Artistic Gymnastics: Stick the Landing!

[Scovies]

18 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

Can someone explain to me all this talent Sam supposedly has? 

He has the potential to medal in the all-around. He can easily score over 15 on 4 events (floor, vault, PB, and HB) and get close to 16 on PB and HB, all of which he's demonstrated at various points during the Games. His problem is, and always has been, that can't put together 6 clean routines in one competition or really show up in event finals - he could have easily won floor the other day if he repeated what he did in qualifying. He's just a bad competitor.

6 minutes ago, NUguy514 said:

I cannot.  The rumor is that he performs hungover not infrequently.  Maybe his talent is doing so and not dying?

Where'd you hear that?

[greendog78]

8 minutes ago, NUguy514 said:

The rumor is that he performs hungover not infrequently.

That wouldn't surprise me if true.

9 minutes ago, DawnDavenport said:

Sam was nipping at Kohei's heels all competition!

And yet Kohei beat him on the floor with a pulled muscle in his back. Next year, right Sam?

[choclatechip45]

8 minutes ago, DawnDavenport said:

Because Sam is the epitome of All-American SoCal surfer frat boy and Danell is not? I think that has something to do with it. Also, Sam is much more outgoing than Danell. I wonder if Danell gets annoyed with all the attention Sam gets? I bet he will now if he doesn't get recognized. Both he and Alex salvaged the Men's team in Rio. I'm sure it'll still be Sam, Sam, Sam until he (hopefully soon) leaves.

That makes sense. I always thought it stated when he beat Orozco at trials in 2012. I don't think it helps that Leyva has stayed at his parents gym. Since men's gymnastics uses NCAA as a feeder system.

Edited August 16, 2016 by choclatechip45

[Frenzy]

I am thrilled for Amy Tinkler winning the bronze for floor, but I hated her music. Most floor routine music is subpar, but I didn't recognize hers as Pretty Woman even though the announcers pointed it out. Maybe it was my stream quality. 

[DawnDavenport]

6 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

That makes sense. I always thought it stated when he beat Orozco at trials in 2012. I don't think it helps that Leyva has stayed at his parents gym. Since men's gymnastics uses NCAA as a feeder system.

But whether he is from NCAA or not shouldn't matter. He has won more Olympic medals than any US man since 1984 and has won more events at Worlds since 2003. The men have gotten a gold or silver here and there since '84 with the exception of '04 with Paul Hamm and the team medals in '04 and '08. 

If the US men are serious, NCAA might not be the best route to complete with the rest of the world. Also, the men can still go to college, train, graduate and train in a centralized system since they peak in their early to mid 20's.

If they're content with a medal here and there, then the system is working just fine for them. Just stop getting everyone's hopes up and hyping these guys to death. They did it in '12 and to some extent with Sam based on nothing but what they could do, not what they have accomplished internationally. 

Edited August 16, 2016 by DawnDavenport

[kittykat]

It's gonna be interesting how teams get selected four years from now with the drop down to four members.

It's also knowing your strengths and weaknesses with each.  On the women's side you had Simone, Laurie and Aly as Top 3 in trials.  They all have strong floor, beam and vaults but where they all lacked was bars.  That's where Gabby and Madison came in.  Marta knew she could run the first three on most of the other events and filled out the team with bars specialists since that was where they were lacking.  It's very Moneyballesque if you think about it.

The men need more tactical thinking.  They went a step in the right direction with Alex Naddour in terms of Pommels and Rings but they're going to need men that can go 6 for 6 on all apparatus.  With the drop down to four this gets more difficult.  At least two out of four members will need to hit on all six apparatus, the third can go maybe for four and the fourth for three or four or use a specialist.  But then do you incorporate your specialist into the team or are they one of your two that go for individual events?  That's the kind of tactical thinking the men's side will need to do in order to once again become a powerhouse alongside Japan/China/GB/Russia.

[choclatechip45]

7 minutes ago, DawnDavenport said:

But whether he is from NCAA or not shouldn't matter. He has won more Olympic medals than any US man since 1984 and has won more events at Worlds since 2003. The men have gotten a gold or silver here and there since '84 with the exception of '04 with Paul Hamm and the team medals in '04 and '08. 

