likely be on the team as our table-setter on beam and floor. Her routines will definitely be a good place to start on both events and beam especially is a place the US needs to target this year, so her prowess there will probably be her ticket to China. As our third-best all arounder, Maggie would seem to be the obvious choice, but she really is just better alternate material. Her abilities just aren't the best fit for the team's needs. However, if she needs to be named to the official team, it certainly wouldn't hurt the US team's chances any. She just serves the team better as an alternate. As I said earlier, Maddie K would have to show she could do other events in quals for her and Ashton to be on the same team. Vault in particular would be a good event to have a backup in case anything weird happens with Mykayla's Cheng. Even if she just has an FTY and a super watered down floor, those events would basically only be there as a backup in qual. If she shows that at camp, she could be a very good addition. In an ideal situation, Brenna would be my pick for the final team member, as her vault and bars complement Alyssa's beam and floor nicely and could both bring in very good scores. A third 6.3+ D score vault would be a huge asset and so would her jam-packed bars routine, though I think she maybe needs to just do the routine without trying to connect the Church to the Pak and maybe even straddle the Pak. Plus, she could get the piked double front named the Dowell!! (No, it is not named after Veronica Wagner). While her errors on night two could not have helped her, her determination and the way she fought through the routine could not have hurt her, either, so I hope she's given a fair shot. If Brenna isn't back and ready, both other options are good though and will still be gold-medal worthy barring implosion.
Right now, with the uncertainties of Brenna's competitive potential and Maddie K's all around status, I'd name Simone, Kyla, Mykayla, Ashton, Alyssa, and Maggie:
VT- (Alyssa), (Maggie/Kyla), Maggie/Kyla, Mykayla, Simone
UB- (Alyssa), (Simone), Maggie, Kyla, Ashton
BB- (Ashton), (Maggie), Alyssa, Simone, Kyla
FX- (Maggie), (Kyla), Alyssa, Mykayla, Simone
But, as we all know, it's not over 'til the fat lady sings.
So, choosing the best combination of four of the other gymnasts means we have to consider how well their specialty events fit into the current slots. Maggie and Mykayla could both compliment Kyla's specialties well on vault and floor. Mykayla vaults a Cheng and Maggie had a gorgeous DTY day two of P&Gs. Mykayla could be backup on beam, and Maggie's a great all around team player. Alyssa's beam would be a great addition to the lineup and she did herself a big favor with her outings on floor at P&Gs. She could absolutely be used as the table-setter there. Maddie K and Ashton Locklear both share the same two-event specialty, bars and beam. Both have absolutely gorgeous bars sets to fill in the gaps on that event, so Pan Ams will be a critical performance for both of them. Brenna's said she will be coming back all around at selection camp, so if she actually does come back on all four events, she could be well in contention. Her vault especially could help the team outside of bars. I get the feeling Brenna isn't really alternate material right now, she's either completely on the team or completely off.
The Pan Ams team was clearly strategically selected as a trial for Worlds. Simone and Kyla don't need any more observation from Martha, so they are at home preparing to arrive at camp as strong as possible. Brenna has already had plenty enough international experience, and apparently she, Al Fong, and Martha agreed she didn't need the exposure and it would be better to stick to training and let her ankle heal as much as possible. All the other hopefuls are in Canada except for Alyssa, who was supposed to be. I think that if she shows herself well at camp, she should have no problem snagging a spot, but Pan Ams wasn't as critical for her anyway. It will be important for Mykayla and Maggie, and absolutely critical for Ashton and Maddie K. Martha will definitely want to see what the Pan Ams judges do with Mykayla before officially naming her to a Worlds team, and she'll want to be sure Maggie won't repeat her errors from Tokyo earlier this year. Also, Maggie needs to prove her events are worth taking. Pan Ams is most critical for Maddie K and Ashton, who will almost certainly be fighting for the same spot unless Maddie K shows she can do other events at least in qual, and even then I'd be surprised to see them on the same team. Bars will be the clutch event for these two. If Ashton can outscore Maddie K by as much as she did at Classics and night one of P&Gs on bars, she would look to be the obvious choice. However, beam will also be of note for Martha- she will likely want to have a team player who could go backup on beam if needed if she can have one. If both can put up decent beam sets, bars really should be the big deciding factor. And, of course, Martha wants to make sure neither will crumble under the international pressure.
Right now, I'd say four spots on the team are practically set. Simone and Kyla are going. Ashton or Maddie K will go as a bars specialist. Mykayla will compliment Kyla on vault and floor, though Maggie might be able to overtake her. This leaves two spots for Ashton or Maddie K, whoever doesn't make the first bars spot, Maggie, Alyssa, and Brenna. Alyssa will, I think, likely be on the team as our table-setter on beam and floor. Her routines will definitely be a good place to start on both events and beam especially is a place the US needs to target this year, so her prowess there will probably be her ticket to China. As our third-best all arounder, Maggie would seem to be the obvious choice, but she really is just better alternate material. Her abilities just aren't the best fit for the team's needs. However, if she needs to be named to the official team, it certainly wouldn't hurt the US team's chances any. She just serves the team better as an alternate. As I said earlier, Maddie K would have to show she could do other events in quals for her and Ashton to be on the same team. Vault in particular would be a good event to have a backup in case anything weird happens with Mykayla's Cheng. Even if she just has an FTY and a super watered down floor, those events would basically only be there as a backup in qual. If she shows that at camp, she could be a very good addition. In an ideal situation, Brenna would be my pick for the final team member, as her vault and bars complement Alyssa's beam and floor nicely and could both bring in very good scores. A third 6.3+ D score vault would be a huge asset and so would her jam-packed bars routine, though I think she maybe needs to just do the routine without trying to connect the Church to the Pak and maybe even straddle the Pak. Plus, she could get the piked double front named the Dowell!! (No, it is not named after Veronica Wagner). While her errors on night two could not have helped her, her determination and the way she fought through the routine could not have hurt her, either, so I hope she's given a fair shot. If Brenna isn't back and ready, both other options are good though and will still be gold-medal worthy barring implosion.
Right now, with the uncertainties of Brenna's competitive potential and Maddie K's all around status, I'd name Simone, Kyla, Mykayla, Ashton, Alyssa, and Maggie:
VT- (Alyssa), (Maggie/Kyla), Maggie/Kyla, Mykayla, Simone
UB- (Alyssa), (Simone), Maggie, Kyla, Ashton
BB- (Ashton), (Maggie), Alyssa, Simone, Kyla
FX- (Maggie), (Kyla), Alyssa, Mykayla, Simone
But, as we all know, it's not over 'til the fat lady sings.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
P&Gs Wrap Up
The women's competition at the P&G Gymnastics Championships finished last night with some of the best gymnastics in the world on display. After the conclusion of the competition, the junior and senior national teams were named and the Pan Ams team as well.
