Gymnastics

[BlackberryJam]

I feel like Nastia is dressing for a Cannes Film Festival photocall rather than job in sports. I think the three of the should be behind a desk to look more professional. Tim doesn't know what to do with his legs. 

I'm fine with the team as named. I'm ready for Tokyo!

[peachmangosteen]

Does anyone know why the men seemed to be required to wear a mask when not competing but the women weren't?

I was so happy Grace made it! I'm sorry, but I can't shake the feeling that MyKayla is just not a very nice person. Her mom's bitch face when she didn't make the team cracked me up.

[Jeddah]

47 minutes ago, Rootbeer said:

Johnny once skated to Swan Lake in feathers portraying a female swan. 

That short program is iconic! One of my favorites. He even named the red glove on his costume Camille (since the music was by Saint-Saens).

He said he’s trying to dress like Caesar Flickerman from The Hunger Games, and I think he’s succeeded.

Edited June 28, 2021 by Jeddah

[andromeda331]

Grace is the fourth! That's awesome. I'm happy for her, Suni, Jordan and Simone going to Tokyo. 

I felt for Riley. And poor Emily Lee.  

I like Laurie as commentator.

Shannon Miller! She's one of my all time favorites. 

[scarynikki12]

2 hours ago, choclatechip45 said:

Since Leanne is 17 doesn't she need her parents permission to get vaccinated?

She doesn’t need their permission. She’s eligible for the Pfizer vaccine and can go to any pharmacy that has it right now and get it. 

[Minneapple]

I also thought of Tara and Johnny when I saw Nastia's outfits. I agree that outlandish outfits make more sense for figure skating than they do for gymnastics, but NBC just maybe wanted a talking point for the broadcast. I hope they tone it down a little for the Olympics, though. I remember rolling my eyes at Tara's over-contoured, over-bronzered face after a bit.

I just cannot fathom that an athlete is not vaccinated at this point. You are ready to travel internationally and YOU DON'T HAVE THE VACCINE? Considering Japan is having all kinds of issues getting vaccines to its population, those of us living here in the US should feel especially lucky that we have ready, easy access to the vaccines.

22 minutes ago, andromeda331 said:

Shannon Miller! She's one of my all time favorites. 

I loved her! I always felt bad that she never got the attention she deserved. In 1992 it was all about Kim Zmeskal and her rivalry with Svetlana Boginskaya, then in 1996 all the attention was on Dominique Moceanu. Meanwhile Shannon was quietly America's best gymnast during those years.

[estellasmum]

16 minutes ago, scarynikki12 said:

She doesn’t need their permission. She’s eligible for the Pfizer vaccine and can go to any pharmacy that has it right now and get it. 

Not necessarily. My son is 18 in less than 2 months, and he works at Walgreens and I had to go down to his store and sign a permission slip both for both shots before they could give it to him, and also when my daughter got hers. If they had gone to the vaccination clinic at their high school, I wouldn't have had to, though. 

I'm one of those every 4 (or in this case 5) years gymnastic fans, so was laughing all night at Nastia's dress, and the approximately 2 tons of fake hair she was wearing that somehow managed to get lost behind the dress. It looked like grandma's curtains meets Godzilla.

 

[Wiendish Fitch]

27 minutes ago, Minneapple said:

I loved her! I always felt bad that she never got the attention she deserved. In 1992 it was all about Kim Zmeskal and her rivalry with Svetlana Boginskaya, then in 1996 all the attention was on Dominique Moceanu. Meanwhile Shannon was quietly America's best gymnast during those years.

And then Kerri Strug stole the rest of Shannon Miller's thunder in '96.

Isn't Miller also the second most decorated American gymnast (after Simone)?

 

[healthnut]

1 hour ago, Minneapple said:

I also thought of Tara and Johnny when I saw Nastia's outfits. I agree that outlandish outfits make more sense for figure skating than they do for gymnastics, but NBC just maybe wanted a talking point for the broadcast. I hope they tone it down a little for the Olympics, though. I remember rolling my eyes at Tara's over-contoured, over-bronzered face after a bit.

They actually had her outfit in the official NBCOlympics Instagram account so they must be egging it on.

