Gymnastics

[Mittengirl]

Simone looks tired, to me.  Hopefully that is all it is.

 

If I was the head gymnastics person, I would have found a way to let Simone skip trials.  I worry every time she lands, that she is going to get hurt.

[AuntieDiane6]

8 minutes ago, Lady Whistleup said:

ETA: GET THAT CAMERA OFF SIMONE. CAN'T YOU SEE SHE'S HAVING A REALLY BAD DAY? LEAVE HER ALONE.

Caneras registering crushing disappointment MADE Olga Korbut the star of the 72 Olympics and started the entire gymnastics revolution.  It makes Simone more sympathetic  and human.  Besides, she could always turn away.

 

[emma675]

I'm glad in a way that Simone had an "off" night (assuming her ankle is okay). I feel like this will be motivating for Tokyo and will give her fire to come out hard at the Olympics. It has to be so hard to be the best in the world, you're essentially just competing against yourself. 

[Minneapple]

1 minute ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

Caneras registering crushing disappointment MADE Olga Korbut the star of the 72 Olympics and started the entire gymnastics revolution.  It makes Simone more sympathetic  and human.  Besides, she could always turn away.

She's 24 and a professional who has been in the spotlight for many many years. She's not some high school kid at her first rodeo. It's no different than a camera lingering on an NFL or NBA player.

I do admire Simone for finishing her last rotation. She could have withdrawn, her place for Tokyo is a lock. 

[BlackberryJam]

5 minutes ago, Minneapple said:

It's no different than a camera lingering on an NFL or NBA player.

 

And that's gross too. Watching athletes cry is horrible, no matter their age or the sport. 

 I'm confused why anyone thinks Simone needs humanized. She's a delight and in no way robotic.

I'm already sick of Tim Daggett. 

[AuntieDiane6]

Is there some new rule at USA Gymnastics that everybody's music has to be the most god-awful Muzak not even worthy of an elevator?  Nothing recognizable and terrible abrupt cuts. 

I mean, it doesn't have to be endless renditions of Carmen (like with the skaters) but gee... 

[LexieLily]

Did that poor girl just break her ankle on that floor routine on that fall?

[irisheyes]

2 minutes ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

Is there some new rule at USA Gymnastics that everybody's music has to be the most god-awful Muzak not even worthy of an elevator?  Nothing recognizable and terrible abrupt cuts. 

I mean, it doesn't have to be endless renditions of Carmen (like with the skaters) but gee... 

I liked Leanne Wong’s music. Plus, it looked like they had actually taken sometime and effort to choreograph. 

What a terrible way for trials to end for Emily Lee. 

[Lady Whistleup]

Omg Emily Lee's landing reminds me so much of Kevin Durant snapping his Achilles. She's limping off in the same way. :( 

[Minneapple]

9 minutes ago, BlackberryJam said:

And that's gross too. Watching athletes cry is horrible, no matter their age or the sport. 

All of the emotions, the sheer joy and the devastation, that's why sports are great. 

Anyway, Simone looks better now, happy. Hope her ankle is OK. Suni Lee too, Minnesota represent!

Poor Emily Lee, what a terrible way to end her trials. Ouch.

Edited June 28, 2021 by Minneapple

[emma675]

Ouch, poor Emily Lee. I hope her foot or toes or ankle or whatever it was she injured will be okay. I thought ar first she might have a face or upper body injury, she slammed forward onto the mat so hard.

[Snow Apple]

11 minutes ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

Is there some new rule at USA Gymnastics that everybody's music has to be the most god-awful Muzak not even worthy of an elevator?  Nothing recognizable and terrible abrupt cuts. 

I mean, it doesn't have to be endless renditions of Carmen (like with the skaters) but gee... 

I was confused about the music too and wondered if they no longer have music because I couldn't hear it. I heard it later in the background but it was so bland. No personality. There doesn't seem to be any dancing anymore either. Music was a way to fire up the crowd so I'm not sure what's happening.