Junior National Team
Jazmyn Foberg
Nia Dennis
Norah Flatley
Jordan Chiles
Alexis Vasquez
Emily Gaskins
Bailie Key
Senior National Team
Simone Biles
Kyla Ross
Maggie Nichols
Alyssa Baumann
Mykayla Skinner
Amelia Hundley
Madison Desch
Madison Kocian
Ashton Locklear
Brenna Dowell
Felicia Hano*
Senior Pan Ams Team
Alyssa Baumann
Madison Desch
Amelia Hundley
Madison Kocian
Ashton Locklear
Maggie Nichols
Mykayla Skinner
Felicia Hano*
*Felicia Hano replaced Alyssa Baumann on the Pan Ams team and was added to the national team then
Juniors
Jazmyn Foberg was able to make it a full eight for eight with a clean competition to take the title. She placed in to top five everywhere except beam, where she placed ninth in a very deep field, and took the title on bars due to her clean performance in a junior championships marked by errors on the event. She has a very nice DTY with a great laid out position. Her block looks like it could use a little work, but pretty secure. Jazmyn's lowest score came on beam day 2 where her front foot on her LOSO was off line and she had to wobble to secure herself and she needed a large step on her dismount. Jazmyn is a very complete and even gymnast. Her talent is pretty evenly distributed, and she doesn't have any real standout or weak event. She could be like the Maggie Nichols of the junior ranks, but a better all arounder. In the MG Elite interview with The Gymternet, coach Maggie Haney said she did not have a long-term plan for Jazmyn, which shows just how surprising her surge has been! The plan had better be mapped out soon, because Jazzy is right on track!
Nia Dennis counted three falls to her two-day total, which kept her from the junior title. On day one, Nia peeled off too quickly on her DLO dismount and ended her routine in a fall. I wonder if maybe she should try for a different kind of dismount, like a double Arabian or maybe even a twisting flyaway. Double backs seem to give her issues. Nia also fell on her standing Arabian both days of competition, which is worrying since she was so. dang. solid. on it. Nia had a great vault on day one which she stuck, but she lacked a lot of her height and power day two. Her bars day two were amazing. Nia was able to put Pac Rims and Classics behind her and killed floor both days, and I love her routine so much! It's just a party! With her raw power, high-flying releases, and inconsistency, it's hard NOT to compare her to Gabby, and next year could be AMAZING.
Chow's Norah Flatley came in third after some uncharacteristic errors. Vault maintained the improvement from Pac Rims, but it still needs some work. Norah placed second on bars, where she has nice clean lines. Her score was lower day two due to missing handstands, but she moves through the routine easily and drills the DLO dismount. Norah needs just a little bit of refinement because occasionally she bends her arms on her kips a bit, but she could absolutely be a team player on bars or even better. Norah was able to score a 14.000 on floor both nights. On day two she went out of bounds, but had higher execution than day one. The most memorable thing about Norah's performance- in a negative way- is that she fell both days on beam. Day one Norah missed her feet completely on her sheep jump and she fell on her layout night two. Norah was always a rock on beam, so it's really abnormal for her to have had those big errors.
P&Gs was an overall good competition for Chow's gymnasts. Victoria Nguyen had a good outing for her first national championships. She vaults a pretty good FTY. Her block is a bit scrappy, but she got good distance day two. Victoria, like a true Chow's girl, whips around in el grip, but her bars definitely need refinement and her swing needs improvement. Day one, Victoria had a bad outing on beam and earned only a 12.600; on day two, she received the high score of the championships, a 15.200, for a gorgeous routine with just one medium wobble and a couple small ones. Victoria's best result was third on floor for an incredible routine. Victoria has time on her side and just needs to keep it up for her senior career. After last year's disaster on bars, Alexis was able to place fifth for a national team spot. I can't quite figure out what Chow's plan is for her. I wonder if they're focusing more on a college spot than successful senior international career. Alexis had very nice FTYs both days, easing them around. Her bars, which I prefer to Norah's, were very nice but lacking in difficulty, and she, like Rachel Gowey, often misses handstand. On day two, she had to muscle a bit and stall on a handstand, which cost her a couple of tenths. Alexis has a new, more fun floor routine this year. Her half in-half out is beautiful and her execution was so clean. The big surprise of the meet for Alexis was winning the title on beam after being clean and consistent- scoring a 14.700 both days- when her biggest competition, including teammate Norah, faltered. Her routines were beautiful and I love her choreography. I just love Alexis's gymnastics and am so happy she made the national team this year!
Jordan Chiles's two days of competition were about as different as they could have gotten! Day one was pretty bad, landing Jordan in 19th. Her vault was great and her floor was fine, though not as good as she could do, but bars and beam were really troublesome for her. Jordan's biggest error on beam day one was balking her first attempt at her BHS+LOSO+LOSO connection, but it was an unsteady routine all the way through. Bars was definitely Jordan's worst event on day one, and she scored only an 11.400. She stalled a handstand which resulted in empty swings, fell after casting to far over after a transition, fumbled her grip before a half turn which required her to recast, and lost a full point in neutral deductions when her coach touched her spotting a Jaeger. Day two was a total turnaround and back to Classics form, however, earning Jordan the highest day two total of the competition and allowing her to claw her way back to fourth. Her DTY was better than day one's and she just had to buckle her knees a bit on landing, causing her to take a small hop. Bars were still her trouble spot day two, but were a huge improvement. Her only noteworthy error was a stall before her toe-on on the low bar. Her only real problems day two on beam were a large wobble on her tour jete 1/2 and a low front tuck. Jordan was able to bear her day one score on floor by .750 with an incredible routine. I love the way she doesn't cowboy her skills! Jordan is really almost the ideal gymnast, and I really hope she keeps her routines as they are now for the next couple years and none of the gymternet's worries about burnout come into being.
Gymternet favorite Emily Gaskins placed sixth to take the final spot on the national team. She ended day one in second after just about the best she could have done. She debuted her DTY in competition day one. It's not a great vault, and she loses a fair bit of her block twisting early. Bars were definitely Emily's worst event of the competition. It was her lowest scoring event day one despite being a clean routine due to her low D score. Day two, Emily only scored an 11.000 after going over on a Stalder full and missing the bar on her Tkatchev. She also fumbled her grip before a half turn. It's sad that she came to grief day two, because Emily could really be beautiful on bars. After an incredibly steady routine day one, Emily was obviously flustered on beam after bars on day two. There were several big bobbles and she lost a fair bit of difficulty. Her beautiful floor, however, went well both days, and was a highlight of the competition.
The adorable Ragan Smith missed the national team by one placing and .05. Bars was easily her worst event. Day one she fell on a Jaeger; on day two, she finished her Stalder full way past handstand and had to take an extra swing and was way to far over the low bar on her Pak, and she ended up hitting her feet on the ground. Even though it's her weak event, Ragan's swing has improved a ton and her Stalder work really suits her. I still think her bars could be decent for her all around in the future. Ragan is another gymnast who added a DTY to her repertoire this year. Day one it was super messy and had poor body position, and day two's had plenty of issues but was much improved. Like Emily, Ragan twists early of the table and has to fix her technique. On beam, Ragan placed second after two very steady routines. She had messy wolf turns both days, and I kind of think they should try another high difficulty turn. She scored a tenth higher day two with a slightly more stable wolf turn and a bit smaller hop on landing. Ragan also placed second on floor, which makes me so happy because I love her floor! She seems to go just a bit too far on her BHS into her triple full in her first pass, and lacks a bit of height because of it. She displayed great musicality and performance quality! A lot of people were upset she wasn't added to the national team with her great performance.
