Slog - Comments on Gymnastics Wrap-Up

Comment by cracked

cracked — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:56:41 -0800

Annie:
Seems like the number of blatant mistakes I saw in gymnastics this year were way way up, and that doesn't count the more subtle stuff you mentioned that an untrained person like me can't even see. Seems like the majority made very awkward blunders (not counting dismounts).

Do you think the levels of difficulty are too high?

Comment by annie

annie — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:17 -0800

@1: I do. The new code of points heavily favors difficulty over execution, and I think that's bad for gymnasts as well as being not particularly fun to watch for fans of gymnastics. Liukin and Johnson make most of the stuff they do look easy, but for kids who are, shall we say, less superhuman, those skills come at a great psychological cost.

Comment by Abby

Abby — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:41:54 -0800

Since gymnastics is pretty much over, I just wanted to say that I've been enjoying these posts, Annie. It's really interesting to see the sport from the perspective of someone who's actually been involved with it.

Comment by David

David — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:48 -0800

Agree w/1 & 2. It's confusing to the casual observer to watch Cheng Fei fall down on her vault and wobble all over the beam and still medal on both.

Comment by David

David — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:56:37 -0800

And agree w/3 too, for that matter! Thanks for the posts, Annie!

Comment by rb

rb — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:02:00 -0800

Annie, have enjoyed the posts. Gymnastics are my fave Olympic event. Liukin's performance on the beam last night was poetry! Regarding the uneven parallel bars, I disagree with the results, but kudos for Liukin to graciously accepting the silver. She's a class act.

And yes, I would love to see the level of difficulty at a more manageable level so that the gymnasts can focus on execution.

Comment by Dougsf

Dougsf — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:04:43 -0800

Beat these freak shows back to the circus, how about some indoor women's volleyball.

Comment by SDizzle

SDizzle — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:33:09 -0800

Agreed-- thanks for the posts Annie. I also like Liukin better-- she just seems more graceful, especially on the balance beam. She looked like she wasn't even trying. Maybe its those crazy long legs. Awesomeness.

Comment by arduous

arduous — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:09:38 -0800

Annie, thanks for this well layed out breakdown on that tiebreak!! I loved your gymnastics posts. I hope they re-work the point system before London 2012.