If the US men are serious, NCAA might not be the best route to complete with the rest of the world. Also, the men can still go to college, train, graduate and train in a centralized system since they peak in their early to mid 20's.

I completely agree. From what I have read they have tried to make college routines similar to elite routines. Sam and Chris Brooks train at OTC. I think the big problem is they should probably allow 19 and 20 year olds in JO. Since there are so few programs in college since it's always the first men's program cut due to Title IX. 

Edited August 16, 2016 by choclatechip45

[NUguy514]

24 minutes ago, Scovies said:

Where'd you hear that?

A friend of mine who has a lot of inside scoop in the gymnastics world.  I don't know that it's true, but it would explain a lot.  I've always thought his eyes looked pretty bleary during competition.

[mightysparrow]

I hope Simone pays attention to what happened to Gabby and doesn't depend too much on the gymnastics community.  I'm sure she has her share of racist tweets.

 

 In my opinion, Gabby should stop apologizing and tell all those losers (who probably reek of Cheetos and live in their mom's basement) to kiss her beautiful Black ass.  She's accomplished what very few people have accomplished.  And the good ol' USofA showed her what a waste of time her allegiance is.  Attacking Black girls/women on social media seems to be a thing now and it's time we fought back.  Enough!

[choclatechip45]

4 minutes ago, mightysparrow said:

I hope Simone pays attention to what happened to Gabby and doesn't depend too much on the gymnastics community.  I'm sure she has her share of racist tweets.

 

 In my opinion, Gabby should stop apologizing and tell all those losers (who probably reek of Cheetos and live in their mom's basement) to kiss her beautiful Black ass.  She's accomplished what very few people have accomplished.  And the good ol' USofA showed her what a waste of time her allegiance is.  Attacking Black girls/women on social media seems to be a thing now and it's time we fought back.  Enough!

Someone wrote an article yesterday for the daily beast "If Planned Parenthood had its way, Simone Biles Would be Dead." 

[maraleia]

So help me out here. Did Ferlito compete in any of the individual events? I honestly can't remember.

If I were any of the Final Five I would retire or go pro now and force the new USA Gymnastics' leadership to work with the juniors and the alternates so they don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

[choclatechip45]

4 minutes ago, maraleia said:

So help me out here. Did Ferlito compete in any of the individual events? I honestly can't remember.

If I were any of the Final Five I would retire or go pro now and force the new USA Gymnastics' leadership to work with the juniors and the alternates so they don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

Everyone is pro except for Madison.

[mightysparrow]

7 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

Someone wrote an article yesterday for the daily beast "If Planned Parenthood had its way, Simone Biles Would be Dead." 

Surprise.

[galaxygirl76]

I'm sad about Epke,  but if someone else had to win I'm happy it's Fabian who won the gold. I had a so so feeling about Epke today,  wasn't feeling like with Sanne yesterday either. He has gone through so many injury troubles that it was almost a miracle he made it to Rio to begin with. 

I hope that Sanne's gold will inspire little girls in the Netherlands to go into gymnastics. 

[Sew Sumi]

19 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

Someone wrote an article yesterday for the daily beast "If Planned Parenthood had its way, Simone Biles Would be Dead." 

[maraleia]

23 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

Everyone is pro except for Madison.

Thanks for that update.

31 minutes ago, choclatechip45 said:

Someone wrote an article yesterday for the daily beast "If Planned Parenthood had its way, Simone Biles Would be Dead." 

It was actually The Blaze but still it was wrong on so many levels.

https://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/08/16/theblaze-used-simone-biles-olympic-victories-push-right-wing-myth-about-abortion/212438

[Minneapple]

29 minutes ago, maraleia said:

If I were any of the Final Five I would retire or go pro now and force the new USA Gymnastics' leadership to work with the juniors and the alternates so they don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

Maybe I'm confused -- but what does them being pro or amateur have to do with working with USA Gymnastics? I thought USA Gymnastics worked with them regardless of their status?

[maraleia]

1 minute ago, Minneapple said:

Maybe I'm confused -- but what does them being pro or amateur have to do with working with USA Gymnastics? I thought USA Gymnastics worked with them regardless of their status?

I forgot that fact.