[andromeda331]

1 hour ago, Minneapple said:

I loved her! I always felt bad that she never got the attention she deserved. In 1992 it was all about Kim Zmeskal and her rivalry with Svetlana Boginskaya, then in 1996 all the attention was on Dominique Moceanu. Meanwhile Shannon was quietly America's best gymnast during those years.

No she never has. I still think she should have won in Barcelona.

43 minutes ago, Wiendish Fitch said:

And then Kerri Strug stole the rest of Shannon Miller's thunder in '96.

Isn't Miller also the second most decorated American gymnast (after Simone)?

 

Yes she is.

[huggybear]

5 hours ago, mojoween said:

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.

And then after they reveal that secret we can get a review of Suni's dad's injury because that hasn't been covered at all. 

(Brave guy and seems like a sweet dad, but geesh!)

[Minneapple]

17 minutes ago, andromeda331 said:

 I still think she should have won in Barcelona.

I remember 13-year-old me raging at the television because her vault wasn't scored a 10.

[andromeda331]

8 minutes ago, Minneapple said:

I remember 13-year-old me raging at the television because her vault wasn't scored a 10.

Me too. It was perfect. 

[Jillibean]

37 minutes ago, healthnut said:

They actually had her outfit in the official NBCOlympics Instagram account so they must be egging it on.

I was actually surprised to see how much of the wardrobe scorn is falling at Nastia's feet. I agree she looks silly, but I highly doubt she's just going to her closet, picking something, and showing up. I'm sure NBC has a stylist or coordinator who at the very least approves her dresses, if not outright hands them to her and says "this is what you're wearing." Just as I'm sure the shift in attire from polo shirts to formal didn't come about because Nastia said "Hey guys, can you both wear suits from now on so I can wear a clearance prom dress?" I mean, the NBC polo shirt wasn't from her closet either, when she was wearing it. 

I agree with the decision of Grace over Mikayla for spot four on the team. I know the commentators kept emphasizing floor and vault, but...I mean, if Simone hits they're going to win regardless. They don't need the mathematically highest scoring team. And Grace is a good all-arounder, which is what you want in a world where someone could get injured or tweaked and suddenly you need someone for bars for event finals.

I thought I was happy for Mikayla, but I was unbelievably disappointed to see her back to her old tricks or liking posts that suggest she deserved the spot over Grace. I now hope Jade edges her out of the vault event finals but I'm not sure how likely that is. 

[Harry24]

2 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

I like Laurie as commentator.

Shannon Miller! She's one of my all time favorites. 

I forgot to say how happy I am for Grace.

And, yes, Laurie was fantastic.  It’s so nice to hear a gymnast of either sex who doesn’t have a high, squeaky voice.  She’s intelligent and articulate.

Why do people think Skinner is likely to edge out Jade for the O’s vault finals?  Don’t they do the same vaults, and doesn’t Jade have equal power but better form?

Edited June 28, 2021 by Harry24

[PepSinger]

Won't Leanne Wong be required to be fully vaccinated in order to go to Tokyo? Because if she's refusing to get the vaccine or if her parents sadly will not let her, then she doesn't need to be an alternate. 

Nastia -- the dress she had on last night was hideous. At least the one she wore on Friday wasn't ugly; it was just inappropriate. 

I'm also confused as to why MyKayla was named for the individual spot. If you can only have 2 per country, then why choose her? Simone is going to the event finals in floor, beam, and vault. Wouldn't it have made more sense to pick a bars specialist? Do they think that MyKayla has a greater shot at making the event finals than Jade?

[choclatechip45]

14 minutes ago, Harry24 said:

I forgot to say how happy I am for Grace.

And, yes, Laurie was fantastic.  It’s so nice to hear a gymnast of either sex who doesn’t have a high, squeaky voice.  She’s intelligent and articulate.

Why do people think Skinner is likely to edge out Jade for the O’s vault finals?  Don’t they do the same vaults, and doesn’t Jade have equal power but better form?

Jade hurt her ankle during US Classic and has watered down her routines. I'm sure she will bring back her routines with full difficulty, but it will be interesting to see if she can do those routines dealing with whatever injuries she currently has.