I was shocked that Simone fell off the beams but knew she was a lock anyway.

I feel bad for Emily Lee too. The standing ovation was nice.

[choclatechip45]

I would go with McCallum for the team spot and Skinner for the plus one spot. 

[Lady Whistleup]

It's Simone, Sunisa, Jordan, Grace, with MyKayla as the +1.

[irisheyes]

Jordan Chiles is ready to party!!  Love it!!

[Fostersmom]

38 minutes ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

Is there some new rule at USA Gymnastics that everybody's music has to be the most god-awful Muzak not even worthy of an elevator?  Nothing recognizable and terrible abrupt cuts. 

I mean, it doesn't have to be endless renditions of Carmen (like with the skaters) but gee... 

I was watching Friday night on the phone with my sister and I mentioned the horrible music to her. It’s all so bland and non-descript. 

[Mittengirl]

Do you think the trampoliners are the forgotten ones?  Like, “we have those?”

Edited June 28, 2021 by Mittengirl

[choclatechip45]

3 minutes ago, Mittengirl said:

Do you think the trampoliners are the forgotten ones?  Like, we have those?

Charlotte Drury (one of the trampoliners) use to train with McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross! 

Tom once again does not go with the highest team.

I'm so happy for Jordan Chiles!

Edited June 28, 2021 by choclatechip45

[emma675]

1 minute ago, Mittengirl said:

Do you think the trampoliners are the forgotten ones?  Like, “we have those?”

To be honest, yes, I had forgotten we have those, lol. But I love watching them (when you can actually find coverage of them), they get so high and flip so fast.

Bring on Tokyo, y'all,  just a few more weeks!

[TimothyQ]

I have a feeling Jordan is happy to be on the team.

Also, it’s that time again when I’m reminded how much I dislike Tim Daggert. 

[LexieLily]

McKayla's mom didn't look too thrilled when she got the "Hi, mom!" call-out from her Olympics-bound daughter.

[choclatechip45]

Just now, TimothyQ said:

I have a feeling Jordan is happy to be on the team.

Also, it’s that time again when I’m reminded how much I dislike Tim Daggert. 

I really hated how at the end he just went off on a little Grace rant annoyed me. They haven't taken the highest scoring team all quad. Plus Grace is the perfect lead off on beam/bars you aren't putting Skinner in that position on those events.

[Quilt Fairy]

22 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

I would go with McCallum for the team spot and Skinner for the plus one spot. 

You should buy a Lotto ticket tomorrow, you're on a roll!

[healthnut]

What on earth was Nastia wearing?

Happy for Grace, like Tim said it didn’t matter who they chose, this team is winning gold. Can’t disagree with their decision, Makayla makes sense as the +1

[choclatechip45]

7 minutes ago, Quilt Fairy said:

You should buy a Lotto ticket tomorrow, you're on a roll!

I wish I was that lucky! It was obvious they didn't want any controversy this year!

Also helped Grace's case the fact Jordan was going to be chosen and Jordan has never made a Worlds team. 

Edited June 28, 2021 by choclatechip45

[Jeddah]

I am so relieved that Grace made it! I thought she gave it away on that first tumbling pass.

When they were introducing Shannon Miller I was waiting for them to be like, “Most decorated American Olympic gymnast…for now.”

I don’t like anything about Mykayla’s gymnastics, and I think she’s racist. I wish they had gone with anyone else for the individual spot. She probably won’t even make the event finals because Jade and Simone will be ahead of her in qualifying. Or at least they should be.

[CeeBeeGee]

3 hours ago, Fostersmom said:

OMG! WTF is Nastia wearing tonight? She looks like a Barbie Doll that preschoolers styled. 

Seriously, girl. You look ridiculous. 

 

THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.

She looked good in the mermaid dress, I just didn't think it was appropriate for a sporting event. This dress was ridic.