[windsprints]

Quote

It was actually The Blaze but still it was wrong on so many levels

Agreed.  I admit, I did not expect anyone to use Simone's success to push their right wing political agenda. I should have known better. There's always going to be someone to come up with a new way to suck.

I hope each of the women are able to shrug off twitter/social media crazies. In addition to Gabby, anti-semitic tweets (and plenty of hate in general) have been directed at Aly over the years and I've seen some nasty ones directed at Laurie as well.  There's lots of admiration and love out there for them and hopefully they'll focus on that and refuse to give the hateful any further attention.  Their miserable selves can then move along to a new topic.

Thanks for the lively commentary everyone. Its been fun.

Edited August 16, 2016 by windsprints

[choclatechip45]

Aww it looks like NBC flew Zach Efron in to meet Simone.

[BlackberryJam]

Oh where where can I see this???

[sereion]

Way to go, Danyel!!! Two silvers to add to his bronze from London; I'd say he was a pretty successful gymnast! It does appear that the US men fare better in the indivduals finals than as a team, though. 

Simone Biles is the truth...nuff said. It was a pleasure watching--and the rest of the team in action. I loved her respone on her missing out on sweeping the event; she bascially said that the media (I assume) wanted her to do it more than she, and took winning the bronze in stride. She still makes history by becoming only then 3rd woman and 1st American to win 4 gold medals. So her status as the GOAT in gymanastics is solidified.

I'm so thrilled for the women!!! They've all livesd up to the hype! I'm just worried about the program once Marta leaves. Whoever replaces her, has some massive shoe to fill to ensure it doesn't end up like the disaterous Sydney team; wasn't one of the gymansts severly injured that year?

[blackwing]

Is it wrong to dislike Sam Mikulak solely because of his stupid hair?  Is that shaved side / faux mohawk or whatever it is thing still popular?  I have no idea what kids are into these days.

[choclatechip45]

30 minutes ago, BlackberryJam said:

Oh where where can I see this???

Instagram/Twitter/snapchat!

[Cherpumple]

Did Kohei really only qualify for one individual event? That seems strange for the AA champion.

[Growsonwalls]

1 minute ago, Cherpumple said:

Did Kohei really only qualify for one individual event? That seems strange for the AA champion.

Yeah well his big event was high bars and he fell on his routine in qualifier so ... 

[DawnDavenport]

1 hour ago, maraleia said:

I forgot that fact.

If they turn pro, they lose their eligibility to compete in NCAA. It's an important decision for the women because they normally are about to go to college when they complete. Going pro means they can tour and take endorsement money but they lose out on scholarships if they want to to go college. This can be a problem if a gymnast turns pro but doesn't medal so their ability to "cash in" so to speak drastically decreases. Plus, once you turn pro, that's it, there's no going back to amateur status so it can be a crap shoot. 

I know Courtney Kupets didn't go pro so she went to college and complete NCAA after Athens. I know Maloney, Dantzcher, and Ray competed NCAA as well. I believe the entire '96 team turned pro but they were able to cash in after Atlanta.

[Cherpumple]

Thanks Growsonwalls, I wasn't sure if he qualified for others and then pulled out for some reason (he certainly looked sore during the AA medal ceremony). I'm trying to wrap my head around the math of who qualifies for what!

Edited August 16, 2016 by Cherpumple

[DawnDavenport]

33 minutes ago, blackwing said:

Is it wrong to dislike Sam Mikulak solely because of his stupid hair?  Is that shaved side / faux mohawk or whatever it is thing still popular?  I have no idea what kids are into these days.

No. No it is not. That haircut screams major douche. 

[greendog78]

1 minute ago, DawnDavenport said:

No. No it is not. That haircut screams major douche. 

Apparently, Chris Brooks cuts the team's hair. Make of that what you will.

[choclatechip45]

Quote

If they turn pro, they lose their eligibility to compete in NCAA. It's an important decision for the women because they normally are about to go to college when they complete. Going pro means they can tour and take endorsement money but they lose out on scholarships if they want to to go college. This can be a problem if a gymnast turns pro but doesn't medal so their ability to "cash in" so to speak drastically decreases. Plus, once you turn pro, that's it, there's no going back to amateur status so it can be a crap shoot. 