Deanne Soza had a hard championships after a great Classics. Vault was her best event where she had two powerful DTYs, though she had somewhat scrappy landings on both when she stepped out night one and had a bit of a jarring impact on vault. Bars was unfortunately rough for Deanne, who fell on Tkatchev day one and overshot her Ezhova day two and her hips fell to the bar. Beam day two was a highlight routine for her, for which she earned a score of 14.350. She had a nicely confident routine with really nice skills and combinations, though she broke her front aerial+front aerial+aerial cartwheel series. Floor was troublesome day one for Deanne when her double tuck out of a 1 1/2 fell to her hands and knees. She had a nice routine day two, though, for a 13.750.
Christina Desiderio was in position for a national team spot going into the final rotation, but she sadly had a disastrous final bars routine. She stalled in a handstand and had to take two empty swings and then had the same error when she repeated the skill. She then had a fall on a forward giant. She was obviously flustered before remounting, and then crashed her dismount. Unfortunately, Christina had three other falls, two on beam and one on floor. Her vault on day two was very nice and she didn't underrotate it like she has before, and I loved her floor day two.
Olivia Trautman placed second on vault with scores of 14.800 and 14.900. Her vault day two was super powerful and had great height. Lauren Navarro was able to place second on beam with scores of 13.900 and 14.800. She has a gorgeous jump to split mount and very unique skill selection.
Seniors
As of right now, only two of the gymnasts who competed at P&Gs are not on the national team, Nica Hults and Macy Toronjo of Texas Dreams. Nica only competed two events at P&Gs, bars and beam. She had low difficulty on beam and missed some handstands on bars. Lots of gymfans are sad that Nica's elite career isn't highly successful, but she will be a great Bruin. Macy Toronjo placed lowest out of the gymnasts who competed all around at nationals. She had very low difficulty, only reaching a 5.5 on floor as her highest D score. Macy's bars lacked swing, and she placed last on the event. She vaulted two clean FTYs and her floor was enchanting to the music "Feeling Good." Floor was her highest scoring event, where she received a 14.050 night two.
Felicia Hano was left off the national team originally last night after only competing three events, vault beam and floor. Her difficulty also is a bit low, having a 5.6 potential on beam and 5.2 potential on floor. She stuck both DTYs and scored 14.900 night two. Felicia scored higher on every event night two than night one and improved her score by almost a point. Her DLO was one of the best she's had night two.
Madison Desch has sadly once again been unable to fulfill the potential she displayed as a junior. She lost at least half a point in OOB penalties both nights on floor. Maddie's best event was vault, where she vaulted two nice DTYs which both scored 14.500. I personally think her night one vault was a bit underscored. Maddie had a good bars routine night one, but came close to the bar on the dismount. On night two, Maddie fumbled her grip on a Stalder half and had to add two extra giant swings. Maddie's best scoring routine (vault doesn't count as a routine) was her day two beam which scored 14.200 and was very steady. Maddie was named to the Pan Ams team but likely won't be able to compete at a higher level competition.
Amelia Hundley came in sixth after an up and down competition. Amelia vaulted a DTY on night one and nominated one for night two, but something must have gone wrong because she went with an FTY instead. She had a bounce out of it, so it looks like she was going for the double. Amelia was good on bars and tied Kyla Ross's two-day total after Kyla made uncharacteristic mistakes. She increased her score six tenths from day one to day two, and seeing as her first routine had not major errors, the discrepancy seems a bit large. Amelia was also pretty good on beam. Though it was a bit shaky, she held on well and scored above 14.000. Amelia has a very enjoyable floor, but she made errors both nights. Night one she rolled backward out of the floor, and on night two she had uncontrolled landings on both her double pike and double tuck.
Madison Kocian and Ashton Locklear both only competed bars and beam. Madison's two day two-event total beat Ashton Locklear. Maddie was able to finally overcome her inconsistency on her standing Arabian and had no falls at P&G. She had problems with her double pike dismount both nights, underrotating it night one and overrotating it night two. Maddie's bars score increased by .250 from night one to night two. She connected her Pak+Chow 1/2 night two and stuck her dismount. Ashton had issues with her aerial cartwheel+LOSO connection both nights. She had a sizable wobble night one and fell on it night two. Her night one bars scored a monster 15.850 for her very difficult routine with most of her form errors from Classics fixed. On night two, she scored 15.200, having missed her inbar full+Komova II connection, though I still think the difference was a little harsh. Both are on the Pan Ams team, so this should give Martha a great opportunity to compare the two before Worlds selection.
Brenna Dowell only competed bars both nights to drastically varying results. On night one, Brenna scored the second-highest score on bars, 15.400, for a hit routine. She missed her toe-on full+Maloney connection, but hit her Tweddle+Ezhova and Church+Pak connections with no major error, and downgraded to a double layout dismount. On night two, she had a very rough routine. Brenna missed the half turn on her first Tweddle attempt and did just a Ray before hitting the Tweddle+Ezhova; however, her toe full turned into a toe 1 1/2 when she was over in her handstand. She also broke her Church+Pak connection before tucking her legs and hitting her feet on the ground. However, to quote Tim Dagget, "If it's all about fight, I want her in a foxhole next to me." She is still on the national team, though, and she plans on competing all around at selection camp, so there is still a glimmer of hope.
Mykayla Skinner hit eight for eight and scored above 14.000 on every routine on vault, beam, and floor. Bars was obviously her lowest scoring event. She is basically allergic to handstand, and her form wasn't perfect either. Beam was a decent event for Mykayla. She wobbled on her BHS+tuck full both nights and was very off split in her switch 1/2. She will never be great on beam, but she was definitely consistent. Mykayla went out on her Moors night one, but it was fairly well laid out. Her body position on the Moors was not as good night two, but she stayed in bounds. She also overcooked her 2 1/2 a little bit at the end of her routine. Switching the passes seems to have been the trick for her. I really wish she had kept her old music though, dramatic just doesn't work for her. Vault was a great event for Mykayla. Her half-on block was still a little wonky, but- and I may just be seeing what I want to see here- she seemed to block better night two. What happened since Jesolo?! Her DTY also definitely looked like it could have been an Amanar night one, so I have a sneaking hope she can bring it back during selection camp.
Alyssa Baumann overall had a good first senior nationals. She scored a 14.800 and 14.900 on vault for two nice DTYs. Bars was definitely her worst event. Her form was scrappy night one and she had lots of leg separations. Night two, Alyssa fell on her Maloney and hyper extended her elbow. She is out of Pan Ams, and there hasn't been any official word as to whether she will be back for selection camp. Alyssa tied with Simone for second on beam with two very confident routines which both scored 15.150. Alyssa also doubled her scores on floor with a 14.450 both nights, which was definitely great for her.
