Gymnastics

[kathyk24]

I was very impressed with Simone Biles and Aly Raisman Gabby Douglas did not look sharp. I think Nastia is underrated as a commentator she doesn't talk constantly and her comments make sense.

[andromeda331]

So was I. Simone did an awesome job again and she never looks nervous. I'm nervous about Gabby its been so long since we've had a gymnastic do back to back Olympics.

[LADreamr]

Felt so bad for Gabby.  I don't know what happened to her on the bars.  She looked like she just started the night kind of off.  She was stronger on the beam, which is such a switch for her, historically, but the energy on the beam seemed more pissed off than confident.  But she's gone from a little girl to a poised young woman and has had to adjust to a completely different body.  Hope she's ok.

Something I never thought I'd say, though: Tim was bugging me more than Al tonight.  If he had said, "Even the guys can't..." one more time, I was going to jump into the tv and strangle him.  Yeah, Tim, the women gymnasts are quite often superior in their routines and more consistent, not to mention that many of their routines require more of an exertion of energy. The women are not JV to the men.  Go join Al in the Shut Up Corner.

[MostlyC]

I am wondering if everything is all right with Gabby; something seemed very....off last night.

Also, are the judges holding a grudge against Donell Levya or something?  

[Ohwell]

20 minutes ago, MostlyC said:

I am wondering if everything is all right with Gabby; something seemed very....off last night.

I wonder if she's been distracted by her show?  Maybe too much going on.  

[kathyk24]

I was shocked that Donnell Leyva didn't make the team maybe the committee got tired of his stepdad's antics. I wonder if they took into account how the men's team imploded in 2012 and that's why they added new members.

[choclatechip45]

Gabby looks stressed. She has a lot too loose. I think she will make the team regardless unless she messes up big time.

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I was shocked that Donnell Leyva didn't make the team maybe the committee got tired of his stepdad's antics. I wonder if they took into account how the men's team imploded in 2012 and that's why they added new members.

I wonder if they are pissed he didn't take out that element on  PB. I liked the shot of Hollie Vise and Chellsie Memmel. Surprised Nastia did not mention that Hollie trained at WOGA.

 

Did anyone watch that documentary on The Ranch? I watched it last night after the championships. I thought it was decent, but definitely a big fluff piece.

[SophiaD]

Missed much of tonight's competition.  What happened with Donnell Whittenberg?  I thought he was a lock!

[GreyBunny]

On 6/24/2016 at 10:39 PM, LADreamr said:

Something I never thought I'd say, though: Tim was bugging me more than Al tonight.  If he had said, "Even the guys can't..." one more time, I was going to jump into the tv and strangle him.  Yeah, Tim, the women gymnasts are quite often superior in their routines and more consistent, not to mention that many of their routines require more of an exertion of energy. The women are not JV to the men.  Go join Al in the Shut Up Corner.

Agreed.  He seems amazed that a woman can do a powerful vault.  I just wanted to smack him.  Also don't care if Marta Karolyi is picking the team, I am so sick of them constantly cutting away to her and slobbering about her every facial expression.   Apparently she's going to retire after Rio.  Good.  I never liked her and I hope I never have to look at her stank face ever again.  

[Dots And Stripes]

13 hours ago, kathyk24 said:

I was shocked that Donnell Leyva didn't make the team maybe the committee got tired of his stepdad's antics. I wonder if they took into account how the men's team imploded in 2012 and that's why they added new members.

The team is 3 from London and 2 alternates. Apparently, and I base most if not all of my knowledge of this based on the NBC commentators, Orozco was also borderline but ended up with a spot. They kept reminding us that Orozco imposed on pommel horse in London so I don't think memories of London is what kept Leyva off. Sounds to me more like the committee didn't give him a lot of credit for coming back from an injury in May, or at least not enough to overcome other athletes.

14 hours ago, Ohwell said:

I wonder if she's been distracted by her show?  Maybe too much going on.  