 

I'm so thrilled for Mykayla! I think Grace was the right call too. Yay!

1 hour ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

Is there some new rule at USA Gymnastics that everybody's music has to be the most god-awful Muzak not even worthy of an elevator?  Nothing recognizable and terrible abrupt cuts. 

I mean, it doesn't have to be endless renditions of Carmen (like with the skaters) but gee... 

The arch, cha cha '60s cocktail mixer version of Moon River was killing me!

23 minutes ago, Jeddah said:

When they were introducing Shannon Miller I was waiting for them to be like, “Most decorated American Olympic gymnast…for now.”

I was all, "you think Simone will beat that record?"

[Lady Whistleup]

MyKayla has been vlogging and says that after Day 1 of Trials the asshats didn't even think of getting food for the athletes and most places were closed and they were all starving.

 

[HartofDixie]

45 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

Charlotte Drury (one of the trampoliners) use to train with McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross! 

Tom once again does not go with the highest team.

I'm so happy for Jordan Chiles!

Who was the highest team with the two day total?

[choclatechip45]

7 minutes ago, HartofDixie said:

Who was the highest team with the two day total?

Here you go 

 

[Harry24]

Random thoughts (mostly superficial):

It was nice to see Leanne Wong looking somewhat relaxed and enjoying herself.  The few times I’ve seen her compete I was worried that she was one of those kids who never, EVER let up on themselves.

McKayla Skinner’s mom and sister should go to the same salon McKayla does.  Those were some harsh dye-jobs.  McKayla looked great, hair and make-up.  I like her spunk and competitiveness.  I don’t like her gymnastics.  I REALLY don’t like that racist sh*&.  

Question: how does qualifying for the event finals at this Olympics work?  Jade qualifying in that “special” way doesn’t give the US three spots on those events, does it?  Because if it’s only the usual two per event, it will be very difficult for Skinner to make any of those finals.  It seems that picking Skinner over, say, Eakers or possibly McCusker gives the US a chance at one fewer medal.

Second question: if one of the four team members gets injured/Covid/whatever, can they choose from the event final specialists AND the alternates?

Jade seems like a lovely, warm person.

I loved that Simone wasn’t sporting the child-like bow on the top of the head tonight and thought the Heidi braids were very pretty on her.  She has blossomed into a beautiful young woman.  Now, given that she had her worst meet of the last ten years with this new look, she’ll probably go back to the silly bow for the O’s.

Having such a bad night (by her standards) could help Simone psychologically in Tokyo.

I LOVE Suni’s gymnastics, and I also think she seems like a lovely person.  There’s something about her face and expressions that remind me of Naomi Osaka, whom I also love.   There’s this stealth, deadpan humor that’s really charming and lovable. 

Edited June 28, 2021 by Harry24

[Frisky Wig]

Jordan Chiles lands a tumbling pass with her toes out of bounds.

One of the male announcers: “I don’t know if the judges will see that!”

Me: “of COURSE they will!” 🙄 

[Harry24]

More thoughts:

How likely is it that some of these athletes (particularly Suni) will be upping their difficulty between now and Tokyo?   The competition to be the 2nd American in the All-Around could be brutal between Suni and Jordan.

Who are the non-U.S. favorites in the team, All-Around and event finals this year?  I saw that Mustafina retired recently.

I concur completely about the nondescript music for floor.  WTF is that about?

Going back to the selection, wouldn't the strongest team mathematically have included Jade?  And then adding Eakers or McCusker would have given the US a decent shot at another medal in the individual event finals?   That would have prevented another gymnast from getting to have the Olympic experience, but it would have put the US in the best position to win the team (probably a lock anyway, but ...) as well as an extra event final medal (added to the three Simone is favored to win, the two Jade is favored to win, and the one Suni is favored to win.)