Maggie Nichols was one of the few gymnasts who hit eight for eight to place third. Her vaults were very nice, especially night two which was gorgeous and got a ton of air. Bars was the best she's performed this season night two, the only of her three performances where she didn't stall after catching her Pak. She was able to place third on bars after errors by Kyla Ross. On beam, she also had two strong routines, but cut her Grigoras. her front aerial+sissone+split was amazing night two. Maggie also placed third on floor. She really enjoys her routine, you can tell she loves performing it! She had two great double layouts and stuck her 1 1/2+double tuck night one. I especially love the way she spots her turns! Maggie is a great team player.
Kyla Ross and Simone Biles decided to remind us that they are human at P&Gs this year, just in case we were wondering. Or maybe it's all part of their master plan to lull us into a false sense of security, who knows. Both gymnasts counted falls over the competition. Simone fell on her aerial cartwheel on night two after breaking her connection out of her wolf hop. Kyla fell, as I suspected she might, on her whip+double Arabian night one, which she replaced with her normal pass night two and completed well. Kyla also fell night one on her DLO bars dismount which she appears to have had trouble adjusting to her new height this year. Kyla's vaults were both beautiful, and she scored above a 9.2 in execution on both. Her bars were gorgeous on night two, and she earned a 15.000. She made up for falling on her dismount night one by almoooost sticking the landing. Seriously, I had to take a second look to tell that her feet had moved. If this were the 80s, the judges would just have said "eh, close enough" and given her a 9.95 anyway. As much as I love Kyla, her E scores on beam were laughable. Day one, she had a large break after her front tuck and cut her wolf jump. One thing I love about Kyla is she knows where her value comes from. When she breaks a connection and the second skill doesn't count to her D score, she doesn't do the second. For the large break after her front tuck, she still received a 9.2 E score. On night two, she had a fair wobble after her switch ring and it was a fairly jittery routine, especially for Kyla, but she got a 9.35 E score. On floor, Kyla had a very clean routine and scored 14.800. I think the new choreography that's been added this year actually makes her performance stiffer and wish they'd go back to what it was like last year.
Simone went seven for seven before her last routine, but still won by four points. And came in second on beam, tied with Alyssa Baumann. Bars was her lowest scoring event, scoring a 14.550 and 14.750. It was the only event where she didn't score above 15. It is also the only event where she has a D score below 6.0. Both nights were hit routines and she planted the landing on her dismount night two. Vault was her highest scoring event, where she received a 15.900 both nights for super explosive vaults with just a tine hop back. Her Lopez was also beautiful and totally secure both nights. She had a great layout position and just landed a little to the side with a teensy hop. Simone's night one beam brought in a huge 15.700. She had a little correction after her second LOSO and front tuck, and a larger wobble after her wolf hop. It started with one of the best wolf turns she's done in complete control and ended with her beautiful BHS+BHS+full-in dismount combo. Floor was of course where she shone the most at nationals. I'm pretty sure she got downgraded both nights, on her switch 1/1 night one and Gogean night two. Night one she stuck her double layout perfectly. I mean, what really is there to say about this routine? It's perfect and she will destroy everyone this year. It's almost scary how strong Simone is when you know she still has wells of talent.
The white leo curse is most definitely over as Jordan Chiles, Simone, and Kyla all wore white leos one night and had falls the night they didn't.
Junior National Team
Jazmyn Foberg
Nia Dennis
Norah Flatley
Jordan Chiles
Alexis Vasquez
Emily Gaskins
Bailie Key
Senior National Team
Simone Biles
Kyla Ross
Maggie Nichols
Alyssa Baumann
Mykayla Skinner
Amelia Hundley
Madison Desch
Madison Kocian
Ashton Locklear
Brenna Dowell
Felicia Hano*
Senior Pan Ams Team
Madison Desch
Amelia Hundley
Madison Kocian
Ashton Locklear
Maggie Nichols
Mykayla Skinner
Felicia Hano*
*Felicia Hano replaced Alyssa Baumann on the Pan Ams team and was added to the national team then
Juniors
Jazmyn Foberg was able to make it a full eight for eight with a clean competition to take the title. She placed in to top five everywhere except beam, where she placed ninth in a very deep field, and took the title on bars due to her clean performance in a junior championships marked by errors on the event. She has a very nice DTY with a great laid out position. Her block looks like it could use a little work, but pretty secure. Jazmyn's lowest score came on beam day 2 where her front foot on her LOSO was off line and she had to wobble to secure herself and she needed a large step on her dismount. Jazmyn is a very complete and even gymnast. Her talent is pretty evenly distributed, and she doesn't have any real standout or weak event. She could be like the Maggie Nichols of the junior ranks, but a better all arounder. In the MG Elite interview with The Gymternet, coach Maggie Haney said she did not have a long-term plan for Jazmyn, which shows just how surprising her surge has been! The plan had better be mapped out soon, because Jazzy is right on track!
Nia Dennis counted three falls to her two-day total, which kept her from the junior title. On day one, Nia peeled off too quickly on her DLO dismount and ended her routine in a fall. I wonder if maybe she should try for a different kind of dismount, like a double Arabian or maybe even a twisting flyaway. Double backs seem to give her issues. Nia also fell on her standing Arabian both days of competition, which is worrying since she was so. dang. solid. on it. Nia had a great vault on day one which she stuck, but she lacked a lot of her height and power day two. Her bars day two were amazing. Nia was able to put Pac Rims and Classics behind her and killed floor both days, and I love her routine so much! It's just a party! With her raw power, high-flying releases, and inconsistency, it's hard NOT to compare her to Gabby, and next year could be AMAZING.
Chow's Norah Flatley came in third after some uncharacteristic errors. Vault maintained the improvement from Pac Rims, but it still needs some work. Norah placed second on bars, where she has nice clean lines. Her score was lower day two due to missing handstands, but she moves through the routine easily and drills the DLO dismount. Norah needs just a little bit of refinement because occasionally she bends her arms on her kips a bit, but she could absolutely be a team player on bars or even better. Norah was able to score a 14.000 on floor both nights. On day two she went out of bounds, but had higher execution than day one. The most memorable thing about Norah's performance- in a negative way- is that she fell both days on beam. Day one Norah missed her feet completely on her sheep jump and she fell on her layout night two. Norah was always a rock on beam, so it's really abnormal for her to have had those big errors.
P&Gs was an overall good competition for Chow's gymnasts. Victoria Nguyen had a good outing for her first national championships. She vaults a pretty good FTY. Her block is a bit scrappy, but she got good distance day two. Victoria, like a true Chow's girl, whips around in el grip, but her bars definitely need refinement and her swing needs improvement. Day one, Victoria had a bad outing on beam and earned only a 12.600; on day two, she received the high score of the championships, a 15.200, for a gorgeous routine with just one medium wobble and a couple small ones. Victoria's best result was third on floor for an incredible routine. Victoria has time on her side and just needs to keep it up for her senior career. After last year's disaster on bars, Alexis was able to place fifth for a national team spot. I can't quite figure out what Chow's plan is for her. I wonder if they're focusing more on a college spot than successful senior international career. Alexis had very nice FTYs both days, easing them around. Her bars, which I prefer to Norah's, were very nice but lacking in difficulty, and she, like Rachel Gowey, often misses handstand. On day two, she had to muscle a bit and stall on a handstand, which cost her a couple of tenths. Alexis has a new, more fun floor routine this year. Her half in-half out is beautiful and her execution was so clean. The big surprise of the meet for Alexis was winning the title on beam after being clean and consistent- scoring a 14.700 both days- when her biggest competition, including teammate Norah, faltered. Her routines were beautiful and I love her choreography. I just love Alexis's gymnastics and am so happy she made the national team this year!