[Jeddah]

4 minutes ago, PepSinger said:

Wouldn't it have made more sense to pick a bars specialist?

It definitely would have! This choice just makes no sense. I feel bad for Riley. She is going to spend the rest of her life thinking about that fall on bars. I think if she had hit last night, she’d be going.

[Conotocarious]

2 hours ago, Wiendish Fitch said:

And then Kerri Strug stole the rest of Shannon Miller's thunder in '96.

 

Speaking of high squeaky voices. I’ll never forget the first time I heard her speak…I was shocked. 

[Lady Whistleup]

18 minutes ago, PepSinger said:

Won't Leanne Wong be required to be fully vaccinated in order to go to Tokyo? Because if she's refusing to get the vaccine or if her parents sadly will not let her, then she doesn't need to be an alternate. 

Apparently there's no requirement for vaccination. There is a "strong recommendation." But since she's underage sadly I think this falls under her parent's domain. I'm in a teacher FB group where teachers were saying that they were going to call ACS on parents who had their kids vaccinated (yes, you read that right). 

I actually find the coverage of women's gymnastics to be very condescending and misogynistic and if they are indeed telling Nastia to dress that way then it's even creepier. Last night I was watching the Track & Field trials and women were matter-of-factly asked about the race, their training, their goals going to Tokyo. There was very little of that soft-focus human interest crap that is basically gymnastics coverage.

[healthnut]

28 minutes ago, PepSinger said:

Wouldn't it have made more sense to pick a bars specialist

So here’s my thinking…are they trying to maximize Simone’s medal chances? She did medal in bars at worlds a couple of years back, right? If Riley were to go she’d be in the event finals over Simone, whereas Simone probably makes top 8 without her, yes? Giving her a shot (albeit probably slim) at another medal. 

[ML89]

6 hours 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.

It was awful, but I guess she wanted to be like Tara and Johnny, but that's their trademark.

However, Leslie Jones busted Terry for his shoes on Friday...

7 hours ago, mojoween said:

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.

I'm just surprised Tirico didn't bring up that Terry played against MJ....

[choclatechip45]

17 minutes ago, healthnut said:

So here’s my thinking…are they trying to maximize Simone’s medal chances? She did medal in bars at worlds a couple of years back, right? If Riley were to go she’d be in the event finals over Simone, whereas Simone probably makes top 8 without her, yes? Giving her a shot (albeit probably slim) at another medal. 

I don't think so. I think Tom wanted to go the least controversial route available and chose the top 4 if anything they chose Skinner because they didn't want Jade to medal since she went the individual route it was rumored that her dad/coach threatened to sue USA Gymnastics if they didn't let her go the individual route.

 

[meep.meep]

Sam Mikulak looks exactly like Homelander.

Once you see it, you can't unsee it.

Nastia's dress was ugly and inappropriate, but it had sleeves and wasn't low cut.  Laurie looked totally professional.

[Minneapple]

2 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

it was rumored that her dad/coach threatened to sue USA Gymnastics if they didn't let her go the individual route.

Lmao what? Sports parents crack me up. How the hell do you sue for a spot on a team like that?

[Harry24]

4 minutes ago, Minneapple said:

Lmao what? Sports parents crack me up. How the hell do you sue for a spot on a team like that?

I don’t think choclatechip45 meant that they wanted to sue to get her a spot on the Olympic team.  I think they were threatening to sue to allow Jade to attempt to qualify through the individual route.

Feel free to correct me, choclatechip45.

[Conotocarious]

14 minutes ago, Harry24 said:

I don’t think choclatechip45 meant that they wanted to sue to get her a spot on the Olympic team.  I think they were threatening to sue to allow Jade to attempt to qualify through the individual route.

Feel free to correct me, choclatechip45.

I think this is correct. Jade’s spot is her own spot, it’s so confusing and bizarre. Did anyone watch the interview with the gymnasts today with Hoda Kotb? Jade barely said a word (and barely had a question directed at her at all) and while it’s probably just her natural introversion she just seemed somehow separate. I’m probably projecting because I am somewhat familiar with Jade’s Olympic journey and how completely different it was from everyone else’s. 