Edited June 28, 2021 by Harry24

[choclatechip45]

17 minutes ago, Harry24 said:

Random thoughts (mostly superficial):

It was nice to see Leanne Wong looking somewhat relaxed and enjoying herself.  The few times I’ve seen her compete I was worried that she was one of those kids who never, EVER let up on themselves.

McKayla Skinner’s mom and sister should go to the same salon McKayla does.  Those were some harsh dye-jobs.  McKayla looked great, hair and make-up.  I like her spunk and competitiveness.  I don’t like her gymnastics.  I REALLY don’t like that racist sh*&.  

Question: how does qualifying for the event finals at this Olympics work?  Jade qualifying in that “special” way doesn’t give the US three spots on those events, does it?  Because if it’s only the usual two per event, it will be very difficult for Skinner to make any of those finals.  It seems that picking Skinner over, say, Eakers or possibly McCusker gives the US a chance at one fewer medal.

Second question: if one of the four team members gets injured/Covid/whatever, can they choose from the event final specialists AND the alternates?

Jade seems like a lovely, warm person.

I loved that Simone wasn’t sporting the child-like bow on the top of the head tonight and thought the Heidi braids were very pretty on her.  She has blossomed into a beautiful young woman.  Now, given that she had her worst meet of the last ten years with this new look, she’ll probably go back to the silly bow for the O’s.

Having such a bad night (by her standards) could help Simone psychologically in Tokyo.

I LOVE Suni’s gymnastics, and I also think she seems like a lovely person.  There’s something about her face and expressions that remind me of Naomi Osaka, whom I also love.   There’s this stealth, deadpan humor that’s really charming and lovable. 

Qualifying will work the same way two per country which is why people think Riley/Eaker should have been chosen over Skinner. Personally I think Skinner will make the finals over Carey. 

I believe they can only choose from the alternates, but it can only up to 24 hours before the Olympics start and the alternates go home.

[HartofDixie]

https://olympics.nbcsports.com/2021/06/27/simone-biles-womens-gymnastics-us-olympic-team/

[Lady Whistleup]

Holy shit wtf Leanne? Why wouldn't you protect yourself before the most important meets of your life?

 

[LexieLily]

Wouldn't that be a requirement for going to Tokyo for everyone?

[Frisky Wig]

1 hour ago, Lady Whistleup said:

Holy shit wtf Leanne? Why wouldn't you protect yourself before the most important meets of your life?

 

SERIOUSLY! There’s been SO much talk about the vaccine over the last year, especially the last 6 months, I can’t imagine anyone not talking about it. Especially someone traveling to a country where, what, 4% of the population is fully vaxxed and people are protesting to cancel the games because of this deadly virus. My mind is boggled. 

[DawnDavenport]

Just now, Frisky Wig said:

SERIOUSLY! There’s been SO much talk about the vaccine over the last year, especially the last 6 months, I can’t imagine anyone not talking about it. Especially someone traveling to a country where, what, 4% of the population is fully vaxxed and people are protesting to cancel the games because of this deadly virus. My mind is boggled. 

From her Wikipedia page: "Her parents, Marco Wong and Bee Ding, are both research scientists." WTF? 

Plus, she trains in MO and the trials were in St. Louis, which is not too far from where there's a Covid spike with the Delta variant that is more likely to affect young people. 

[Mittengirl]

So the two “extra” gymnasts - do they only compete in one event or can they do all 4/6?

[mojoween]

It’s so great that Jordan made the team.  Now NBC can mention that she is named after Michael Jordan, because that is a secret they didn’t bring up all weekend.

[Conotocarious]

7 hours ago, Lady Whistleup said:

MyKayla has been vlogging and says that after Day 1 of Trials the asshats didn't even think of getting food for the athletes and most places were closed and they were all starving.

 

Yeah, how can they have NO food at all for the athletes after the meet? They certainly don’t treat these athletes in a world class fashion, do they. Instead they’re reduced to begging for wings from restaurants that are closing. 