Jordan Chiles's two days of competition were about as different as they could have gotten! Day one was pretty bad, landing Jordan in 19th. Her vault was great and her floor was fine, though not as good as she could do, but bars and beam were really troublesome for her. Jordan's biggest error on beam day one was balking her first attempt at her BHS+LOSO+LOSO connection, but it was an unsteady routine all the way through. Bars was definitely Jordan's worst event on day one, and she scored only an 11.400. She stalled a handstand which resulted in empty swings, fell after casting to far over after a transition, fumbled her grip before a half turn which required her to recast, and lost a full point in neutral deductions when her coach touched her spotting a Jaeger. Day two was a total turnaround and back to Classics form, however, earning Jordan the highest day two total of the competition and allowing her to claw her way back to fourth. Her DTY was better than day one's and she just had to buckle her knees a bit on landing, causing her to take a small hop. Bars were still her trouble spot day two, but were a huge improvement. Her only noteworthy error was a stall before her toe-on on the low bar. Her only real problems day two on beam were a large wobble on her tour jete 1/2 and a low front tuck. Jordan was able to bear her day one score on floor by .750 with an incredible routine. I love the way she doesn't cowboy her skills! Jordan is really almost the ideal gymnast, and I really hope she keeps her routines as they are now for the next couple years and none of the gymternet's worries about burnout come into being.
Gymternet favorite Emily Gaskins placed sixth to take the final spot on the national team. She ended day one in second after just about the best she could have done. She debuted her DTY in competition day one. It's not a great vault, and she loses a fair bit of her block twisting early. Bars were definitely Emily's worst event of the competition. It was her lowest scoring event day one despite being a clean routine due to her low D score. Day two, Emily only scored an 11.000 after going over on a Stalder full and missing the bar on her Tkatchev. She also fumbled her grip before a half turn. It's sad that she came to grief day two, because Emily could really be beautiful on bars. After an incredibly steady routine day one, Emily was obviously flustered on beam after bars on day two. There were several big bobbles and she lost a fair bit of difficulty. Her beautiful floor, however, went well both days, and was a highlight of the competition.
The adorable Ragan Smith missed the national team by one placing and .05. Bars was easily her worst event. Day one she fell on a Jaeger; on day two, she finished her Stalder full way past handstand and had to take an extra swing and was way to far over the low bar on her Pak, and she ended up hitting her feet on the ground. Even though it's her weak event, Ragan's swing has improved a ton and her Stalder work really suits her. I still think her bars could be decent for her all around in the future. Ragan is another gymnast who added a DTY to her repertoire this year. Day one it was super messy and had poor body position, and day two's had plenty of issues but was much improved. Like Emily, Ragan twists early of the table and has to fix her technique. On beam, Ragan placed second after two very steady routines. She had messy wolf turns both days, and I kind of think they should try another high difficulty turn. She scored a tenth higher day two with a slightly more stable wolf turn and a bit smaller hop on landing. Ragan also placed second on floor, which makes me so happy because I love her floor! She seems to go just a bit too far on her BHS into her triple full in her first pass, and lacks a bit of height because of it. She displayed great musicality and performance quality! A lot of people were upset she wasn't added to the national team with her great performance.
Deanne Soza had a hard championships after a great Classics. Vault was her best event where she had two powerful DTYs, though she had somewhat scrappy landings on both when she stepped out night one and had a bit of a jarring impact on vault. Bars was unfortunately rough for Deanne, who fell on Tkatchev day one and overshot her Ezhova day two and her hips fell to the bar. Beam day two was a highlight routine for her, for which she earned a score of 14.350. She had a nicely confident routine with really nice skills and combinations, though she broke her front aerial+front aerial+aerial cartwheel series. Floor was troublesome day one for Deanne when her double tuck out of a 1 1/2 fell to her hands and knees. She had a nice routine day two, though, for a 13.750.
Christina Desiderio was in position for a national team spot going into the final rotation, but she sadly had a disastrous final bars routine. She stalled in a handstand and had to take two empty swings and then had the same error when she repeated the skill. She then had a fall on a forward giant. She was obviously flustered before remounting, and then crashed her dismount. Unfortunately, Christina had three other falls, two on beam and one on floor. Her vault on day two was very nice and she didn't underrotate it like she has before, and I loved her floor day two.
Olivia Trautman placed second on vault with scores of 14.800 and 14.900. Her vault day two was super powerful and had great height. Lauren Navarro was able to place second on beam with scores of 13.900 and 14.800. She has a gorgeous jump to split mount and very unique skill selection.
Seniors
As of right now, only two of the gymnasts who competed at P&Gs are not on the national team, Nica Hults and Macy Toronjo of Texas Dreams. Nica only competed two events at P&Gs, bars and beam. She had low difficulty on beam and missed some handstands on bars. Lots of gymfans are sad that Nica's elite career isn't highly successful, but she will be a great Bruin. Macy Toronjo placed lowest out of the gymnasts who competed all around at nationals. She had very low difficulty, only reaching a 5.5 on floor as her highest D score. Macy's bars lacked swing, and she placed last on the event. She vaulted two clean FTYs and her floor was enchanting to the music "Feeling Good." Floor was her highest scoring event, where she received a 14.050 night two.
Felicia Hano was left off the national team originally last night after only competing three events, vault beam and floor. Her difficulty also is a bit low, having a 5.6 potential on beam and 5.2 potential on floor. She stuck both DTYs and scored 14.900 night two. Felicia scored higher on every event night two than night one and improved her score by almost a point. Her DLO was one of the best she's had night two.
Madison Desch has sadly once again been unable to fulfill the potential she displayed as a junior. She lost at least half a point in OOB penalties both nights on floor. Maddie's best event was vault, where she vaulted two nice DTYs which both scored 14.500. I personally think her night one vault was a bit underscored. Maddie had a good bars routine night one, but came close to the bar on the dismount. On night two, Maddie fumbled her grip on a Stalder half and had to add two extra giant swings. Maddie's best scoring routine (vault doesn't count as a routine) was her day two beam which scored 14.200 and was very steady. Maddie was named to the Pan Ams team but likely won't be able to compete at a higher level competition.
Amelia Hundley came in sixth after an up and down competition. Amelia vaulted a DTY on night one and nominated one for night two, but something must have gone wrong because she went with an FTY instead. She had a bounce out of it, so it looks like she was going for the double. Amelia was good on bars and tied Kyla Ross's two-day total after Kyla made uncharacteristic mistakes. She increased her score six tenths from day one to day two, and seeing as her first routine had not major errors, the discrepancy seems a bit large. Amelia was also pretty good on beam. Though it was a bit shaky, she held on well and scored above 14.000. Amelia has a very enjoyable floor, but she made errors both nights. Night one she rolled backward out of the floor, and on night two she had uncontrolled landings on both her double pike and double tuck.