Apparently this has been Gabby's demeanor since she returned to competition after London. She didn't seem to have much fire the other night but I still enjoyed watching her. There's something very graceful about her. I do find it interesting that the NBC commentators had her as one of the three locks (Biles and Raisman being the others) but only see her competing in the team finals for uneven bars. I think she would probably have to implode to be left off the team but it's interesting that she's not seen as more of a potential contributor for the team finals.

[pivot]

That chart from NBC was weird. There's no way Gabby isn't doing vault in team finals and possibly floor as well.  She'll also likely be the #2 AA on the team along with Simone. 

The likely team is going to be Laurie Herendez, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman and a bars specialist. Aly and Simone are among the best on floor and beam so there will only be one slot left between Laurie/Gabby for those apparatus.

[choclatechip45]

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That chart from NBC was weird. There's no way Gabby isn't doing vault in team finals and possibly floor as well.  She'll also likely be the #2 AA on the team along with Simone. 

If Gabby gets back her Amanar they will definitely use her for vault in team finals. They only used her during team finals in Worlds because Aly's  Amanar was a mess. The fifth spot will come down to Maggie or a bars specialist. Too bad Ragan Smith had a bad night one. I would have liked to see her as a spoiler.

[catray]

I totally agree about Tim being more annoying than Al this time around!  I mean, he made inane comments before but they more inane now. Not sure how that's possible. 

I haven't actually watched the men's final yet, but I am a bit surprised that Danell and Donnell were left off the team-- I know Donnell faltered a bit in the first night but it seemed he had been pretty consistently good up to this point. While I'm not a big fan of Danell's step-father, Danell himself showed up pretty strong the first night (though it sounds like his injury and low scores at the championship hurt his chances here). 

[DkNNy79]

Very surprised that Lleyva did not make the team.  The US women's team and just women overall have been so awesome for so long.  I just wonder why the men can never make a legitimate run for a team medal or all-around (outside of the one bronze they won in Bejiing?)

[pivot]

I've given up on rooting for the US men. They fall apart at every major international competition. It's just embarassing at this point.

[KFC]

Not really that surprising, but based on this USA Today article, it sounds like Martha is leaning towards Kocian and Hernandez over Locklear and Nichols:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2016/06/27/womens-olympic-gymnastics-team/86426030/

I think the real question isn't the team, but who the alternates will be. Specifically that third alternate slot, since most everyone seems to think the other two slots will be the remaining bars specialist (Kocian or Locklear) and Nichols (or Hernandez).

[tanyak]

If Ragan Smith is turning 16 in less than two months, I will eat my shoe. She looks like a student who could be at my son's elementary school. And it had nothing to do with her height. She just has such a baby face and voice. It's just so jarring. 

I did wonder if Gabby is still learning to work with her body. She's obviously a little taller and maybe a tad heavier. And I love Simone. That is all.

[OSM Mom]

1 hour ago, tanyak said:

If Ragan Smith is turning 16 in less than two months, I will eat my shoe. She looks like a student who could be at my son's elementary school. And it had nothing to do with her height. She just has such a baby face and voice. It's just so jarring. 

 

Thank God I'm not the only one who thought this.  She looks about 10.  11 tops.  

And yes, this sounds bitchy, but in a way I'm glad Leyva didn't make it.  I was fed up with his father's antics and his hiding under his towel like a toddler in London.  

[tanyak]

9 hours ago, OSM Mom said:

Thank God I'm not the only one who thought this.  She looks about 10.  11 tops.  

And yes, this sounds bitchy, but in a way I'm glad Leyva didn't make it.  I was fed up with his father's antics and his hiding under his towel like a toddler in London.  

Ha! Yes to both!

I didn't watch the men's trials, but when they showed a snippet of what happened during the women's finals on Sunday, I actually thought, "Well, we won't have to deal with his crazy stepdad." Which is awful because that has nothing to do with Danell. I get being excited about your kid, but his stepdad just does too.much to the point that he's a distraction. Ugh. 