Edited June 28, 2021 by Conotocarious

[choclatechip45]

6 minutes ago, Harry24 said:

I don’t think choclatechip45 meant that they wanted to sue to get her a spot on the Olympic team.  I think they were threatening to sue to allow Jade to attempt to qualify through the individual route.

Feel free to correct me, choclatechip45.

Exactly. The rumor is that Brian Carey threatened to sue USA Gymnastics if they didn't let Jade attempt the individual route. There was another rumor that FIG told the federations they couldn't prevent anyone from going the individual route as well. USA Gymnastics released super strict guidelines that only like three gymnasts qualified for.

 

[choclatechip45]

2 minutes ago, Conotocarious said:

I think this is correct. Jade’s spot is her own spot, it’s so confusing and bizarre. Did anyone watch the interview with the gymnasts today with Hoda Kota? Jade barely said a word (and barely had a question directed at her at all) and while it’s probably just her natural introversion she just seemed somehow separate. I’m probably projecting because I am somewhat familiar with Jade’s Olympic journey and how completely different it was from everyone else’s. 

I did! I don't think her spot was official until today after the interview was done.

By the way the editing of the Skinner's answer how this time was more fun I thought was interesting. I wonder if Skinner went on a rant about how much she hated Martha like she has done to other outlets this week and The Today show just edited it out.

[Conotocarious]

Just now, choclatechip45 said:

I did! I don't think her spot was official until today after the interview was done.

By the way the editing of the Skinner's answer how this time was more fun I thought was interesting. I wonder if Skinner went on a rant about how much she hated Martha like she has done to other outlets this week and The Today show just edited it out.

Lol she did bring Marta up and that would have been hilarious if they had just let her rip. Simone and Mykayla got the most questions and seemed the most comfortable in front of the cameras for sure. 

[choclatechip45]

Just now, Conotocarious said:

Lol she did bring Marta up and that would have been hilarious if they had just let her rip. Simone and Mykayla got the most questions and seemed the most comfortable in front of the cameras for sure. 

I'm not the biggest Mykayla fan, but during press this week she went on a rant about Martha was playing mind games with her when she was an alternate in Rio through Steve Rybacki by telling her that Martha was going to use her and sub one of the main gymnasts out. It's something I can totally believe Martha doing  because she wanted to show Mykayla who had control. 

[Conotocarious]

1 minute ago, choclatechip45 said:

I'm not the biggest Mykayla fan, but during press this week she went on a rant about Martha was playing mind games with her when she was an alternate in Rio through Steve Rybacki by telling her that Martha was going to use her and sub one of the main gymnasts out. It's something I can totally believe Martha doing  because she wanted to show Mykayla who had control. 

I don’t know if you have Peacock but the three episode series Golden is out focusing on Suni, Mykayla, Konnor, Laurie and Morgan Hurd. It’s definitely worth a watch.  I binged it and would love to talk about it! 

[emma675]

1 hour ago, Harry24 said:

And, yes, Laurie was fantastic.  It’s so nice to hear a gymnast of either sex who doesn’t have a high, squeaky voice.  She’s intelligent and articulate.

This! I was so surprised when I first heard her speak and she didn't sound like a chipmunk on helium (ala Kerri Strug). I thought Laurie did a great job, she was emotional but poised and had good insights. I much prefer listening to her over Nastia, Laurie's voice is very soothing to me.

[choclatechip45]

3 minutes ago, Conotocarious said:

I don’t know if you have Peacock but the three episode series Golden is out focusing on Suni, Mykayla, Konnor, Laurie and Morgan Hurd. It’s definitely worth a watch.  I binged it and would love to talk about it! 

I might have to check it out! Konnor will be interesting to watch for the next quad especially now she will be at WOGA.

Edited June 28, 2021 by choclatechip45

[Conotocarious]

1 minute ago, choclatechip45 said:

I might have to check it out! Konnor will be interesting to watch for the next quad especially now she will be at WOGA.