Madison Kocian and Ashton Locklear both only competed bars and beam. Madison's two day two-event total beat Ashton Locklear. Maddie was able to finally overcome her inconsistency on her standing Arabian and had no falls at P&G. She had problems with her double pike dismount both nights, underrotating it night one and overrotating it night two. Maddie's bars score increased by .250 from night one to night two. She connected her Pak+Chow 1/2 night two and stuck her dismount. Ashton had issues with her aerial cartwheel+LOSO connection both nights. She had a sizable wobble night one and fell on it night two. Her night one bars scored a monster 15.850 for her very difficult routine with most of her form errors from Classics fixed. On night two, she scored 15.200, having missed her inbar full+Komova II connection, though I still think the difference was a little harsh. Both are on the Pan Ams team, so this should give Martha a great opportunity to compare the two before Worlds selection.
Brenna Dowell only competed bars both nights to drastically varying results. On night one, Brenna scored the second-highest score on bars, 15.400, for a hit routine. She missed her toe-on full+Maloney connection, but hit her Tweddle+Ezhova and Church+Pak connections with no major error, and downgraded to a double layout dismount. On night two, she had a very rough routine. Brenna missed the half turn on her first Tweddle attempt and did just a Ray before hitting the Tweddle+Ezhova; however, her toe full turned into a toe 1 1/2 when she was over in her handstand. She also broke her Church+Pak connection before tucking her legs and hitting her feet on the ground. However, to quote Tim Dagget, "If it's all about fight, I want her in a foxhole next to me." She is still on the national team, though, and she plans on competing all around at selection camp, so there is still a glimmer of hope.
Mykayla Skinner hit eight for eight and scored above 14.000 on every routine on vault, beam, and floor. Bars was obviously her lowest scoring event. She is basically allergic to handstand, and her form wasn't perfect either. Beam was a decent event for Mykayla. She wobbled on her BHS+tuck full both nights and was very off split in her switch 1/2. She will never be great on beam, but she was definitely consistent. Mykayla went out on her Moors night one, but it was fairly well laid out. Her body position on the Moors was not as good night two, but she stayed in bounds. She also overcooked her 2 1/2 a little bit at the end of her routine. Switching the passes seems to have been the trick for her. I really wish she had kept her old music though, dramatic just doesn't work for her. Vault was a great event for Mykayla. Her half-on block was still a little wonky, but- and I may just be seeing what I want to see here- she seemed to block better night two. What happened since Jesolo?! Her DTY also definitely looked like it could have been an Amanar night one, so I have a sneaking hope she can bring it back during selection camp.
Alyssa Baumann overall had a good first senior nationals. She scored a 14.800 and 14.900 on vault for two nice DTYs. Bars was definitely her worst event. Her form was scrappy night one and she had lots of leg separations. Night two, Alyssa fell on her Maloney and hyper extended her elbow. She is out of Pan Ams, and there hasn't been any official word as to whether she will be back for selection camp. Alyssa tied with Simone for second on beam with two very confident routines which both scored 15.150. Alyssa also doubled her scores on floor with a 14.450 both nights, which was definitely great for her.
Maggie Nichols was one of the few gymnasts who hit eight for eight to place third. Her vaults were very nice, especially night two which was gorgeous and got a ton of air. Bars was the best she's performed this season night two, the only of her three performances where she didn't stall after catching her Pak. She was able to place third on bars after errors by Kyla Ross. On beam, she also had two strong routines, but cut her Grigoras. her front aerial+sissone+split was amazing night two. Maggie also placed third on floor. She really enjoys her routine, you can tell she loves performing it! She had two great double layouts and stuck her 1 1/2+double tuck night one. I especially love the way she spots her turns! Maggie is a great team player.
Kyla Ross and Simone Biles decided to remind us that they are human at P&Gs this year, just in case we were wondering. Or maybe it's all part of their master plan to lull us into a false sense of security, who knows. Both gymnasts counted falls over the competition. Simone fell on her aerial cartwheel on night two after breaking her connection out of her wolf hop. Kyla fell, as I suspected she might, on her whip+double Arabian night one, which she replaced with her normal pass night two and completed well. Kyla also fell night one on her DLO bars dismount which she appears to have had trouble adjusting to her new height this year. Kyla's vaults were both beautiful, and she scored above a 9.2 in execution on both. Her bars were gorgeous on night two, and she earned a 15.000. She made up for falling on her dismount night one by almoooost sticking the landing. Seriously, I had to take a second look to tell that her feet had moved. If this were the 80s, the judges would just have said "eh, close enough" and given her a 9.95 anyway. As much as I love Kyla, her E scores on beam were laughable. Day one, she had a large break after her front tuck and cut her wolf jump. One thing I love about Kyla is she knows where her value comes from. When she breaks a connection and the second skill doesn't count to her D score, she doesn't do the second. For the large break after her front tuck, she still received a 9.2 E score. On night two, she had a fair wobble after her switch ring and it was a fairly jittery routine, especially for Kyla, but she got a 9.35 E score. On floor, Kyla had a very clean routine and scored 14.800. I think the new choreography that's been added this year actually makes her performance stiffer and wish they'd go back to what it was like last year.
Simone went seven for seven before her last routine, but still won by four points. And came in second on beam, tied with Alyssa Baumann. Bars was her lowest scoring event, scoring a 14.550 and 14.750. It was the only event where she didn't score above 15. It is also the only event where she has a D score below 6.0. Both nights were hit routines and she planted the landing on her dismount night two. Vault was her highest scoring event, where she received a 15.900 both nights for super explosive vaults with just a tine hop back. Her Lopez was also beautiful and totally secure both nights. She had a great layout position and just landed a little to the side with a teensy hop. Simone's night one beam brought in a huge 15.700. She had a little correction after her second LOSO and front tuck, and a larger wobble after her wolf hop. It started with one of the best wolf turns she's done in complete control and ended with her beautiful BHS+BHS+full-in dismount combo. Floor was of course where she shone the most at nationals. I'm pretty sure she got downgraded both nights, on her switch 1/1 night one and Gogean night two. Night one she stuck her double layout perfectly. I mean, what really is there to say about this routine? It's perfect and she will destroy everyone this year. It's almost scary how strong Simone is when you know she still has wells of talent.
The white leo curse is most definitely over as Jordan Chiles, Simone, and Kyla all wore white leos one night and had falls the night they didn't.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Looking Ahead to Worlds Team Finals
Team finals are my favorite phase of competition in gymnastics, so I'm so excited for the team final in Nanning after last year's individual Worlds!