[fireice13]

I have no idea why Gabby Douglas came back. She has an all-around gold and a team gold; what more could she possibly want? I understand Aly Raisman returning after what happened in the all-around. She's also been much more consistent than Gabby. I was pretty shocked at Gabby's performance this weekend. She faltered quite a bit and when it's three up three count that can't happen. Unless Simone gets injured she'll win the all-around, probably some of the individual apparatuses as well, and lead the team to gold. Again, why is Gabby Douglas returning?

[choclatechip45]

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I have no idea why Gabby Douglas came back. She has an all-around gold and a team gold; what more could she possibly want? I understand Aly Raisman returning after what happened in the all-around. She's also been much more consistent than Gabby. I was pretty shocked at Gabby's performance this weekend. She faltered quite a bit and when it's three up three count that can't happen. Unless Simone gets injured she'll win the all-around, probably some of the individual apparatuses as well, and lead the team to gold. Again, why is Gabby Douglas returning?

To make money.  Plus I think she has no idea what she would do with her life when her gymnastics career is over.

[pivot]

Gabby always looks rough at Nationals and is great at World's/Olympics. Did the same thing in 2011, 2012 and 2015. She is currently the World AA silver medalist. And won the last 2-3 competitions she competed in (where Biles wasn't there). She is really the only one who stands a chance of keeping up with Biles. Gabby is supposed to be doing an Amanar at the Olympics which will make her the #2 American on vault. She's the #2 on UB as well. 

[cesstar]

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I have no idea why Gabby Douglas came back. She has an all-around gold and a team gold; what more could she possibly want?

I think she just wanted to extend her gymnastics career and her legacy - she had a fairly meteoric rise, the Olympics were basically her debut and coronation all in one go (I know she competed at 2011 Worlds but she was originally the alternate there). If she retired after Rio it would have been a very short senior career. Plus there is the added motivation of trying to be the first gymnast since Comaneci to repeat on the all-around podium which she has a good shot at doing - and if it wasn't for the emergence of Simone Biles, who will probably become the greatest gymnast of all time, she would have been favourite for repeat gold. I'm sure there are probably commercial considerations at play too - she's found something that she likes and is good at, who wouldn't want to continue in that field for as long as they could?

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I wonder if she's been distracted by her show?  Maybe too much going on.  

I think filming on the show ceased almost a year ago? But she definitely seemed tense. Could be the pressure, maybe she just had a bad practice leading in and it was playing on her mind. 

Aly did great, and Hernandez looks like she is peaking at just the right time. I would agree with the 5 members proposed from that article although I do love to watch Locklear on bars.

[topanga]

15 hours ago, fireice13 said:

I have no idea why Gabby Douglas came back. She has an all-around gold and a team gold; what more could she possibly want? I understand Aly Raisman returning after what happened in the all-around. She's also been much more consistent than Gabby. I was pretty shocked at Gabby's performance this weekend. She faltered quite a bit and when it's three up three count that can't happen. Unless Simone gets injured she'll win the all-around, probably some of the individual apparatuses as well, and lead the team to gold. Again, why is Gabby Douglas returning?

Maybe because she still enjoys competing? Gymnastics is one of those unfortunate sports where you have maybe 4 years to be at the top of your sport. Unlike basketball, where guys can play in the NBA for 15 years, or even tennis, where elite athletes like Venus and Serena Williams have been competing for two decades.  And since Gabby started gymnastics (at age 7? 8?) she's been groomed to be a competitor. Even with money and a Gold Medal, that competitive spirit doesn't automatically go away. Gabby talked about competing in Rio right after she won the gold in London, so it's always been a goal of hers. 

I agree that Gabby is not at top form anymore, and that may be because she's getting used to her taller, more muscular frame, as someone suggested. Her body also seems less flexible to me than it used to be. And less flexible than Simone--who is just as muscular, if not more so, than Gabby is. I wonder if any of the gymnasts do yoga, or if everything is done in the gym. 