She has an interesting story because now I’m more intrigued than ever by the move. I had no idea her old coach was her mom’s best friend and they go waaaay back. Something must have happened and I’m wondering what it could be. 

[choclatechip45]

6 minutes ago, Conotocarious said:

She has an interesting story because now I’m more intrigued than ever by the move. I had no idea her old coach was her mom’s best friend and they go waaaay back. Something must have happened and I’m wondering what it could be. 

I'm curious if she will be coached by Valeri or Yevgeny. I can already see the NBC fluff- 20 years after Carly won her first all around....WOGA has another gymnast trying to reclaim its destiny. Carly, Nastia and now KONNOR!

Edited June 28, 2021 by choclatechip45

[Quilt Fairy]

13 hours ago, Mittengirl said:

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

They've made this ridiculously confusing, and the NBC coverage isn't helping, because when they talk about the "extras" they always mention one or two specific events.  But it's my understanding that the extras are able to do all the events and can thus compete for the Individual All-around title as well as any event finals.  The only thing they can't do is be part of the team event. 

[Mittengirl]

7 hours ago, Rootbeer said:

And, even Tara and Johnny's shtick has gotten a little old.

That’s because Tara & Johnny have gotten a little too old (for that nonsense, I mean).

[CeeBeeGee]

30 minutes ago, Quilt Fairy said:

They've made this ridiculously confusing, and the NBC coverage isn't helping, because when they talk about the "extras" they always mention one or two specific events.  But it's my understanding that the extras are able to do all the events and can thus compete for the Individual All-around title as well as any event finals.  The only thing they can't do is be part of the team event. 

Can they be two-pered out of either EFs or the AA?

[choclatechip45]

26 minutes ago, CeeBeeGee said:

Can they be two-pered out of either EFs or the AA?

Yes. Whoever is the two highest out of the eight who qualify for event finals will be in the event finals and same with all around out of twenty four. So if Jade qualifies with the second highest all around score she will be in the all around. 

[Quilt Fairy]

1 minute ago, choclatechip45 said:

Yes. Whoever is the two highest out of the eight who qualify for event finals will be in the event finals and same with all around out of twenty four. So if Jade qualifies with the second highest all around score she will be in the all around. 

I think the question is does the 2 person per country rule still apply.  Based on previous posts in this thread, I think it does, but I don't know for sure. 

[choclatechip45]

20 minutes ago, Quilt Fairy said:

I think the question is does the 2 person per country rule still apply.  Based on previous posts in this thread, I think it does, but I don't know for sure. 

Yes it does. If Grace somehow shows up with 2 vaults and scores higher than Jade and Mykayla she would be in the event finals over both of them.

[HartofDixie]

17 hours ago, Conotocarious said:

I don’t know if you have Peacock but the three episode series Golden is out focusing on Suni, Mykayla, Konnor, Laurie and Morgan Hurd. It’s definitely worth a watch.  I binged it and would love to talk about it! 

https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/117694-golden-the-journey-of-usa’s-elite-gymnasts/

 

[Frisky Wig]

Leanne’s unvaccinated status is national news: 

https://www.thedailybeast.com/leanne-wong-alternate-for-team-usa-gymnastics-may-head-to-tokyo-without-a-covid-vaccine

While I don’t want her to be bullied for this (particularly since she’s a minor who needs her parents permission to get vaxxed in most places), I REALLY hope more news outlets pick this up and Leanne, her parents and other unvaccinated people (particularly those Tokyo bound) finally do the right thing and get the shot. 

[choclatechip45]

Leanne's parents must be thrilled this is making national news, but it's their fault. She was in contention for that fourth spot they should have known she would have been asked about this since Brody Malone was asked during Nationals. 

I was pleasantly surprised that Skinner is fully vaccinated. 

Edited June 29, 2021 by choclatechip45

[Lady Whistleup]

24 minutes ago, Frisky Wig said:

Leanne’s unvaccinated status is national news: 

https://www.thedailybeast.com/leanne-wong-alternate-for-team-usa-gymnastics-may-head-to-tokyo-without-a-covid-vaccine

While I don’t want her to be bullied for this (particularly since she’s a minor who needs her parents permission to get vaxxed in most places), I REALLY hope more news outlets pick this up and Leanne, her parents and other unvaccinated people (particularly those Tokyo bound) finally do the right thing and get the shot. 