I know Courtney Kupets didn't go pro so she went to college and complete NCAA after Athens. I know Maloney, Dantzcher, and Ray competed NCAA as well. I believe the entire '96 team turned pro but they were able to cash in after Atlanta.

Kyla didn't go pro.

Quote

Oh where where can I see this???

http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/olympic-dream-come-true-simone-biles-meets-zac-efron-rio

Edited August 16, 2016 by choclatechip45

[AuntieDiane6]

Quote

Jim Watson: "I don't like that people were EXPECTING her to win five gold medals. No one has ever done that. She has three golds and a bronze--that's spectacular!" Between that and Jon saying yesterday that an Olympic medal is an Olympic medal and it's great--no judgment--I give our livestream commentators major props.

That comment came off as very patronizing to me.  She was the three-time A-A WORLD CHAMPION in a row which has never been done, she IS ALSO TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION on beam and she won medals and/or world championships on all three apparatuses. She hit every single routine in the team and all-around events and had just WON vault.  

Hell yes, I expected her to win FIVE GOLD MEDALS!!  Is it a tragedy that she didn't?  Of course not.  

[walnutqueen]

51 minutes ago, blackwing said:

Is it wrong to dislike Sam Mikulak solely because of his stupid hair?  Is that shaved side / faux mohawk or whatever it is thing still popular?  I have no idea what kids are into these days.

 

17 minutes ago, DawnDavenport said:

No. No it is not. That haircut screams major douche. 

I'm relieved I'm not the only one to find this hairstyle an instant turnoff!  ;-)

[TigerLynx]

4 hours ago, Minneapple said:

No. Her name is Carlotta Ferlito.

I feel like I'm in a "who's on first" sketch.

Hee!!!  You all crack me up.  Too funny.

5 hours ago, DawnDavenport said:

The issue was just the multiple scoring messes in Athens for the men. The all-around issue, I believe there were questions about the rings final, and high bar as well. I don't think the entire system needed to be overhauled but I believe the IOC told the FIG to clean it up and try to make it more objective by '08. 

The IOC should take a good look in the mirror, hello pot meet kettle, and clean up it's act to.

Difficulty and execution both matter.  I love watching the tumbling in gymnastics and the jumps in figure skating, but if they aren't executed and landed properly, then the athlete should get deductions for it.  With the skaters, it's really noticeable which ones have all the skills down (even the ones that points aren't awarded for), and which ones don't.  It's the difference between the ones who glide across the ice, and those who may be able to do several triples and quads in a row, but still look like a bull in a china shop the rest of the time.

4 hours ago, pivot said:

I agree with you on that. Not a Khorkina fan but she had every right to be pissed. They are just lucky no one got seriously injured.

That is one time Khorkina should have gone into diva mode.

So happy for Simone and Aly.

[choclatechip45]

Interesting how NBC is promoting Danell Leyva. I'm so happy for him he is finally getting recognized.

[Dots And Stripes]

In fairness to Sam, if he's that bad then another U.S. Man should have been able to beat him at nationals these last 4 years. He apparently can't put together a full competition. At trials, Tim called this the Mikulak era, which is probably appropriate because the talent is there but they can't consistently deliver when it counts. He does appear to be emblematic of the team.

Danell going from alternate to biggest medal earner for the men makes the selection committee look somewhat shortsighted. He wasn't in top form at trials but he was still coming back from an injury. I'm happy for him.

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, choclatechip45 said:

Aww it looks like NBC flew Zach Efron in to meet Simone.

And, of course, they'll be featuring the meeting exclusively on The Today Show on Wednesday.  Still, she's a wonderful gymnast and seems to be a lovely young woman.  If winning multiple gold medals doesn't get you the chance to meet your teen crush, what would?

Edited August 16, 2016 by doodlebug

[Superpole2000]

One thing I won't miss: The in-arena Portuguese announcer. Her intonation is identical (and annoying) for every introduction.

Oh, and I hope gymnastics starts penalizing poorly executed vaults more heavily before someone kills themselves attempting a ridiculously difficult vault that they have no hope in hell of landing properly.

[choclatechip45]

39 minutes ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

That comment came off as very patronizing to me.  She was the three-time A-A WORLD CHAMPION in a row which has never been done, she IS ALSO TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION on beam and she won medals and/or world championships on all three apparatuses. She hit every single routine in the team and all-around events and had just WON vault.  