But I'm more concerned about her coaching change. I've heard that she left Coach Chow because of conflicts over money. But I don't know the details--was he demanding an exorbitant fee from her? Did he want a financial stake in her brand? Anyway, I don't think her new coach in Ohio connects with her the way Chow seemed to do. Just based on the gym scenes from Gabby's reality show, I hear her coach saying things like, "fix your arms, open your hips," etc. And with Coach Chow, he said those things, but he also talked to Gabby about the philosophy behind what she was doing and what she needed to do emotionally and mentally to achieve her gymnastics goals. 

Oh, and I just love Simone Biles. Her gymnastics and her positive attitude. I want to know more about her. All the commentators said was that she came from a "broken home" and grew up with her grandparents. I do wish they would start mentioning how hard she trains. She makes everything look so easy, and commentators don't help when they keep calling her a freak of nature or a gifted athlete. She is gifted, but she still had to work her ass off to be where she is now. 

[choclatechip45]

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But I'm more concerned about her coaching change. I've heard that she left Coach Chow because of conflicts over money. But I don't know the details--was he demanding an exorbitant fee from her? Did he want a financial stake in her brand? Anyway, I don't think her new coach in Ohio connects with her the way Chow seemed to do. Just based on the gym scenes from Gabby's reality show, I hear her coach saying things like, "fix your arms, open your hips," etc. And with Coach Chow, he said those things, but he also talked to Gabby about the philosophy behind what she was doing and what she needed to do emotionally and mentally to achieve her gymnastics goals. 

The rumor on the internet is that Chow got in trouble with USA Gym because he wanted all of his gymnasts to sign a paper that would give him a percentage of their earnings. Apparently he got in trouble because it goes NCAA rules.

[topanga]

53 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

The rumor on the internet is that Chow got in trouble with USA Gym because he wanted all of his gymnasts to sign a paper that would give him a percentage of their earnings. Apparently he got in trouble because it goes NCAA rules.

That's too bad. He seemed like a nice guy and a good coach. I should clarify--he seemed like a nice guy in the Lifetime Movie!

[topanga]

On 6/24/2016 at 10:37 PM, OSM Mom said:

And for the love of God, could we please get these lady gymnasts some uniforms that don't wind up looking like thongs at the end of their routine? 

I know, right? These girls have constant wedgies. And I'm sure they have to be trained not to pull their uniforms out of their butts before they compete. 

[EVS]

1 hour ago, topanga said:

 

Oh, and I just love Simone Biles. Her gymnastics and her positive attitude. I want to know more about her. All the commentators said was that she came from a "broken home" and grew up with her grandparents. I do wish they would start mentioning how hard she trains. She makes everything look so easy, and commentators don't help when they keep calling her a freak of nature or a gifted athlete. She is gifted, but she still had to work her ass off to be where she is now. 

This is a good interview with Simone's grandmother about how she came to live with them. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-gymnastics-biles-idUSKCN0YA052

[choclatechip45]

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That's too bad. He seemed like a nice guy and a good coach. I should clarify--he seemed like a nice guy in the Lifetime Movie!

I agree. I still like him. I just think he is very protective of his business since I remember him reading an article about him suing a former coach over a non-compete clause. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2014/04/30/gymnastics-coach-liang-chow-files-lawsuit-former-coach-triad-gymnastics-ankeny-noncompete-agreement-west-des-moines-olympics/8499799/

[fireice13]

I do love Simone because not only is she really good and fun to watch it looks like she's also having a lot of fun. The same with Laurie Hernandez. I wonder if Simone will retire after Rio or if she'll keep it up and try and stay in for another 4 years. She'd be 23 years old at that time, but if anyone could still compete at that age I would bet it would be her.