[Rootbeer]

9 hours ago, healthnut said:

What on earth was Nastia wearing?

Happy for Grace, like Tim said it didn’t matter who they chose, this team is winning gold. Can’t disagree with their decision, Makayla makes sense as the +1

Nastia and/or NBC must have a contract requiring her to wear the most ridiculous, attention-grabbing outfits.  I cannot imagine anywhere that that overdesigned purple mess she was wearing last night would look good.

I watched some of the track and field trials and all of their announcers, male and female, looked so crisp and professional, wearing polo shirts and other sporty tops with the NBC sports logo in a variety of colors.  So much better than the gymnastics announcers who look like they dropped by the meet on the way to someplace else.

Edited June 28, 2021 by Rootbeer

[Jeddah]

5 hours ago, DawnDavenport said:

From her Wikipedia page: "Her parents, Marco Wong and Bee Ding, are both research scientists." WTF? 

Plus, she trains in MO and the trials were in St. Louis, which is not too far from where there's a Covid spike with the Delta variant that is more likely to affect young people. 

That is so frustrating! Why wouldn’t these gymnasts be vaccinated yet? I know the vaccine situation is different in every country, but American teams have no excuse.

The NC State baseball team just had to forfeit their place in the College World Series because of an outbreak on their team that started with an unvaccinated player. They were one win away from making it to the Finals. I feel bad for the vaccinated players who had their season end that way, but the unvaccinated ones did it to themselves. I’m so worried this is going to happen to teams at the Olympics.

Now I’ve mentioned NC State twice in the last week for some reason!

Edited June 28, 2021 by Jeddah

[choclatechip45]

Since Leanne is 17 doesn't she need her parents permission to get vaccinated? I think her parents are crazy for not making sure she is vaccinated. I remember this came up during the Men's championship because Brody was getting vaccinated after Championships and thought that was crazy. 

[ketchuplover]

Why were some wearing red and others wearing blue? tyia

[irisheyes]

16 minutes ago, ketchuplover said:

Why were some wearing red and others wearing blue? tyia

I think it was to designate between the two groups. They were reversed on Friday. I really liked the blue, but the red were awful. (I detest the shiny fabric. I just don’t think it’s flattering.)

[UMAngela]

1 hour ago, Rootbeer said:

Nastia and/or NBC must have a contract requiring her to wear the most ridiculous, attention-grabbing outfits.  I cannot imagine anywhere that that overdesigned purple mess she was wearing last night would look good.

I watched some of the track and field trials and all of their announcers, male and female, looked so crisp and professional, wearing polo shirts and other sporty tops with the NBC sports logo in a variety of colors.  So much better than the gymnastics announcers who look like they dropped by the meet on the way to someplace else.

I thought Nastia may have been trying to channel that Tara/Johnny fashion energy from figure skating coverage; it was too much for me. (But you do you, Nastia.)

[SweetSable]

1 hour ago, Rootbeer said:

Nastia and/or NBC must have a contract requiring her to wear the most ridiculous, attention-grabbing outfits. 

I was thinking maybe she lost a bet - otherwise there's no excuse.

 

[Rootbeer]

12 minutes ago, UMAngela said:

I thought Nastia may have been trying to channel that Tara/Johnny fashion energy from figure skating coverage; it was too much for me. (But you do you, Nastia.)

Tara and Johnny only do it because they can coordinate and play off one another with their outfits. Figure skating also has a lot of leeway when it comes to competitive costumes unlike gymnastics.  Johnny once skated to Swan Lake in feathers portraying a female swan.  Nothing comparable in gymnastics.  And, even Tara and Johnny's shtick has gotten a little old.

  It makes no sense for Nastia to be wearing 6 inch stilettos and a ruffled purple monstrosity when the guys with her are wearing sports coats and shirts without ties.  That dress looked like something Minnie Pearl would've worn on the Grand Ole Opry.