Sounds cold but I think they should drop Leanne from the alternates and take someone else. We don't need the entire team in health and safety protocols. As an athlete part of your job is being physically fit. Injuries and illnesses happen to everyone, but for Leanne covid is a PREVENTABLE situation now.

Breakthrough infections do happen but are much milder if you're vaxxed. Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns was vaccinated and got a breakthrough infection but no symptoms and was back playing by game 3 of the WCF.

ETA: on Peacock there's this three-part special that follows 5 gymnasts up to the trials. It's called Golden. I watched the first episode last night it's good.

Edited June 29, 2021 by Lady Whistleup

[PepSinger]

59 minutes ago, Lady Whistleup said:

1 hour ago, Frisky Wig said:

Leanne’s unvaccinated status is national news: 

https://www.thedailybeast.com/leanne-wong-alternate-for-team-usa-gymnastics-may-head-to-tokyo-without-a-covid-vaccine

While I don’t want her to be bullied for this (particularly since she’s a minor who needs her parents permission to get vaxxed in most places), I REALLY hope more news outlets pick this up and Leanne, her parents and other unvaccinated people (particularly those Tokyo bound) finally do the right thing and get the shot. 

Expand  

Sounds cold but I think they should drop Leanne from the alternates and take someone else. We don't need the entire team in health and safety protocols. As an athlete part of your job is being physically fit. Injuries and illnesses happen to everyone, but for Leanne covid is a PREVENTABLE situation now.

I agree. This isn't going to fly. If Leanne somehow causes the entire team to have to withdraw from the Olympics...OOF. I would not want to be her. She needs to be vaccinated like right now. Even *one* shot would be better than none. However, I blame the IOC for not mandating vaccinations.

[Conotocarious]

1 hour ago, Lady Whistleup said:

Sounds cold but I think they should drop Leanne from the alternates and take someone else. We don't need the entire team in health and safety protocols. As an athlete part of your job is being physically fit. Injuries and illnesses happen to everyone, but for Leanne covid is a PREVENTABLE situation now.

 

Totally and completely agree. I can’t believe this wasn’t brought up to the athletes or their coaches. Her coach said he just assumed she had been vaxxed.

Edited June 29, 2021 by Conotocarious

[Frisky Wig]

1 hour ago, Lady Whistleup said:

Sounds cold but I think they should drop Leanne from the alternates and take someone else. We don't need the entire team in health and safety protocols. As an athlete part of your job is being physically fit. Injuries and illnesses happen to everyone, but for Leanne covid is a PREVENTABLE situation now.

Breakthrough infections do happen but are much milder if you're vaxxed. Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns was vaccinated and got a breakthrough infection but no symptoms and was back playing by game 3 of the WCF.

ETA: on Peacock there's this three-part special that follows 5 gymnasts up to the trials. It's called Golden. I watched the first episode last night it's good.

If she refuses to get the vaccine (or her parents refuse to allow her to, a scenario I don't even want to consider considering what's a stake here), Leanne (and any other unvaccinated athlete) should definitely be dropped from the team. Everything you said is true. 

And @PepSinger you're absolutely right that the IOC should have mandated vaccines and I don't know why they didn't. These athletes are flying into a country, during a global pandemic, where only 4% of the population is fully vaxxed, people are protesting in masse in the streets to cancel the Games. It's a wonder the Games are even happening in the first place and a vaccine that prevents this deadly illness is not mandatory? Someone make it make sense, please. 

Are they kowtowing to the entitled people who scream "but my body my rights!!!" and "but I know the science!!!"? 

Edited June 29, 2021 by Frisky Wig

[Lady Whistleup]

Japans' vaxxed rate is actually picking up and now over 10% are vaxxed. But still ... it's a low amount.

As for them taking MyKayla I have a sneaking suspicion that maybe one of the four team members is nursing a serious injury that hasn't been made public yet and they want someone who is an all-arounder. USAG has a horrible record of keeping gymnasts healthy in the run-up to the games.