[KFC]

15 hours ago, choclatechip45 said:

The rumor on the internet is that Chow got in trouble with USA Gym because he wanted all of his gymnasts to sign a paper that would give him a percentage of their earnings. Apparently he got in trouble because it goes NCAA rules.

That's interesting, I haven't heard that rumor. I frequent some gymnastics boards and the general impression I got was that Chow is very well respected but Gabby's mom has a lot of issues with managing her finances, not just her bankruptcy. And it sounded like he overlooked payment while Gabby was still an up-and-comer but then he wouldn't put up with it now that's she making money as an Olympic gold medalist. 

[topanga]

Who went bankrupt, Gabby or her mom?

[choclatechip45]

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That's interesting, I haven't heard that rumor. I frequent some gymnastics boards and the general impression I got was that Chow is very well respected but Gabby's mom has a lot of issues with managing her finances, not just her bankruptcy. And it sounded like he overlooked payment while Gabby was still an up-and-comer but then he wouldn't put up with it now that's she making money as an Olympic gold medalist. 

It was mentioned on one of the boards. Apparently no one involved  is allowed to talk about it. I'm not surprised about Gabby's mom. I really like Gabby, but I don't like her mom she has rubbed me the wrong way the last 4 years. I'm afraid in ten years we will find out Gabby is broke from supporting her family.

[topanga]

8 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

It was mentioned on one of the boards. Apparently no one involved  is allowed to talk about it. I'm not surprised about Gabby's mom. I really like Gabby, but I don't like her mom she has rubbed me the wrong way the last 4 years. I'm afraid in ten years we will find out Gabby is broke from supporting her family.

Have you seen her reality show? It makes me like Gabrielle and her siblings more but her mother and grandmother less. Her mother's heart is in the right place (i.e. I don't think she's stealing from Gabby), and she desperately wants to manage Gabby's brand, but she lacks all business sense. Her siblings seem smarter and more business-savvy than the mom (especially Ariel, the oldest), but it's almost as if their mother refuses to let these adult children have their own lives--probably because she knows she can't manage Gabby's brand on her own. She still wants the siblings to be all about Gabby, which they didn't seem to mind as kids but now probably resent. 

And there's something about a grandmother who makes her grandchildren call her "Miss Carolyn." So impersonal. So weird. 

I think Gabby feels pressure, not only to perform well as a gymnast, but also because she's taking care of so many adults, and their livelihoods depend 100% on her individual success. Isn't there something wrong with that?

[choclatechip45]

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Have you seen her reality show? It makes me like Gabrielle and her siblings more but her mother and grandmother less. Her mother's heart is in the right place (i.e. I don't think she's stealing from Gabby), and she desperately wants to manage Gabby's brand, but she lacks all business sense. Her siblings seem smarter and more business-savvy than the mom (especially Ariel, the oldest), but it's almost as if their mother refuses to let these adult children have their own lives--probably because she knows she can't manage Gabby's brand on her own. She still wants the siblings to be all about Gabby, which they didn't seem to mind as kids but now probably resent. 

And there's something about a grandmother who makes her grandchildren call her "Miss Carolyn." So impersonal. So weird. 

I think Gabby feels pressure, not only to perform well as a gymnast, but also because she's taking care of so many adults, and their livelihoods depend 100% on her individual success. Isn't there something wrong with that?

I watch her reality show and it makes me dislike Natalie more. The siblings seem to want their own lives. Which they should have. I don't understand why Natalie is living in a mansion in California to manage "Gabrielle's Brand".  I do remember reading Gabby wanted to train at the gym Kyla Ross went too, but the gym said no.

[KFC]

4 hours ago, topanga said:

Who went bankrupt, Gabby or her mom?

Gabby's mom, Natalie Hawkins. I think she's been pretty open about it. Although I agree with that I get a "living off her daughter" vibe from the mom and that Gabby seems to feel pressure to be the family breadwinner. I've heard a lot of negative things about the mom, although clearly Gabby seems like a well-adjusted individual.