The USA is still the clear front-runner for the team gold. Some people started to doubt their dominance after an exceptionally shaky Classics, but even from that competition a decent team could have been named. I fully believe a team of Biles, Ross, Nichols, Gowey, Locklear, and Kocian could wipe the floor in the team final. I'm still super disappointed about Mykayla's block- IT WAS CREDITABLE EARLIER THIS YEAR!! Peyton Ernst still could make a case for her inclusion at Nationals, and if Mykayla and Brenna manage to pull themselves together, even better. Even just the we-survived-Classics-2014 team would have all the bases covered. Biles has one of the best Amanars ever, performed one of the best floor routines ever at Classics, has improved her beam and has become very steady, has usable bars, and is just generally one of the best gymnasts ever. Ross is especially useful on bars and beam, but is helpful everywhere and so strong and steady. Nichols is also steady and could be used anywhere. Gowey was landing Amanars in PT at Classics, so if she could bring that into competition she could be useful on vault, her beam is very useful, and she could also be used anywhere. Locklear and Kocian both have stellar bars, and Locklear could potentially be a team player on beam as well. Really, the we-survived-Classics-2014 team is surprisingly flexible. A strong Ernst, Skinner, or Dowell could all make the US team even more uncatchable, but it's pretty decently ahead of the rest of the pack as is.
Romania, who was my pick for silver, recently sustained a devastating blow with the injury of Diana Bulimar (will we ever see her at Worlds again!?) Her loss leaves an even bigger gaping hole on uneven bars, where Bulimar was steady and fairly decent, but also weakens floor, where Bulimar could bring in scores above 14.000. Iordache is now becoming even more Mustafina-esque in how much Romania needs her. Romania will be looking to her to bring in their highest score on every event, and likely any medals they can pick up individually. Romania will be scrambling to fit together a team. The biggest problem will be who to put up in the third bars spot other than Iordache and Stanila. Romania will certainly be looking forward to Jurca and Iridon's senior debuts next year!
Russia is also a team in shambles. Mustafina has had surgery on her ankle this year and her status is uncertain on vault and floor, which would be a huge blow. Even if she's only in for bars and beam, Mustafina will still undoubtedly be on the team if she is able, as will Kharenkova and Sosnitskaya. This provides at least one DTY, if Mustafina is not ready on the event, a great bars set, two strong beams, and two good floors. I would expect Mustafina to be put up on at least vault if she can chuck a DTY, just because they are hard to come by in Russia's current pool of seniors. This means Russia needs at least one more vault, two more bars, and one more beam and floor. I think the remaining spots will be filled by a combination of Komova, Nabieva, Paseka, Spiridinova, and Rodionova. I think Komova will likely be on the team if she can throw a routine together, and Nabieva will be chosen over Paseka just because Paseka has been blacklisted. A team I think is unlikely to be named but has its merits is the three locks, Nabieva, Komova/Spiridinova, and Fedorova/Kramarenko. Nabieva could be put up on vault and bars, Komova or Spiridinova on bars, and Fedorova or Kramarenko on beam and floor. However, I think the Rods will name a vaulter, bar worker, and a UB/BB specialist and find someone to put up in the final floor spot. This team is somewhat weak and vault and floor, strong on bars, and a mixed bag on beam.
China has named their team. I'm not sure if it's technically official, but even if it's unofficial, China doesn't really have any other options. The Chinese team is for both Worlds and Asian Games. Yao Jinnan, Shang Chunsong, Huang Huidan, Tan Jiaxin, Chen Siyi, and Bai Yawen will make up the Chinese contingent at Nanning. It is a bit difficult to judge the strength of China's team since we haven't seen Tan Jiaxin since last year's DTB Cup and word of skills we haven't seen yet are circulating, as well as potential injury for Yao Jinnan. Personally, I think most people are overrating this team. Some were saying after Classics that China could overtake the USA, but I honestly think they might not even take the silver. Bars should be very strong for China. Yao has displayed a 7.0 routine this year, Huang Huidan is the reigning World Champion on bars, and Shang tied with her at China's National Championships. Beam also has a lot of potential for this team. Shang Chunsong has a very difficult routine, Bai Yawen is on the team for her prowess on this event, but also showed inconsistency at Chinese Nationals. Huang Huidan has improved her consistency on beam and scored around 14.35 at Nationals. Yao Jinnan scored in the low 14s at Nationals, but has also proved inconsistent on beam in the past. Vault will be an uncertain rotation. Word is that Tan Jiaxin has been training the Amanar but will not be competing it this season and that Shang Chunsong now has a consistent DTY. Tan Jiaxin has a nice DTY, and Yao Jinnan's is nice as well. The third vault is where vault becomes a bit worrisome. Shang Chunsong is apparently now vaulting a DTY, but we have no idea what it will look like. Chen Siyi vaulted a DTY at Chinese Nationals, but it was scary. Floor is another worrisome event for China. Yao Jinnan has added two tenths to her D score, so she might be able to score in the 14s. Shang Chunsong has added three tenths, now tumbling a 3 1/2 twist as her second pass, but her execution has also gone down. The third floor spot is another cause of consternation. All the other members of the team have D scores of 5.3 or lower and will be unlikely to break the low 13s. China will have to rely on potentially a scary vault and definitely on a weak floor, and Yao and Bai have both shown inconsistency on beam, and Shang also fell on beam in Antwerp.
A team which is looking to have potential to challenge the Big Four is Great Britain, which has skyrocketed in success since 2012. Rebecca Tunney, who helped GB to their silver at Euros, had an elbow surgery which kept her out of the Commonwealth Games, but British Gymnastics said she would be ready for Worlds. Assuming she will be ready, her bars will bring in a big number for GB. Gabby Jupp has also been out since Euros 2013 with injury, hers to her ACL. Gabby was supposed to make a comeback at British Championships, but she was unready. Nothing official has been said, but it looks unlikely she will be on the team, which is unfortunate because her beam could be a big help. The rest of the team will likely be the Commonwealth Games team. Becky Downie showed inconsistency on beam in Glasgow, which is concerning because she was competing well earlier in the season. Kelley Simm will be helpful on vault and potentially on floor as well. Hannah Whelan is likely to be on the beam and floor rotations, and if she can recreate her Glasgow all around beam routine, she should bring in a strong score. Ruby Harrold will be put up on bars and floor. Her bars can score very well and made the finals in 2013, scoring in the low 14s. Her floor is also strong. Claudia Fragapane will be a big scorer for GB. She vaults a DTY and could potentially be used on beam. Her highest-scoring event is her amazing floor, where she can bring in high 14s. This team should have three scores above 14.500 on vault and two high bars scores and a third above a 14.000. Beam and floor are a bit questionable. Beam can have potentially three scores above 14. Ruby and Hannah will likely score in the 13s on floor, but Claudia should bring in a very big number. With Romania's blow and Russia's floundering team, I think GB should be able to medal and even challenge China for silver. GB is stronger than China on vault (assuming Shang Chunsong's is what you would expect of a new DTY from someone who was stuck with an FTY for a long time), very strong on bars, likely second only to China, and much stronger on floor. Beam is the make-or-break event for GB, but China also has some inconsistency on beam. Team GB is really a fairly evenly talented team, probably second only to the USA.