Hell yes, I expected her to win FIVE GOLD MEDALS!!  Is it a tragedy that she didn't?  Of course not.  

My issue was NBC was setting it up as a disappointment if Simone did not win 5 gold medals.

[scarynikki12]

2 minutes ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

That comment came off as very patronizing to me.  She was the three-time A-A WORLD CHAMPION in a row which has never been done, she IS ALSO TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION on beam and she won medals and/or world championships on all three apparatuses. She hit every single routine in the team and all-around events and had just WON vault.  

Hell yes, I expected her to win FIVE GOLD MEDALS!!  Is it a tragedy that she didn't?  Of course not.  

I think that his point is that the expectations led to some people (mainly at NBC) to be disappointed when she missed gold on beam.  So, in their eyes, she didn't just tie Larisa Latynina for the most golds won by a female gymnast in a single games (which Larisa did in the FIFTIES!!) and further cement her status among the all-time greats, she failed to be the only female gymnast to win five golds.  Anyone who thinks that Simone was anything approaching a disappointment is not worth anyone's time but they are out there.  The wording of his comment is a bit patronizing, yes, but I agree with his point and I'm glad he made a point to say it.

Moving on, you guys really love to have the great gymnastics discussions when I'm at work so now I get to play catch up.  Ok, in no particular order, I'm weighing in.

Atler would have benefited tremendously from a sports psychologist.  Then maybe she'd have left the Rybackis earlier or, at minimum, had someone in her corner to help her convince them to change that bars routine to something she could do consistently.  It got to the point where it was obvious that she was dreading those bars and no gymnast should feel that for an apparatus (excluding the ones who suffered nasty falls or injuries).  When she was on, she actually did bars well but she was inconsistent and she let that get to her.  The Rybackis suffered from Steve Nunno Syndrome and only saw Vanessa as their ticket to the Olympics.  They forgot that she was also a person and needed to be coached as such.  I've read that Vanessa is coaching now and has made peace with Steve (no word on Beth) and that he's her coaching mentor.  I'm sure she did it for her own sake (he was a major part of her life for so long and that relationship ended badly and without closure) so, if it helps her emotional health, then I'm happy for her. 

Moceanu was another for me.  If her father wasn't, well, him then I think she'd have stayed with the coach (Lucia?) who helped her get back on track.  She was so happy and proud to win the Goodwill Games and I think she absolutely would have earned a medal in Sydney had she been healthy.  Probably not in the All-Around due to her own inconsistency on bars (though I think her GG routine suited her well) but on beam and/or floor for sure.  I'm glad she's happy in her personal life and, while he didn't deserve it, I'm glad that she made peace with her father before he died.  It seemed to be what SHE needed and that's most important. 

The post-Mag 7 quad was embarrassing for US gymnastics.  If our gymnasts had done their best and simply missed out, then I wouldn't have any issue but they were over trained yet not prepared and it was awful.  There are many negative things to say about Marta but she is excellent at organization and that's what our gymnasts needed. 

Sydney was also awful.  I wish that Raducan's gold had been reinstated but the rule is that if a substance is illegal AT THAT TIME, then it doesn't matter if it was legal at a different Games.  I know that Amanar gave her gold to Raducan after the Games which was a nice gesture.  While I got not-so-secret pleasure at seeing Khorkina not win the AA (never been a fan of her gymnastics though she certainly is entertaining), I agree that they should have re-done the competition on a different day.  That would have been the most fair but it also would have called even more attention to the vaulting mistakes (if you can believe it) and the IOC probably wanted to move on as quickly as possible.

I'm watching the feed as I type this and I'm so happy for Danell.  His dad's antics never bothered me but it helps Danell prep and his reaction to the silvers was delightful.  Also so happy for Simone and Aly to go 1-2 again.  If Golden Boy Sam had more focus and less interest in how much attention the men receive, then he might actually land all of his routines in a single competition. 

[choclatechip45]

Quote

I know that Amanar gave her gold to Raducan after the Games which was a nice gesture.

Raducan said in her Gymcastic interview that Amanar has the Gold.

[scarynikki12]

Maybe she gave it right back and the articles I read forgot to mention it?  So, gesture of solidarity rather than permanence?