[Arynm]

I really want Paul Ruggeri to make the team as an alternate for purely superficial reasons, that man is fine! I thought Donnell was a lock on rings, I couldn't

believe he didn't make it. Danell Leyva does nothing for me so when his name wasn't called it didn't phase me at all.

[Mittengirl]

It is making me nervous that the announcers are handing Simone not just a place on the Olympic team, but all of the gold medals, already.  Let's let things run their course, OK?

Ragan looked as young as some of the Chinese gymnasts.  And tiny.

 

I, too, get an uneasy feeling about Gabby basically supporting her whole family.  I don't quite understand why Natalie thought that living in LA was important to managing Gabby's "brand".  Not to mention, living in what looks like a quite expensive house, that Gabby's not living in.  And expensive cars, as well.  It wouldn't surprise me if there are hard financial times ahead, unless someone other than Mom is really managing Gabby's money and business.  The whole family seem like good people, so I hope things work out for the best for all.

Edited July 1, 2016 by Mittengirl

[CeeBeeGee]

On 6/25/2016 at 10:10 PM, Ohwell said:

I wonder if she's been distracted by her show?  Maybe too much going on.  

I still can't believe Marta didn't put the kibosh on that nonsense. Ridiculous distraction for a gymnast who's training 40 hours a week. And the show is awful as well (what little I saw). Gabby doesn't need that.

On 6/28/2016 at 9:14 PM, pivot said:

Gabby always looks rough at Nationals and is great at World's/Olympics. Did the same thing in 2011, 2012 and 2015. She is currently the World AA silver medalist. And won the last 2-3 competitions she competed in (where Biles wasn't there). She is really the only one who stands a chance of keeping up with Biles. Gabby is supposed to be doing an Amanar at the Olympics which will make her the #2 American on vault. She's the #2 on UB as well. 

No one can keep up with Simone. Gabby did a terrific job in Glasgow but she is a far second to Biles. If Simone hits in Rio she will win by a huge margin. (Also Gabby did pretty well at Nationals in 2012--she barely lost to Jordyn and then of course won the trials. She really peaked at the right time. But yes, she tanked at Nationals in '11--I guess I'm hoping she pulls through here, because I think it would be awesome if she made the podium in Rio and made history, but there are SO many amazing US gymnasts who I'd love to see get a chance...)

[Elsydeon]

Yeah, I like the team of Simone, Gabby, Laurie, Madison, and Aly. I go with Madison over Ashton because while Ashton has a higher potential score on bars, Madison is more well-rounded and trains every event, something that Ashton doesn't do. She gives the team more options in case of injury.

Even if Simone wins in Rio, I think she'll compete in the next cycle. As long as it's still fun for her and she's still capable of performing, then why not?

Oh, and while I get that the announcers are spouting off the storylines that the network wants them to, I really wish they would STFU about how Simone is a lock for all these gold medals. Have they not learned from the hundreds of Olympians who were pre-determined gold medalists, only to "fail" because they didn't win gold? Sometimes I feel bad for these athletes who are deemed to be failures because they didn't reach the often unrealistic expectations of the public and TPTB.

[HartofDixie]

Alyssa Baumann will not compete at Trials.

https://usagym.org/pages/post.html?PostID=18891&prog=h

[greendog78]

Alyssa didn't really have a chance of making the team, but that's sad she won't get a chance to try. 

I know Simone is the best gymnast to ever gymnast, but I wish the announcers would dial back the Simone wins gold in everything talk. I'm sure they'll go into overdrive at Trials. If past Olympics are anything to go by, unexpected things can happen.

Except for the US men. They seem trapped in an endless cycle of being beaten by the pommel horse.

[choclatechip45]

The thing is about Simone her difficulty is so high it will be very hard for anyone to beat her in the all around.  She beat Aly by 4 points she could have fallen twice and still have won.

