What We’re Talking About
We’re two weeks away from NQS kicking in and based on the averages that determine the current rankings, things are interesting. Last year at this time Utah was ranked 4th, but this year they’re 15th. The team that they swapped spots with is Alabama, currently 4th improving from 14th from this time last year. Another big mover is Georgia, from 11th to 6th; Clemson from 24th to 16th; and Michigan from 17th to 8th. It’s not just Utah that has fallen, lower on the rankings board is Iowa State falling from 37th in 2025 to 57th in 2026. Of course, there’s still a lot of season left and we expect these spots to shuffle around once NQS kicks in and the grind of the season begins to separate the wheat from the chaff.
And here’s where I have a suggestion to make things less of a grind–get rid of the awards ceremony at the end of regular meets. This serves no purpose. We can read a scorecard and awards aren’t even being handed out. Not convinced? Look into the stands. The fans are gone. Those remaining are the moms and dads. We don’t need adult women sitting crisscross apple sauce in the middle of the floor while apparatus winners are announced. Instead, let the athletes clean up and get some rest. If schools are determined to keep activity on the floor for a few minutes after the meet is over create value for the fans. Hold the apparatus and all-around winners for live interviews that the crowd can hear and let everyone else head to the locker room. This transmits the same information of placement, plus it allows the gymnasts to build their own public speaking skills and it provides the fans a more personal experience.
Feelings
- Kayla DiCello is looking better every week
- With the 2024 bronze floor medal getting relitigated, we hope they don’t punish the athletes
- If you don’t care about out-of-bounds, Florida broke 198
- Eeeee: We get to watch CaMarah Williams for four years
- Rebeca Andrade will carry the flag, but we’re pretty sure she could compete
- Surprises no one: Laurie Hernandez will soon make her debut on Broadway
- UCLA is entering its Sydney Barros era
- Kudos to all the teams hosting pride meets without fear of retribution
- It’s great to see Selena Harris and eMjae Frazier competing all-around
- Our stance to leave Twitter/X has only strengthened
- Bonus: You should definitely get your Live Show Season Pass and/or your Cecile Landi Live Show Replay Ticket
Facts
- $100 Million: The amount gifted to support Olympians
- 9.975: Career high for Skye Blakely on floor
- Lily Smith scored a perfect 10 on floor
- So did Jordan Chiles… again
- USA Gymnastics’ Athlete’s Council has five new members: Jaylene Gilstrap, Brandon Briones, Camilla Feeley, Hope Bravo, Matthew Hadley
- The Winter Cup athlete roster is taking shape: Hezly Rivera, Simone Rose, Claire Pease, Charleigh Bullock, and more
- So is the American Cup roster: Daiki Hashimoto, Ruby Evans, Alba Petisco, Abigail Martin, Qiyuan Qiu, Caio Souza, and more
- The 2028 Olympic Qualification process has been revealed
- Missing: French gymnast Elena Colas is not attending training camp in Martinique
- Deadline – March 6, 2026: USAG is looking for Athlete Reps for the Technical Committee, National Xcel Committee, and National Administrative Committee
- Bonus: Get – The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles for under $5!
Award(s)
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- Broadway Star: Laurie Hernandez
- Under appreciated – Anna Roberts
What’s On the Socials?
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Quotes
“The Federal Supreme Court acknowledged that this new evidence may justify a modification of the contested award.”
~ Swiss Federal Supreme Court, Adjudicators
The Swiss Court has sent the bronze medal case between Jordan Chiles and Ana Barbosu back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for relitigation.
♦
“We handled a lot of hard moments, and that’s really the best preparation to be able to go into a postseason-like competition and win those moments.”
~ Ashley Johnston, Bama Head Coach
The coach discussing the team working through adversity in their meet against Oregon state where they posted a 197.450.
♦
“We’re back.”
~ Mike Rowe, Spartan Head Coach
The coach discussing the meet after No. 15 Michigan State upset No. 10 Michigan in in Ann Arbor.
♦♦♦
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This column was composed and compiled by Steve Cooper, Editor at GymCastic and co-author of “The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles“; some thoughts culled from hosts Jessica O’Beirne and Spencer Barnes.
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