[Daisy]

4 minutes ago, Superpole2000 said:

One thing I won't miss: The in-arena Portuguese announcer. Her intonation is identical (and annoying) for every introduction.

Oh, and I hope gymnastics starts penalizing poorly executed vaults more heavily before someone kills themselves attempting a ridiculously difficult vault that they have no hope in hell of landing properly.

I know. She bugged me. 

This is how I would change gymnastics. 
Ahem. 

1: Re-introduce Compulsories
2: Have Compulsory scores + Team Score count towards All Around qualifying.  + event finals. 

I think these two things would (or should) seriously clean up a lot the first two days of competition. (if you are a specialist, what you do is you do #1 - and then if you don't have a team you do qualifying vaults and see how it matches up). 

3: seriously penalize poorly executed anything. if it's to milk the CoP. If you do it, great, if you can't do it, mark the hell out of it down. 

 

4: rejig the code of points. 

E Score - 10. (that stays). 
A Score - artistry (and have this be worth 50 percent of your overall score)
D Score - difficulty (and have this be worth 50 percent of your overall score). 

This way, you can't just milk the artistry side of gymnastics (for those who like the difficulty) and you can't milk the tumbling score in gymnastics, (for those who like the artistry). this will make you balance both, which in my opinion is what Artistic Gymnastics is supposed to be. (and I think it will help push those on either side of the spectrum to be creative - you just can't ignore them).  (and I think it would prevent massive Code Whoring)

5: I would make the 5 team thing stick (i know they are going to 4), but the five or 6 works nicer because it's "a team" 4 doesn't seem team-y to me. but i'd go back to 6 go, 5 perform, 4 count. maybe. I don't know how i feel about this. 

6: After reading and thinking about it, I think i'd keep the 2 per athlete thing stay. I don't mind having 3 athletes, and I know that a lot of US WAG fans think this is unfair or punishing them for the depth - but I also know there are a lot of sports that have a 2 person qualify rule (heck there are sports where you can only qualify 1 country (or person),), and I think this is fair for others. I remember in the past it used to be a huge accomplishment when So and So broke up the Soviet dominance (Hi Vera!!)  and then the early 00's when Romania was at it's height but the US would sneak in there and so now it would be seen as US Dominance and who would crack in. But I also think - truly, 2 is good. it does allow other countries to medal (and stay relevant) and I think the sport needs that too. 

and for me I say this having a country who has 0 female gymnastic medals, and 1 male gymnastics medal. Period. So I am for the most part an honorary USA-WAG supporter for the most part

I don't know what else bugged me during this meet. probably the over abundance of sparkles ;) 

[Dots And Stripes]

Did Simone/Laurie and Simone/Aly match their leotards for the event finals? I'm pretty sure Aly and Simone did for floor and I think that's really sweet.

[choclatechip45]

Quote

Maybe she gave it right back and the articles I read forgot to mention it?  So, gesture of solidarity rather than permanence?

Maybe it sounded like Raducan told her to keep it.

[TigerLynx]

29 minutes ago, Daisy said:

This is how I would change gymnastics. 
Ahem. 

1: Re-introduce Compulsories
2: Have Compulsory scores + Team Score count towards All Around qualifying.  + event finals. 

I think these two things would (or should) seriously clean up a lot the first two days of competition. (if you are a specialist, what you do is you do #1 - and then if you don't have a team you do qualifying vaults and see how it matches up). 

3: seriously penalize poorly executed anything. if it's to milk the CoP. If you do it, great, if you can't do it, mark the hell out of it down. 

4: rejig the code of points. 

E Score - 10. (that stays). 
A Score - artistry (and have this be worth 50 percent of your overall score)
D Score - difficulty (and have this be worth 50 percent of your overall score). 

This way, you can't just milk the artistry side of gymnastics (for those who like the difficulty) and you can't milk the tumbling score in gymnastics, (for those who like the artistry). this will make you balance both, which in my opinion is what Artistic Gymnastics is supposed to be. (and I think it will help push those on either side of the spectrum to be creative - you just can't ignore them).  (and I think it would prevent massive Code Whoring)

5: I would make the 5 team thing stick (i know they are going to 4), but the five or 6 works nicer because it's "a team" 4 doesn't seem team-y to me. but i'd go back to 6 go, 5 perform, 4 count. maybe. I don't know how i feel about this. 