RE Alyssa

I saw on Madison Kocian Instagram that she watched Alyssa get injured. I wonder what that will do to her mental game at trials since she trains with Alyssa. Right now I would put Madison ahead of Ashton.

Edited July 2, 2016 by choclatechip45

[qtpye]

On 7/1/2016 at 10:45 AM, Elsydeon said:

Yeah, I like the team of Simone, Gabby, Laurie, Madison, and Aly. I go with Madison over Ashton because while Ashton has a higher potential score on bars, Madison is more well-rounded and trains every event, something that Ashton doesn't do. She gives the team more options in case of injury.

Even if Simone wins in Rio, I think she'll compete in the next cycle. As long as it's still fun for her and she's still capable of performing, then why not?

Oh, and while I get that the announcers are spouting off the storylines that the network wants them to, I really wish they would STFU about how Simone is a lock for all these gold medals. Have they not learned from the hundreds of Olympians who were pre-determined gold medalists, only to "fail" because they didn't win gold? Sometimes I feel bad for these athletes who are deemed to be failures because they didn't reach the often unrealistic expectations of the public and TPTB.

 

On 7/1/2016 at 9:41 PM, greendog78 said:

Alyssa didn't really have a chance of making the team, but that's sad she won't get a chance to try. 

I know Simone is the best gymnast to ever gymnast, but I wish the announcers would dial back the Simone wins gold in everything talk. I'm sure they'll go into overdrive at Trials. If past Olympics are anything to go by, unexpected things can happen.

Except for the US men. They seem trapped in an endless cycle of being beaten by the pommel horse.

Word to both of these posts.  It is almost like they are setting her up to fail.  I am old enough to remember Kim Zmeskal and I hate it when the announcers to do this.  For those of you that do not know, Kim Z was also considered one of the most amazing gymnast of her time and was a lock to win all the gold in Barcelona.  There were interviews quoting her about what she would do with her supposed post Olympic earnings.  She flamed out at the Olympics due to injury and a previously ignored young gymnast emerged as the star...her name was Shannon Miller.

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I think Gabby feels pressure, not only to perform well as a gymnast, but also because she's taking care of so many adults, and their livelihoods depend 100% on her individual success. Isn't there something wrong with that?

I wonder why they have not capitalized on her fame with endorsements and announcing/speaking gigs?  She should be able to make a ton of money on these things alone.  It makes me thinks she is not being managed correctly.

If competing again is what she wants...then good for her.  However, I hope she is not being forced into it by financial reasons.

[ketchuplover]

Shouldn't that be pummel horse?

[choclatechip45]

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I wonder why they have not capitalized on her fame with endorsements and announcing/speaking gigs?  She should be able to make a ton of money on these things alone.  It makes me thinks she is not being managed correctly.

Gabby's interviews are cringe worthy. She is in desperate need of media training. No one cares about these Olympians unless its an Olympic year.  Which is why so many of them keep coming back unless they are doing college gymnastics or physically can't.  It was well-known in 2012 Shawn had stopped training months before she announced her retirement (partly because of tongue slip by Gabby).  I do think it is interesting besides Simone no one else has gone pro this quad. I guess gymnasts have learned from Rebecca Bross and Jana Bieger. Even Simone didn't go pro until last summer.

[cesstar]

On 06/07/2016 at 0:50 AM, qtpye said:

I wonder why they have not capitalized on her fame with endorsements and announcing/speaking gigs?  She should be able to make a ton of money on these things alone.  It makes me thinks she is not being managed correctly.

I don't know if speaking gigs would be the best path for her, she seems relatively reserved and cautious around the media/gym journalists. Perhaps based on her experience after the 2012 games where they dug up all sorts of dirt on her family dynamic/absent dad/money troubles etc. She does not sound comfortable answering questions and always a bit defensive.

I think she has a fair few endorsements though - Nike, GK leotards, P&G, I think Visa too? And she no doubt made money off her book, movie and now TV show. But I don't know how far that money goes when you consider training, accommodation, travel and paying for sports management/financial advisors plus supporting her family.