The USA is still the clear front-runner for the team gold. Some people started to doubt their dominance after an exceptionally shaky Classics, but even from that competition a decent team could have been named. I fully believe a team of Biles, Ross, Nichols, Gowey, Locklear, and Kocian could wipe the floor in the team final. I'm still super disappointed about Mykayla's block- IT WAS CREDITABLE EARLIER THIS YEAR!! Peyton Ernst still could make a case for her inclusion at Nationals, and if Mykayla and Brenna manage to pull themselves together, even better. Even just the we-survived-Classics-2014 team would have all the bases covered. Biles has one of the best Amanars ever, performed one of the best floor routines ever at Classics, has improved her beam and has become very steady, has usable bars, and is just generally one of the best gymnasts ever. Ross is especially useful on bars and beam, but is helpful everywhere and so strong and steady. Nichols is also steady and could be used anywhere. Gowey was landing Amanars in PT at Classics, so if she could bring that into competition she could be useful on vault, her beam is very useful, and she could also be used anywhere. Locklear and Kocian both have stellar bars, and Locklear could potentially be a team player on beam as well. Really, the we-survived-Classics-2014 team is surprisingly flexible. A strong Ernst, Skinner, or Dowell could all make the US team even more uncatchable, but it's pretty decently ahead of the rest of the pack as is.
Romania, who was my pick for silver, recently sustained a devastating blow with the injury of Diana Bulimar (will we ever see her at Worlds again!?) Her loss leaves an even bigger gaping hole on uneven bars, where Bulimar was steady and fairly decent, but also weakens floor, where Bulimar could bring in scores above 14.000. Iordache is now becoming even more Mustafina-esque in how much Romania needs her. Romania will be looking to her to bring in their highest score on every event, and likely any medals they can pick up individually. Romania will be scrambling to fit together a team. The biggest problem will be who to put up in the third bars spot other than Iordache and Stanila. Romania will certainly be looking forward to Jurca and Iridon's senior debuts next year!
Russia is also a team in shambles. Mustafina has had surgery on her ankle this year and her status is uncertain on vault and floor, which would be a huge blow. Even if she's only in for bars and beam, Mustafina will still undoubtedly be on the team if she is able, as will Kharenkova and Sosnitskaya. This provides at least one DTY, if Mustafina is not ready on the event, a great bars set, two strong beams, and two good floors. I would expect Mustafina to be put up on at least vault if she can chuck a DTY, just because they are hard to come by in Russia's current pool of seniors. This means Russia needs at least one more vault, two more bars, and one more beam and floor. I think the remaining spots will be filled by a combination of Komova, Nabieva, Paseka, Spiridinova, and Rodionova. I think Komova will likely be on the team if she can throw a routine together, and Nabieva will be chosen over Paseka just because Paseka has been blacklisted. A team I think is unlikely to be named but has its merits is the three locks, Nabieva, Komova/Spiridinova, and Fedorova/Kramarenko. Nabieva could be put up on vault and bars, Komova or Spiridinova on bars, and Fedorova or Kramarenko on beam and floor. However, I think the Rods will name a vaulter, bar worker, and a UB/BB specialist and find someone to put up in the final floor spot. This team is somewhat weak and vault and floor, strong on bars, and a mixed bag on beam.
China has named their team. I'm not sure if it's technically official, but even if it's unofficial, China doesn't really have any other options. The Chinese team is for both Worlds and Asian Games. Yao Jinnan, Shang Chunsong, Huang Huidan, Tan Jiaxin, Chen Siyi, and Bai Yawen will make up the Chinese contingent at Nanning. It is a bit difficult to judge the strength of China's team since we haven't seen Tan Jiaxin since last year's DTB Cup and word of skills we haven't seen yet are circulating, as well as potential injury for Yao Jinnan. Personally, I think most people are overrating this team. Some were saying after Classics that China could overtake the USA, but I honestly think they might not even take the silver. Bars should be very strong for China. Yao has displayed a 7.0 routine this year, Huang Huidan is the reigning World Champion on bars, and Shang tied with her at China's National Championships. Beam also has a lot of potential for this team. Shang Chunsong has a very difficult routine, Bai Yawen is on the team for her prowess on this event, but also showed inconsistency at Chinese Nationals. Huang Huidan has improved her consistency on beam and scored around 14.35 at Nationals. Yao Jinnan scored in the low 14s at Nationals, but has also proved inconsistent on beam in the past. Vault will be an uncertain rotation. Word is that Tan Jiaxin has been training the Amanar but will not be competing it this season and that Shang Chunsong now has a consistent DTY. Tan Jiaxin has a nice DTY, and Yao Jinnan's is nice as well. The third vault is where vault becomes a bit worrisome. Shang Chunsong is apparently now vaulting a DTY, but we have no idea what it will look like. Chen Siyi vaulted a DTY at Chinese Nationals, but it was scary. Floor is another worrisome event for China. Yao Jinnan has added two tenths to her D score, so she might be able to score in the 14s. Shang Chunsong has added three tenths, now tumbling a 3 1/2 twist as her second pass, but her execution has also gone down. The third floor spot is another cause of consternation. All the other members of the team have D scores of 5.3 or lower and will be unlikely to break the low 13s. China will have to rely on potentially a scary vault and definitely on a weak floor, and Yao and Bai have both shown inconsistency on beam, and Shang also fell on beam in Antwerp.
A team which is looking to have potential to challenge the Big Four is Great Britain, which has skyrocketed in success since 2012. Rebecca Tunney, who helped GB to their silver at Euros, had an elbow surgery which kept her out of the Commonwealth Games, but British Gymnastics said she would be ready for Worlds. Assuming she will be ready, her bars will bring in a big number for GB. Gabby Jupp has also been out since Euros 2013 with injury, hers to her ACL. Gabby was supposed to make a comeback at British Championships, but she was unready. Nothing official has been said, but it looks unlikely she will be on the team, which is unfortunate because her beam could be a big help. The rest of the team will likely be the Commonwealth Games team. Becky Downie showed inconsistency on beam in Glasgow, which is concerning because she was competing well earlier in the season. Kelley Simm will be helpful on vault and potentially on floor as well. Hannah Whelan is likely to be on the beam and floor rotations, and if she can recreate her Glasgow all around beam routine, she should bring in a strong score. Ruby Harrold will be put up on bars and floor. Her bars can score very well and made the finals in 2013, scoring in the low 14s. Her floor is also strong. Claudia Fragapane will be a big scorer for GB. She vaults a DTY and could potentially be used on beam. Her highest-scoring event is her amazing floor, where she can bring in high 14s. This team should have three scores above 14.500 on vault and two high bars scores and a third above a 14.000. Beam and floor are a bit questionable. Beam can have potentially three scores above 14. Ruby and Hannah will likely score in the 13s on floor, but Claudia should bring in a very big number. With Romania's blow and Russia's floundering team, I think GB should be able to medal and even challenge China for silver. GB is stronger than China on vault (assuming Shang Chunsong's is what you would expect of a new DTY from someone who was stuck with an FTY for a long time), very strong on bars, likely second only to China, and much stronger on floor. Beam is the make-or-break event for GB, but China also has some inconsistency on beam. Team GB is really a fairly evenly talented team, probably second only to the USA.
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