6: After reading and thinking about it, I think i'd keep the 2 per athlete thing stay. I don't mind having 3 athletes, and I know that a lot of US WAG fans think this is unfair or punishing them for the depth - but I also know there are a lot of sports that have a 2 person qualify rule (heck there are sports where you can only qualify 1 country (or person),), and I think this is fair for others. I remember in the past it used to be a huge accomplishment when So and So broke up the Soviet dominance (Hi Vera!!)  and then the early 00's when Romania was at it's height but the US would sneak in there and so now it would be seen as US Dominance and who would crack in. But I also think - truly, 2 is good. it does allow other countries to medal (and stay relevant) and I think the sport needs that too. 
 

I like these ideas.  So long as we've decided to take over, I want different announcers.  People who know what they are talking about, aren't jerks, and know when to shut up.  Also, more balance with who gets shown.  It wouldn't kill the network or the ratings if they focused a few minutes on athletes who aren't already well known.

I find the sexist and racist remarks really horrible, but it's even sadder when women are running down other women.  There was a time when women weren't even allowed to compete in the Olympics or a lot of other things.

[Daisy]

1 minute ago, TigerLynx said:

I like these ideas.  So long as we've decided to take over, I want different announcers.  People who know what they are talking about, aren't jerks, and know when to shut up.  Also, more balance with who gets shown.  It wouldn't kill the network or the ratings if they focused a few minutes on athletes who aren't already well known.

I find the sexist and racist remarks really horrible, but it's even sadder when women are running down other women.  There was a time when women weren't even allowed to compete in the Olympics or a lot of other things.

Thanks :)  there were others but i didn't want to have a massive post. 

if we're taking over the network - NBC needs to poop or get off the pot. You know what events are live, before the Olympics start, and you know what is not. If you are aware that you want to focus on swimming (or beach volleyball, whatever) - put the FULL EVENT on in the morning. then repeat highlights at night. That's what every other network does. And this way - those who want USA only, can watch in prime later, those who don't have internet, can DVR it in the morning. not everyone can stream (and apparently NBCOlympics makes you register your cable - just make it available to everyone free. CBC does. so does BBC.)

I'd bring back the fluffy pieces (like the one they did before team and optionals with movie music dictating what's going on). 

I would fire Al with so much glee it's not even funny. 

I'd move Tim to studio analyst (CBC does this, bring in former olympians to talk about stuff and historical perspective in studio, then have current people on the floor). . I didn't hear Courtney or Jon but what I'd do is have 1 US female Gymnast and one Neutral Gymnast for girls (and of course reverse for men). this way you can have the USA perspective, but the Neutral perspective for everyone else. Also.  you can't go "oh this is beautiful!" "Or oh that sucked!" without explaining why. Or you're fired. 

 

[AuntieDiane6]

Quote

1: Re-introduce Compulsories
2: Have Compulsory scores + Team Score count towards All Around qualifying.  + event finals. 
 

Parents who spend a lot of money to send little Charlotte to gymnastics clubs aren't going to put up with her having to train all those boring compulsory routines. That's the same reason skating got rid of compulsories.  Nobody wanted to train them. 

[Daisy]

5 minutes ago, AuntieDiane6 said:

Parents who spend a lot of money to send little Charlotte to gymnastics clubs aren't going to put up with her having to train all those boring compulsory routines. That's the same reason skating got rid of compulsories.  Nobody wanted to train them. 

Probably, but my thing is - for me, if you can't properly execute something that is basic - how are you truly supposed to master the more difficult stuff? (I may be channeling my personal trainer here LOL). 

Plus it's my dream world. i know none of that will happen, and i always liked compulsories. Im a nerd. 

[AuntieDiane6]

Quote

Probably, but my thing is - for me, if you can't properly execute something that is basic - how are you truly supposed to master the more difficult stuff? (I may be channeling my personal trainer here LOL). 

A lot of skaters said that compulsories really helped with landings and technique, but this isn't a generation that is patient to do the dull stuff when they want to do the tricks.  It's also costly to run compulsory events too since they would be performed in empty arenas.