2 hours ago, choclatechip45 said:

I do think it is interesting besides Simone no one else has gone pro this quad. I guess gymnasts have learned from Rebecca Bross and Jana Bieger. Even Simone didn't go pro until last summer.

Simone would have been crazy not to go pro. She already has some serious endorsements which is unusual in a sport where the Olympics is generally what makes an athlete appealing to the big companies.

An interesting article on Ashton Locklear and the sacrifices her family have made to give her this opportunity https://yourdailyjournal.com/sports/39613/ashton-locklear-refuses-to-give-up-on-her-dream

I think she gave up her college scholarship last year although I don't believe she has gone pro yet either. And unfortunately I don't think she'll make the team, unless as an alternate.

[choclatechip45]

Quote

Simone would have been crazy not to go pro. She already has some serious endorsements which is unusual in a sport where the Olympics is generally what makes an athlete appealing to the big companies.

An interesting article on Ashton Locklear and the sacrifices her family have made to give her this opportunity https://yourdailyjournal.com/sports/39613/ashton-locklear-refuses-to-give-up-on-her-dream

I think she gave up her college scholarship last year although I don't believe she has gone pro yet either. And unfortunately I don't think she'll make the team, unless as an alternate.

I agree Simone would have been crazy not to go pro. I guess she was being cautious since she only went pro last summer. I read the Ashton Locklear article I wonder if her body would even hold up if she did do college gymnastics. Too bad she isn't four years younger she would have a great chance for the 2020 Olympic Team qualifying for the Event Specialist positions.

[topanga]

10 hours ago, cesstar said:

I think she has a fair few endorsements though - Nike, GK leotards, P&G, I think Visa too? And she no doubt made money off her book, movie and now TV show. But I don't know how far that money goes when you consider training, accommodation, travel and paying for sports management/financial advisors plus supporting her family.

Simone would have been crazy not to go pro. She already has some serious endorsements which is unusual in a sport where the Olympics is generally what makes an athlete appealing to the big companies.

An interesting article on Ashton Locklear and the sacrifices her family have made to give her this opportunity https://yourdailyjournal.com/sports/39613/ashton-locklear-refuses-to-give-up-on-her-dream

I think she gave up her college scholarship last year although I don't believe she has gone pro yet either. And unfortunately I don't think she'll make the team, unless as an alternate.

Will someone please explain to me what it means to go pro as a gymnast? I thought that once an amateur athlete starts making money through endorsements, speaking engagements, etc, then they are considered professionals and can't compete on a collegiate level. That's how it is for football and basketball, anyway. 

[selkie]

Professional by NCAA definition is taking money for your sport in the form of payments for performances, team contract, endorsement and sponsorship deals, etc. from anyone other than your national federation directly. (And the allowance that you can take a national team stipend in limited circumstances is a relatively new one.)

Be In is plugging the holes in their soccer schedule with Olympic sport programming, seemingly by buying rebroadcast rights to English language Eurosport  stuff on the cheap. Stumbled upon the Berlin stop of the rhythmic gymnastics World Cup last night- you'd know it was Berlin because just off the mat, they had a mediocre scale model of the Bradenburg Gate that looked like something a German gymnasium (high school) would have as a prom prop if German schools had prom. There was bad Soviet era pop music (at one point ,Spousal Unit turned to me and was' so this is kind of like Eurovision?')  and a '6 club 2 roop' team perfoming to Madonna's 'Vogue', sparkly costumes that would make an ice dancer proud,  and a lone announce who sounded like Hans Gruber who didn't quite have the translations down beyond pirouettes and illusion turns and tended to focus largely on dropped clubs and roops and whether a soloist or team improved on their qualification scores.  And more random Soviet era pop muzik.

In short, pretty awesome, and worth watching if Be In reruns it,

Edited July 7, 2016 by selkie